Breast Health
Breast Health Promotion
1. The anti-inflammatory diet (see The DeFlame Diet book)
2. Supplement options:
a. Natural Iodine
b. Natural Iodine and Basic Health Program
c. Natural Iodine and Advanced Health Program
Breast health can be an emotional topic because of the devastating nature of breast cancer. Most people can name at least one person close to them who has suffered from breast cancer or other cancer. While cancer is a complex disease, there are some basic preventive actions we all can take. And these apply to all cancers. A review article published in a journal entitled The Breast listed the following risk factors for cancer expression, including those of breast and others (1):
- High intake of sugar and flour
- High intake of omega-6 fatty acids
- A lack of omega-3 intake from fish
- Low vitamin D
- Low intake of fiber
- Obesity
- Hyperglycemia, metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, and diabetes
In another review article, the authors explain that metabolic syndrome is a high-risk state for cancer (2). In other words an “inflamed” state, created by overeating sugar, flour, and refined oils, helps to fuel cancer expression and perpetuation, a relationship that has been known for many years (3,4).
In addition to the nutrition concerns listed above, it turns out that iodine is a very important nutrient for breast [and prostate] health. Iodine is most commonly associated with thyroid health, however, breast tissue takes up iodine as if is the key nutrient in breast health. Consider the title of this scientific article:
Aceves C, Anguiano B, Delgado G. Is iodine a gatekeeper of the integrity of the mammary gland? J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia. 2005;10(2):189-96.
Back in 1977, researchers already understood that such a relationship between iodine and breast health existed.
“Iodine appears to be a requisite for the normalcy of breast tissue in higher vertebrates. When lacking, the parenchyma in rodents and humans show atypia, dysplasia, and even neoplasia…Iodine appears to be a compulsory element for the breast tissue growth and development. It presents great potential for its use in research directed toward the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer.” (5)
Exactly how much iodine we need, it is difficult to tell for sure. The average American takes in between 130-350 mcg (microgram) per day. This meets the RDA but many researchers believe we need more. The recommended upper limit for iodine in the USA is 1000 mcg per day. However, in Japan, for example, normal intakes range from 1000-3000 mcg per day (6). The Japanese levels seem to be the amount needed for breast health promotion (7), and probably for other tissues too.
People with thyroid conditions needed to be careful if they choose to take amounts above the USA upper limit. The NIH provides a fact sheet for health professionals that is written in common language and should be read by anyone wanting to take higher supplemental amounts.
References
2. Cowey S, Hardy RW. The metabolic syndrome: a high-risk state for cancer? Am J Pathol. 2006;169(5):1505-22.
3. DeNardo DG, Coussens LM. Inflammation and breast cancer. Balancing immune response: crosstalk between adaptive and innate immune cells during breast cancer progression. Breast Cancer Res. 2007;9(4):212.
4. Cole SW. Chronic inflammation and breast cancer recurrence. J Clin Oncology. 2009;27(21):3418-19.
5. Eskin BA. Iodine and mammary cancer. Adv Exp Med Biol. 1977;91:293-304.
6. Zava TT, Zava DT. Assessment of Japanese iodine intake based on seaweed consumption in Japan: a literature-based analysis. Thyroid Research. 2011;4:14.
7. Kessler JH. The effect of supraphysiologic levels of iodine on patients with cyclic mastalgia. Breast J. 2004;10(4):328-36/
8. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iodine-HealthProfessional/