Today, we're going beyond basic nutrition.
We're diving into some really groundbreaking research from the original
internist medical journal.
Okay.
And trust me, this is way more interesting than you might think.
I'm intrigued.
It really challenges, um, a lot of common assumptions about iodine.
I bet.
So where do we start?
Well, this deep dive is all about the iodine project led by Dr.
Guy E Abraham.
Okay.
He was a former professor at UCLA.
Wow.
And a real pioneer in hormone research.
So hormone research, iodine, what's the connection?
Well, his research, um, kind of takes us on this journey through the history of
iodine in medicine, revealing just how dramatically our perspectives on it have
shifted over the last century.
Interesting.
I'm ready for a history lesson.
Okay.
So get this back in the early 1900s, doctors were prescribing iodine in much
higher doses than, uh, what's considered normal today.
Really?
Yeah.
They were using this solution called Lugol's.
Lugol's solution.
I've heard of that.
Yeah.
It contained like 12.5 to 37.5 milligrams of elemental iodine daily.
Wow.
That's, uh, way more than what's in iodized salt.
Right.
It sounds like they weren't too worried about, um, toxicity back then.
I guess not.
So what changed?
Well, as we moved into like the latter half of the 20th century, concerns about
iodine toxicity started to kind of emerge.
Okay.
Partly due to adverse reactions to, um, some iodine containing drugs.
Like what?
Like, um, those used for medical imaging.
Ah, I guess.
So this, this fear of iodine, what Dr.
Abraham calls medical iodophobia.
Iodophobia.
Yeah.
Led to a significant decrease in the use of Lugol's solution.
So basically we went from high doses to being afraid of it.
Yeah, pretty much.
But hold on.
If people in the past were taking so much iodine and, you know, think about the
Japanese today, they consume way more than we do in the West.
Right.
So shouldn't we be questioning whether our current recommendations are actually
enough for, you know, optimal health?
That's exactly the question that Dr.
Abraham set out to answer with the iodine project.
The iodine project.
Okay.
He was really intrigued by the fact that, uh, the Japanese, they consume an average
of 13.8 milligrams of iodine daily.
Wow.
With, uh, no apparent ill effects.
And they consistently rank, you know, among the healthiest populations worldwide.
So they're doing something right.
Right.
So how did he go about investigating this?
What did he do?
Well, he developed an iodine loading test using, um, Lugol's solution, but in tablet
form.
So you can take it like a pill.
Yeah.
A brand called Iodorol.
Iodoral.
Got it.
To determine individual iodine needs.
So it's not a one size fits all thing.
Right.
And this test basically measures how much iodine your body excretes after you take a
specific dose.
Okay.
And what did he find?
Well, his findings suggest that, um, achieving what he calls whole body iodine
sufficiency might require much higher amounts than what's typically recommended.
Whole body iodine sufficiency.
Interesting term.
And that this sufficiency, this whole body sufficiency could have some, um, pretty
surprising benefits.
Okay.
Now I'm really curious.
We got to talk about those benefits.
Definitely.
But first we need to understand this fascinating phenomenon, um, discovered by
Dr. Wolf. It's called the Wolf-Chykoff Effect.
The Wolf-Chykoff Effect.
Yeah.
His research initially observed that, uh, high levels of iodine could actually, like,
temporarily block thyroid hormone production in rats.
Oh, so too much iodine is bad.
Well, that's what a lot of people initially thought.
But here's, here's the key.
Even though those rats, they experienced a temporary block in hormone production,
they didn't actually develop hypothyroidism.
So they were fine.
Their bodies adapted.
And their thyroid function eventually returned to normal.
So their systems were able to like adjust.
Exactly.
So how does this relate to Dr. Abraham's work?
Yeah.
Good question.
Well, Dr. Abraham argued that the Wolf-Chykoff Effect, rather than being a sign of danger,
is actually a protective mechanism.
It's like a safety valve.
Yeah.
Like a safety valve.
It prevents the thyroid from being overwhelmed by, uh, you know, sudden surges in iodine.
Okay.
And he pointed to the Japanese population as evidence that, uh, humans can adapt to
much higher iodine intakes than, uh, previously believed.
That makes sense.
Our bodies are pretty good at adapting.
They are.
So getting back to those surprising benefits, what did Dr. Abraham find?
Let's hear it.
His research suggests that sufficient iodine levels might be linked to a whole range of
positive effects.
Like what?
Beyond just healthy thyroid function.
Okay.
We're talking things like improved mental clarity, increased energy levels, better
temperature regulation.
Interesting.
And even, um, potential weight loss and improvements in body composition.
Wow.
That's, uh, quite a list.
So you're saying that something as simple as like ensuring enough iodine could impact
our wellbeing in all those ways.
That's what Dr. Abraham's research suggests.
Wow.
What else?
He also found potential benefits for conditions like fibrocystic breast disease and
polycystic ovary syndrome.
Okay.
And even saw improvements in some patients with diabetes and hypertension after they
achieved iodine sufficiency.
So iodine is kind of a big deal.
It seems like it.
But, um, if we're talking about higher doses than what's, you know, typically
recommended, how do we know if we're getting enough?
That's where the iodine loading test comes in.
Right.
The test.
Dr. Abraham emphasized the importance of individualizing iodine supplementation based
on this test because our needs can vary greatly.
But isn't testing for iodine levels pretty straightforward?
You would think, right?
Just a simple urine test.
Well, not as simple as you might think.
Really?
Dr. Abraham actually faced quite a few obstacles in accurately measuring iodine levels.
Oh, what kind of obstacle?
Well, a lot of labs weren't equipped to measure the higher levels of iodine seen in
those who are, you know, truly iodine sufficient.
Oh, he found that standard urine tests often weren't, um, sensitive enough to
provide a clear picture.
So what did he do?
He developed a specialized lab technique.
Of course he did.
This guy sounds brilliant.
Yeah.
To ensure accurate readings going above and beyond to really understand, you know,
the nuances of iodine and its impact on our health.
Very impressive.
So we've got the iodine loading tests to figure out how much we need.
And it seems like we might need more than what's currently recommended.
Right.
But is there anything that could be, you know, preventing us from absorbable?
Preventing us from absorbing and using iodine properly?
No, you're thinking like a true deep diver.
That brings us to another fascinating aspect of Dr. Abraham's research.
Goitrogens.
Those are.
Goitrogens are substances that can interfere with iodine uptake.
Like they block it.
Yeah.
Think of them as iodine blockers.
Okay.
Dr. Abraham found that many of his patients actually started excreting higher
levels of goitrogens like fluoride and bromide after taking iodine supplements.
Oh, that's interesting.
Yeah.
So it's like a two pronged approach.
Get enough iodine.
Right.
And reduce the things that block its absorption.
Got it.
So is there more?
Yeah.
This leads us to perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Dr. Abraham's work.
Okay.
Lay it on me.
What else did he find?
He found that iodine might be crucial, not just for producing thyroid hormones,
right.
But also for how our bodies respond to them.
Oh, I'm curious about that.
Can you expand on that a little?
He found that iodine may play a crucial role in the actual structure and function
of thyroid hormone receptors.
Meaning it might help our cells properly use the thyroid hormones that our
bodies produce.
So it's not just about having enough of the hormone, but also having the right
environment for those hormones to do their job.
And iodine helps create that environment.
Precisely.
And this has major implications for understanding how iodine deficiency could
be affecting us in ways we never realized before.
Wow.
We've covered a lot of ground here.
This has been a really insightful deep dive so far.
It seems like there's so much more to iodine than meets the eye.
I'm definitely rethinking what I thought I knew about iodine.
It's like a whole new world is opening up.
I know, me too.
Welcome back to our deep dive into the world of iodine.
You know, before we were talking about how iodine might be crucial, not just
for producing those thyroid hormones, but also for how our bodies respond to them.
Right.
And one compelling example of this is the research that linked low iodine intake
during pregnancy to an increased risk of ADHD and offspring.
Oh, wow.
Yeah.
While the exact mechanisms are still being studied, this suggests that even if a
mother's thyroid hormone levels are normal, her child's developing brain might not be
able to properly use those hormones if there's not enough iodine.
That's pretty alarming.
It really highlights the importance of adequate iodine, especially during those
crucial stages of development.
Absolutely.
And this is where Dr.
Abraham's concept of whole body iodine sufficiency comes into play.
You've mentioned that before, but I have to admit I'm still a bit fuzzy on what it
actually means.
It sounds like it goes beyond just having a healthy thyroid.
You're right.
It's this idea that every single cell in your body needs iodine to function optimally.
Okay.
Think of it like this.
Your thyroid gland is like a factory that produces thyroid hormones.
Okay.
But those hormones, they need to be delivered and utilized throughout the entire body.
So iodine is involved in like both the production and the delivery system.
Precisely.
And Dr.
Abraham's research suggests that achieving this whole body sufficiency often requires
much higher doses of iodine than what's currently recommended.
We're talking about those levels doctors were prescribing in the early 1900s again.
Yes, exactly.
And his research indicates that those higher doses in the range of 12.5 to 50 milligrams
daily can be safely tolerated by most people.
But what about those concerns about iodine toxicity that we talked about earlier?
Wouldn't such high doses be, you know, dangerous?
That's a common misconception.
While it's true that extremely high doses of iodine can be harmful, Dr.
Abraham's research, along with historical data, suggests that those levels he was working
with are actually within a safe and potentially beneficial range.
Remember, our bodies have evolved to utilize iodine and there are built in mechanisms like
the Wolff-Chaykoff effect to help, you know, regulate our intake.
So it's all about finding that sweet spot.
Enough iodine to support whole body sufficiency.
Right.
But not so much that it overwhelms our system.
It seems like a delicate balance.
It is.
And that's why individualized testing, like the iodine loading test Dr.
Abraham developed, is so important.
It helps determine the right dosage for each person.
OK, that makes sense.
But you mentioned that some people struggle to reach sufficiency even when they supplement
with iodine.
What's going on there?
That's another fascinating piece of the puzzle.
Dr.
Abraham observed that some individuals excreted iodine in their body.
They excreted very high levels of iodine in their urine even before they started
supplementing.
So you would think they were getting enough, right?
Exactly.
But here's the interesting part.
Despite excreting a lot of iodine, their blood tests showed signs of deficiency.
How is that possible?
It's like, you know, having a full pantry but still being hungry.
It's a great analogy.
And it led Dr.
Abraham to theorize that these individuals might have a problem with their iodine transport
system.
Basically, their bodies weren't efficiently moving iodine from the bloodstream into the
cells where it's needed.
So even if they're taking in enough iodine, it's not getting to where it needs to go.
Precisely.
And this could be why some people don't experience the full benefits of iodine
supplementation, even at higher doses.
Wow.
So there's even more complexity to this than we initially thought.
It seems like iodine sufficiency isn't just about how much you take in, but also about
how well your body can absorb and utilize it.
Exactly.
And this highlights why a personalized approach is so crucial.
You know, it's amazing how much one researcher's dedication can unveil.
But I'm curious, if Dr.
Abraham's work was so groundbreaking, why hasn't it been more widely embraced by the
medical community?
That's a great question.
Unfortunately, it often takes time for new scientific discoveries to be fully accepted,
especially when they challenge long held beliefs.
Remember that medical iotophobia we talked about?
Right.
That fear of iodine that stemmed from concerns about toxicity.
Well, that fear is still prevalent in many medical circles.
Some doctors, they remain skeptical about the safety and efficacy of higher dose iodine
supplementation.
So it's a case of like old habits dying hard.
In a way, yes.
But it's important to remember that science is always evolving.
New research is constantly emerging.
And sometimes it takes a while for those findings to, you know, trickle down to mainstream
medical practice.
That's true.
And thankfully, there are always those pioneering individuals like Dr.
Abraham, who aren't afraid to question conventional wisdom and push the boundaries of
knowledge.
Absolutely.
And his work has certainly paved the way for further exploration into the true potential
of iodine.
Speaking of exploration, I remember you mentioning something about interohepatic
circulation of iodine earlier.
I have to admit that one went over my head.
What exactly is that?
It's a bit.
It's a bit complex, but I'll try to explain it in a way that makes sense.
OK.
You see, Dr. Abraham didn't stop at just measuring iodine levels in urine.
He also looked at what happened to iodine after people took iodoril, that tablet form
of Lugol's solution.
And what did he find?
He noticed something interesting.
After people took iodoril, he observed two distinct peaks in their serum iodide levels.
OK, hold on.
What are serum iodide levels?
Serum is the liquid part of your blood.
OK.
And iodide is the form of iodine that your body uses.
So serum iodide levels are basically a measure of how much usable iodine is circulating
in your bloodstream.
Got it.
So there were two peaks in those levels.
Right.
What did that mean?
The first peak occurred a few hours after taking iodoril, which is what you'd expect
as the iodine gets absorbed from the digestive system.
OK.
But then there was a second peak several hours later.
Interesting.
So where was that second surge of iodine coming from?
Dr. Abraham concluded that some of the iodine that had been absorbed was being released
from the liver back into the intestines.
Quite.
Where it was then reabsorbed into the bloodstream.
It's like a recycling process for iodine.
So it's not a one way street.
Right.
Iodine can be absorbed, go to the liver, get released back into the intestines, and then
get reabsorbed.
Exactly.
It's called enterohepatic circulation.
And this discovery, it challenges the traditional view that iodine is simply absorbed and then
excreted.
So our bodies are actually pretty clever at conserving iodine.
They are.
And this enterohepatic circulation likely plays a role in regulating iodine levels over
time, ensuring that we have a steady supply available.
It also suggests that simply measuring iodine in urine might not give us a complete picture.
Like trying to understand a river's flow by just looking at one point along the bank.
Right.
You need to see the bigger picture.
Exactly.
And this brings us back to the importance of whole body iodine sufficiency.
It's not just about getting enough iodine into your system, but also about ensuring
that it's circulating effectively and reaching all the cells that need it.
This has been a truly eye-opening deep dive.
It seems like the more we learn about iodine, the more fascinating it becomes.
I couldn't agree more.
We've only just scratched the surface of Dr. Abraham's research and the broader implications
of iodine sufficiency.
We've uncovered so much about this essential element from its historical uses to the shift
in medical perspectives to Dr. Abraham's groundbreaking research on iodine sufficiency.
Yeah, we have.
We've explored some really fascinating concepts like the Wolff-Tchaikov effect.
Right.
Enteropathic circulation.
Oh, yeah.
Enteropathic circulation.
And the possibility of iodine transport issues.
Right.
It's clear that iodine plays a much more complex and nuanced role in our health than many people
realize.
Absolutely.
You know what really stands out to me is this idea that iodine is essential not only for
producing those thyroid hormones.
Right.
But also for how our bodies actually respond to those hormones.
That's a crucial point.
It is.
It really highlights why iodine is so important for overall well-being.
You know, extending its influence to every cell in our bodies that relies on those thyroid
hormones.
Exactly.
We were discussing how iodine might even play a role in the structure and function of those
thyroid hormone receptors.
So it's like iodine is not just a building block for the hormones themselves.
Right.
But also kind of like a key that unlocks the door for those hormones to enter our cells
and do their job.
That's a great analogy.
It underscores why iodine deficiency can have such wide-ranging effects.
Even if someone has, you know, normal thyroid hormone levels, their cells might not be able
to utilize those hormones effectively if they're lacking sufficient iodine.
Exactly.
This whole deep dive has really challenged my assumptions about iodine.
I used to think of it as, you know, simply that stuff in salt that prevents goiter.
Right.
But it's clearly so much more than that.
It certainly is.
And Dr. Abraham's work, along with, you know, a growing body of research, is slowly changing
that perception.
It's exciting to think about the possibilities.
Yeah.
If iodine truly plays such a broad role in our health, could some of the health issues
we face today, could they be linked to subtle iodine deficiency?
That's a question researchers are actively exploring.
There's growing evidence suggesting that iodine deficiency might be more widespread.
It might be more widespread than previously thought, even in developed countries.
That makes you wonder, what would happen if we, you know, like the Japanese, embraced
a higher iodine diet?
Could we potentially see improvements in our overall health and well-being?
Those are important questions that deserve further investigation.
Dr. Abraham's work provides a compelling foundation for exploring the true potential
of iodine.
But as with any scientific endeavor, more research is needed to confirm these findings
and determine the optimal approach to iodine supplementation.
It seems like we've only just begun to scratch the surface of this fascinating topic.
I couldn't agree more.
There's so much more to discover about the role of iodine in human health.
And Dr. Abraham's legacy of research will undoubtedly continue to inspire scientists
and healthcare practitioners for years to come.
Well, on that note, I think we've reached the end of our deep dive into the world of iodine.
Wow.
It's been an incredible journey full of surprising twists and turns.
What are your final thoughts for our listeners today?
I'd say this deep dive has hopefully sparked your curiosity about this often overlooked
element and its potential impact on your health.
If you're intrigued by what you heard today, I encourage you to explore Dr. Abraham's work further.
Keep in mind that individual needs for iodine can vary greatly.
And it's always a good idea to consult with a knowledgeable healthcare professional to determine what's best for you.
Great advice. Thank you for joining us on this deep dive.
Until next time, keep exploring, keep learning, and keep questioning.
And remember, the world is full of hidden wonders, sometimes in the most unexpected places,
like the humble element iodine.
With that, I'll see you next time.