SubscribeorLogin

Letter-Sorochan

by , | Nov 1, 2012

Post Categories: Health Conditions | Integrative Medicine | Nutrition and Lifestyle

Iodine vs. Gut Microbes for Health

Fascinating new trends in biomedical research provide us with conflicting information in two health fields. On the one hand, the new field of neurogastroenterology, headed by Dr. Michael Gershon and his researchers, suggests that there is a link between bacteria in the gut and immunity, diseases and health.1 On the other hand, research supported by Dr. David Brownstein and others is also recognizing that humans are grossly deficient in iodine and need iodine supplementation to maintain cellular and glandular well-being.2

But doesn’t iodine kill bacteria in the gut? And thereby counter the benefits of the balance between bad and good bacteria in providing the benefits of good living bacteria in the gut? And if iodine destroys bacteria in the GI tract, as do chlorine and fluoride in drinking water, then is the speculation about neurogastroenterology in question? How can we balance out the benefits of both much-needed iodine and neurogastroenterology? It appears that we are trying to fix one health problem while creating another! 1,2

I have not been able to find information on these overlooked issue of iodine destroying gut bacteria.

What is your take on these issues?

Thank you for your help, and your response – or that of any interested readers – is most appreciated.

Respectfully,

Walter Sorochan, HSD, MPH, MSc, BPE

Emeritus Professor, San Diego State University

Notes

  1. Sorochan W. The immune–digestive system connection [online article]. http://www.freegrab.net/Immune%20Digestive%20System%20Connection.htm.

  2. Sorochan W. Iodine update: deficiencies & dosages: References [Web page]. http://www.freegrab.net/Iodine%20update.htm#section44.

Authors

Already Subscribed?

Log In

Search

Formatting updates are ongoing for older articles.

Author

David Brownstein, MD

Featured Articles

Where are your Clinical Trials?

It has proven to be difficult, if not impossible, to proceed to full-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for most of the natural methods that cannot be patented or otherwise monopolized. 

A Renewed Focus on Self-Help for Healing

As the producer of The Moss Report, the year leading up to the Covid-19 pandemic was filled with anticipation and excitement. We had invested years of hard work and significant resources into two major projects: our feature film, Immunotherapy: The Battle Within, and...

Issue Archives

Event Calendar

Events

Today

  • 2026 Association of Natural Health Conference

    Douglasville Conference Center Douglasville, GA, United States

    "From Practitioner to Leader: Clinical Excellence, Business Mastery & Sustainable Practice" Discover how clinical excellence, business mastery, and sustainable systems can help practitioners grow into confident leaders and build practices designed for long-term impact. Why Attend? Three days of learning, connection, and growth designed for every stage of your practice journey. Learn from Leading Voices Gain insights from top experts in natural health, holistic wellness, and functional medicine. Hands-On Learning Participate in in-depth workshops, real-world case studies, and interactive sessions you can apply immediately. Meaningful Networking Connect with like-minded professionals, students, and exhibitors who share your passion for natural health. Practical Tools & Approaches Explore new strategies and tools to elevate both your practice and your own health journey. Who Should Attend? This conference is built for a wide community of natural health professionals, educators, and advocates - wherever you are in your journey. Licensed & Clinical Practitioners Doctors, chiropractors, acupuncturists, naturopaths, and functional or integrative medicine practitioners looking to sharpen clinical skills and grow into stronger practice leaders. Allied Health Professionals Bio-feedback technicians and other allied practitioners seeking hands-on training and the latest tools in natural and holistic care. Educators & Students Natural health educators and students entering the […]

  • Food as Medicine Global 2026

    Virtual Event

    Join health professionals, farmers, food producers, researchers, educators, nonprofit leaders, chefs, policymakers, community organizers, food advocates, public health practitioners, nutritionists, and other changemakers as we convene to share knowledge, build partnerships, and explore new possibilities for improving health, strengthening communities, and creating more equitable and sustainable food systems. This year’s program features inspiring speakers and practical examples of collaboration at the intersection of food, health, social justice, and planetary well-being. Together, we’ll explore innovative approaches to Food as Medicine, community-led initiatives, nutrition, public health, regenerative agriculture, and equitable access to healthy food. Whether you work in health care, agriculture, food production, education, research, policy, or community development, you will discover new ideas, meaningful connections, and practical strategies to advance healthier, more resilient communities. Virtual  |  Join from anywhere in the world Check out the Program: https://tinyurl.com/Food-as-Medicine-for-All

  • The Midlife Women’s Health Summit: Evidence-Based Menopause Care in the Era of Longevity Medicine

    The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City 1250 S Hayes St, Arlington, VA, United States
    Hybrid Event

    Menopause Care in the Longevity Era Longevity medicine is everywhere right now. Supplements, protocols, influencer clinics, patients walking in with questions about interventions their doctors have never heard of. What's missing from most of it is the evidence. The Midlife Women's Health Summit is three days on what the research actually says about menopause care when you add a longevity lens. What works, what doesn't, what's being oversold, and what to tell the patient sitting in front of you. Co-chaired by Lisa Larkin, MD, FACP, MSCP, IF, Jen Gunter, MD, FRCS(C), FACOG, DABPM, ABPMR, and Lauren Streicher, MD, FACOG, MSCP; three of the clearest voices in women's health on separating data from marketing.

    $995 – $1299

Full Event Calendar

Submit Your Event

Related Posts

Exposure, Activity, Contribution: Reading Epstein-Barr Findings in the Individual Patient

Robert Lamberton, BSc, FNTP – Epstein-Barr virus accounts for roughly 2% of cancers worldwide, approaching 360,000 new cases and as many as 210,000 deaths each year, and about 95% of adults carry it. In the overwhelming majority, it causes nothing at all.

When a test for an agent is positive in nearly everyone, a positive test is not a finding. It is a background condition.

Read More

Nov 14, 2026

Before Gerson: The Forgotten Medical History of Coffee Enemas

By Scott Wilson – In 1875, Dr. J.P. Thomas wrote about using coffee enemas for opium and belladonna poisoning. He referred to cases going back to 1858 and 1859 and described coffee enemas as one of the ordinary means of treatment. That word “ordinary” stopped me. He wasn’t describing an experiment. He was describing something physicians already knew.

Read More

Nov 14, 2026

0 Comments

Submit a Comment