The Importance of Iodine
Iodine is a crucial element in the body ~ every cell, organ and system needs it. It is especially important for the production of thyroid hormones in the thyroid gland and their role in balancing metabolism.
Iodine is equally essential for breast health and many studies have found a link between low iodine levels and breast health issues such as fibrocystic breasts and breast cancer. One research study from 2004 found that 50 percent of women who experienced breast tenderness due to fibrocystic disease had an improvement in their pain levels after iodine supplementation. [1].
Prior to the 1920's iodine deficiency was very common. With the introduction of iodine to table salt and bread products this deficiency was overcome. Today we are seeing iodine deficiency again is quite common with its removal from many peoples diets.
It can be found naturally in
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Seaweed (Kombu Kelp, Wakame, Nori)
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Seafood (cod, tuna, oysters, prawns)
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Dairy
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Iodised salt
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Eggs
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Lima Beans
Our Happy Breast Balm includes Lugol's Iodine in the formula so that women can rest assured they are receiving some trace amounts of iodine transdermally daily, and in the area it is most needed.
If you have breast health issues talk to your healthcare provider about having a urine test to check your iodine levels and possibly checking your thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) as this is another indicator of iodine levels.
We have included below a number of links to further studies for you to research more in depth the relationship of iodine and breast health. With knowledge comes empowerment!
​1. Kessler JH. The effect of supraphysiologic levels of iodine on patients with cyclic mastalgia. Breast J. 2004 Jul-Aug;10(4):328-36.
Further Research
Patrick L. Iodine: deficiency and therapeutic considerations. Altern Med Rev. 2008 Jun;13(2):116-127.
Kilbane MT, et al. Tissue iodine content and serum-mediated 125I uptake-blocking activity in breast cancer. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2000 Mar;85(3):1245-1250.
Smyth PP. Role of iodine in antioxidant defence in thyroid and breast disease. Biofactors. 2003;19(3-4):121-130.
Venturi S, et al. Role of iodine in evolution and carcinogenesis of thyroid, breast and stomach. Adv Clin Path. 2000 Jan;4(1):11-17.
Venturi S. Is there a role for iodine in breast diseases? Breast. 2001 Oct;10(5):379-382.
Stadel BV. Dietary iodine and risk of breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. Lancet. 1976 Apr 24;1(7965):890-891.
Ahad F, Ganie SA. Iodine, Iodine metabolism and Iodine deficiency disorders revisited. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Jan-Mar; 14(1):13-17
Hartmann LC, et al. Benign Breast Disease and the Risk of Breast Cancer. N Engl J Med 2005; 353:229-237.
Triggiani V, et al. Role of iodine, selenium and other micronutrients in thyroid function and disorders. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets. 2009 Sep;9(3):277-294.
Eskin BA. Iodine and mammary cancer. Adv Exp Med Biol. 1977;91:293-304.
Krouse TB, Eskin BA, Mobini J. Age-related changes resembling fibrocystic disease in iodine-blocked rat breasts.Arch Pathol Lab Med. 1979 Nov;103(12):631-4.
MedlinePlus. Iodine. (Last accessed 2013-11-26)
Ghent WR, Eskin BA, Low DA, Hill LP. Iodine replacement in fibrocystic disease of the breast. Can J Surg. 1993 Oct;36(5):453-60.
Kessler JH. The effect of supraphysiologic levels of iodine on patients with cyclic mastalgia. Breast J. 2004 Jul-Aug;10(4):328-36.
Topper YJ, Freeman CS. Multiple hormone interactions in the developmental biology of the mammary gland. Physiol Rev 1980 Oct;60(4):1049-106.
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How Much Iodine to Take | Marnie Clarke
Breast Cancer Prevention with Iodine Supplementation ...
by Jeffrey Dach MD. Iodine Treats Breast Cancer, the Overwhelming Evidence.
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Breast Cancer Choices Supplement Strategy - Iodine
the research goes far deeper, exploring the effects of iodine supplementation on ... improves fibrocystic disease, we at Breast Cancer Choices propose studies to...
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Unlikely Source Relieves Breast Pain | Christiane Northrup, M.D.
Nov 5, 2014 - Research shows that those who take iodine in doses ranging from 6 mg to 90 mg per day... If you have breast pain, it's likely you aren't getting enough iodine. ... or by eating more seaweed—will help your breasts remain healthy....
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Fibrocystic breast disease, how Iodine supplementation helped me heal without surgery.
This post is shared by Marjorie Saveski, author of the This is So Good website. Marjorie is a blogger and a home cook with a passion for real food, health, and fitness. She hopes to share what she has learned through her real life experience and research with her readers.
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Having a background in holistic health, I understand why each of these ingredients are important and I will continue to buy this for breast health.
The bottle lasts a long time.
Sara
