Lugol's Iodine: A Comprehensive Guide to Benefits, Uses and Safety

What is Lugol’s Iodine?

Lugol's is a solution of elemental iodine and potassium iodide in water, named after the French physician J.G.A. Lugol, who developed it in the 19th century by mixing elemental iodine with potassium iodide and water. This strong iodine solution quickly became a go-to treatment for various ailments.

"With his solution, he cured sepsis and tuberculosis, and soon, many doctors were using it to treat other illnesses. Their success with Lugol's solution went beyond goiter because iodine molecules kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeasts, and single-celled parasites." - Dr. Elizabeth Bright ND.

Even after 150 years, it continues to pique our curiosity. Healthcare practitioners and those interested in wellness are intrigued by its potential.

However, its popularity through word-of-mouth and forums raises concerns. This has led to questions about potential harms that might be overlooked. Regardless of your skepticism about mainstream treatments, there's not always clarity regarding Lugol's iodine effectiveness and health impacts.

Understanding Iodine's Role

Before we talk specifically about Lugol's, let’s discuss iodine. Iodine is an essential trace mineral, crucial for thyroid hormone synthesis. Iodine is used by every cell in the body, and besides the thyroid is also found in the breast, prostrate, salivary glands, ovaries, bones, connective tissues and stomach. 

Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, growth, and development. Maintaining this balance throughout our lives requires iodine.

The National Institutes of Health discusses lower urine iodine levels in those over sixty. This suggests a correlation between lower iodine levels and increased thyroid disease (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid cancer) in aging adults.

Benefits of Iodine for Health

Iodine is vital for maintaining overall health beyond its role in thyroid function. It supports cognitive development, particularly during pregnancy and early childhood, and promotes healthy skin, nails, and hair. Iodine also has well-documented antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, which make it an essential element for wound care and infection management. Additionally, adequate iodine levels ensure optimal hormone production, preventing fatigue, depression, and other symptoms of iodine deficiency. A deficiency in iodine has been linked to goiters, metabolic disturbances, and developmental issues in children.

Lugol's Iodine: The Specifics

Lugol’s iodine typically consists of 5% iodine and 10% potassium iodide in distilled water. The potassium iodide aids absorption and prevents the iodine from becoming insoluble.

Some use Lugol's for short-term water purification, taking advantage of iodine's antimicrobial properties. Others use it as an iodine supplement, especially if they have an iodine deficiency. Considering the fact that Iodine was taken out of the food supply due to deficiency, and at the same time, we are consuming more and more foods with elements that displace iodine, like bromine, fluoride, and chlorine, taking Lugol's Iodine as a supplement could have a huge impact in correcting this imbalance.

Considering Lugol's Iodine for Infections

I’ve done quite a bit of reading about Lugol’s purported ability to help with infections. While I’m not a physician, historical accounts and medical journals document iodine use for various treatments. Research at Johns Hopkins details iodine’s effectiveness for cleaning. Studies have shown benefits of balanced iodine exposure in public water and through skin contact in large metropolitan areas.

Other studies, like one from Harvard, have focused on individual Lugol's iodine use. They examine implications across large populations versus smaller, individual uses. Individual use cases can be helpful when large-scale public health approaches are insufficient.

Openness and trust are important when discussing iodine's potential applications in individual settings. Geographic size and diverse health needs make standardized public health approaches challenging.

Individual uses of iodine treatment can address specific problems that larger interventions might miss. This is especially true in diverse communities where individual health needs vary greatly.

Using Lugol's Iodine: Dosage and Precautions

If you're considering Lugol's iodine, caution is key, especially with internal ingestion. Consulting a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment is essential. What works for one person might not work for another. It's important to avoid potential harm by seeking personalized advice.

Don't risk adverse effects based on general recommendations. Consult local licensed healthcare professionals for guidance on dosage. Online solutions can also provide access to qualified medical advice.

More on Dosage and Administration

For topical application, dilute Lugol's iodine solution accordingly. If skin reactions occur (rashes, dryness, or itching), stop application and seek medical advice. A typical internal dose in some countries might involve mixing a small amount into a liter of water and then dividing it into smaller servings. For skin painting, a drop or two can be smeared on the skin. If the stain disappears within 5-6 hours, re-apply until it remins the entire day. 

Correct dosage is important for both safety and efficacy. Improper dosage can lead to iodine toxicity or ineffective treatment. Consulting with health experts ensures appropriate dosage for individual needs.

It is best to get your thyroid function tested and discuss with your doctor about the correct dose. They will take into account any current medication, joint pain, or other thyroid problems you’re experiencing to determine the right path of action. Follow the prescribed frequency, whether that's taking Lugol's once daily or multiple times daily, to reduce your risk of adverse reactions.

Summary

To summarize, Lugol’s iodine offers numerous advantages when used with proper caution and medical supervision. Key takeaways include:

• Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production, cognitive development, and overall health.
• Lugol's iodine is a traditional iodine solution with benefits for supplementation, water purification, and infection management.
• Consult a healthcare professional before beginning Lugol's iodine to ensure appropriate dosage and avoid risks such as iodine toxicity.
• Iodine's antimicrobial properties are especially effective for wound care and other infections, though correct application is essential for safety.
• Regular testing and professional advice are critical for addressing iodine deficiency and ensuring balance.

Making informed choices and consulting experts is key to managing your iodine levels and overall health.

The Best Lugol's Iodine

Dr Clark Store is one of the few producers of Lugol's Iodine using elemental iodine crystals, from the purest source, and lab-tested for purity. 

Iodine is good for:

• Thyroid
• Heart
• Digestion
• Metabolism
• Energy
• Temperature Balance
• Sleep
• Breasts
• Skin
• Bones
• Hair
• Reproductive System
• Brain
• Glands
• Cognitive Function
• Immune System
• Cancer Prevention

Lugol's Iodine Health Benefits

• Natural antihistamine
• Antioxidant
• Displaces fluoride
• Displaces bromide
• Displaces chlorine
• Mercury detox
• Promotes proper hormone balance
• Strengthens immune system
• Reduces cholesterol
• Increases metabolism
• Supports immune system
• Promotes growth of hair, skin, and nails
• Needed for the health of bones
• Protects from radiation
• Required for proper brain development
• Reduces hypothyroidism
• Hyperthyroidism
• Part of cancer prevention
• Necessary for the thyroid gland
• Kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi

Companion Nutrients

• Selenium
• Zinc
• Vitamin C
• Magnesium
• B Vitamins

 

References

1. Zimmermann, M. B., & Boelaert, K. (2015). Iodine deficiency and thyroid disorders. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 3(4), 286-295.
2. Hetzel, B. S., & Mano, M. T. (1989). A review of experimental studies of iodine deficiency during fetal development. Journal of Nutrition, 119(2), 145-151.
3. World Health Organization. (2007). Iodine and Health. WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality.
4. Pearce, E. N., Andersson, M., & Zimmermann, M. B. (2013). Global iodine nutrition. Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity, 20(5), 392-399.
5. Bath, S. C., & Rayman, M. P. (2013). Iodine deficiency in the UK. The British Journal of Nutrition, 104(5), 709-722.
6. Burgess, J. R., & Zimmermann, M. B. (2010). The role of iodine in human health. Handbook of Clinical Neurology, 100(10), 5-22.
7. Why Supplementing with Iodine is Essential by Dr. Elizabeth Bright, ND