IODINE

Stephen D. Harrison
March 18, 2026
Iodine is one of the minerals recognized by the medical profession as essential and seldom promoted or talked about including the specifics of how much and why we need to take this vital nutrient. Some experts have even Identified iodine as a public health crisis in shortage. Over the years, it has been used to treat not only goiter of the thyroid, but hardening of the arteries along with fibroids and prostate enlargement, obesity, depression, breast pain, and many skin conditions along with infectious disease measures.
Furthermore, iodine is the number one cause of preventable mental retardation. In addition, the respected medical journal Lancet notes that iodine deficiency increases the risk of breast cancer prostate cancer, endometrial, cancer, and ovarian cancer. If a mother is deficient in iodine in pregnancy, her children are more likely to be less intelligent. One of the big counterparts to iodine is bromide, which is very toxic and purges the iodine from the body.
Unfortunately, we have removed iodine from bread and replaced it with bromide. We also put this toxic substance in Gatorade and swimming pools, carpets and furniture and polish and otherwise. Bromide is another substance that has been banned in Europe, but not in the United States. Because of the knowledge deficiency about iodine, there are falsehoods floating around the Medical community. Contrary to what has been stated by some such individuals, iodine is not harmful to the thyroid, but is rather protective of this.
Although the medical profession had recommended iodine and salt, they then went and vilified salt inappropriately saying that we were getting too much salt. However, even if one avoids the fear factor inappropriately introduced by the medical professionals over salt, we must keep in mind that salt is unstable in most forms with the exception of sea salt. Unfortunately, seaweed does not fix the problem for most individuals. Keep in mind the iodine replacement recommended by the medical profession is very low level designed to prevent goiter in soldiers.
An international conference on iodine has recommended IODORAL also known as LUGOL ‘s iodine combination starting with 12.5 mg and in increasing every two weeks or so until 50 mg daily is achieved. Because there are associated cofactors with selenium and zinc, and vitamin B2 and B3, which work with iodine to enhance thyroid functions. Some companies have made a propriety blend. One search for recommended is BIOTE Medical. There is also a method called pulse dosing strategy were an individual takes the half teaspoon of sea salt in 8 ounces of water daily and avoiding this on the weekend to allow the body to flush out the bromide toxins.
When done properly, most individuals will have no side effects from supplementing iodine. However, because the bromide needs to be flushed, this toxin when purged, may lead to a sluggish feeling and brain fog. Another side effect, may be rash or headache. Again, when the pulse dosing of iodine is employed, such side effects are rare or with the other protocol listed above.
Stephen D. Harrison, M.D.
Dr. Harrison is an experienced physician with decades of practice in family medicine and medical leadership. He shares insights on preventative health, nutrition, and evolving medical research.