A silent deficiency, affecting nearly everyone, is a pressing issue that demands our attention. Shockingly, most doctors never test for it. According to testing from Dr. Brownstein's practice, over 97% of patients are iodine deficient, with the vast majority being severely iodine deficient. This is not a problem we can afford to ignore.

This isn't a minor nutritional oversight. It's a fundamental health crisis hiding in plain sight.

Iodine isn't just for thyroid function. It's a fundamental element for every hormone in your body. This revelation about the far-reaching impact of iodine on our health is truly enlightening.

Let that sink in for a moment.

Every single hormone requires iodine for production. Your thyroid, ovaries, testes, pancreas, and adrenal glands depend on adequate iodine to function correctly. When levels fall, the hormonal orchestra plays out of tune.

The Great Iodine Decline

Iodine levels in the American population have fallen approximately 50% over the last 30-50 years. During this same period, we've witnessed an epidemic rise in thyroid disorders, breast issues, and other glandular problems.

This negative association directly challenges the conventional medical notion that iodine causes thyroid problems. The evidence points in precisely the opposite direction.

What happened? A critical shift occurred around 1970 when iodine was removed from bread and bakery products and replaced with bromide. This change correlates directly with the rise in thyroid disorders and other glandular issues.

The standard medical response to this crisis has been woefully inadequate. The RDA for iodine (150 micrograms) was established merely to prevent goiter, not to provide optimal levels for whole-body health.

The Bromide Problem

Bromide is a toxic halide that competes directly with iodine for receptor sites in your body. As iodine levels have decreased, bromide exposure has increased dramatically, creating what Dr. Brownstein calls a "double whammy" effect.

Bromide is everywhere in modern life:

In bread and bakery products, as a dough conditioner

In vegetable oils

Fire retardants are found in furniture, mattresses, and clothing

In some medications and soft drinks

This toxic element displaces iodine in your tissues, particularly in the thyroid, breast, ovaries, uterus, prostate, and other glandular tissues. When these tissues become iodine deficient, they develop abnormal architecture, leading to cysts, nodules, and eventually more serious conditions.

The Autoimmune Thyroid Myth

One of the most persistent myths in both conventional and natural medicine is that iodine supplementation worsens autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

This belief stems from observations that Hashimoto's disease was first described after the introduction of iodized salt. However, correlation doesn't equal causation.

The evidence tells a different story. As iodine levels have fallen over the past five decades, Hashimoto's and Graves' disease have increased dramatically. This negative association directly contradicts the idea that iodine causes these conditions.

Dr. Brownstein's clinical experience tells an even more compelling story. His daughters, both diagnosed with "raging Hashimoto's disease" with high antibody titers, saw their levels normalize after iodine supplementation. This challenges the conventional wisdom that people with Hashimoto's should avoid iodine.

The truth is that iodine deficiency may significantly contribute to autoimmune thyroid conditions.

How Much Iodine Do You Need?

The conventional recommendation of 150 micrograms daily is inadequate in our toxic world. Dr. Brownstein recommends 25 milligrams (25,000 micrograms) for most adult patients, especially those with glandular issues.

This dosage is significantly higher than conventional recommendations but aligns with the amounts used successfully in clinical practice for treating various conditions.

Children need smaller amounts, but their requirements increase at puberty, particularly for girls. The development of breast tissue requires significant iodine, and deficiency at this critical time may contribute to problems later in life.

Pregnant and lactating women have even higher requirements, as iodine is crucial for fetal development and is concentrated in breast milk.

The Salt Connection

When supplementing with iodine, unrefined salt is crucial as it helps the body detoxify from bromide. The chloride in salt binds to bromide in the bloodstream and carries it through the kidneys.

This is why some people experience detoxification reactions when starting iodine supplementation. These symptoms aren't caused by the iodine itself but by the release of bromide from tissues.

Refined table salt won't do the job. It lacks the full spectrum of minerals found in unrefined salt and contains additives like ferrocyanide and aluminum silicate, which can be problematic.

Unrefined salt examples include Celtic sea salt, Redmond's Real Salt, and Himalayan salt. These contain trace minerals that support overall health and aid in detoxification.

Forms of Iodine

For optimal results, supplementation should include both iodine and iodide forms. Different tissues in the body respond to different forms:

The thyroid gland primarily takes up iodide

The breasts also utilize iodide

Other tissues like the stomach, pancreas, and ovaries may respond better to one form.

Lugol's solution, a liquid supplement containing both iodine and iodide, has been used since the 1820s and provides whole-body coverage. Due to its comprehensive nature, it is a popular choice for iodine supplementation. Additionally, tablet forms containing both iodine and iodide are also available and equally effective.

Contrary to popular belief, painting iodine on the skin is ineffective for supplementing or testing for deficiency. About 88% of iodine applied to the skin sublimates into the atmosphere, meaning it evaporates before it can be absorbed by the body. This makes oral supplementation the preferred method for increasing iodine levels in the body.

Beyond Iodine

While iodine is crucial, it's just one piece of the puzzle. A comprehensive approach to health, including other nutrients that support iodine metabolism and reducing exposure to toxic halides, can help us take control of our well-being.

Selenium, which helps protect the thyroid from oxidative damage during hormone production

B vitamins, particularly B2 and B3, which support energy production in the glands

Magnesium, a cofactor for numerous enzymatic reactions

Vitamin C, which supports overall glandular health

Additionally, reducing exposure to bromide and other toxic halides can help maximize the benefits of iodine supplementation.

The Thyroid Medication Connection

For those already taking thyroid medication, adding iodine supplementation may reduce the need for medication over time. Dr. Brownstein reports that after implementing iodine therapy in his practice, patients' average natural thyroid hormone dose decreased from 120mg to just 30mg.

This suggests that many cases of hypothyroidism may be primarily driven by iodine deficiency rather than inherent thyroid gland failure.

When starting iodine while on thyroid medication, monitoring for signs of excess thyroid hormone is essential, as your body's natural production may increase. Working with a knowledgeable healthcare provider can help manage this transition safely.

The Bottom Line

The evidence is clear: iodine deficiency is widespread and contributes to numerous health problems beyond simple thyroid dysfunction.

The declining iodine levels and increasing bromide exposure create a perfect storm for glandular dysfunction.

Contrary to conventional wisdom, appropriate iodine supplementation may help resolve rather than worsen autoimmune thyroid conditions.

For most adults, a daily dose of 25mg of combined iodine and iodide, along with unrefined salt and supporting nutrients, can help restore optimal iodine levels and improve overall health.

The key is working with a healthcare provider who understands iodine's role beyond the thyroid and can help implement a comprehensive approach to restoring optimal levels.

In a world where our exposure to toxins increases while our nutrient intake decreases, addressing iodine deficiency may be one of the most essential steps for long-term health.