Until the middle of the last century, physicians in clinical medicine were well acquainted with the therapeutic virtues of Lugol's solution (potassium iodide and iodine crystals in aqueous solution) for a wide range of health problems, including thyroid disorders, fatigue, obesity, chronic infections and cancer, for which they were safely administering 20 to 180 mg daily. It was generally observed that an average daily dose of 20 to 40 mg of elemental iodine promoted health and well-being.
In 1948, two enterprising thyroidologists reported in the medical literature their discovery of the proposed Wolff-Chaikoff Effect, which suggested that, in humans, more than 0.2 mg of iodine a day would result in thyroid gland suppression. However, this theory has never been validated.
Despite the lack of scientific evidence, the medical profession and the U.S. government supported this presumption, which led to almost 60 years of medical iodophobia, during which the prescription of inorganic iodide and iodine-containing medicines were frowned upon, and inorganic, nonradioactive iodine was blamed for allergic reactions, for which it was not responsible (this was and is actually due to the whole molecule in iodinated organic drugs, for example, amiodarone). The RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) of iodine in our foods was limited to a mere 150 mcg, which resulted in chronic, inorganic iodine deficiency syndrome in millions of Americans, which caused unnecessary suffering and death.
Contrary to popular medical belief, inorganic, nonradioactive, iodide/iodine supplementation does not cause decreased thyroxine (T4—one of the principal thyroid hormones secreted by the thyroid gland) synthesis. Well-documented clinical research demonstrates that adequate iodine supplementation decreases thyroxine release into the peripheral circulation due to the diminished demand for T4 via repletion of total body iodine stores, which results in improved metabolism.
Over 10 percent of all Americans are afflicted with some form of thyroid disorder; hypothyroidism is especially common in women between the ages of 20 and 40. Studies in this subpopulation have revealed a direct correlation with markedly subnormal total body iodide stores and diminished iodine tissue levels with hypothyroidism. In fact, goiter and decreased T3 (another important thyroid hormone) and T4 serum levels are a manifestation of iodine deficiency. Replacement therapy with thyroid hormones alone will exacerbate total body iodide/iodine deficiency.
In endemic goiter areas, the "goiter belts" of the South and Midwest U.S., where iodine deficiency exists in the population, there is a higher prevalence of fibrocystic breast disorder and breast cancer.
Iodine is an essential micronutrient required not only by the thyroid gland but also by every cell in the body. Iodine is the most highly concentrated in the thyroid and breast. Bromide and fluoride, ubiquitous in our environment, are goiterogens. They are found in pesticides sprayed on fruits and vegetables, brominated oils added to soft drinks, brominated flour in commercial baked goods, and asthma drugs.
Autoimmune thyroiditis may be caused by fluoride toxicity. Fluoride is present in toothpastes, mouthwashes, medicines and municipal water sources. Over the past 20 years, the widespread use of bromide and fluoride has been associated with an increased incidence of cancer of the thyroid and breast in American women.
It is standard practice for endocrinologists to ablate the thyroid gland with radioactive iodine in cases of hyperthyroidism and in thyroid cancers, followed by life-long thyroid replacement therapy. However, clinical research by Drs. Abraham, Ghent et al., strongly points to severe, inorganic, nonradioactive, iodine deficiency as the etiology of these thyroid disorders. In fact, iodine therapy has been demonstrated to help resolve thyroid imbalances—including nodules, cysts and tumors—as well as cysts in other tissues, such as breast, ovary and uterus.
Dr. Fleisher practices in Nellysford, Virginia, where he specializes in homeopathic medicine and nutrition.