What Is Iodine and Why It Matters
This essential nutrient supports thyroid, breast, ovarian, and prostate function. The best dietary sources come from seaweed, including brown algae (kelp), red algae (nori sheets, with sushi), and green algae (chlorella). It’s found naturally in soil and seawater as well as dairy products, meat, some breads, and eggs. The pounding action of ocean waves forms trace mineral gases that can combine with water or air and enter the soil as they move inland. The Great Lakes area, as part of the central plains, is deficient in this mineral and was historically known as the goiter belt. During the early 20th century iodized salt almost wiped out iodine deficiency. However, changes in food processing and reduced salt intake have affected consumption levels.
Iodine Deficiency and Disease Risk
According to Dr. David Brownstein, “Iodine deficiency is the underlying problem responsible for the high rate of cancer (particularly breast, lung, prostate and ovary) as well as the high rate of autoimmune disorders we are seeing in this country.” Dr. Jorge Flechas, MD, MPH has stated that every cell in the body contains and uses Iodine and most of it is concentrated in the glands, i.e., thyroid, salivary and parotid glands, pancreas, cerebrospinal fluid, brain, stomach skin, etc. Iodine deficiency is a cancer promoter yet iodine is not toxic to normal cells but is to cancer cells.
Iodine and Thyroid Function
The thyroid gland uses more of this nutrient than any other hormone-producing gland in the body. Four atoms attach to the amino acid tyrosine to form T4; when one atom spins off, T3 is created, which regulates metabolism. The ovaries are next in line for their share. Flechas states that the greater the deficiency, the more ovarian cysts a woman produces, sometimes resulting in polycystic ovarian disease. This deficiency is strongly correlated with ovarian cysts and may also be linked to ovarian cancer.
Iodine’s Role in Ovarian Health
Breast tissue also benefits from adequate nutrient stores. Fibrocystic breast disease is characterized by painful lumps often associated with the menstrual cycle. Approximately 70 percent of reproductive-aged women experience cyclical breast pain, with 10–30 percent reporting pain severe enough to interfere with daily activities. Fibrocystic breast changes may lead to breast cancer. Comparisons between American and Japanese women show significantly lower breast cancer rates in Japan, where dietary intake of this nutrient is substantially higher. Japanese women consume approximately 12 milligrams per day, while the average American consumes about 240 micrograms.
Iodine, Estrogen Balance, and Cancer Prevention
After the thyroid gland, the ovaries contain the highest concentration of this mineral. Research has shown correlations between deficiency and ovarian cysts, premenstrual syndrome, and ovarian cancer. Adequate levels appear to increase anti-cancer estriol while lowering estrone and estradiol. Balanced estrogen levels favor cancer prevention.
Prostate Health
The prostate gland also benefits from adequate levels of this nutrient. It has been suggested that higher intake may contribute to significantly lower prostate cancer rates in Japanese men compared to American men. Additionally, there is a noted increase in prostate cancer risk following thyroid cancer diagnosis. While the exact protective mechanism is not fully understood, available evidence suggests a beneficial role.
Assessing Iodine Levels
A simple home “test” to check for nutrient reserves is to paint a spot about the size of a silver dollar on the inside of the upper arm using colored iodine. Ideally the spot should last for 24 hours. The faster the spot disappears the greater the likelihood that one is deficient in iodine. As with all supplementation it is best to be monitored especially when consuming therapeutic doses.
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