Iodine Rescue
Iodine is one of the 14 essential minerals that are crucial to the growth and production of bones, teeth, hair, blood, nerves, skin, enzymes, hormones, etc. Iodine is also important for the healthy functioning of a multitude of biochemical processes, including hormonal balance but especially thyroid pathways; iodine is incorporated into the thyroid hormones.
Your body needs enough iodine to keep your metabolism and hormone levels normal. Why? Iodine is an essential mineral that supports the growth and production of healthy teeth‚ bones‚ nerves‚ skin‚ hair‚ enzymes‚ and hormones. It’s particularly important for pregnant women in their early stage of pregnancy‚ since iodine promotes the physical and mental development of infants.
Your thyroid gland stores about 75% of the iodine present within your body. This gland lies at the upper part of your neck‚ near your voice box; its main role is to produce thyroid hormones‚ which are specifically responsible for the regulation of your body’s metabolism. An iodine deficiency may cause disruption in the hormonal production‚ which may result in abnormal symptoms like stunted growth‚ mental problems‚ swelling of the neck‚ or difficulty breathing.
It’s estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO) that about 40% of the world’s population is at risk of developing iodine deficiency. This is because many modern diets lack food sources rich in iodine‚ instead favoring processed foods and beverages. Recent trends also indicate that about 15% of American women of child-bearing age are deficient in iodine.
You can increase your iodine levels by taking a supplement like Nutri West’s Iodine Rescue‚ in combination with a healthy diet. It’s used by some doctors to treat iodine shortage‚ especially in childbearing women and people already diagnosed with thyroid problems.
The main ingredients of these tablets are:
16.35 mg of potassium iodide (with a 12.5 mg yield of iodine)
40 mg of colloidal silica
If taken at the regular recommended dosage‚ Iodine Rescue may prevent metabolic deficiencies‚ in addition to certain other malignancies.
Ingredients: Each Tablet Contains: Iodine (as potassium iodide) 12,500 mcg. Proprietary blend 40 mg* of: Colloidal Silica. Other Ingredients : DiCalcium Phosphate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Vegetable Stearine, Rice Bran Extract, Rice Extract.
Contraindications: What about allergies to iodine? The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology has issued a position statement on the rarity of a true iodine allergic reaction. They state that people who react to iodine-containing intravenous contrast material, skin preparations and shell fish are reacting allergically to a component other than the iodine (position statement, Feb. 24, 2004). What are the possible side effects? Dr. Guy Abraham clearly describes the known risk to iodine supplementation and reports that adverse effects are extremely uncommon if not non-existent in the doses in the ranges suggested here. Potential adverse effects related to iodide include: Thyrotoxicosis; iodine-induced goiter; brassy taste; increased salivation; coryza (symptoms of head cold); sneezing; headache; mild acneiform lesions in the seborrheic areas. Since bromine toxicity is common (bromine replaced iodine in breads and other bakery items in the 70's and most people are exposed to high levels), there may be symptoms of bromine detox. Detoxification consists of mobilization, binding and removal. Detoxes should always be monitored; if toxins are being bound and removed it should alleviate detox symptoms. If symptoms occur, reducing the dosage (reduces mobilization) and increasing nutritional support helps (Nutri-West's Total Systemic Detox, Total Liver D-Tox, Complete Glutathione, Complete Omega 3 Essentials or Complete Hi-Potency Omega 3 Liquid are all good detox products). As with any other protocol, if any ill effects are suspected, stop taking the product and check with your practitioner. Some claim that the relatively high doses of iodine used in orthoiodosupplementation may lead to hypothyroidism, goiter or other thyroid problems. "This just is not the case. A review of the literature revealed that the organic forms of iodine were involved in most of these complications (editor's note: even though "organic" is usually a good thing, it is not when it comes to the form of iodine supplementation you want). Iodine intake has fallen over 50% in the U.S. over the last 30 years. During this same time, major increases in diabetes, hypertension, obesity, breast and thyroid cancer, and other thyroid disorders, have been reported. It appears to us that iodine deficiency, not iodine excess may be responsible for the increase of these conditions" (Dr. Guy Abraham, MD). Again, utilizing the Iodine Load/Urine Test from Labrix can be helpful, and monitoring lab tests can help to document clinical improvement. Dr. Alan Gaby points out that absence of iodine side effects is most likely correlated to utilizing a comprehensive nutritional program. Suggestions have included nutrients such as vitamin C and magnesium (Nutri-West has C-1000 TR and Aspartic-Mag). See above question for diminishing effects due to bromine detox. What are the drug interactions? Because of the high iodine content of the drug amiodarone, the thyroid gland is effectively saturated, thus preventing further uptake of isotopes of iodine. Supplementing with additional iodine is generally not warranted. Diuretics (like amiloride, spironolactone or triamterene) can raise potassium levels, and again, additional potassium may not be warranted. Are some people especially sensitive to the adverse effects of iodine? Technically it is correct to say that some will be especially sensitive, just as some people are more sensitive to vitamin C therapy. If someone is immune-compromised, or toxic from excess bromine exposure for instance, they may be more susceptible to adverse effects. If there is any question, careful monitoring, individualized doses, proper follow-up visits and lab testing can help minimize adverse effects. What about pregnancy/breast-feeding? There is a good review suggesting iodine supplementation in pregnancy, however, since there are limited studies, we suggest erring on the side of caution and avoiding in pregnancy and breast-feeding. What about supplementing in children? Most studies have not been conducted in children. As with those who are especially sensitive to the adverse effects of iodine, careful monitoring, individualized doses, proper follow-up visits and lab testing can help minimize adverse effects. What if I'm on thyroid meds? Once the body iodine stores are replete, a lower dose or complete cessation of the medication is possible (consult your physician). Lab tests are suggested for monitoring. What if TSH levels go up? Please keep in mind that the need for more iodine symporters (to bring iodine into the cell) during iodine repletion can temporarily raise TSH levels (because TSH functions to increase the symporters). This can occur for up to six months after iodine supplementation, especially when the deficiency was more pronounced and should not be a concern when other lab parameters are normal.
Usage: 1 tablet daily or as directed.
