Stress/Thyroid Or Adrenals?/Iodine Protocol/Alarm!!!

While I recognize that mercury might put a burden on the adrenals, just as any toxin would, my own experience is showing me that stress is the main culprit... regardless of the source. I also believe that endogenous toxins are the MOST detrimental to our health. The following research study also suggests that there are transgenerational effects of stress...


http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/90/7/4115


I also believe that so much focus on exogenous toxins is related to our misperceptions regarding 'mental illness' and the associated stigma. This has been the case in Gulf War Syndrome where the exposure to toxic chemicals has been primarily implicated. Again... while exposure to chemicals would certainly result in an additional source of stress... my own personal experience of now having the very same symptoms suggests that the prolonged exposure to the endogenous toxins is sufficient to cause this condition.

And again... a long period of chelation would also put added stress on the body.

To be very clear... I am not disputing the need for iodine. My concern is that there may be cases where Iodine supplementation might contribute to greater imbalance. I realize that the Wolff-Chaikoff effect has already been rejected. However... this focuses on the thyroid and not the adrenals. There is considerable overlap between the symptoms of thyroid and adrenal conditions and they often accompany one another. I am also now wondering if many of those who have symptoms of hypothyroidism and tested in the normal range of thyroid functioning are actually experiencing undiagnosed adrenal exhaustion. It is estimated that 6 million people in the US have undiagnosed adrenal insufficiency! Quite obviously... this topic is worthy of extensive exploration!

I've also noticed that some of the components of the Iodine supplementation protocol also happen to support adrenal functioning... for example, the use of salt and vitamin C. Consequently... I have also wondered if some of the benefits of the protocol come from supporting the adrenals rather than from the iodine. Likewise... is the problem with bromides etc.... or is the problem that an increase in Iodine revs up the metabolism which in turn puts more stress on the adrenals? Are the salt flushes reducing symptoms solely because of clearing out toxins... or are they also beneficial because of the effect they have on the adrenals?

I'm also concerned when I see people raising issues about hormone imbalance and the size of their testicles after they've started iodine supplementation... only to have it quickly dismissed as an indication of puberty! Once again... that could be an indication of a serious adrenal or pituitary problem!!!


http://www.eje-online.org/cgi/content/abstract/148/6/609


Iodine supplementation is NOT the be-all-and-end-all-cure-all panacea! And for those who so fervently promote the iodine protocol... do some additional research on the HPA Axis and Adrenal Insufficiency!! PLEASE... before someone is harmed!!!