Both elements share right / left-sided cell receptors and are considered essential to human health. Tin (Sn)
is associated with Iodine (I) the same way as calcium is associated with magnesium, with tin supporting the
adrenals, and iodine supporting the thyroid. Both, Adrenals and the Thyroid affect cardiac functions, so
subsequently, low or high levels of tin and iodine can affect cardiac functions as well, whereby tin / adrenals
have some controlling effect on the left cardiac output, and iodine / thyroid have some controlling effect on the
right cardiac output.
Outside of heart disease (and diseases of heart-supporting organs), left-sided cardiac insufficiency may
result secondary to low adrenals, which in turn may be due to low tin (or other adrenal-supporting nutrients).
Right-sided cardiac insufficiency may result secondary to low thyroid, which in turn may be due to low iodine
(or other thyroid-supporting nutrients). In addition to tin and iodine, a number of other nutritional factors either
directly or indirectly affect the thyroid and adrenals (and subsequently cardiac functions), which include nickel,
cobalt, potassium, zinc, manganese, iron, bismuth, lithium, most B-vitamins..., and the amino acid tyrosine,
which in combination with iodine is manufactured into the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4), while selenium
affects T4 to T3 (triiodothyronine) conversion.
Fatigue and/or depression are common with Cardiac Insufficiency of both sides, however symptoms of insufficiency specific to the left side are generally more often breathing difficulties or asthma, and symptoms
specific to the right side are more commonly experienced as edema, particularly swelling of hands and feet.
In Canada and the US, Iodine Deficiency has not officially been a concern since the introduction of iodized
table salt, however for various reasons, one of them being that some people just don't use any extra table salt,
there are still many individuals who would benefit from supplementing iodine in addition to whatever amounts
they get from dietary sources. In fact, a lot of people who are routinely put on thyroid hormones for hypothyroid conditions could normalize their thyroid by simply supplementing extra iodine (and/or perhaps L-tyrosine),
instead of taking thyroid medications.
Vitamin B6 can be helpful for hypothyroidism when triggered by abnormal liver functions (which may be due to
high estrogen or drugs such as Tylenol, lithium, etc.), however the body seems to eventually adapt to whatever
amounts are supplemented, so in order to maintain normal thyroid activity with Vitamin B6, ever-increasing
amounts have to be taken. This of course becomes self-limiting, since magnesium levels (raised by Vitamin
B6 intake), and Vitamin B6 itself would become unreasonably high in the long run.
I routinely measure thyroid and iodine levels, so the most appropriate therapy is implemented, and any hyper-
thyroid conditions are caught in time as well, which could otherwise lead to heart or bone density problems.
I have tested individuals who have been ingesting as much as 6 mg (40x the RDA / RDI) of organic iodine for
longer periods of time, yet without experiencing any ill effects, so toxicity - at least for most people, and when
not using inorganic iodine - does not appear to be a major issue. However, too much iodine can trigger both,
hyperthyroidism, and in some cases hypothyroidism with all its undesirable consequences, while during
pregnancy, too much - just like too little iodine - can have adverse effects on the baby also. Supplementing
normal (RDA / RDI), or even lower amounts of iodine following long-standing iodine deficiency can trigger
hyperthyroidism in some instances.
Goiter can develop after consuming large amounts of goitrogenic foods that interfere with iodine uptake
and/or thyroid metabolism. These foods, known as "goitrogens," include Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes,
lima beans, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, rutabaga, cassava, and nitrate-rich food sources. In some parts
of the world, there are still cases emerging where children, as a result of ingesting large amounts of goitro-
genic foods, end up with mental retardation, which could have been prevented with iodine supplementation.
On a similar note, heavy, regular consumption of soy products, because of their phytoestrogenic properties,
can also have a significant (depressing) impact on thyroid functions.
With Fibrocystic Breast Disease, sufficient iodine intake is an important consideration, as is adequate
intake of Vitamin E and essential fatty acids (EFAs), however, caffeine sources such as tea, coffee, cola
drinks, chocolate... should be avoided, or eliminated completely.
For mild hyperthyroidism, PABA is usually helpful, and raising magnesium (if low) will at times help normalize
a slightly overactive thyroid as well. Some premenopausal or postmenopausal women will, as a result of
declining estrogen levels, become hyperthyroid. Most of these cases readily improve with estrogen therapy
(i.e. estriol, phytoestrogens), or with supplementing manganese and/or PABA, both of which have estrogenic
properties.
Although it is not an essential trace mineral, bromine is a fairly potent thyroid and iodine antagonist that works
well in humans and animals, and is indicated for more severe cases of hyperthyroidism (see also "Bromine").
Kelp is sometimes supplemented as a source of iodine, however it also contains bromine, whereby the
iodine / bromine ratio will ultimately determine its beneficial or adverse effect on someone's thyroid. Some
people develop an acne-like skin condition as a result of consuming iodine-containing foods, but the culprit
may well be bromine (which is usually present as well), and not necessarily the iodine.
See Acu-Cell "Tin - Health Effects" for details and research results about the Trace Element Tin.
Using Potassium Iodide tablets to protect from Nuclear Fallout
In the event of a radioactive material fallout following a nuclear disaster at a power plant, or a terrorist attack,
potassium iodide can to some extent protect the thyroid gland from developing cancer following exposure to
the radioactive isotopes of iodine (Iodine 131, or radioiodine), however it does not protect from other radio-
active material, such as contamination with plutonium, americium, or curium which can occur through inhala-
tion, ingestion, or contact with open wounds as a result of industrial accidents, or from terrorist attacks using
"dirty bombs." To increase the rate of elimination of these contaminants, the FDA (US) has approved the
two drugs pentetate calcium trisodium (Ca-DTPA), and pentetate zinc trisodium (Zn-DTPA) via injection.
Normally, the thyroid gets the iodine necessary to produce thyroxine from dietary sources such as seaweed,
seafood, shellfish, iodized salt, and some seeds and dairy, however after a nuclear fallout, large amounts of
of radioactive iodine become available for uptake, with the thyroid being unable to distinguish between radio-
active, and non-radioactive iodine. As a result, the thyroid will absorb and retain excessive amounts of radio-
iodine, with those suffering from hypothyroidism, or children, being adversely affected the most.
Fortunately, if enough potassium iodide (KI) or potassium Iodate (KIO3) are taken orally from 30 minutes
(a couple of hours according to some sources), to a day before being exposed to radioactive iodine, then the
thyroid is saturated enough to prevent radioactive iodine from being absorbed, and thus prevents the ensuing
damage to the thyroid gland which would otherwise result. The small amount (about 1%) of radioactive iodine
that may still be absorbed is eliminated through the kidneys. The standard 130 mg potassium iodide tablets
that are used for thyroid protection contain about 77% iodine, which is nearly 1000x the Recommended
Dietary Intake, or Dietary Reference Intake of iodine.
Please note: Dietary sources of iodine do not provide sufficient iodine to saturate the thyroid enough to
prevent radioactive iodine absorption. For instance, a teaspoon of iodized salt provides approximately 6 g
of salt, which contains only about 520 mcg (micrograms) of potassium iodide, so a 130 mg (milligram) tablet
of potassium iodide provides 250x more potassium iodide, while the use of sea salt would require 30x the
amount of iodized salt, which would make potassium iodide tablets 7500x stronger than sea salt. The same
applies to other dietary sources of iodine such as kelp, or seafood, where enormous amounts would have to
be consumed to (theoretically only) achieve a thyroid-protective effect.
It should also be mentioned that elemental (free) iodine, or tincture of iodine (which can be poisonous) is not
effective as a blocking agent to prevent thyroid damage, although there are claims that stronger solutions of
topical applications would work, which however has not been officially verified.
Additional FDA Patient Information
Use of 130 mg Potassium Iodide USP tablets for thyroid blocking:
Take potassium iodide tablets only when Public Health officials tell you. In a Radiation Emergency, radio-
active iodine could be released into the air. Potassium iodide (a form of iodine) can help protect you. If you
are told to take this drug, take it one time every 24 hours. Do not take it more often. More will not help you
and may increase the risk of side effects. You will probably be told not to take the drug for more than 10 days.
Warning:
Do not take Potassium Iodide if you know you are allergic to Iodine (see side effects below). Keep out
of the reach of children. In case of overdose or allergic reaction, contact a physician or public health authority.
Indications:
Thyroid blocking in a radiation emergency only.
Dose (US):
Adults and children one year of age or older: One 130 mg tablet once a day. Crush for small children.
Babies under one year of age: One-half 130 mg tablet once a day. Crush first.
Dose (WHO):
Adults: One 130 mg tablet once a day
Children age 3 - 18:One-half 130 mg tablet once a day (65 mg)*
Children under 3 years old:One-quarter 130 mg tablet once a day (32 mg)
Babies under 1 month old:One-eighth 130 mg tablet once a day (16 mg)
*heavier / larger teens should use 130 mg (adult-size) tablets.
Take for 10 days unless directed otherwise by state or local public health authorities. Store at controlled
room temperature between 15 to 30C (59 to 86 degrees F). Keep bottle tightly closed and protect from light.
You may take potassium iodide even if you are taking medicines for a thyroid problem (for example, a thyroid
hormone or anti-thyroid drug). Pregnant and nursing women and babies and children may also take this drug.
Side effects:
Usually, side effects of potassium iodide happen when people take higher doses for a long time. You should
be careful not to take more than the recommended dose or take it for longer than you are told. Side effects
are unlikely because of the low dose and the short time you will be taking the drug. Possible side effects
include skin rashes, swelling of the salivary glands, and "iodism" (metallic taste, burning mouth and throat,
sore teeth and gums, symptoms of a head cold, and sometimes stomach upset and diarrhea).
A few people have an allergic reaction with more serious symptoms. These could be fever, joint pains, or
swelling of parts of the face and body, and at times severe shortness of breath requiring immediate medical
attention. Taking potassium iodide may rarely cause overactivity of the thyroid gland, underactivity of the
thyroid gland, or enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter).
What to do if side effects occur:
If the side effects are severe or if you have an allergic reaction, stop taking potassium iodide. Then, if
possible, call a doctor or public health authority for instructions.
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