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Today, we're going beyond basic nutrition.

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We're diving into some really groundbreaking research from the original

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internist medical journal.

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Okay.

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And trust me, this is way more interesting than you might think.

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I'm intrigued.

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It really challenges, um, a lot of common assumptions about iodine.

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I bet.

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So where do we start?

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Well, this deep dive is all about the iodine project led by Dr.

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Guy E Abraham.

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Okay.

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He was a former professor at UCLA.

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Wow.

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And a real pioneer in hormone research.

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So hormone research, iodine, what's the connection?

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Well, his research, um, kind of takes us on this journey through the history of

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iodine in medicine, revealing just how dramatically our perspectives on it have

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shifted over the last century.

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Interesting.

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I'm ready for a history lesson.

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Okay.

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So get this back in the early 1900s, doctors were prescribing iodine in much

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higher doses than, uh, what's considered normal today.

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Really?

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Yeah.

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They were using this solution called Lugol's.

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Lugol's solution.

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I've heard of that.

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Yeah.

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It contained like 12.5 to 37.5 milligrams of elemental iodine daily.

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Wow.

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That's, uh, way more than what's in iodized salt.

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Right.

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It sounds like they weren't too worried about, um, toxicity back then.

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I guess not.

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So what changed?

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Well, as we moved into like the latter half of the 20th century, concerns about

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iodine toxicity started to kind of emerge.

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Okay.

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Partly due to adverse reactions to, um, some iodine containing drugs.

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Like what?

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Like, um, those used for medical imaging.

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Ah, I guess.

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So this, this fear of iodine, what Dr.

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Abraham calls medical iodophobia.

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Iodophobia.

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Yeah.

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Led to a significant decrease in the use of Lugol's solution.

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So basically we went from high doses to being afraid of it.

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Yeah, pretty much.

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But hold on.

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If people in the past were taking so much iodine and, you know, think about the

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Japanese today, they consume way more than we do in the West.

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Right.

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Right.

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So shouldn't we be questioning whether our current recommendations are actually

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enough for, you know, optimal health?

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That's exactly the question that Dr.

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Abraham set out to answer with the iodine project.

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The iodine project.

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Okay.

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He was really intrigued by the fact that, uh, the Japanese, they consume an average

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of 13.8 milligrams of iodine daily.

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Wow.

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With, uh, no apparent ill effects.

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And they consistently rank, you know, among the healthiest populations worldwide.

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So they're doing something right.

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Right.

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So how did he go about investigating this?

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What did he do?

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Well, he developed an iodine loading test using, um, Lugol's solution, but in tablet

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form.

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So you can take it like a pill.

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Yeah.

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A brand called Iodorol.

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Iodoral.

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Got it.

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To determine individual iodine needs.

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So it's not a one size fits all thing.

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Right.

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And this test basically measures how much iodine your body excretes after you take a

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specific dose.

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Okay.

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And what did he find?

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Well, his findings suggest that, um, achieving what he calls whole body iodine

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sufficiency might require much higher amounts than what's typically recommended.

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Whole body iodine sufficiency.

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Interesting term.

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And that this sufficiency, this whole body sufficiency could have some, um, pretty

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surprising benefits.

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Okay.

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Now I'm really curious.

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We got to talk about those benefits.

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Definitely.

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But first we need to understand this fascinating phenomenon, um, discovered by

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Dr. Wolf. It's called the Wolf-Chykoff Effect.

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The Wolf-Chykoff Effect.

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Yeah.

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His research initially observed that, uh, high levels of iodine could actually, like,

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temporarily block thyroid hormone production in rats.

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Oh, so too much iodine is bad.

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Well, that's what a lot of people initially thought.

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But here's, here's the key.

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Even though those rats, they experienced a temporary block in hormone production,

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they didn't actually develop hypothyroidism.

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So they were fine.

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Their bodies adapted.

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And their thyroid function eventually returned to normal.

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So their systems were able to like adjust.

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Exactly.

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So how does this relate to Dr. Abraham's work?

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Yeah.

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Good question.

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Well, Dr. Abraham argued that the Wolf-Chykoff Effect, rather than being a sign of danger,

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is actually a protective mechanism.

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It's like a safety valve.

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Yeah.

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Like a safety valve.

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It prevents the thyroid from being overwhelmed by, uh, you know, sudden surges in iodine.

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Okay.

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And he pointed to the Japanese population as evidence that, uh, humans can adapt to

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much higher iodine intakes than, uh, previously believed.

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That makes sense.

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Our bodies are pretty good at adapting.

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They are.

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So getting back to those surprising benefits, what did Dr. Abraham find?

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Let's hear it.

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His research suggests that sufficient iodine levels might be linked to a whole range of

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positive effects.

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Like what?

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Beyond just healthy thyroid function.

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Okay.

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We're talking things like improved mental clarity, increased energy levels, better

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temperature regulation.

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Interesting.

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And even, um, potential weight loss and improvements in body composition.

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Wow.

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That's, uh, quite a list.

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So you're saying that something as simple as like ensuring enough iodine could impact

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our wellbeing in all those ways.

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That's what Dr. Abraham's research suggests.

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Wow.

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What else?

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He also found potential benefits for conditions like fibrocystic breast disease and

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polycystic ovary syndrome.

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Okay.

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And even saw improvements in some patients with diabetes and hypertension after they

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achieved iodine sufficiency.

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So iodine is kind of a big deal.

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It seems like it.

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But, um, if we're talking about higher doses than what's, you know, typically

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recommended, how do we know if we're getting enough?

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That's where the iodine loading test comes in.

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Right.

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The test.

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Dr. Abraham emphasized the importance of individualizing iodine supplementation based

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on this test because our needs can vary greatly.

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But isn't testing for iodine levels pretty straightforward?

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You would think, right?

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Just a simple urine test.

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Well, not as simple as you might think.

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Really?

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Dr. Abraham actually faced quite a few obstacles in accurately measuring iodine levels.

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Oh, what kind of obstacle?

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Well, a lot of labs weren't equipped to measure the higher levels of iodine seen in

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those who are, you know, truly iodine sufficient.

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Oh, he found that standard urine tests often weren't, um, sensitive enough to

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provide a clear picture.

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So what did he do?

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He developed a specialized lab technique.

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Of course he did.

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This guy sounds brilliant.

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Yeah.

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To ensure accurate readings going above and beyond to really understand, you know,

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the nuances of iodine and its impact on our health.

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Very impressive.

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So we've got the iodine loading tests to figure out how much we need.

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And it seems like we might need more than what's currently recommended.

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Right.

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But is there anything that could be, you know, preventing us from absorbable?

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Preventing us from absorbing and using iodine properly?

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No, you're thinking like a true deep diver.

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That brings us to another fascinating aspect of Dr. Abraham's research.

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Goitrogens.

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Goitrogens.

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Those are.

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Goitrogens are substances that can interfere with iodine uptake.

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Like they block it.

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Yeah.

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Think of them as iodine blockers.

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Okay.

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Dr. Abraham found that many of his patients actually started excreting higher

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levels of goitrogens like fluoride and bromide after taking iodine supplements.

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Oh, that's interesting.

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Yeah.

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So it's like a two pronged approach.

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Get enough iodine.

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Right.

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And reduce the things that block its absorption.

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Got it.

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So is there more?

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Yeah.

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This leads us to perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Dr. Abraham's work.

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Okay.

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Lay it on me.

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What else did he find?

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He found that iodine might be crucial, not just for producing thyroid hormones,

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right.

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But also for how our bodies respond to them.

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Oh, I'm curious about that.

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Can you expand on that a little?

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He found that iodine may play a crucial role in the actual structure and function

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of thyroid hormone receptors.

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Meaning it might help our cells properly use the thyroid hormones that our

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bodies produce.

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So it's not just about having enough of the hormone, but also having the right

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environment for those hormones to do their job.

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And iodine helps create that environment.

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Precisely.

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And this has major implications for understanding how iodine deficiency could

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be affecting us in ways we never realized before.

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Wow.

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We've covered a lot of ground here.

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This has been a really insightful deep dive so far.

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It seems like there's so much more to iodine than meets the eye.

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I'm definitely rethinking what I thought I knew about iodine.

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It's like a whole new world is opening up.

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I know, me too.

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Welcome back to our deep dive into the world of iodine.

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You know, before we were talking about how iodine might be crucial, not just

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for producing those thyroid hormones, but also for how our bodies respond to them.

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Right.

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And one compelling example of this is the research that linked low iodine intake

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during pregnancy to an increased risk of ADHD and offspring.

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Oh, wow.

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Yeah.

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While the exact mechanisms are still being studied, this suggests that even if a

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mother's thyroid hormone levels are normal, her child's developing brain might not be

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able to properly use those hormones if there's not enough iodine.

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That's pretty alarming.

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It really highlights the importance of adequate iodine, especially during those

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crucial stages of development.

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Absolutely.

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And this is where Dr.

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Abraham's concept of whole body iodine sufficiency comes into play.

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You've mentioned that before, but I have to admit I'm still a bit fuzzy on what it

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actually means.

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It sounds like it goes beyond just having a healthy thyroid.

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You're right.

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It's this idea that every single cell in your body needs iodine to function optimally.

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Okay.

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Think of it like this.

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Your thyroid gland is like a factory that produces thyroid hormones.

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Okay.

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But those hormones, they need to be delivered and utilized throughout the entire body.

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So iodine is involved in like both the production and the delivery system.

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Precisely.

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And Dr.

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Abraham's research suggests that achieving this whole body sufficiency often requires

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much higher doses of iodine than what's currently recommended.

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We're talking about those levels doctors were prescribing in the early 1900s again.

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Yes, exactly.

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And his research indicates that those higher doses in the range of 12.5 to 50 milligrams

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daily can be safely tolerated by most people.

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But what about those concerns about iodine toxicity that we talked about earlier?

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Wouldn't such high doses be, you know, dangerous?

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That's a common misconception.

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While it's true that extremely high doses of iodine can be harmful, Dr.

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Abraham's research, along with historical data, suggests that those levels he was working

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with are actually within a safe and potentially beneficial range.

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Remember, our bodies have evolved to utilize iodine and there are built in mechanisms like

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the Wolff-Chaykoff effect to help, you know, regulate our intake.

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So it's all about finding that sweet spot.

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Enough iodine to support whole body sufficiency.

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Right.

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But not so much that it overwhelms our system.

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It seems like a delicate balance.

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It is.

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And that's why individualized testing, like the iodine loading test Dr.

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Abraham developed, is so important.

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It helps determine the right dosage for each person.

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OK, that makes sense.

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But you mentioned that some people struggle to reach sufficiency even when they supplement

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with iodine.

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What's going on there?

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That's another fascinating piece of the puzzle.

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Dr.

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Abraham observed that some individuals excreted iodine in their body.

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They excreted very high levels of iodine in their urine even before they started

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supplementing.

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So you would think they were getting enough, right?

293
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Exactly.

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But here's the interesting part.

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Despite excreting a lot of iodine, their blood tests showed signs of deficiency.

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How is that possible?

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It's like, you know, having a full pantry but still being hungry.

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It's a great analogy.

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And it led Dr.

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Abraham to theorize that these individuals might have a problem with their iodine transport

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system.

302
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Basically, their bodies weren't efficiently moving iodine from the bloodstream into the

303
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cells where it's needed.

304
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So even if they're taking in enough iodine, it's not getting to where it needs to go.

305
00:11:55,840 --> 00:11:56,560
Precisely.

306
00:11:56,680 --> 00:12:00,440
And this could be why some people don't experience the full benefits of iodine

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supplementation, even at higher doses.

308
00:12:02,640 --> 00:12:03,240
Wow.

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00:12:03,560 --> 00:12:06,520
So there's even more complexity to this than we initially thought.

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It seems like iodine sufficiency isn't just about how much you take in, but also about

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how well your body can absorb and utilize it.

312
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Exactly.

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And this highlights why a personalized approach is so crucial.

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You know, it's amazing how much one researcher's dedication can unveil.

315
00:12:23,920 --> 00:12:25,200
But I'm curious, if Dr.

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00:12:25,200 --> 00:12:30,440
Abraham's work was so groundbreaking, why hasn't it been more widely embraced by the

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00:12:30,440 --> 00:12:31,400
medical community?

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00:12:31,680 --> 00:12:32,800
That's a great question.

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Unfortunately, it often takes time for new scientific discoveries to be fully accepted,

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especially when they challenge long held beliefs.

321
00:12:42,040 --> 00:12:44,840
Remember that medical iotophobia we talked about?

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00:12:44,840 --> 00:12:45,120
Right.

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That fear of iodine that stemmed from concerns about toxicity.

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00:12:48,640 --> 00:12:51,880
Well, that fear is still prevalent in many medical circles.

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Some doctors, they remain skeptical about the safety and efficacy of higher dose iodine

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00:12:57,240 --> 00:12:58,280
supplementation.

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00:12:58,480 --> 00:13:01,080
So it's a case of like old habits dying hard.

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00:13:01,240 --> 00:13:02,440
In a way, yes.

329
00:13:02,520 --> 00:13:05,880
But it's important to remember that science is always evolving.

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New research is constantly emerging.

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And sometimes it takes a while for those findings to, you know, trickle down to mainstream

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medical practice.

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That's true.

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And thankfully, there are always those pioneering individuals like Dr.

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Abraham, who aren't afraid to question conventional wisdom and push the boundaries of

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00:13:21,480 --> 00:13:21,920
knowledge.

337
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Absolutely.

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And his work has certainly paved the way for further exploration into the true potential

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of iodine.

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00:13:28,400 --> 00:13:32,120
Speaking of exploration, I remember you mentioning something about interohepatic

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00:13:32,120 --> 00:13:33,840
circulation of iodine earlier.

342
00:13:34,160 --> 00:13:36,120
I have to admit that one went over my head.

343
00:13:36,120 --> 00:13:37,440
What exactly is that?

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00:13:37,680 --> 00:13:38,320
It's a bit.

345
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It's a bit complex, but I'll try to explain it in a way that makes sense.

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OK.

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You see, Dr. Abraham didn't stop at just measuring iodine levels in urine.

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00:13:47,520 --> 00:13:52,520
He also looked at what happened to iodine after people took iodoril, that tablet form

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of Lugol's solution.

350
00:13:53,760 --> 00:13:54,760
And what did he find?

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He noticed something interesting.

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00:13:56,800 --> 00:14:01,960
After people took iodoril, he observed two distinct peaks in their serum iodide levels.

353
00:14:01,960 --> 00:14:02,560
OK, hold on.

354
00:14:02,560 --> 00:14:04,040
What are serum iodide levels?

355
00:14:04,040 --> 00:14:07,040
Serum is the liquid part of your blood.

356
00:14:07,040 --> 00:14:07,240
OK.

357
00:14:07,440 --> 00:14:10,640
And iodide is the form of iodine that your body uses.

358
00:14:11,040 --> 00:14:17,640
So serum iodide levels are basically a measure of how much usable iodine is circulating

359
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in your bloodstream.

360
00:14:18,440 --> 00:14:18,840
Got it.

361
00:14:18,840 --> 00:14:20,440
So there were two peaks in those levels.

362
00:14:20,440 --> 00:14:20,640
Right.

363
00:14:20,640 --> 00:14:21,240
What did that mean?

364
00:14:21,640 --> 00:14:26,040
The first peak occurred a few hours after taking iodoril, which is what you'd expect

365
00:14:26,040 --> 00:14:29,440
as the iodine gets absorbed from the digestive system.

366
00:14:29,440 --> 00:14:29,640
OK.

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00:14:29,640 --> 00:14:33,840
But then there was a second peak several hours later.

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00:14:33,840 --> 00:14:34,240
Interesting.

369
00:14:34,240 --> 00:14:36,440
So where was that second surge of iodine coming from?

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00:14:36,440 --> 00:14:43,640
Dr. Abraham concluded that some of the iodine that had been absorbed was being released

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00:14:43,640 --> 00:14:45,640
from the liver back into the intestines.

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00:14:45,640 --> 00:14:45,840
Quite.

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Where it was then reabsorbed into the bloodstream.

374
00:14:48,240 --> 00:14:50,640
It's like a recycling process for iodine.

375
00:14:50,640 --> 00:14:52,240
So it's not a one way street.

376
00:14:52,240 --> 00:14:52,440
Right.

377
00:14:52,440 --> 00:14:56,840
Iodine can be absorbed, go to the liver, get released back into the intestines, and then

378
00:14:56,840 --> 00:14:57,640
get reabsorbed.

379
00:14:57,640 --> 00:14:58,040
Exactly.

380
00:14:58,040 --> 00:15:00,440
It's called enterohepatic circulation.

381
00:15:00,440 --> 00:15:07,640
And this discovery, it challenges the traditional view that iodine is simply absorbed and then

382
00:15:07,640 --> 00:15:08,240
excreted.

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00:15:08,240 --> 00:15:10,840
So our bodies are actually pretty clever at conserving iodine.

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00:15:10,840 --> 00:15:11,640
They are.

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00:15:11,640 --> 00:15:18,240
And this enterohepatic circulation likely plays a role in regulating iodine levels over

386
00:15:18,240 --> 00:15:22,640
time, ensuring that we have a steady supply available.

387
00:15:22,640 --> 00:15:28,240
It also suggests that simply measuring iodine in urine might not give us a complete picture.

388
00:15:28,240 --> 00:15:32,240
Like trying to understand a river's flow by just looking at one point along the bank.

389
00:15:32,240 --> 00:15:32,440
Right.

390
00:15:32,440 --> 00:15:34,240
You need to see the bigger picture.

391
00:15:34,240 --> 00:15:34,840
Exactly.

392
00:15:34,840 --> 00:15:39,840
And this brings us back to the importance of whole body iodine sufficiency.

393
00:15:39,840 --> 00:15:45,240
It's not just about getting enough iodine into your system, but also about ensuring

394
00:15:45,240 --> 00:15:48,240
that it's circulating effectively and reaching all the cells that need it.

395
00:15:48,240 --> 00:15:52,840
This has been a truly eye-opening deep dive.

396
00:15:52,840 --> 00:15:56,440
It seems like the more we learn about iodine, the more fascinating it becomes.

397
00:15:56,440 --> 00:15:57,240
I couldn't agree more.

398
00:15:57,240 --> 00:16:02,240
We've only just scratched the surface of Dr. Abraham's research and the broader implications

399
00:16:02,240 --> 00:16:03,840
of iodine sufficiency.

400
00:16:03,840 --> 00:16:10,640
We've uncovered so much about this essential element from its historical uses to the shift

401
00:16:10,640 --> 00:16:16,240
in medical perspectives to Dr. Abraham's groundbreaking research on iodine sufficiency.

402
00:16:16,240 --> 00:16:17,040
Yeah, we have.

403
00:16:17,040 --> 00:16:20,240
We've explored some really fascinating concepts like the Wolff-Tchaikov effect.

404
00:16:20,240 --> 00:16:20,440
Right.

405
00:16:20,440 --> 00:16:21,440
Enteropathic circulation.

406
00:16:21,440 --> 00:16:22,040
Oh, yeah.

407
00:16:22,040 --> 00:16:23,040
Enteropathic circulation.

408
00:16:23,040 --> 00:16:26,240
And the possibility of iodine transport issues.

409
00:16:26,240 --> 00:16:26,640
Right.

410
00:16:26,640 --> 00:16:33,640
It's clear that iodine plays a much more complex and nuanced role in our health than many people

411
00:16:33,640 --> 00:16:34,240
realize.

412
00:16:34,240 --> 00:16:34,640
Absolutely.

413
00:16:34,640 --> 00:16:39,440
You know what really stands out to me is this idea that iodine is essential not only for

414
00:16:39,440 --> 00:16:41,040
producing those thyroid hormones.

415
00:16:41,040 --> 00:16:41,240
Right.

416
00:16:41,240 --> 00:16:44,840
But also for how our bodies actually respond to those hormones.

417
00:16:44,840 --> 00:16:46,040
That's a crucial point.

418
00:16:46,040 --> 00:16:47,040
It is.

419
00:16:47,040 --> 00:16:50,040
It really highlights why iodine is so important for overall well-being.

420
00:16:50,040 --> 00:16:55,040
You know, extending its influence to every cell in our bodies that relies on those thyroid

421
00:16:55,040 --> 00:16:55,640
hormones.

422
00:16:55,640 --> 00:16:56,040
Exactly.

423
00:16:56,040 --> 00:17:02,440
We were discussing how iodine might even play a role in the structure and function of those

424
00:17:02,440 --> 00:17:04,040
thyroid hormone receptors.

425
00:17:04,040 --> 00:17:08,040
So it's like iodine is not just a building block for the hormones themselves.

426
00:17:08,040 --> 00:17:08,440
Right.

427
00:17:08,440 --> 00:17:14,040
But also kind of like a key that unlocks the door for those hormones to enter our cells

428
00:17:14,040 --> 00:17:16,040
and do their job.

429
00:17:16,040 --> 00:17:17,040
That's a great analogy.

430
00:17:17,040 --> 00:17:22,040
It underscores why iodine deficiency can have such wide-ranging effects.

431
00:17:22,040 --> 00:17:26,040
Even if someone has, you know, normal thyroid hormone levels, their cells might not be able

432
00:17:26,040 --> 00:17:30,040
to utilize those hormones effectively if they're lacking sufficient iodine.

433
00:17:30,040 --> 00:17:31,040
Exactly.

434
00:17:31,040 --> 00:17:35,040
This whole deep dive has really challenged my assumptions about iodine.

435
00:17:35,040 --> 00:17:39,040
I used to think of it as, you know, simply that stuff in salt that prevents goiter.

436
00:17:39,040 --> 00:17:40,040
Right.

437
00:17:40,040 --> 00:17:42,040
But it's clearly so much more than that.

438
00:17:42,040 --> 00:17:44,040
It certainly is.

439
00:17:44,040 --> 00:17:49,040
And Dr. Abraham's work, along with, you know, a growing body of research, is slowly changing

440
00:17:49,040 --> 00:17:50,040
that perception.

441
00:17:50,040 --> 00:17:52,040
It's exciting to think about the possibilities.

442
00:17:52,040 --> 00:17:53,040
Yeah.

443
00:17:53,040 --> 00:18:00,040
If iodine truly plays such a broad role in our health, could some of the health issues

444
00:18:00,040 --> 00:18:04,040
we face today, could they be linked to subtle iodine deficiency?

445
00:18:04,040 --> 00:18:06,040
That's a question researchers are actively exploring.

446
00:18:06,040 --> 00:18:11,040
There's growing evidence suggesting that iodine deficiency might be more widespread.

447
00:18:11,040 --> 00:18:15,040
It might be more widespread than previously thought, even in developed countries.

448
00:18:15,040 --> 00:18:20,040
That makes you wonder, what would happen if we, you know, like the Japanese, embraced

449
00:18:20,040 --> 00:18:22,040
a higher iodine diet?

450
00:18:22,040 --> 00:18:27,040
Could we potentially see improvements in our overall health and well-being?

451
00:18:27,040 --> 00:18:31,040
Those are important questions that deserve further investigation.

452
00:18:31,040 --> 00:18:35,040
Dr. Abraham's work provides a compelling foundation for exploring the true potential

453
00:18:35,040 --> 00:18:36,040
of iodine.

454
00:18:36,040 --> 00:18:40,040
But as with any scientific endeavor, more research is needed to confirm these findings

455
00:18:40,040 --> 00:18:44,040
and determine the optimal approach to iodine supplementation.

456
00:18:44,040 --> 00:18:49,040
It seems like we've only just begun to scratch the surface of this fascinating topic.

457
00:18:49,040 --> 00:18:50,040
I couldn't agree more.

458
00:18:50,040 --> 00:18:54,040
There's so much more to discover about the role of iodine in human health.

459
00:18:54,040 --> 00:18:59,040
And Dr. Abraham's legacy of research will undoubtedly continue to inspire scientists

460
00:18:59,040 --> 00:19:02,040
and healthcare practitioners for years to come.

461
00:19:02,040 --> 00:19:06,040
Well, on that note, I think we've reached the end of our deep dive into the world of iodine.

462
00:19:06,040 --> 00:19:07,040
Wow.

463
00:19:07,040 --> 00:19:11,040
It's been an incredible journey full of surprising twists and turns.

464
00:19:11,040 --> 00:19:14,040
What are your final thoughts for our listeners today?

465
00:19:14,040 --> 00:19:20,040
I'd say this deep dive has hopefully sparked your curiosity about this often overlooked

466
00:19:20,040 --> 00:19:24,040
element and its potential impact on your health.

467
00:19:24,040 --> 00:19:29,040
If you're intrigued by what you heard today, I encourage you to explore Dr. Abraham's work further.

468
00:19:29,040 --> 00:19:33,040
Keep in mind that individual needs for iodine can vary greatly.

469
00:19:33,040 --> 00:19:38,040
And it's always a good idea to consult with a knowledgeable healthcare professional to determine what's best for you.

470
00:19:38,040 --> 00:19:41,040
Great advice. Thank you for joining us on this deep dive.

471
00:19:41,040 --> 00:19:45,040
Until next time, keep exploring, keep learning, and keep questioning.

472
00:19:45,040 --> 00:19:52,040
And remember, the world is full of hidden wonders, sometimes in the most unexpected places,

473
00:19:52,040 --> 00:19:54,040
like the humble element iodine.

474
00:19:54,040 --> 00:20:04,040
With that, I'll see you next time.