Graves'/Hashimoto's Disease & the Inadvisability of Thyroid Radiation Treatment or Radioactive Iodine Treatment (April 6, 2012)

Graves'/Hashimoto's Disease & the Inadvisability of Thyroid Radiation Treatment or Radioactive Iodine Treatment

http://educate-yourself.org/lte/gravesdisease06apr12.shtml
April 6, 2012

Graves'/Hashimoto's Disease & the Inadvisability of Thyroid Radiation Treatment or Radioactive Iodine Treatment (April 6, 2012)

Subject: graves disease
From: Dunni
Date: Fri, April 6, 2012
To: Ken Adachi

Hello,

I have been reading everything I can from this website. It seams to be one of the most organized ones and I was hoping that you might be able to help me out?

My friend has Graves' disease brougt on by too much radiation from the x-rays they've given her and it stored in her thyroid. I was hoping you might have a better treatment because the one she is on is basically ruining her life. She's always dizzy and sick, weak, putting on weight and she's about to go into surgery where they will take it out and she'll have to be on pills for the rest of her life.

Please respond

Dunni

***

Hello Dunni,

It's a terrible mistake to use X-ray radiation or radioactive iodine to treat any thyroid condition. It's the sort of stupidity you would expect in the Middle Ages, but not in the 21st century. There is nothing healthful or beneficial to be derived from using ionizing radiation to treat the human body for any reason. It's damaging to the body and destructive to the immune system. It breaks DNA and causes cancer. Yes, you see short term symptomatic changes and the APPEARANCE of improvement and relief from symptoms, but it's illusory and short lived. Tell your friend to say goodbye to the radiation doctors and to never go back to see them again.

Try to convince her to not have her thyroid removed right now and to look into the material presented below for treatment of her condition.

She also needs to detoxify her body from the radiation damage that she's already been subjected to. You will find much more useful information on how to treat her thyroid condition from the information seen below. It's an excerpt on Grave's disease from Dr. David Brownstein's 2009 book on iodine called: Iodine, Why You Need It; Why You Can't Live Without It.

You will see from the information below that there is a close connection between Graves' disease and Hashimoto's disease, both autoimmune diseases and both connected to iodine deficiency and displacement by bromine and fluoride (and even chloride from toxic perchlorate molecules). The cause for either Graves' disease or Hashimoto's is supposedly unknown, but the cause is not necessarily unknown to everyone; only to the sort of doctors who treat thyroid problems with radiation and radioactive iodine.

Dr. Brownstein reports that 96% of the American population is deficient in iodine and that deficiency has much more to do with the onset of thyroid problems than the lack of radioactive iodine or ionizing radiation applied to the thyroid gland. Read and study this information carefully. You will discover what you have to do from the information presented below. I might add that the ingestion of any form of bromine or fluoride (fluorine) is very damaging to the thyroid gland in particular and has no place in the human body. We get bromine from a wide spectrum of unsuspected sources such as bromilated bread, some carbonated drinks, fumigants used on crops or termites, anti-bacterial agents used in pools and hot tubs, as well as many prescription medicines contain bromine. Fluoride comes from tap water, toothpaste, and even non stick cooking utensils. By taking the iodine supplements discussed below, you can push the bromine and fluoride out of your thyroid gland and excrete it through the urine.

This information is just intended to get you started. You need to buy the book and study the material thoroughly.

Regards, Ken

{Excepted from Iodine, Why You Need It ; Why You Can't Live Withut It (4th Edition) by Dr. David Brownstein)

GRAVES' AND HASHIMOTO'S DISEASE

Graves' disease is an autoimmune illness whereby the thyroid gland is attacked by the body's antibodies. This causes an inflammation and swelling of the thyroid gland. Hyperthyroidism, (an overactive metabolic state) is common in Graves' disease.

Graves' disease occurs in 0.25-1% of the population and the number of individuals diagnosed with Graves' disease is increasing. Graves' is more common in females and usually occurs in middle age. In conventional medicine, there is no known cause of Graves' disease. Some causative factors reported in the literature include a genetic predisposition, infections, and stress.

Hashimoto's disease is also an autoimmune illness where the body produces Antithyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO) that cause an inflammation of the thyroid gland. Goiter is a common occurrence with Hashimoto's disease. Frequently, hypothyroidism is the end result of long-standing Hashimoto's disease.

Hashimoto's disease is more prevalent than Graves' disease, occurring in 0.1-5% of the population. The incidence of Hashimoto's disease is rising rapidly. In conventional medicine, there is no known cause of Hashimoto's disease, and the causative factors are similar to those reported above for Graves' disease.

The rising incidence of Hashimoto's and Graves' disease correlates with falling iodine levels. I believe the increase in both Hashimoto's and Graves' disease, occurring at near epidemic rates, is due in large part to iodine deficiency.

Researchers in Europe reported on the incidence of hyperthyroidism in two areas of Denmark (Aalborg and Copenhagen). The two areas were chosen because Aalborg had slightly lower iodine levels (53ug/L- measured on urinary excretion) as compared to Copenhagen (68ug/L). The results are summarized below.

[Explanatory note from Ken Adachi: The two graphs seen below link the amount of iodine excreted (via urine) in micrograms per liter (ug/L), with the incidence of hyperthyroidism. Earlier in the book, it was explained that an iodine "loading test" involved taking 50 mg of Iodoral (the equivalent of the iodine/iodide mix found in Lugol's solution) and collecting the urine for the next 24 hours. The collected urine is then analyzed for the amount of excreted iodine it contains. If your bodily tissues are fully saturated with an adequate supply of iodine, the body will excrete over 90% of the iodine ingested with the Iodoral tablets. Thus, the iodine that is excreted in the 24 hour period is an indication of how well your body is supplied with iodine. If your body doesn't need the iodine, it will automatically excrete it. Therefore, the lower the amount of excreted iodine (from the loading test), the greater the deficiency of iodine in the body. The greater the deficiency of iodine, the higher the incidence of hyperthyroidism as shown by the lower graph.]

.] Iodine chart A

Iodine Chart B

For comparison to the Denmark results, the average iodide excretion in the U.S. is 145ug/L with over 12% of the U.S. population below 50 ug/L. In the U.S., 16.5% of women in their reproductive age have a remarkably low iodide excretion {below 50ug/L). The World Health Organization (WHO) claims iodide excretion below 50ug/L is classified as moderate/severe iodide deficiency.

If iodine caused autoimmune thyroid problems, you would expect the rate of hyperthyroidism to decline as iodine levels fall. That is just not the case. This study clearly shows that lowered iodine levels in Aalborg are associated with a 260% elevated incidence of autoimmune thyroid problems (hyperthyroidism) when compared to an area with slightly higher iodine levels- Copenhagen.

CONVENTIONAL APPROACHES TO AUTOIMMUNE THYROID DISEASE:

RADIOACTIVE IODINE

The conventional approach to treating autoimmune thyroid disorders revolves primarily around alleviating the symptoms of the autoimmune illness, mainly the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. This includes the use of antithyroid drugs (e.g., Propylthiouracil, Methimazole) that block the production of thyroid hormone. Other conventional treatments include surgery and radioactive iodine. Both of these destructive modalities work by reducing the volume of thyroid tissue. However, neither of these treatments addresses the underlying causative factor(s) of these illnesses. In fact, in conventional medicine, there is rarely a search for an underlying causative factor(s}. If you don't search for an underlying causative factor, then how can you formulate an effective treatment plan?

Radioactive iodine is the preferred method in conventional medicine for treating autoimmune thyroid disorders. In one of the most respected books on thyroid problems, radioactive iodine is reported as "effective, safe, and relatively inexpensive." Let's look at all three of these claims.

1. IS RADIOACTIVE IODINE EFFECTIVE?

If the goal of treating an autoimmune thyroid disorder is to destroy the thyroid gland, then yes, radioactive iodine is effective. It is well known that iodine is taken up by the thyroid gland. By using a radioactive form of iodine (1odine-131), the theory is that wherever the radioactive form of iodine binds, the radioactivity will destroy the surrounding cells. In the case of autoimmune thyroid disorders, the binding of the radioactive iodine to the thyroid gland will result in the destruction of thyroid tissue by the radioactive isotope.

If the cause of autoimmune thyroid disorders is too much thyroid tissue that needs to be destroyed, then the use of radioactive iodine could be considered effective. However, excess thyroid tissue is not the cause of autoimmune thyroid disorders is a consequence of the illness.

Radioactive iodine has never been considered a treatment which addresses the underlying cause of the illness. Radioactive iodine is solely a palliative treatment for the hyperthyroid symptoms of autoimmune thyroid problems. I believe there are more effective ways to treat autoimmune thyroid illnesses using natural items, which will be covered below.

2. IS RADIOACTIVE IODINE SAFE?

Not only will radioactive iodine bind to the thyroid gland destroying thyroid cells, it will also bind to other sites in the body besides the thyroid gland. It was established in Chapter 1 that iodine is present in all of the cells of the body. Radioactive iodine will be concentrated where iodine accumulates in the body, including the breasts in women. With breast cancer at epidemic rates (1/7 women), I don't believe a therapy should be used that may potentially increase this rate.

Researchers have reported a 400% increased incidence of death from thyroid cancer due to radioactive iodine. Furthermore, a nine year study of 2,793 patients who received radioactive iodine found:

1. 56% increase in mortality [death] for radioactive iodine treated hyperthyroid patients

2. 40% increased risk of stroke

3. 29% increased risk in mortality from cancer

To be fair, there are other articles pointing out no increase risk of illness after radioactive iodine therapy. However, common sense would dictate extreme caution with using radioactive iodine. I feel radioactive iodine therapy should be the last choice in any treatment program.

3. RADIOACTIVE IODINE: IS IT INEXPENSIVE?

The cost of radioactive iodine is approximately $3,000. Radioactive iodine is an expensive procedure that does not address the underlying cause of the illness. There are much better alternatives than radioactive iodine.

SEARCHING FOR AN UNDERLYING CAUSE OF AUTOIMMUNE THYROID PROBLEMS

In order to formulate an effective, safe, and inexpensive treatment for autoimmune thyroid problems, one must first search for an underlying cause of the illness. As I discussed in my book, Overcoming Thyroid Disorders 2nd Edition, the underlying cause(s) of autoimmune thyroid disorders can be varied. This can include infections, toxicities, food allergies (e.g., gluten intolerance), and nutritional imbalances. I believe that iodine deficiency may be an important factor in developing an autoimmune thyroid problem.

Tracy, 40-years-old, was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease ten years ago after the birth of her son. Her TSH [Thyroid Stimulating Hormone secreted by the pituitary galnd] elevated to 150mU/1 (normal O.2-4.7mU//) and she felt miserable. "I could not think clearly. I felt like my brain was in a fog. I would go to the store and not know why I, was there. I was also extremely fatigued", she said. She had symptoms of hyperthyroid and hypothyroid problems. "Sometimes my heart would start racing for no apparent reason. I was irritable and moody. J couldn't work out because I felt so poorly," she claimed. Tracy was placed on Synthroid [synthetic form of T4 thyroid hormone called levothyroxine] ". but felt no better. Although her laboratory tests improved and her TSH became normal, none of her symptoms improved.

When I began treating Tracy, I found an allergy to gluten. I placed her on a gluten-free diet that alleviated many of her symptoms. She was also given nutritional supplements to correct many vitamin and mineral imbalances. Tracy's thyroid medicotion was changed to a more natural thyroid prescription and she improved. "I felt much better. I could think more clearly. Most importantly, my energy came back," she said. When I investigated her iodine status, Tracy was found to be markedly iodine deficient. With the use of a combination of iodine/iodide she further improved. Tracy claimed, "when I started taking iodine, my energy improved. I was sleeping better and dreaming better. I tarted to lift weights and build muscle which I haven't been able to do in a long time. I cannot believe the positive changes that I have seen with the iodine." Tracy's iodine levels have improved with using a combination of iodine/iodide and she continues to supplement today.

Marlene, a 45-year-old adve,rtising executive, was diagnosed with Graves' disease one year ago. "I woke up one morning and my heart was beating very fast and I felt like I was on too much caffeine," she said. Marlene went to her physician who diagnosed her with Graves' disease. "I asked him what caused it, and he couldn't answer me. When he told me he wanted to treat me with radioactive iodine, I questioned him. I wasn't satisfied with his answers and I began to look at the alternatives." she said. Marlene was diagnosed with iodine deficiency (24% excretion on an Iodine loading test, while normal levels should be greater than 90%). She was also found to have multiple nutritional deficiencies and elevated mercury levels. I treated Marlene with iodine (Iodoral} as well as vitamins and minerals. In addition, a mercury detoxification plan was implemented. Furthermore, Marlene improved her diet, eliminating refined carbohydrates and drinking more water. After four weeks on this therapy, she noticed a dramatic improvement in her symptoms. "I was thrilled. All of the hyper symptoms resolved. I began to feel much better and even my energy level went up. People began asking me what I was doing, since they hought flooked so much better," she said. Marlene's case is not unique. Graves' disease can be treated effectively with a comprehensive holistic program.

My initial study on the iodine status of 24 patients (see Chapter 2) showed that 92% of those with Hashimoto's and Graves' disease also had iodine deficiency. Nearly everyone of these patients had dramatic improvements in their symptoms with the use of a combination of iodine/iodide to replace the body's deficit. Rarely do I see a negative side effect from the replacement of a natural form of iodine, and side effects are easily rectified with adjusting the dosage.

Inorganic, non-radioactive iodine (such as Lugol's solution or Iodoral) has been used to treat autoimmune thyroid problems for over 100 years. There are numerous reports in the literature citing the beneficial effects of iodine. In fact, iodine has been shown to reduce the hyperplasia and hypervascularity characteristic of Graves' disease. In cases of hyperthyroidism, milligram doses of iodine/iodide [Lugol's or Iodoral] were used effectively prior to thyroid surgery to decrease thyroid hormone blood levels and prevent thyroid storm (a complication of thyroid surgery).

There is a concern that the use of iodine in an autoimmune thyroid patient can exacerbate the symptoms of thyroid toxicosis. Sometimes this claim is made when the TSH (thyroid stimulation hormone) test elevates shortly after starting iodine therapy. However, after beginning iodine therapy it is common for the TSH test to elevate.

WHY DOES TSH INCREASE WHEN STARTING IODINE THERAPY?

One of the most frequent emails I receive from physicians and laypeople is their concern about TSH levels elevating after beginning iodine therapy. As previously mentioned, TSH is released by the pituitary gland to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormone.

Pituitary gland → TSH → Thyroid Gland → T4 → T3

However, TSH has another function besides stimulating thyroid hormone production. It also helps stimulate the body's production of the iodine transport cells (sodium-iodide symporter-NIS).17 18 Without adequate amounts of NIS, iodine would not be able to enter the cells and be utilized.

This concept is not hard to grasp. Let's take the example of a patient who is iodine deficient. This iodine-deficient patient's body does not require a large amount of NIS since there is little iodine that needs to be transported into the cells. However, when this individual begins to supplement with iodine, the extra iodine now needs to be transported into the cells. One way the body will accomplish this is to increase the production of TSH to stimulate more NIS.

My experience has shown an elevated TSH, without clinical signs of hypothyroidism (i.e., fatigue, hair loss, headaches, etc.) and normal T3 and T4 levels do not indicate a hypothyroid condition. On the contrary, this elevated TSH is the body's appropriate and necessary response to the initial ingestion of iodine. My experience has shown that TSH may remain elevated for up to 6 months before lowering to normal.

How much do TSH levels rise? The normal TSH level ranges from O.5-4.5mU/L. I have witnessed TSH levels rise 5--30mU/L for a period of time-sometimes up to six months-before falling back to the normal range. Remember, if there are no clinical symptoms of thyroid problems and T3 and T4 levels are normal, it is doubtful that TSH elevation is sign of hypothyroidism. In this case, TSH elevation is normal and expected.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I believe all individuals with a thyroid problem should have their iodine levels checked. If iodine levels are suboptimal, iodine replacement with the correct form of iodine should be instituted. My experience has clearly shown that the appropriate use of iodine in treating thyroid disorders, from hypothyroidism to Graves' and Hashimoto's disease, is not only safe, but effective and inexpensive. This is a holistic way to search for and treat an underlying cause of thyroid problems with a safe and natural agent. But, most importantly, people improve their condition without experiencing any serious adverse effects.

Clinical experience has shown that when iodine is added to a hypothyroid patient's regimen, it may become necessary to adjust their thyroid dosage. Approximately one-third of patients being treated for hypothyroidism will need to lower their dose of thyroid hormone when an iodine-deficient disorder is corrected. The other two-thirds of the people taking thyroid hormone can usually maintain their dosage of thyroid hormone. Also, patients with Graves' and Hashimoto's disease may have to adjust their thyroid medications.

Iodine replacement is not the only therapy for thyroid illness. Nutritional supplementation, detoxification, drinking adequate amounts of water and diet changes can also improve these conditions. For more information on a comprehensive holistic plan to treat thyroid disorders, I refer the reader to my book, Overcoming Thyroid Disorders, 2nd Edition.

The next three chapters will expand on the concept that deficiency of iodine is one of the major causes of autoimmune thyroid disorders. Remember, once you understand the cause of an illness, you can formulate an effective treatment plan. These chapters will identify the cause(s) of autoimmune thyroid illness

(authored by Dr. David Brownstein)

You can obtain this book at amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Iodine-need-cant-live-without/dp/B001URN3UG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333836863&sr=8-1

Related

Dr. Hulda Clark's Protocol for Treating Alzheimer's Disease, Including Zapping and Iodine Supplementation (April 6, 2012)
http://educate-yourself.org/lte/treatingalzheimersdisease06apr12.shtml

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All information posted on this web site is the opinion of the author and is provided for educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as medical advice. Only a licensed medical doctor can legally offer medical advice in the United States. Consult the healer of your choice for medical care and advice.