I believe everyone should do as they are personally led.

Personally, I was already ON thyroid meds, and I didn't consult with my doctor. I KNEW he wouldn't want me going on iodine/iodide.

But that's me.

What I DO ask you to do, is get educated.

READ READ and READ some more

I did this for three weeks solid back in 2007; I bought the Iodine in the very beginning, started slow, and increased it as I got more educated.

Personal responsibility.

Always.

Good health to you, there's a world of information right here at your fingertips at this website. Many links, many click-ons, many BSA, RN, RRR, RR, and R posts.

Lots of good stuff!

A good place to start is with "Iodine Answers"

//www.curezone.org/faq/c.asp?a=13,281,2962

I think you are giving doctors too much credit. It has been my experience that doctors are mostly clueless about Iodine and what it can do. They are trained on giving surgeries, prescribing drugs and treating symptoms with drugs.

If you wish to see a doctor before taking iodine, make certain he is trained on iodine. Listing of Iodine trained doctors:
http://breastcancerchoices.org/ipractitioners.html


Otherwise I always recommend taking the Dr. Brownstein Iodine Protocol described in my handout here:
http://tinyurl.com/Iodine-Handout


He has a long track record with thousands of patients, and I think it is safe to say that most of us here follow his protocol for the most part.

Here is more research that you can follow:
http://tinyurl.com/iodine-references



Grizz

High on Water give this link in other topic, look publication #5 :

http://www.optimox.com/pics/Iodine/opt_Research_I.shtml



"Of all the elements known so far to be essential for health, Iodine is the most misunderstood and the most feared. Yet, it is by far the safest of all the trace elements known to be essential for human health. It is the only trace element that can be ingested safely in amounts up to 100,000 times the RDA"


"Since low Iodine intake is associated with intellectual impairment, deficiency of this essential element cannot be ruled out, and if present, would create a self-perpetuating phenomenon. Needless to say, medical iodophobia is contagious and can be transmitted to patients and other physicians (iatrogenic iodophobia). Medical iodophobia will remain a syndrome until the causes are discovered and effective therapy implemented. It is very likely however, that medical iodophobia will eventually be classified as an iodine-deficiency disease."

So dont let iodophobia get you sucked in to the deep , most doctors are allready down there and wish everyone would follow..


A New Illness Strikes: Media-Iodophobia: http://drdavidbrownstein.blogspot.fi/2012/01/new-illness-strikes-media-iodoph...


Some articles : http://www.newsmaxhealth.com/search?cx=011533900540746215761%3A-adksucby_s&co...

As others have indicated, your doctor is probably clueless wrt Iodine supplementation. He/she would probably try to dissuade you from taking Iodine beyond the RDA. Having said this, if you have not been to a doctor in a while I think it is a good idea to have the complete suite of blood tests, including thyroid tests, that most doctors would give adults as part of a major physical exam. You wouldn't want to start Iodine supplementation if, for example, your kidneys are having issues. If you have insurance these blood tests shouldn't be too expensive. ... Again, this is just my opinion.

As with most alternative treatments, iodine supplementation is frequently done w/o any oversight of a physician. Physicians are usually not too keen on dietary/alternative approaches to resolving chronic medical issues. They are trained to diagnose and medicate. And so going alone with iodine supplementation means you are taking 100% responsibility. I think this is okay provided you do your research, are disciplined and take iodine supplementation *very seriously*.


_Lazza


PS - I am big believer in going with dietary solutions first before looking to supplementation, including iodine supplementation. Depending on your health complaints you might want to examine your diet/lifestyle first before starting up on iodine.

"Is it absolutely neccessary to see a doctor or get tests on my thyroid before I start taking Iodine?"

You seem to be in the best position to answer this question. Get a glass of water and put a drop of the Lugol's in it, mix and drink it down. Then, see if the question is answered. :)

A tiny percentage of people show an adverse reaction , be aware of that, search this forum, learn. Or else just go get a test.

Personally some don't think they are important , but if i never did the 24 hour urine test for Iodine I would have never known I was severely deficient,
that is how I came to this forum,,,smiles Linda