Iodine for infections

I think the problem with medicine in the US is everyone wants to go with the high-cost (high profit-margin) solution first, rather than start cheap ‘n simple and work one’s way to more expensive and complex treatments as the illness dictates. A little tincture on day 1 is entirely reasonable. The old ways may not have always worked in every situation, but they worked often enough to be of value. We’ve lost a lot of the “tribal knowledge” of simple DIY treatment options

I suppose that’s become the case with everything now: out-source it to an expert, medicine on down to oil changes, house cleaning, and even child rearing.

Getting back to iodine, I’ve wondered if it’s another chronically deficient nutrient in most people’s diets. If one looks as the amount of iodine the Japanese ingest from seafood and kelp, westerners are woefully inadequate. On the other hand, I’ve seen suggestions the Japanese have evolved the ability to handle their high iodine intakes. I have no idea on the truth of that, but it seems a reasonably possible thing to happen. I’ve also seen suggestions, though again never with solid substantiation, that too much iodine is bad. What I’ve settled on is supplementing the yogurt I make w/ for the family with some liquid potassium iodide. It works out to about an extra 50% of the RDA per person per day. Doubtful not enough to treat or create any kind of chronic condition, but should be plenty safe as a prophylaxsis.

Allan, thanks for the comment. Yes, the Japanese have a much higher intake of iodine than we do, and have lower rates of breast cancer, the breast being an organ that takes up a good amount of iodine. I’ve read lots of back and forth on this issue, and I do supplement myself with Lugol’s iodine. If you haven’t already read them, check out Dr. Guy Abraham’s extensive articles on iodine and its supplementation, for which he’s all in favor.

I’ve read some of the same things you have and bought some 2% Luguls. I’ve not seen any big difference but the fish and rat story makes me think, Hm…try it again.

Back in the ”dark ages”(1950s) alcohol and iodine were the common antiseptics for all practical purposes. Gentian violet and kerosene were also used for surface disinfectants less commonly. Iodine was the only one that could be ingested if greatly diluted, according to my grandmother who died in 1955.