Article FULL of information on Bromides (W.H.O. banned bromate!) (edited the title)

(I edited the title since I didn't know the kelp/bromide issue had already been discussed - Unyquity)

http://www.acu-cell.com/br.html

Bromine/Bromide DRI/RDA, negative health/toxic side effects, overdose, toxicity, nutritional requirements

I was Googleing "bromide, flour" and this article came up at the top of the list...VERY informative stuff. I sure hope the 'experts' will comment aplenty :)

Blessings,

Unyquity

Acu-Cell Nutrition - Bromine / Bromide

Bromine

When assessing Cellular Nutrition with Acu-Cell Analysis, only essential, biological elements that have
their own cell receptors are measured. They are neurologically arranged into left-sided and right-sided
groups and are discussed in associated pairs, as they function as an inseparable, interdependent unit:
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CalciumMagnesium PhosphorusSodium
IronManganese ZincPotassium
SeleniumSulfur TinIodine
GermaniumSilicon BismuthLithium
NickelCobalt ChromiumCopper
FluorideChloride VanadiumMolybdenum
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| Boron | Bromine | Strontium | Bioflavonoids | Vit A D K | B12 B15 C E | B-Complex |
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Trace mineral symptoms of excess or deficiency are generally one-sided, depending on their ratios to
other chemical members, and depending which group they are neurologically assigned to. In the event
of calcification, it is not a high calcium level that results in the formation of a stone or spur, but calcium
being high in ratio to associated or interactive elements.
For instance, phosphorus and zinc have both left-sided cell receptors, so if either level is low in ratio
to calcium, calcification would only take place on the left side of the body, whereas the cell receptors of
manganese or magnesium are right-sided, as a result, any calcification would develop on the right side
of the body only.
The same rules apply to most nutrition-related inflammatory or degenerative conditions, so successful,
non-symptomatic treatments require the application of those same principles. Since intracellular and
serum levels of nutrients represent different physiological and pathological processes, abnormal levels
seen in one medium are not necessarily reflected in the other, so they need to be interpreted differently.

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Bromine: I have not found a cell receptor for Bromine (Br) to date, and at this time, bromine has not
been classified as being essential to human health. However bromine - either as potassium bromide
or sodium bromide - has anti-seizure properties, and it is an interesting and effective trace mineral in
regards to hyperthyroid conditions.

Many marine plants, particularly kelp, are a rich source of bromine and iodine, and depending on their
Bromine / Iodine ratio and whether someone is hypothyroid or hyperthyroid, this can have a beneficial
or unfavorable effect on thyroid functions when regularly consumed.

When reports of hypothyroidism cases surfaced as a result of certain cultures regularly consuming
seaweed (i.e. kelp), some researchers believed the high Iodine content in those marine plants to be
the reason. However, further research would have either revealed a higher bromine / Iodine ratio in
the plants compared to those of other regions, or that these same people possibly also consumed
higher amounts of "goitrogenic" vegetables (such as lima beans, cassava, cabbage, sweet potatoes,
rutabaga), which can result in depressed iodine / thyroid functions. On average, most varieties of kelp
tend to increase thyroid functions.

In hyperthyroidism, where milder forms of nutritional therapy such as PABA or magnesium have not
been very effective, I have seen bromine work well in human and animal applications, and provided
the proper amount is used, no side effects are experienced. Bromine inhibits both, T4 thyroxine and
T3 triiodothyronine hormones, and in some cases only a short course of bromine is needed to return
(hyper) thyroid functions back down to normal. (see also Acu-Cell Nutrition "Tin & Iodine").

Bromides can still be found in some (over-the-counter) medications, and despite a ban on potassium
bromate in flour by the World Health Organization (it was found that potassium bromate caused renal
cancer in rats when they drank water containing KBrO3), some nations are allowing its use as oxidizer
in baked goods at very low levels. Bakers associations maintain that potassium bromate is converted
to harmless potassium bromide during the baking process. Bromine was also used as a sleeping aid
in the past, for which it worked well, however long-term use of bromides can result in brominism, a toxic
condition. In addition, even trace amounts of bromine can trigger severe Acne in sensitive individuals.

Bromine-based fire retardants used in carpets, mattresses, upholstery, furniture and various electronic
equipment have become suspect for causing a number of medical conditions, including hypothyroidism.
Based on animal research, bromides have also been linked to behavioral problems, neurodevelopment
and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADD/ADHD) in children. The European Union has already
banned some PBDE (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) compounds, and it is hoped that countries still
allowing their use will follow suit.

While phenobarbital is the conventional approach in Veterinary Medicine to control seizures in dogs,
some veterinary doctors started experimenting with bromides some years ago. At first, they were used
for refractory (resistant) cases, but now there are a large number of vets who are not opposed to using
either sodium bromide or potassium bromide as a first choice over phenobarbital. ¤
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Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) is a collective term replacing all other reference values such as
Adequate Intake (AI), Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL), Estimated Average Requirements (EAR),
Nutrient Reference Value (NRV), and Recommended Dietary Allowance / Intake (RDA / RDI).

Bromine:DRI (RDA):noneTherapeutic Range:100mg - 2,000mg

Estimated median daily intake of bromine worldwide from food and water is 1mg - 3mg per day.
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Bromine Synergists: PABA,

Bromine Antagonists: Chloride, iodine,

Low Levels / Therapeutic Indications for Bromine:
Seizures, insomnia, agitation, irritability, hyperthyroidism,

High levels / Overdose / Toxicity / Negative Side Effects - Symptoms and/or Risk Factors:
Drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, acne, skin rash, blurred vision, dizziness, mania, hallucinations,
increased thirst, hunger and urination, pancreatitis, muscle weakness, hypothyroidism, poor memory,
psychosis, coma, possible attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) in children.
In lab animals: Neurodevelopmental disorders and behavioral problems from exposure to PBDEs.
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Bromine Sources: Kelp, seaweed, nuts, (also some baked goods and fire-retardant compounds).

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General recommendations for nutritional supplementation: To avoid stomach problems and promote
better tolerance, supplements should always be taken earlier, or in the middle of a larger meal. When
taken on an empty stomach or after a meal, there is a greater risk of some tablets causing irritation, or
eventually erosion of the esophageal sphincter, resulting in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
It is also advisable not to lie down immediately after taking any pills.
When taking a very large daily amount of a single nutrient, it is better to split it up into smaller doses to
not interfere with the absorption of other nutrients in food, or nutrients supplemented at lower amounts.