In
1829 a French physician named Jean Guillaume Auguste Lugol
originated a solution which contains iodine in a solution of
potassium iodide. It has been used steadily ever since it was
originated.
Iodine is
necessary for the thyroid gland's proper performance of its work.
The human thyroid gland is located in the front of the lower part of
the neck. All the blood in the body passes through the thyroid
gland about every 17 minutes. Because the cells making up this
gland have an affinity for iodine, during this 17-minute passage the
gland's secretion of iodine kills weak germs that may have gained
entry into the blood through an injury to the skin, the lining of
nose or throat, or through absorption of food from the digestive
tract. Strong, virulent germs are rendered weaker during their
passage through the thyroid gland. With each 17 minutes that rolls
around they are made still weaker until finally they are killed if
the gland has its normal supply of iodine. If it does not, it cannot
kill harmful germs circulating in the blood as nature intended.
This gland performs other
functions besides killing harmful germs in the blood.
The first is the rebuilding
of energy with which to do the day's work. There is a definite
relationship between the amount of energy you have and your iodine
intake. The first question in the presence of a condition of
depleted energy is, “Is the soil of the state in which one lives
iodine-poor?” Second, “is the deficiency being made up by
supplementary means?”
A second function of iodine is
to calm the body and relieve nervous tension. When nervous
tension runs high there is irritability and difficulty in sleeping
well at night, and the body is continually on a combat basis,
organized for fight and flight. All these points stress a body's
need for iodine to lessen nervous tension, relax the body and enable
it to organize for peace and quiet, by the building and storing of
body reserves against time of need.
A third function of iodine in
the human body relates to clear thinking. The mind simply
works better when the body is supplied the iodine it needs. Then
there is the matter of the storing of unwanted fat. Iodine is one
of the best oxidizing catalysts we have. A catalyst is the match
which touches off in the body the fire that burns up the food we
take in each day. If this food is not properly burned off, it may be
stored as unwanted fat.
Now while the thyroid gland
helpfully stores iodine from the blood passing through it every 17
minutes, the gland may also be made to lose that stored iodine if,
for example, we take in drinking water which chlorine is added, or
use too much sodium chloride, whose common name is table salt. There
is a well-known law of halogen displacement. The halogen group is
made up as follows:
Halogen Atomic Weight
Fluorine 19.
Chlorine 35.5
Bromine 80.
Iodine 127.
The critical activity of any one
of these four halogens is in inverse proportion to its atomic
weight. This means that any one of the four can displace the element
with a higher atomic weight, but cannot displace an element with a
lower atomic weight. For example, fluorine can displace chlorine,
bromine and iodine because fluorine has a lower atomic weight than
the other three. Similarly, chlorine can displace bromine and iodine
because they both have a higher atomic weight. Likewise, bromine can
displace iodine from the body because iodine has a higher atomic
weight. But a reverse order is not possible. Knowledge of this
well-known chemical law brings us to a consideration of the addition
of chlorine to our drinking water as a purifying agent. We secure a
drinking water that is harmful to the body not because of its
harmful germ content, but because the chlorine content now
causes the body to lose the much-needed iodine.
It is well established that the
iodine content of the thyroid gland is dependent upon the iodine
available in the food and water intake of the individual. If the
iodine intake is low the gland is deprived of an element it needs to
do its work. Because we may live in an iodine-poor area; because
drinking water may be treated with chlorine; because we may be sick
too often, lack energy and endurance, develop nervous tension, lack
the ability of clear thinking, and accumulate unwanted fat… how
shall we go about bringing up the iodine content of the body to the
point needed? There are three ways:
1. Eating foods which analysis
has shown are particularly rich in iodine. Among these are: all food
out of the ocean, radishes, asparagus, carrots, tomatoes, spinach,
rhubarb, potatoes, peas, strawberries, mushrooms, lettuce, bananas,
cabbage, egg yolk, and onions.
2. Painting a small area of the body with tincture of iodine.
3. Taking preparations known to be rich in iodine. One of these is
cod-liver oil. Another is Lugol's solution of iodine.
Still another is kelp.
As a Supplement:
When used to maintain the iodine
content of the body the dose is small and is taken only on certain
days of the week. When the mineral content of the body is analyzed,
only a trace of iodine is found. Ten drops of iodine represent more
iodine than is found in the entire body. For this reason, the dose
of Lugol's 2% solution of iodine is ½ to 1 drop, depending on your
body weight. If you weigh 150 pounds or less, for example, your
dose to maintain the normal iodine content of the body is ½ drop,
taken at one meal twice weekly. Example: Tuesday and Friday of each
week. If you weigh more than 150 pounds, the dose should be 1 drop
instead of ½.. It is useful to remember that the human body works on
the minimum of anything it needs.
If there should be a rise in
sickness in the area where you live, it would be well to take the
Lugol's solution three times a week instead of two. For example:
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, for the purpose of storing up
reserve.
Common Uses of Lugol’s Iodine:
- Treatment of iodine deficiency. Low iodine contributes to
goiter, cretinism, and underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
- Treatment of overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Iodine
shrinks the thyroid gland to normal size and regulates the
production of thyroid hormones.
- After exposure to radiation supplemental iodine blocks the
thyroid from absorbing radioactive iodine. This protects the
thyroid from damage and reduces the risk of thyroid cancer
caused by radiation.
- Disinfects wounds to the skin when applied topically.
- Emergency disinfection of drinking water.
Lugol’s Iodine for Upset Stomachs: Foods
prepared in unsanitary conditions can make you sick. Always keep in
mind that Lugol’s iodine offers digestive support and defense
against food born pathogens. At the first sign of digestive trouble,
mix 12 drops of Lugol’s iodine in ¼ cup of water. After 1 hour drink
another dose if needed. Take up to 4 doses per day. You may start to
feel better within minutes!*
If upset stomach or discomfort becomes severe or persists for
more than 24 hours, consult your healthcare professional.
Don’t let an upset stomach caused by questionable food run its
course. Don’t let H. pylori bacteria and other unwelcome
guests cause more damage.*
In the
Kitchen: It is
paramount to eat clean produce. Rinsing with water alone is not
enough when it comes to washing the fruits and vegetables you buy at
the market. Fruits and vegetables are potential sources of
food-borne illness. Take extra care in washing organic food that is
often fertilized with manure as well as all fruits and vegetables
that are eaten raw. *
Veggie
Wash Directions:
Place two quarts (2L) of water in a bowl and add 1 dropper full to
make an approximately 12 1/2 ppm iodine solution. Add 2 full
droppers to make an approximately 25-ppm iodine solution.
Completely submerge produce for 1 minute or more. Agitate food well.
Rinsing is optional. DO NOT SAVE the water for later use. It will
lose its potency and color. Add more Lugol’s once the water turns
clear. The CA Health Code states that the 25ppm concentration
qualifies as a sanitation solution for restaurants and is as strong
as a 100ppm chlorine solution.*
When Traveling:
Lugol's iodine has been
used for decades by travelers to foreign lands to wash their fruits
and vegetables.
In your bathroom:
But don’t stop
there; did you know your toothbrush is loaded with bacteria. We all
keep our toothbrush in the dirtiest room in the house. It is a known
fact that bacteria settle on toothbrushes and can easily re-infect
you every time you use it. *
Stomach Saver! Always
keep in mind that Lugol’s is a natural stomach support and defense.
When needed, mix 12 drops of Dr. Clark Lugol’s Stomach Saver in ¼
cup of water. After 1 hour drink another dose if needed. If
food poisoning or discomfort becomes severe or persists for more
than 24 hours, consult your health care professional.*
______________________________________________________________________________
DO NOT
USE IF ALLERGIC TO IODINE.
If you are allergic to shellfish, then you are also allergic to
Iodine.
Store at
room temperature. Keep out of reach of children.
*These
statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug
Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat,
cure, or prevent any disease.