There are many other sources of bromide compounds...one of the most significant is fire retardants which are very very bad, and can be found in furniture, mattresses, carpet, and other places.

Personally I think many of the symptoms from iodine come from mercury and fluoride, as we are exposed fluoride by bathing, drinking water, toothpaste, and many other sources. There is not much research on absorption of fluoride through the skin but from the studies that were done hot showers and baths in fluoridated water could add a significant fluoride burden to your body...and as we know fluoride is even more toxic if you are low on iodine.

In any case...taking iodine releases bromine, fluoride, mercury, and probably other toxins which can explain why it can make you feel so terrible. Take it slow and slowly build up the doses...I think taking it in high doses the way Birdlady did it can cause too much stress on the body by releasing too many toxins at once.