• What exactly is Lugol's solution?
• Are Lugol's iodine and iodine the same substance?
• What is the function of iodine in our body?
• Why is Lugol's iodine not as beneficial as you might think?
• Why was Lugol's solution used in 1986 after the Chernobyl disaster?
• Other risks of taking Lugol's solution orally
• What is Lugol's solution used for?
• Summary

Many myths surround Lugol's solution and how it works. As almost all of us know, on April 26, 1986, a major disaster happened at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. This event is inseparable from, but not limited to, the massive consumption of this drug by Poles. Lugol's iodine was bought up and consumed en masse for fear of harmful radiation. It was also given away to children. In these uncertain times, the specter of nuclear catastrophe is returning like a boomerang. So the question arises, does it really make sense to use it? We will try to answer them in this article. We invite you to read

What exactly is Lugol's solution?

The origins of Lugol's solution go back to 1829. At that time it was developed by the doctor Jean Guillaume August Lugol and it owes its name to him. The Frenchman has been researching a stable iodine solution for a long time. In this case, however, it was potassium iodide and iodine itself that were dissolved in distilled water and additionally played a stabilizing role. Usually their concentration does not exceed 3%. It is very important that there are 2 types of this type of substance for sale. The first is Lugol's solution, which has not been previously purified. In the vast majority, it is he who is widely available in pharmacies and can be bought without a prescription. It has antiseptic properties and is suitable for use on the skin only after dilution with water. This makes it completely unsuitable for consumption and can even be harmful to your health! The second type of Lugol's solution is only available upon presentation of an appropriate document issued by a doctor. Its availability is much lower, but it is mainly intended for pharmacotherapy of all diseases of the thyroid gland. In addition, it has undergone appropriate purification, making it relatively safe to consume.

Are Lugol's iodine and iodine the same substance?

It seems that these two substances have a lot in common. The main difference between them is the solvent used. As already mentioned, this very important function is performed in Lugol's solution by distilled water. In the case of iodine, however, it is nothing more than ethyl alcohol, which is even found in spirits. In addition, thanks to the use of ethanol, the iodine concentration can be much higher, ranging from 3% to even 10%. This makes iodine much more invasive than Lugol's iodine. Due to the above fact, it is not intended for consumption in any form! We can only and exclusively apply it - externally. However, the internal use of iodine can lead to severe irritation of the mucous membranes, including the stomach, and even to severe iodine poisoning.

What is the function of iodine in our body?

The demonization of the effects of iodine is absolutely unfounded. After all, this chemical element performs many vital functions in our body.The most important include:

• Ensuring the right amount of hormones produced by the thyroid gland and their proper functioning
• Effects on the condition of the skin, but also to a lesser extent - hair and nails
• Ensuring proper brain function and maintaining cognitive functions
• contributes to maintaining normal cell metabolism
• Supporting the work of the entire nervous system

Why is Lugol's iodine not as beneficial as you might think?

Ingestion of Lugol's iodine is inherently correlated with an increased likelihood of exposure to harmful radiation. In 1986, this type of supplement was mass-purchased, but even this type of supplement was distributed in many medical institutions. The principle was simple. Attempts have been made to saturate the thyroid with iodine as much as possible so that it cannot absorb the radioactive iodine isotope 131. Let's add that this saturation should last about 10 days. Meanwhile, the half-life of this isotope is less than 8. There is some logic to this, but be aware that it is not a universal protection against all types of radiation. It is worth noting that in this type of nuclear reaction, a variety of radioactive substances are released, not just iodine-based ones. This is the first and not the only disadvantage of such a procedure. In addition, iodine itself is not absorbed very quickly. Therefore, after the hypothetical radioactive cloud reached our country, its application was not that important and could have many side effects. Finally, our thyroid is very sensitive to the level of iodine in the body. Therefore, it is relatively easy to overdose on it. This in turn can lead to an overactive thyroid or autoimmune thyroiditis. This state can be characterized by:

• swelling of the thyroid gland - the formation of a goiter
• Weight loss
• Brittling of hair and nails
• increased sweating
• shake hands
• Hot flashes
• Sleep disturbance
• Mood swings
• elevated blood pressure
• eyes wide open
• irregular heartbeat and increased pulse rate
• Irregular menstrual cycles in women
• Breast formation in men

So it is clear that if we want to protect ourselves against a potential threat, we can guarantee a whole range of side effects, and this is not the end of potential threats.

Why was Lugol's solution used in 1986 after the Chernobyl disaster?

Therefore, the question arises why this type of measure was so readily used not only by average Poles, but also by medical institutions. There are several answers to this question. Firstly, medical knowledge was not up to date. An attempt was made to mitigate the potential danger for the Polish population in some way. In addition, action had to be taken quickly, and many specialists were unable to assess the extent of the threat. This was because the authorities of the political system of the time wanted to cover up the entire event from the eyes of public opinion at all costs. Also, radiation gauges back then were at a much lower level than they are today. Currently, almost anytime, even with a web browser, we can get reliable readings from the place we are interested in. At that time there was no such possibility. The lack of information about what was actually happening beyond our eastern border caused panic.The use of Lugol's iodine could also simply have a calming effect and calm public mood

Other risks of taking Lugol's solution orally

In addition to the possible acquisition of hyperthyroidism and other diseases closely related to excess iodine in the body, the use of this product can lead to other potential complications. First, and most obviously, we can simply overdose on iodine. Let's also add that Lugol's solution, available in most pharmacies, is simply not suitable for consumption. After all, food poisoning with all its consequences can occur. In addition, the consumption of such a substance is extremely dangerous for all people who are struggling with various diseases of the cardiovascular system. In this case, it can even lead to atrial fibrillation or circulatory failure. Interestingly, iodine compounds can be potential allergens. Therefore, ingestion of Lugol's solution or other products containing significant amounts of it in such patients may result in severe anaphylactic shock.

What is Lugol's solution used for?

The potential dangers of taking Lugol's iodine may surprise many. So the question arises, when is its consumption advisable? Of course, after appropriate purification, this substance is used in the pharmacotherapy of many diseases of the thyroid gland. It is an extremely good source of iodine and its compounds, in addition to having a relatively high bioavailability. Unlike iodine, it does not contain ethyl alcohol, which irritates the digestive system. However, it is worth noting that even then such therapy must be carried out under the supervision of a doctor. It is also possible to dissolve a small amount in water. This makes it perfect for gargling. Another advantage of Lugol's solution is the possibility of its use in wounds and other damage to the epidermis. Using water as the solvent makes it non-irritating. In addition, it has powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties. This makes it possible to efficiently remove these pathogens not only from skin surfaces, mucous membranes, but also from all medical tools and other objects.

Summary

Lugol's solution surrounds an indispensable aura - the first bulwark against harmful radiation. Unfortunately, this is only part of the truth. It has certain properties that can counteract even dangerous iodine-131 isotopes. However, their use over a long period of time, especially internally, poses many health risks. It is understandable that in times of danger each of us would want to protect ourselves as best we can. However, it is worth remembering that every coin has two sides, and the situation in the case of Lugol's solution is almost identical .