Symptoms of bromide poisoning
Bromide poisoning can put you in a bad headspace with dark thoughts, depression, brain fog, and general exhaustion. Don’t we all do it, from time to time? Before we look into tonics, adaptogens, immune boosters, and smart drinks, let’s discuss some of the other symptoms of bromide poisoning. Bromide negatively affects neurodevelopment by dominating iodine receptors, leading to behavioral problems such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD and ADHD), schizophrenia, and unexplained headaches.
We treat these symptoms with Rtalin, painkillers and mind-altering drugs and expensive top drawer supplements. But do we recognize the underlying causal factors? Along with a deteriorated emotional and intellectual status quo, bromide poisoning can result in adult acne, canker sores, and a bad metallic taste in the mouth. Iodine also increases in direct proportion to bromide toxicity. Because fluoride also displaces iodine, modern “hygienic” mouthwashes only make it worse.
Bromide poisoning and thyroid problems
Elevated bromide levels have been implicated in all thyroid diseases, from simple hypothyroidism to autoimmune diseases and thyroid cancer. Bromide levels have been found to be 50 times higher in the thyroid tissue of thyroid cancer patients. By now we all know that iodine has something to do with thyroid function, and in many cases, all it takes is a little bit of iodine to correct hypothyroidism. But bromide competes with iodine and won’t give up so easily! Autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s and Graves’ disease will break out when the resident iodine stores have been wiped out by bromide. Initially adding iodine to the equation will make things worse as it will move the bromide into the bloodstream.
The battle of the halogens
Chlorine, fluoride, bromide, and iodine belong to a group of elements we call the halogens. They have a pecking order, and iodine is subject to displacement by the other three halogens in this family. Therefore, if chlorine, fluoride or bromide levels are too high, they usurp the iodine receptors. We experience familiar symptoms of iodine deficiency even when we fill up on kelp, shellfish, or Lugol’s iodine. The bromide bully interferes with our iodine stores. Chlorine and fluoride affect our thyroid glands and also displace iodine. We filter our water and use fluoride-free oral hygiene products, but inadvertently saturate ourselves with bromide.
Where does the bromide come from?
Where does the bromide come from? Bread! The staff of life, they call it. Before 1960, iodine was used as a dough improver, but this was later replaced with bromide. You will not see bromide listed on the packaging. All you see is a big fluffy slice of bread. You will ingest the bromide and it will compete with your iodine stores. The result will be a low iodine state. Research studies showed that when the baking industry used bromide instead of iodine, people became increasingly iodine deficient. A double whammy!
Other sources of bromide include all grains that are treated with the pesticide, methyl bromide. That includes meals, rice, beans, lentils, and other legumes. We don’t like to eat weevils, mold, fungus, or creepy crawlies in our food, so all too often methyl bromide is applied to them and we consume it. Some countries refuse to import such products but, for now, South Africa seems to be turning a blind eye, preferring the toxins to the “goggas”. Some of our dried fruits are also treated with bromide to maintain their shelf life. We also breathe bromide-rich vapors from chemically treated carpets, mattresses, and other household items.
Modern “medicine” and bromide vaccines
We know that mercury poisoning can be caused by vaccines, but who would want to get vaccinated with bromide? During the Gulf War, soldiers were inoculated with bromide. Some of them were completely unaware of what was happening, let alone the reason for the puncture. Emotionally, they broke down until the true cause was located. It wasn’t so much war-induced trauma as bromide poisoning! The bromine that invades the system is stored as bromine in the tissues and fat cells and this is a very dangerous substance. The antidote is iodine, but not without a toxic reaction. The protocol is demanding, because the bromide must be removed as soon as the iodine is taken.
Half a tablespoon of salt makes the bromide disappear!
Gulf War troops suffering from emotional problems were treated by orthomolecular doctors who guided them through an iodine-based detoxification protocol. To treat bromide poisoning, they were given a supervised iodine supplement. He was dogged with a good pinch of salt! Yes, salt contains chloride, another of the halogens that bromide expels. The salt loading technique is the brainchild of Dr. William Shevin. a natural form of salt is best to use. Half a teaspoon of sea salt was mixed with a cup of water for treatment. As soon as they experienced an adverse effect from taking the iodine dose, they drank the mixture. (Eating more salt doesn’t work the same.)
Over time, the iodine re-interacts with its own receptors, restoring full functionality once more. We don’t realize how iodine contributes to so many aspects of our physical and emotional well-being. Only when we lose it do we realize how bad we feel both emotionally and physically. A few drops of Lugol’s famous iodine won’t even the score until the bromide factor is addressed. So, take it with a pinch of salt!