AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES CAUSED BY AN INFECTION?

[Gaby]

Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2012 May-Jun;78(3):390-3.

Potassium iodide in dermatology

Hassan I, Keen A.

_http://www.ijdvl.com/article.asp?issn=0378-6323;year=2012;volume=78;issue=3;spage=390;epage=393;aulast=Hassan

Introduction


"Because the newer methods of treatment are good, it does not follow that the old ones are bad: For if our honorable and worshipful ancestors had not recovered from their ailments, you and I would not be here today" . [Confucius]

Iodine was first discovered in seaweeds about two centuries ago and was used medically for a variety of conditions such as thyroid disorders, syphilis, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. It is most conventionally used as a saturated solution of potassium iodide (KI).

KI has been primarily used in the treatment of endemic goiter and is usually given for this purpose as iodized salt. Other indications include treatment of hyperthyroidism, radiation protectant of thyroid gland and preoperative preparation of patients with Grave's disease. It is also used for the treatment of some dermatological conditions such as cutaneous sporotrichosis and various inflammatory dermatoses.

Pharmacology

KI is medicinally supplied in 130 mg tablets for emergency purposes. KI may also be administered as a "saturated solution of potassium iodide " (SSKI) which contains 1000 mg of KI per ml of solution. Each drop of SSKI is assumed to contain about 50 mg iodine as iodide. In order to prepare SSKI, KI is added to hot purified water, using sodium thiosulphate as a preservative. Since the solubility of KI in water at room temperature is about 1.40-1.48 g/ml pure water, and the resulting solution has a density of about 1.72 g/ml, this process also results in a final concentration of KI of about 1000 mg KI/ml of saturated KI solution, and also contains essentially the same concentration of iodide per drop as does the U.S.P. formulation. KI solution is usually added to water, fruit juice or milk before drinking in order to prevent gastrointestinal irritation. SSKI should be stored in tight, light-resistant containers at a temperature of 15-30°C. Crystallization may occur following exposure to cold. Crystals dissolve with warming and shaking of solution. The color of KI solution in water is bright yellow. If the solution turns brownish yellow, it should be discarded.

KI is well absorbed orally and distributed selectively into thyroid gland. It also distributes to a minor extent into the salivary glands, breast, choroid plexus and gastric mucosa. It readily crosses the placenta and is distributed into milk. It is not concentrated in the thyroid gland and is excreted mainly in urine.


Mechanism of Action

The exact mechanism of action of KI in dermatological diseases is not known. Since KI appears to be particularly effective in those conditions where neutrophils predominate, it was speculated that it acts because of its effects on neutrophils. In 1982, Miyachi and Niwa noted that KI suppresses the ability of the neutrophils to generate the toxic oxygen intermediates hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals in vitro. [1] Honna et al., in 1990 found that KI has an inhibitory effect on neutrophilic chemotaxis. [2]

The mode of action of KI on various fungi has not yet been established. The direct action of KI on the fungus has been denied and the activation of macrophages by iodine has now been assumed to be responsible for the healing effect. KI apparently does not have a direct action on Sporothrix Schenckii. The spontaneous healing and the variability of the clinical presentation in the disease have strengthened the idea that KI rather interacts with the immune response of the host.

Indications

Sporotrichosis

KI was first used in early 20 th century for this condition and continues to be used even today because of its effectiveness and low cost. It has shown good results in the treatment of fixed cutaneous sporotrichosis and lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis. [3],[4],[5]

For adults, initially, 250 mg (approximately 5 drops of a 1-g/ml solution) is administered three times a day. [6] Gradually the dosage is increased as tolerated to a maximum of 2-2.5 g (approximately 40-50 drops of a 1 g/ml solution) three times daily for 6-10 weeks. [7]

Treatment with KI should be stopped if signs of iodism appear or a hypersensitivity develops to KI. In children, a maximum of 1.25-2 g (approximately 25-50 drops of a 1-g/ml solution) is administered thrice a day. [8],[9] Once daily dose is as efficacious as three times dosing and has an improved compliance, especially in children for the treatment of sporotrichosis. [10]

However, where available, Itraconazole has replaced KI use for the treatment of sporotrichosis. [11],[12] KI is considered as an alternative therapy because of the problems with long-term compliance (i.e, numerous side effects, lack of solid oral dosage form). KI has not been found to be effective for the treatment of extracutaneous (pulmonary, extraarticular, meningeal) sporotrichosis or disseminated sporotrichosis. Amphotericin B or Itraconazole are considered the drugs of choice for these forms of sporotrichosis.

Other varieties of subcutaneous mycosis

KI has been successfully used in cases of subcutaneous phycomycosis, [13],[14],[15] human pythiosis, [16] nocardia brasiliensis, [17] cutaneous cryptococcosis [18] and rhinoentomophthoromycosis [19] (rhinophycomycosis).

Panniculitis

KI has been found to be effective in erythema nodosum and nodular vasculitis. [20],[21],[22] The adult dosage of KI in these disorders is 300-900 mg per day. Relief of symptoms such as local tenderness, fever and arthralgias occurs within 24-48 hrs while as the clearing of lesions occurs within a period of 10-14 days.

A rapid response to KI has also been reported in cases of subacute nodular migratory panniculitis (erythema nodosum migrans). [23],[24]

Neutrophilic dermatoses

KI has also been tried in Sweet's syndrome [25] and pyoderma gangrenosum. Sanburg and Benzie described a patient with Crohn's disease and pyoderma gangrenosum whose skin lesions healed after KI treatment. [26] Richardson and Callen also showed its effectiveness for the treatment of recalcitrant pyoderma gangrenosum. [27] In these conditions, KI has been found to be effective in a dose of 300 mg three times a day. KI should be used as an alternate choice for the treatment of neutrophilic dermatoses when other treatments fail, are contraindicated, or cause intolerable side effects.

Wegener's granulomatosis

Corticosteroids when used in combination with KI (800 mg per day) cause a rapid resolution and clearing of lesions within 3 months. [28]

Miscellaneous uses

Other dermatological conditions where KI has been found to be useful include erythema multiforme, Behcet's syndrome, disseminated granuloma annulare. [29]

Side Effects

Common side effects include stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain. These acute side effects go away during treatment as the body adjusts to the medicine or can be lessened by avoiding rapid dosage increases. Other less common side effects include urticaria and angioedema.
Iodism:- Iodism (chronic iodine poisoning) may occur following long - term therapy or with the use of high dosages. Manifestations include burning in the mouth or throat, severe headache, metallic taste, soreness of teeth and gums, coryza, sneezing, eye irritation with eyelid swelling, unusual increase in salivation, confusion, arrhythmias, numbness and weakness. If manifestations of iodism occur, discontinue KI and initiate appropriate supportive therapy. Symptoms usually resolve soon after the discontinuation of drug. Abundant fluid and salt intake may help eliminate iodide.
Productive cough, pulmonary edema, swelling/tenderness of parotid and submaxillary glands, inflammation of pharynx/larynx/tonsil may occur. [30]
Hypersensitivity reactions:- Angioedema, cutaneous and mucosal hemorrhage, signs and symptoms resembling serum sickness (e.g, fever, arthralgias, lymph node enlargement, eosinophilia) may occur. Urticaria, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and fatal periarteritis may occur. Patients with hypocomplementemic vasculitis associated with chronic urticaria or SLE are at an increased risk of developing severe systemic illness. [31] If hypersensitivity occurs, discontinue therapy.
Cutaneous side effects:- These include: a) Acneiform eruption b) Iododermas [32] - erythematous, vesicular, bullous, urticarial, nodular or vegetating lesions on face, shoulder and extremities c) Aggravation of dermatitis herpetiformis. [33]
Rare side effects:- a) Periarteritis nodosa [34] e) Pustular psoriasis [35] and f) Granulomatous vasculitis. [36]

Drug Interactions


ACE inhibitors :- Hyperkalemias, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac arrest.

Antithyroid drugs:- Possible potentiation of hypothyroid and goitrogenic effects of antithyroid drugs.

Potassium sparing diuretics:- Hyperkalemia, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac arrest.

Lithium:- Possible additive or synergistic hypothyroid effects.

Amiodarone and sulphonamides:- Potentiation of hypothyroidism.

Special Situations

Pregnancy:- KI is a pregnancy category D drug. Short-term therapy is used by some clinicians without any evidence of adverse fetal effects. Long-term therapy is considered by most clinicians to be contraindicated. [37]
Lactation:- Since KI is distributed into milk, a possible rash and thyroid suppression in infants can occur. AAP considers KI to be compatible with breast feeding. [38]
Patients with alteration in thyroid function:- Long-term use with KI may induce hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. [39],[40] So caution is warranted while administrating KI in patients with pre-existing thyroid disorders (multinodular goiter, Grave's disease, autoimmune thyroiditis).
Concomitant illness:- KI should be used with caution in patients with Addison's disease, cardiac disease, myotonia congenita or renal impairment.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to KI.
Hypocomplementemic vasculitis. [31]
Dermatitis herpetiformis. [33]
Nodular thyroid diseases (e.g, multinodular goiter) [39]
Active tuberculosis.

 

[Gaby]

Sweet's syndrome – a comprehensive review of an acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis

Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2007; 2: 34.

_http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1963326/

Potassium iodide

Horio et al [143] originally described the dramatic improvement in patients with Sweet's syndrome who were treated with potassium iodide in 1980. He confirmed his earlier observations with a larger study in 1983 [368]. Subsequently, several other investigators have also observed similar improvement when using potassium iodide to treat patients with Sweet's syndrome. Vasculitis and hypothyroidism are potential drug-induced side effects of potassium iodide [385].

After the initiation of potassium iodide therapy, symptoms of the dermatosis typically resolve within 1 to 2 days and skin lesions subside within 3 to 5 days. Potassium iodide, when available as a 300 mg enteric-coated tablet, can be administered orally 3 times each day (for a total daily dose of 900 mg). Alternatively, when the drug is available as a saturated solution (1 gram/ml of water) of potassium iodide (SSKI, which is also referred to as Lugol's solution), it is initially given at a dose of 3 drops 3 times each day. When a "standard" medicine dropper (which dispenses 20 drops per ml) is used, 1 drop equals 0.05 ml (or 50 mg when the concentration of potassium iodide is 1000 mg/ml). Therefore, the initial dose is 9 drops per day which equals 450 mg of potassium iodide per day. The dose is increased by 1drop 3 times each day, typically to a final dose between 21 drops per day (1050 mg) to 30 drops per day (1500 mg).

 

[Gaby]

Iodide – One Mineral Can Help A Myriad Of Conditions From Atherosclerosis To “COPD” to Zits

_http://www.tahomaclinicblog.com/iodide/

by Dr. Jonathan V. Wright, MD

Reprinted From “Nutrition and Healing”

If you’ve read or heard anything at all about potassium iodide, it’s probably been in association with terrorist attacks or nuclear power plant disasters. Potassium iodide (usually taken in tablet form) is recommended by “public health” authorities to protect the thyroid gland against accumulation of radioactive iodine released by a “terrorist bomb” or by nuclear power plant “meltdown”. But in reality, potassium iodide is a very effective “home remedy” with literally dozens of uses.

Older readers may remember Mother putting “iodine” on cuts and scrapes. It kept infection away as well as any “modern” antibiotic ointment, with the added benefit of not inducing “bacterial resistance”. But what else is potassium iodide (usually abbreviated by it’s Latin initials “SSKI”) good for? Read on…and then make sure to read the separate section about keeping SSKI use safe.

Some years ago, a retired Indian physician told me about his use of SSKI during more than 30 years traveling from village to village in rural Africa. Most usually, the only drinking water available was from a local stream or river, muddy and contaminated. After removing sediment and debris by straining the dirty water through cheesecloth, he’d add several drops of SSKI, and wait two to three minutes. He and his team could then drink the water. In over 30 years, he never got an infection from contaminated water. The SSKI killed any micro-organisms present.

Fortunately, the water available to most of us when traveling is considerably cleaner. Despite this, when Holly (my wife) and I travel, we always carry a small bottle of SSKI, and put one or two drops into any water we’re not absolutely certain about. We’ve cut back considerably on airline travel this year because of the thoroughly un-American and extremely unpleasant “airport Gestapo” experience. But when we’re forced to travel by air, we drink a few ounces of water with 10 drops of SSKI, and prevent any “airline sinusitis” or other respiratory infection that so often follows several hours spent breathing re-cycled, germ laden air. (SSKI rapidly accumulates in any and all body secretions, including in the sinuses, where it inhibits or kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi before they can cause an infection.)

Although Holly has never had the experience, occasionally another woman at one of the conferences we attend has developed a bladder infection when far away from home and her own physician. Holly gives her our “back-up” small bottle of SSKI with instructions to take 10 to 15 drops in water or juice every 3 to 4 hours (while awake) until the infection is gone.

[Although SSKI is close to 100% effective in the elimination of bladder infections, this is a "high dose"; make sure to read the section "Keeping SSKI safe". If possible, it's best to use the simple sugar D-mannose to eliminate bladder infections. D-mannose is effective over 90% of the time, and is very, very safe. For details, see D-mannose and Bladder Infection by Lane Lenard Ph.D. and me, available through the Tahoma Clinic Dispensary.]

When our children were teenagers, they always knew where to find the SSKI bottle. Whenever one of them “popped a zit”, she or he would rub SSKI into it every hour or two. The offending “zit” would be gone in 24-48 hours or less; an innumerable number of social events were rendered “zit-free” by this approach.

So far, I’ve been telling you about SSKI’s ability to “kill germs” in one place or another. We’ll return to this important “home remedy” use for SSKI, but let’s digress for now to other uses.

Many women develop “fibrocystic breast disease”. In the 1970s, I learned from pioneering trace element researcher Dr. John Myers that iodine (a close “relative” of SSKI) would eliminate even the most severe cases of fibrocystic breast disease. [For the full details of this treatment, see pages 169-174 of The Patient's Book of Natural Healing by Alan Gaby M.D. and me.] In “medium” to “minor” cases, 6 to 8 drops of SSKI taken in a few ounces of water daily will frequently reduce fibrocystic breast disease to insignificance within three to six months. Please do not do this without monitoring your thyroid function…see “Keeping SSKI Safe” on page whatever.

One of our daughters and at least thirty other women I’ve worked with in nearly 30 years have helped ovarian cysts disappear within two to three months with the same quantity of SSKI. Again, make sure to monitor your thyroid function!

It’s very likely that SSKI helps eliminate fibrocystic breast disease and ovarian cysts at least partly through it’s interaction with estrogens….which brings us to another important use for SSKI (and other forms of iodine such as “Lugol’s solution” and “di-atomic iodine”). All of these forms of iodine help your body to metabolize estrone (a slightly carcinogenic human estrogen) and 16-alpha-hydroxyestrone (a much more dangerous metabolite of human estrogen) into estriol, an “anti-carcinogenic” or at worst “neutral” form of human estrogen. I’ve reviewed literally hundreds of hormone tests in over 26 years which have proven this point. This testing and treatment usually requires the help of a physician skilled and knowledgeable in nutritional and natural medicine, who can also help with monitoring thyroid function.

Learn More About The Tahoma Clinic

“Dupuytren’s contracture” and “Peyronie’s disease” are two “fibrotic” conditions that can be helped considerably by SSKI. In Dupuytren’s contracture, thickening (fibrosis) occurs along one of the tendons in the palm in the hand, pulling the related finger down towards the palm. As the problem progresses, the finger often can’t be straightened any more.

In Peyronie’s disease, a very similar thickening occurs along the shaft of the penis, making erections increasing “curved” and painful. In both cases, rubbing SSKI into the thickened tissue at least twice daily softens and lessens the fibrotic area over a period of several months, allowing for more normal function.

For these conditions, it’s additionally helpful to take para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) 2 grams, three times daily, and to rub a mixture of Vitamin E and DMSO into the thickened areas, also. However, if “caught early”, SSKI alone will often “do the job”. (It’s also advisable to have glucose-insulin tolerance test done, as there’s an unusually high incidence of “insulin resistance” in people with Dupuytren’s contracture or Peyronie’s disease.

“Keloids” are abnormally thick scars, sometimes as much as an inch thick, that can form after injury. Although anyone can get a keloid, they’re more common among blacks than other ethnic groups. Rubbing SSKI into a keloid at least twice daily will ultimately flatten them down to a “normal scar”, but it can take many months to a year for particularly bad ones. The treatment goes faster if SSKI is mixed “50-50″ with DMSO.

“Fistulas” are literally abnormal tunnels through tissues, “tunnels” prevented from healing by chronic infection. Two not-unusual types are “peri-anal fistulas” (a “tunnel” from outside the anus to the inside of the rectum) and “recto-vaginal” fistulas. Although these fistulas can be treated successfully by surgery, they can often be healed by frequent swabbing inside and out with an SSKI-soaked “Q-tip”. Patience is required: Complete healing often takes several months. The treatment appears to work better if the SSKI is mixed with DMSO, which enhances “penetrance”. My colleague Richard Kunin, M.D. of San Francisco, is a “world class” expert on the use of SSKI and other forms of iodine. He has found that hemorrhoids will sometimes disappear literally overnight, when SSKI (20 drops) mixed with flaxseed oil (1 ounce) is rubbed in them at bedtime. He’s also found that SSKI alone will do the same job, although it “really stings” when applied to a hemorrhoid by itself.

When I was a pre-med student at Harvard University, the famous chemistry professor Louis Feiser made a point of demonstrating to all the pre-medical students that iodine and iodide would make oils, fats, and waxes (cholesterol is actually a wax) more soluble in water. He urged us to remember this in our medical practices, as he was sure it wouldn’t be taught in medical school (he was right!). This known action of iodide likely explains why SSKI can be useful in the next two applications.

Over 30 years ago, two ophthalmologists observed that a combination tablet called “Iodo-niacin” (iodide 120 milligrams, niacin 15 milligrams) taken for several months could actually reverse atherosclerotic clogging of arteries. They proved this effect by taking pictures of clogged arteries in the backs of the eyes (“retinal photomicrographs”) before and after treatment. The published photographs showed a significant lessening of the cholesterol-laden artery clogging in the “after” pictures.

Amazingly enough, no follow-up study has ever been published (probably because niacin and iodide aren’t patentable). Despite this, the published pictures speak clearly for themselves. I recommend 4 to 6 drops of SSKI and niacin-containing B-complex daily (along with many other things) for anyone with significant cholesterol-related atherosclerotic clogging. Thyroid function must be monitored!

“Sebaceous cysts” are cysts which contain oily, fatty material. They usually appear rather suddenly on the face or in the groin or labia. Rubbing in SSKI mixed 50-50 with DMSO will almost always persuade these cysts to go away in a week or two; it appears that the iodide “dissolves” the fatty, oily material contained in the cysts, allowing your body to slowly re-absorb and dispose of it.

Although it’s not a common condition, from time to time someone will come to my office at Tahoma Clinic inquiring about alternatives to surgery for “parotid duct stone”. These are “stones” which can form in the saliva-carrying duct(s) from the major salivary glands (“parotid” glands, located at the “angle of the jaw”). 3 to 4 drops of SSKI taken in water daily will almost always dissolve parotid duct stones within four to eight months.

If you have chronic bronchitis and or emphysema (“COPD”, “COLD”) SSKI is an invaluable tool. SSKI “gets into” all body secretions, including often thick and hard to cough up bronchial secretions, which get infected very easily. SSKI takes care of both of these problems. It “loosens” secretions remarkably, making them much easier to “clear”, and it prevents micro-organisms from growing easily. With regular SSKI use, bronchial infection is a much less frequent happening. Depending on the severity of COPD, I recommend 3 to 6 drops of SSKI taken in water once daily. As COPD is usually a chronic condition, SSKI use will usually be indefinite, so make sure to monitor your thyroid function! (See the August 2002 Nutrition & Healing for a more complete discussion of natural COPD treatment.)

Now, back to other infections. For this group, using SSKI mixed “50-50″ with DMSO works better, as the DMSO enables SSKI to penetrate much more deeply into the tissues and kill germs.

Infected “hangnails” are perhaps the easiest to clear up this way, as are nagging bacterial infections around the edges of the toenails. Rub in the mixture several times daily, and the problem’s usually gone in a few days. Herpes simplex (“herpes”) ourbreaks can be “stopped cold” in the same way, but it often takes longer for the “sore” to heal itself over.

If you have persistent “swollen glands” in the throat or groin areas, see a doctor first! These can very rarely be signs of leukemia, lymphoma, or another cancer, especially in older people. But if all tests and studies are negative, and the doctor says “it’s just swollen glands”, rub in the SSKI with DMSO. In a large majority of cases, the “just swollen glands” will gradually fade away.

Fungus under the toenails (“onychomycosis”) is a difficult problem to treat. Even “conventional” anti-fungal drug treatment takes months to work, and (for safety) monthly liver function tests are necessary. SSKI and DMSO rubbed on, around, and under the affected toenails doesn’t work any faster, but it’s just as effective, and definitely safer. Make sure to wear old socks, because SSKI and other forms of iodine leave an orange-brown stain. (Other safe and effective alternatives include geranium oil, oregano oil, and tea tree oil. These and other anti-fungal oils also require “help” from DMSO to penetrate the toenail and soak the fungus underneath.)

SSKI can also help clear up vaginal infections. 20 to 30 drops in water, used in a small “douche” once daily for five to ten days will usually do the job. (There’s actually a prescription-only iodine preparation of available for vaginal infections, too.) However, iodine preparations of any sort for vaginal infections are often not popular because of the inevitable orange-brown stains they leave on clothing.

What about SSKI to help a “weak” thyroid (hypothyroidism)? Even though iodine and iodide are absolutely essential to thyroid hormone formation, in most “developed” countries, hypothyroid conditions are not usually due to an outright lack of iodine or iodide. Still, hypothyroidism is occasionally helped by 1 drop of SSKI daily. Make sure to work with your doctor on this one!

Lastly, there’s a gastronomic use for SSKI: reducing the gas we all get from eating beans! If you’re soaking beans before cooking them, add 1 or 2 drops of SSKI, and let them soak for an hour or more. (Pour offf that water before cooking, and add fresh water.) You’ll be surprised at the reduction in resulting intestinal gas! (For those who want a technical explanation: There’s a naturally occurring enzyme inhibitor in beans which interferes with starch digestion, producing gas. SSKI inactivates this enzyme inhibitor.)

OBTAINING SSKI

In the past, SSKI and other forms of iodine and iodide were available only on prescription, or through chemical supply sources. Since the mid-1990s passage of the Federal DSHEA law, we’ve regained the basic American freedom to buy and sell natural substances (narcotics exempted) without prescription. You haven’t read or heard much about SSKI because (despite Federal Appeals Court decisions) FDA still maintains it’s First Amendment violating policy of complete suppression of truthful product use information on package labels or in advertisements….unless of course FDA is paid an enormous amount of money ($250 million minimum, according to Congressional testimony) for “approval”. Since SSKI can’t be patented…well, you know the rest.

SSKI can be obtained without prescription in some compounding pharmacies, some health food stores, through “on-line” sources, and at the Tahoma Clinic Dispensary (with which I am of course affiliated) in a convenient travel-size dropper bottle.

USE SSKI SAFELY!!

There are three “hazards” to using SSKI: staining, allergy, and a very small possibility of thyroid suppression with longer-term use of “too much”.

Staining can be a big nuisance, but it’s not a health hazard. When SSKI is applied to skin, it can impart a faint to moderate orange-brown color, which fades away once SSKI is no longer being applied. SSKI and other iodine stains in clothing can be semi-permanent or permanent, so don’t plan to wear anything “nice” in the vicinity of recently-applied SSKI.

Iodine allergy is a possibility, although in nearly 30 years of medical practice I’ve seen it only a few times. Usually, it causes a red, bumpy skin rash, which goes away after SSKI or other iodine is discontinued. Topical (applied to the skin surface) iodine allergy is almost never a serious emergency.

SSKI or iodine can very occasionally cause acne, which also goes away once the source of iodine is dicontinued.


The type of so-called “iodine allergy” that can interfere with breathing and occasionally sends us to the emergency room is usually not allergy to iodine or iodine molecules, but instead to much larger, possibly iodine-containing molecules found in lobster, crab, clams and other “shellfish”. These molecules are not present in SSKI or iodine. However, if there’s any suspicion at all of iodine allergy, it’s best not to swallow any without testing for allergy or sensitivity.

Too much iodine for too long can suppress thyroid function. Many of the uses described for SSKI in the accompanying article are short-term, from a few days or less to a week or two. If SSKI is then stopped, there’s almost no chance of significant thyroid suppression. However, if SSKI is to be used for two to three weeks or longer, and especially if it’s to be used continuously (for example, COPD or cholesterol-related atherosclerosis) monitoring thyroid function is very important. To find a physician near you who can help order and interpret thyroid function tests contact Meridian Valley Lab.

Fortunately, in my experience with over a thousand individuals, internal use of than nine drops of SSKI daily has or less has very rarely resulted in thyroid suppression. On those very few occasions, discontinuance has resulted in prompt recovery. So far, I’ve never seen thyroid suppression result from “topical” (skin surface) use of SSKI.

A final “safety” note: Dr. Kunin cautions (and I agree) that if you use SSKI or other iodine “long-term”, make sure your diet contains plenty of essential fatty acids (both omega-3 and omega-6) as well as the sulfur-containing amino acids methionine and cysteine. If you eat animal protein daily, that’s usually sufficient as a source of these two amino acids, but if you’re vegetarian (or close) and using “long term” SSKI or other iodine, then take 300-500 milligrams of each daily.

IODINE, IODIDE, WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Iodine is a basic element, as are calcium, zinc, oxygen and other elements. The word “iodine” usually refers to two iodine molecules chemically “stuck together” (I2), just as the word “oxygen” usually refers to two oxygen molecules “stuck together” (O2). Since iodine is more reactive, and therefore more likely to cause problems, iodine is usually used as “iodide”, a word which refers to one iodine molecule combined with another molecule such as potassium (KI) or sodium (NaI). In chemical terms, such molecules are called “salts”; the best known salt is sodium chloride (NaCl), a “salt” of chlorine (Cl2).

The “SS” in “SSKI” refers to “Saturated Solution Potassium Iodide”. Other medically useful forms of iodine include “Lugol’s solution”, invented by Dr. Lugol of Paris in the 1840s, which contains a mixture of types of iodine and iodide, and “di-atomic iodine”, which is another name for iodine, but usually prepared as a solid in a capsule instead of a liquid.

 

[Chu]

I remember that Richard Horowitz used 1 drop of lugol solution when there was iodine deficiency linked with breast and ovarian issues.

Do you happen to have a paper on that, or is it from his book that you remember this (still catching up, have only read a few passages from Why Can't I Get Better? ). It should be very useful for several members of this forum if you find it. Thanks!

 

[Gaby]

I remember that Richard Horowitz used 1 drop of lugol solution when there was iodine deficiency linked with breast and ovarian issues.

Do you happen to have a paper on that, or is it from his book that you remember this (still catching up, have only read a few passages from Why Can't I Get Better? ). It should be very useful for several members of this forum if you find it. Thanks!

There was no paper, Horowitz was just explaining how much he used in a case of iodine deficiency. This particular woman had fibrocystic breasts. As a consequence of the lugol treatment, her thyroid function improved as well. Not to bad for one teensy drop a day! :)

From the few papers and article that I gathered, these are common doses used:

Sporotrichosis

- SSKI, containing 1 g/mL of potassium iodide, is usually prescribed in a starting dose of 5 drops (using a standard eye dropper) three times a day (t.i.d.), taken orally mixed with fruit juice to mask its unpalatable taste. The dose is increased daily by 5 drops t.i.d. up to a maximum dose of 30 to 40 drops t.i.d. until complete healing. The response becomes evident within 2 weeks and healing occurs in 4–32 weeks.
- 1000 mg of KI per ml of solution. Each drop of SSKI is assumed to contain about 50 mg iodine as iodide.

For adults, initially, 250 mg (approximately 5 drops of a 1-g/ml solution) is administered three times a day. Gradually the dosage is increased as tolerated to a maximum of 2-2.5 g (approximately 40-50 drops of a 1 g/ml solution) three times daily for 6-10 weeks.

Erythema nodosum and nodular vasculitis

- KI in these disorders is 300-900 mg per day. Relief of symptoms such as local tenderness, fever and arthralgias occurs within 24-48 hrs while as the clearing of lesions occurs within a period of 10-14 days.

300 mg enteric-coated tablet, can be administered orally 3 times each day (for a total daily dose of 900 mg). Alternatively, when the drug is available as a saturated solution (1 gram/ml of water) of potassium iodide (SSKI, which is also referred to as Lugol's solution), it is initially given at a dose of 3 drops 3 times each day. When a "standard" medicine dropper (which dispenses 20 drops per ml) is used, 1 drop equals 0.05 ml (or 50 mg when the concentration of potassium iodide is 1000 mg/ml). Therefore, the initial dose is 9 drops per day which equals 450 mg of potassium iodide per day. The dose is increased by 1drop 3 times each day, typically to a final dose between 21 drops per day (1050 mg) to 30 drops per day (1500 mg).

Bladder infection

-10 to 15 drops in water or juice every 3 to 4 hours (while awake) until the infection is gone.

Fibrocystic breast disease and ovarian cysts

- In “medium” to “minor” cases, 6 to 8 drops of SSKI taken in a few ounces of water daily will frequently reduce fibrocystic breast disease to insignificance within three to six months. Please do not do this without monitoring your thyroid function

COPD

- 3 to 6 drops of SSKI taken in water once daily. As COPD is usually a chronic condition, SSKI use will usually be indefinite, so make sure to monitor your thyroid function!

Let's see if we can gather more experiences and papers.

 

[Keit]

I remember that Richard Horowitz used 1 drop of lugol solution when there was iodine deficiency linked with breast and ovarian issues.

3 drops of Lugol solution in glass of water is also one of the Russian remedies for cough. :) Also, Gaby, don't know if you had the chance to experience it on yourself, but Russians like to do "iodine grids" on infected or problematic areas (need to do it before sleep with 5% iodine solution, and the distance between squares no less than 1 cm). Like on the following picture. Iodine penetrates the skin, kills the evil microorganisms and increases the blood flow to the area.

And apparently it is also one of the ways to test if one has iodine deficiency. If iodine levels are normal, the grid supposed to disappear within a day, but if there is a deficiency, it will disappear within the first 3 hours.

 

[Laura]

Possible clue for the cystic breast thing.

Iodine and cancer risk

Breast cancer. The breast strongly and actively concentrates iodine into breast-milk for the benefit of the developing infant, and may develop a goiter-like hyperplasia, sometimes manifesting as fibrocystic breast disease, when iodine level is low. Studies indicate that iodine deficiency, either dietary or pharmacologic, can lead to breast atypia and increased incidence of malignancy in animal models, while iodine treatment can reverse dysplasia,[37][38][39] with elemental iodine (I2) having been found to be more effective in reducing ductal hyperplasias and perilobular fibrosis in iodine-deficient rats than iodide (I−).[37] A protective effect of iodine against breast cancer has been suggested on the basis of the observation that Japanese women who consume iodine-rich seaweed have a relatively low rate of breast cancer.[40][41] Iodine is known to induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells.[42] Laboratory evidence has demonstrated an effect of iodine on breast cancer that is in part independent of thyroid function, with iodine inhibiting cancer promotion through modulation of the estrogen pathway. Gene array profiling of estrogen responsive breast cancer cell line shows that the combination of iodine and iodide alters gene expression and inhibits the estrogen response through up-regulating proteins involved in estrogen metabolism. Whether iodine/iodide will be useful as an adjuvant therapy in the pharmacologic manipulation of the estrogen pathway in women with breast cancer has not been determined clinically.[38]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iodine

 

[Laura]

More on iodine:

In the early 1900s, the Encyclopædia Britannica described iodine as being "of definite value" for treatment of multiple conditions including "metallic poisonings, as by lead and mercury, asthma, aneurism, arteriosclerosis, angina pectoris, gout, goitre, syphilis, haemophilia, Bright's disease (nephritis) and bronchitis" with "usual doses" of iodide salts ranging from "five to thirty grains or more" (324mg to 1,944mg), though this is hundred of times higher than what is considered generally safe per today's tolerable UL).[47] For treatment of syphilis, it states "in its tertiary stages and also earlier this disease yields in the most rapid and unmistakable fashion to iodides; so much so that the administration of these salts is at present the best means of determining whether, for instance, a cranial tumour be syphilitic or not" (modern treatment for syphilis involves the use of antibiotics to kill syphilis bacteria - see Syphilis). For the treatment of chronic lead poisoning, it states "the essential part of the medicinal treatment of this condition is the administration of iodides, which are able to decompose the insoluble albuminates of lead which have become locked up in the tissues, rapidly causing their degeneration, and to cause the excretion of the poisonous metal by means of the intestine and the kidneys" (modern treatment for lead poisoning involves the use of a variety of substances - see Lead poisoning).

 

[Michal]

Hi,
Laura, I found some mistake in Your calculation. See on red.

Thought I would report that I've finished the protocol and have moved to just taking herbal/vitamin/mineral supplements and things that break down/prevent biofilms.

Since I began taking the high doses of arginine, then adding high doses of glycine/NAC, I noticed that the flashes I was having in my eyes disappeared. Haven't seen one in a couple of weeks.

Am I "cured"? Well, I guess we'll see. I'm going to wait a month and then do a metro challenge to see if anything reacts.

One thing I do want to say: this was a miserable, even brutal, course of meds. But if it works, it is probably worth it in serious conditions. But believe me, you want to have a serious condition to justify doing it! Otherwise, I think the herbals might be the way to go! Also, there is the cost factor. For us, here, it wasn't that expensive because the meds are pretty cheap in our region. But for those in the US, trying to do this on your own dime is pretty costly.

For the entire 6 months you need (cost is fludan's):
75 grams of metronidazole = $178.
720 grams of hydroxychloroquine = @ $502 per 100 grams - about $3514. My note: 200mg x 2 times daily = 400mg daily; for 6 months (180days) its 400mg x180 = 72000mg = 72g. Cost in Fludan 552 Canadian Dollars for 100g.
90 grams of doxycycline = $250. {corrected, see my post below}
1 BU Nystatin = $227.

So, for a single individual, it's $5359. $4169. And that's if you don't add in the other, rotating antibiotics such as Azithromycin and amoxicillin or something comparable.

The bottom line is: without a doctor, insurance, cheap meds, etc, it simply isn't practical for most people. It's not something you can start and then just quit if you run out of money, or you need to switch antibiotics. That could be more harmful to your health than just leaving it alone. So the better option might be to just do the herbals with some nystatin. Yes, you probably would have to do them for a year or longer, but that's not such a bad thing.

I was reading a book about biofilms - "Combating Biofilms: Why Your Antibiotics and Antifungals Fail: Solutions for Lyme Disease, Chronic Sinusitis, Pneumonia, Yeast Infections, Wounds, Ear ... Bad Breath, Cystic Fibrosis and Implants" - and he mentions a lot of interesting things including the fact that xylitol, erythritol, NAC and other things, actively break down biofilms. That might be why some people have such a "gassy" reaction to them. A lot of interesting data in there.

It's hard to say exactly how I feel yet because I think I really broke things down during the protocol. There just wasn't any time or space to take any good mineral supplements because minerals are said to interfere with the antibiotics, so I just set them aside mostly for the duration and now I'm busy remineralizing.

Can't stress enough the benefits of arginine and glycine/NAC along with Vitamin C and B complex. They really kept me going.

 

[Michal]

Hi,
Has anyone of You calibrated Hydroxycholorquine and Metronidazole powder with little metal spoons discussed earlier (drop, smidgen etc). Simdgen for doxy was 100mg - thank You Laura. Anyone tried to measure for Hydorxychloroquine and Metro?

 

[Gaby]

And apparently it is also one of the ways to test if one has iodine deficiency. If iodine levels are normal, the grid supposed to disappear within a day, but if there is a deficiency, it will disappear within the first 3 hours.

I like the grid idea! I will experiment :)

 

[Jacques]

And apparently it is also one of the ways to test if one has iodine deficiency. If iodine levels are normal, the grid supposed to disappear within a day, but if there is a deficiency, it will disappear within the first 3 hours.

I like the grid idea! I will experiment :)

France taught me that and I have been doing that for a couple of years but instead of putting it in my back, I put the iodine on my neck.

 

[HiThere]

Iodide – One Mineral Can Help A Myriad Of Conditions From Atherosclerosis To “COPD” to Zits

_http://www.tahomaclinicblog.com/iodide/

Thank you for this information Gaby (and others)! :)

 

[shijing]

FWIW, here are a few books that may be useful in researching potassium iodide:

The Iodine Crisis: What You Don't Know About Iodine Can Wreck Your Life

Thanks to environmental pollutants Iodine deficiency has become a worldwide epidemic. Everybody knows pollutants cause cancer. What they don't know is that these pollutants cause a deficiency that can make us sick, fat and stupid. Iodized salt--supposedly a solution to iodine deficiency-- is actually a nutritional scam which provides a false sense of security. The Iodine Crisis explains how we became so deficient, then shows the time-tested solution to reversing many conditions. Lynne Farrow reveals how she and thousands of other patient-activists changed their lives by researching and using iodine. Frequently Asked Questions cover everything you need to know about iodine. The proof of iodine's benefit is demonstrated by the dramatic case studies shared in this book.

Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can't Live Without It

Iodine is the most misunderstood nutrient. After 17 years of practicing medicine, I can say that it is impossible to achieve your optimal health if you do not have adequate iodine levels. I have yet to see any item that is more important to promoting health or optimizing the function of the immune system than iodine. Learn what forms of iodine you need and why there is not enough iodine in salt. See how iodine can help: breast cancer, fibrocystic breast disease, detoxification, fatigue, Graves' disease, and Hashimoto's disease. Find out why iodine deficiency may be the root cause of thyroid problems including hypothyroidism and thyroid cancer. Discover how to get iodine in your diet and improve your immune system.

Potassium Iodide - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

This is a 3-in-1 reference book. It gives a complete medical dictionary covering hundreds of terms and expressions relating to potassium iodide. It also gives extensive lists of bibliographic citations. Finally, it provides information to users on how to update their knowledge using various Internet resources. The book is designed for physicians, medical students preparing for Board examinations, medical researchers, and patients who want to become familiar with research dedicated to potassium iodide.If your time is valuable, this book is for you. First, you will not waste time searching the Internet while missing a lot of relevant information. Second, the book also saves you time indexing and defining entries. Finally, you will not waste time and money printing hundreds of web pages.

 

[Gaby]

Some of the highlights, specially concerning recommended doses from the other thread:

http://cassiopaea.org/forum/index.php/topic,13371.msg611443.html#msg611443

"Mountainous terrain and areas that have been covered by glaciers tend to be iodine deficient anywhere in the world. Large areas of the United States, particularly the mid-West and mountain states are our "goiter belt." Populations that live there are at increased risk of both goiter and cancer. In particular, cancer of the uterus, ovary and breast all correlate inversely to iodine intake."

"The ideal daily iodine intake appears to be 1100 mcg.{Kelp supplements from Now company has only 150 mcg per each tablet} Ocean kelp contains about 5000 mcg per teaspoonful. By comparison, potassium iodide, which is available only on prescription, contains 30,000 mcg (ie. 30 mg) per drop. {According to other sources, one drop contains 50mg}"

"Huge doses of from 40 mg. to several grams daily over a period of months to years may alter thyroid function and cause iodism; but at doses over 2 mg. a protective mechanism actually inhibits excess thyroid hormone synthesis."

"Large doses of iodine are not recommended for pregnant women."

"Long term ingestion of large doses of iodide may cause symptoms of metallic taste, runny nose, headache, acne and 'iodine mumps,' ie. swollen salivary glands. These symptoms of iodism give fair warning and they clear up when iodine is stopped and cleared from the system. Single doses of iodide are safe even at megadoses up to 4 grams, ie almost 30,000 times the RDA. Note: this refers to iodide, as potassium iodide, not iodine nor tincture of iodine."

"Potassium iodide is generally very safe and hyper-sensitivity reactions occur rarely, only about one case in a million, and then mostly in those predisposed to edema of the face, lips and tongue."

"Topical application of potassium iodide is invaluable in treating gingivitis and pyorrhea."

"Iodine is valuable in more extreme cases as well. For example, one of my patients came to me after a prolonged alcoholic binge. His gums were purulent and teeth so loosened that they were shifting out of place. His dentist advised removing all of them. Within a week of my applications of potassium iodide to his gums along with giving megadoses of vitamin C and a nutrient support regimen, his gums were completely healed and his teeth were almost back to normal strength in the socket. He lost none of them."

"Potassium iodide 10 drops (300 mg) every 6 hours in order to liquefy tenacious bronchial secretions. These iodides are especially useful in bronchitis, bronchiectasis and asthma."

"Iodide destroys the virus of herpes. Both oral and genital lesions are treatable this way; however there may be some stinging pain for a moment, though this is harmless. If the herpes is treated at the first sign of reddening or blistering, it will disappear overnight and is usually gone within 3 days. Even if the herpes is treated at a more advanced stage, the iodide will debride the blister and shorten the duration by a couple of weeks from the expected 3 weeks from start to finish of a herpes outbreak. Directions for application: apply to affected area and allow 5 to 10 seconds for disinfectant action to be complete. If pain is excessive, blot with tissue or rinse off with water and quench with vitamin E oil."

"A single drop of saturated potassium iodide provides 30 mg of iodine and when added to a liter of water this is 30 mg per 1000 grams, ie. 30 ppm, more than enough to disinfect."

"2Sporotrichosis is a fungus infection, a hazard to farmers, florists veterinarians and pet owners. Infection is usually caused by a penetrating wound but even an abrasion can do it. A typical case was reported in 1991 by Drs. Caravalho and Caldwell,[1] when a 29 year old man was infected by his cat and developed a fungal ulcer on his finger. The infection spread to the lymph nodes in his armpit in the next two months but X ray did not find it spread to his lungs. The doctors began treatment with potassium iodide, SSKI, 5 drops, three times a day and increased the dose to 120 drops, a megadose of 3600 mg per day. The lesions were completely healed in two months but the regimen was continued for a month longer. Iodide was the antibiotic of choice in this case."

"Iodine heals thyroid disease by correcting iodine deficiency, hence curing the underactive colloid type of goiter. It also suppresses pituitary output of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), hence removing the stimulus that causes toxic goiter. Carcinoma of the thyroid is known to regress after iodine therapy and Dr. Colletta and his group have shown that TSH induces oncogenes, called c-fos and c-myc,[2] that cause thyroid cells to synthesize DNA. Deficiency of either thyroid or iodine can trigger the pituitary to increase production of TSH, hence promoting cancer growth in the thyroid and other organs. Clinical observations confirm that women with breast cancer have higher resting levels of TSH and a greater TSH response than women with disorders unrelated to the breast."

"Iodine prevents paralytic polio. Dr. J. F. Edward of Manitoba reported on his extensive experience during the polio epidemics of 1953 and 1954.[7] He referred to reports from a century before, such as one by Dr. Manson of England, recommending iodide in treating palsies, some cases of which must have been polio. The famous neurologist, Brown-Sequard, regarded iodide as the only remedy without danger in various forms of paralysis. Dr. Mazzitelli was completely successful with iodide to prevent polio in families with cases of polio. In 1931 the famous Dr. von Economo used iodine for human encephalitis and with favorable results.

Dr. Edward himself used intravenous sodium iodide in doses of 500 to 900 mg dissolved in 10 ml of distilled water. Improvement in three cases of bulbar paralysis was so rapid that he considered iodine a virucidal agent. However because the benefits were forthcoming only after multiple doses, he concluded that the iodide must have activated a defense mechanism."

"Not only does iodide inactivate microbes by direct contact, it also arms the eosinophil cells with hydrobromous acid, a bleaching agent more powerful than Chlorox--powerful enough to destroy allergy causing antigens and to kill the larger sized organisms, including the larvae of intestinal parasites."

"IODIDE IMPROVES FIBROCYSTIC BREAST DISEASE

Dr. Bernard Eskin reported over 25 years ago that iodine deficient rats develop breast dysplasia.[9] and that estrogen increases iodine excretion, thus aggravating the condition. Dr. William Ghent of Queen's University in Ontario was so impressed by Dr. Eskin's work that he has treated over 1500 women with iodine for breast dysplasia and fibrocystic changes. Almost 90 percent had complete breast pain relief and reduction in lumpiness after supplements of 5 to 20 mg daily for 2 to 3 months and then reducing to weekly maintenance doses.

The physiology behind these beneficial effects is clarified by the recent work of Drs. Strum and Phelps,[10] who found that breast tissue needs iodine in order to produce iodinated proteins that cleanse and maintain the smallest ductules. There the negatively charged iodine atoms repel each other and generate electronic forces that propel the movement of debris out into the larger ducts. This self-cleansing action within the breast ducts also increases the flow of milk during lactation, a fact that is put to good advantage in the widespread use of iodide by dairy farmers. Oddly enough, medical doctors have been slow to catch on.

In case of iodine deficiency this mechanism fails and the breast ducts must be cleansed instead by a back-up system of macrophages and other white blood cells, which secrete inflammatory enzymes to dissolve the debris. These same enzymes also damage the ducts, leading to cyst formation, retained secretions, chronic inflammation and increased risk of cancer. Iodide not only prevents this dismal process, it can actually reverse it."

"USE OF IODIDE AS AN ANTI-CANCER AGENT

Throughout the world the occurrence rates of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer all correlate inversely with dietary intake of iodine. The higher the iodide intake the lower the rate of cancer. This lead has not been taken seriously so far and the number of medical reports in this century is few. In fact the use of iodine against tumors was far more widespread in the early 19th Century than today. Dr. Eskin considered the anti-cancer effects of iodine in a 1986 review article and he had to go back almost 100 years for clinical evidence, to an 1896 medical report on the use of thyroid extract to induce remission in metastatic cancer. Nowadays iodide therapy of cancer is practiced only in alternative cancer clinics in Mexico, especially the Gerson clinic. The only academic paper I could find was an abstract from a 1991 research in Russia. Drs. Aleksander and Fidler verified that tumors decreased in size after treatment with potassium iodide."

"IODIDE CONCENTRATION IN URINE REACHES ANTIBIOTIC STRENGTH

Another aspect of the research by the Mayo Clinic group that I find especially valuable is their table of measurements of iodine in the urine for 3 days after taking the dose. For example, a one gram dose by mouth led to a peak urine concentration of 1.6 mg per 100 ml after 2 hours. A 5 gram dose led to peak urine concentration of 5.6 mg per 100 ml and a 20 gram dose yielded 8.4 mg after 2 hours. We know that it takes only a 1 to 20,000 dilution, i.e.. 5 mg per 100 ml, to kill most bacteria within a minute and a 10 fold weaker solution is still lethal, though it takes longer, about 15 minutes. Thus a one gram dose of iodide lingers in the urine at 0.5 mg per 100 ml after 24 hours. A 5 gram dose peaks at 5.6 mg per 100 ml in 2 hours and remains at 2.3 mg per 100 ml at 24 hours. This supports the use of iodide as an effective antibiotic in urinary tract infections. It also tells us why the usual dose is 5 to 10 drops of SSKI, taken three times per day. That is the least dose required to achieve the necessary microbicidal concentration.

"FREE RADICAL SCAVENGER-ANTIOXIDANT

SSKI 200 mg per day is the best free radical scavenger."

"USE IN ERYTHEMATOUS DERMATOSES AND FEVERS

Drs. Horio and Danno reported on their experience with 47 patients whose erythematous dermatoses were treated by potassium iodide, 300 mg orally, three times per day. If no benefits were observed in two weeks, treatment was discontinued. No adverse effects were noted. Excellent results were observed in 38 patients, almost 80% of the cases." Relief of lesional tenderness, joint pain and/or fever occurred within 24 hours. Specific diagnoses were: erythema nodosum, nodular vasculitis, erythema multiforme and Sweet's syndrome, an acute, febrile neutrophilic dermatosis."

"ENVIRONMENTAL IODINE BLOCKERS:

Cabbage, turnips, brussel sprouts, broccoli and rutabaga all contain sulfurous substances, thiocyanates, which bind and prevent absorption of iodine. These are called goitrogens, because they can induce deficiency and thus cause the thyroid to swell into a goiter. Milk from cows feeding on these goitrogenic vegetables can also cause goiter. Cassava, a food staple in many third world countries is especially high in thiocyanate and can induce hypothyroidism, which in turn interferes with vitamin A, weakening immune function and causing high death rates from infection. This may play a part in the current epidemic of AIDS in Africa.

Sulfa containing medications, such as diuretics, anti-diabetic drugs and even sulfa antibiotics all bind iodine. Tetracycline antibiotics likewise. Pesticides also block iodine and the chlorinated hydrocarbons in particular induce thyroid disorders and hypothyroidism. DDT, PCB, PBB are all iodine blockers."

"USE OF IODIDE TO BLOCK UPTAKE OF RADIOACTIVE IODINE

How did the Russians deal with the explosion at the Chernobyl atomic power plant?[22] Potassium iodide in 130 mg tablets was distributed at the plant within 2 hours of the accident and to the residents of Pripyat the next morning, within 7 hours.[...]

Iodide should be given as soon as possible and continued daily for a week to ten days."

"Selenium deficiency may contribute to hypothyroid conditions. For example, acording to JB Vanderpas[25], epidemic myxedema and cretinism in Zaire corresponds to an area of selenium deficiency."

"Another advantage of iodine, is that it becomes more antibiotic under conditions of acidosis, as in infection or chronic illness."

"Merck Index describes use of iodine for treating lead and mercury intoxication."

"Formula for potassium iodide: 1 gram dissolves in 0.7 ml water."

"30 grams dissolves in 21 ml water. pH 7-9. Alkali prevents yellowing, ie. oxidation to iodate and elemental iodine."

From http://cassiopaea.org/forum/index.php/topic,13371.msg611445.html#msg611445

"For the last 8 days I’ve been doing a protocol, which typically starts at 12.5 mg iodine and slowly titrates up to 50 or even 100 mg. Some people take many months to go this high. If that sounds like a lot, it sure is, compared to what most mainstream doctors believe to be healthy, safe amounts."

"My thyroid tests have been ambiguous. I’m borderline hypo, and can’t rule out Hashimoto’s, despite my antibodies test saying otherwise. I didn’t want to jump directly into taking 12.5 mg of iodine a day, which is the standard low-end of most protocols, and Iodoral, a common pill-form is this exact 12.5 mg dose, so instead I began with Lugol’s 2%, only one drop per day, which supplies 2.5 mg (2,500 mcg). The only advantage of Iodoral pills is no gastric upset, which is an uncommon side effect of Lugol’s drops, but I figured by the time I was up to 12.5 mg of Lugol’s I’d switch to Iodoral if I felt the need. Onward."

"Any health practitioner would agree, iodine supplementation isn’t to be done casually, and must be part of an exact protocol which includes vital co-supplements, like selenium (200 mcg per day appears to be optimal, but certainly no more than 400 mcg), plus ample amounts of magnesium, B-vitamins (especially B-2 and B-3), plus vitamin C, and fish oil for omega 3s. Zinc and/or copper can also be added, depending on nutritional status."

"My caveat to anyone at this point is understand the disclaimer on my blog, and realize I’m not giving medical advice. I’m only relaying my own self-guided protocol for informational purposes. Please consult your physician before trying any new treatment. [...]"

"I began 8 days ago in the morning with one drop of Lugol’s 2% in about 6 oz of distilled water, with a splash of apple cider vinegar, since combining iodine with a weak acid aids in absorption. With this I took 200 mcg Selenium Complex (this brand claims a blend of 3 forms) , 800 mg magnesium citrate, a B-Complex, some additional B-2 and B-3 as ATP Cofactors, and vitamin C. All are critical, especially selenium, as this can protect the thyroid as iodine doses are increased, and magnesium is critical for detoxing."

"How did I do on Day 1 of my iodine protocol? Within the first hour after my first drop of Lugol’s I felt clearer-headed, more upbeat and energetic. My gut began moving in a pleasant way, and by nightfall I was wonderfully sleepy, which is unusual when I have my worst CFS symptoms. Usually I am “wired but tired”."

"That entire next Day 2, before and after I took my next one-drop dose (2.5mg or 2,500 mcg) I continued to feel really good. I noticed my sinuses were clearing (no more fungal overgrowth?), my muscles felt limber, and all the usual aches and pains were missing. My prostatitis was gone, I felt light on my feet, and was able to stand for extended periods. I found myself moving around the house straightening up, and cleaning. Similar improvements happened with my initial dose of Lufenuron, then various problems returned as it lost efficacy. Could I finally be getting the upper hand on a systemic fungal infection? All in all, I’m cautiously optimistic.

Here’s something else quite remarkable: by this point it was clear SIBO had also healed. I noticed I could eat larger portions of resistant starch with no upper gut fermentation, and my migrating motor complex was fully active. How could this happen so quickly? Is SIBO an iodine deficiency? In my case, I would say the answer is an emphatic yes, and this make me wonder if antibiotics (prescription or herbal) are even necessary for healing it. Perhaps the MMC just needs to sweep that colonic flora out of the small intestine, and back where it belongs.

Day 3 I boosted my dose by one drop, two drops total, so I was now taking 5 mg iodine, and this is where I began to get detox symptoms, which are quite common and can be uncomfortable. Bromide and fluoride, plus mercury (my levels are very high due to past fish consumption) are all liberated by iodine, and my body began to get overwhelmed. Headache, nausea, a feeling of being in another world, darker thoughts, sneezing, heavy fatigue, diarrhea, and prickly sensations in my limbs were the worst of it. I started salt loading, and within 30 minues I felt much better.

Between Days 4 and 8 I carefully boosted my dose to 12.5 mg, which again is usually the starting dose for most protocols. I’m quite glad I didn’t go to this level immediately, or I may have been horribly ill. I cannot stress enough, if you’re someone like me, with a history of fluoride poisoning from Cipro, Levaquin, or other fluoroquinolone antibiotics, please start any iodine protocol low and slow.

Even with my conservative pacing, and at levels well beneath the 12.5 mg dose, I had moments of confustion, visual disturbances, and cognitive problems. At one point I was unable to find words as I tried chatting with a friend. It took about 20 minutes of salt loading before this subsided.

If the detox sounds horrendous, it was, but the benefits once the storm passed were amazing. Today, Day 8, I discovered strength in my legs I haven’t felt in a few years. Walking is effortless, my sinuses are clear, my mood is balanced, my mind is sharp. My sense of smell has returned, my hair is much softer. My stool volume has increased. No more constipation, and virtually gone also is the tinnitus that has plagued me since Levaquin. It’s barely audible in the mornings, and silent an hour or so after I wake.

The burning hot sensation in my abdomen (likely a vagal nerve issue known as POTS) is gone, and now my belly is cool to the touch. Another sign of POTS healing: my blood pressure is low, I can tolerate any temperature, and I can perspire again, which tells me my parasympathetic nervous system is working."

So the recurrent patterns are single high doses for specific problems. Also, high doses for a short period of time for specific problems, i.e. erythema nodosum.

1 to 3 drops up to three times per day could be taken for 6 months., starting with one single drop per day and building up and/or staying there according to symptoms (or thyroid function tests). After the second or third month, it could be once or twice per week. At the very least, it has to be 1100 mcg which is very little compared to standard KI solutions or tablets. Thyroid function would have to be monitored at least twice during the protocol.

Just a thought.

Will get a couple of the books, see if there are more ideas or recurrent patterns.