Protect Your Breasts with an Iodine Supplement.
Is there a woman anywhere in this country who’s not aware of breast cancer? Yet for the month of October, the media will focus on breast cancer awareness.
For all the billions of dollars poured into research, cancer walks, and pink ribbon campaigns, we still don’t know what causes breast cancer. For decades, researchers have been exploring a multitude of potential breast cancer risks. But the media has overlooked a vital one, iodine deficiency.
“Iodine is critical for breast tissue function,” says Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, “and has been shown to be lower in cancerous breast tissue.” Another researcher, Guy E. Abraham, MD, has found “strong evidence that women who are deficient in iodine are more prone to breast cancer.”
Back in the ’70s, scientists noted geographic differences in the rates of breast cancer (as well as endometrial and ovarian cancer), depending upon dietary iodine intake. Where iodine intake was lower in areas like the Great Lakes region, the incidence of these cancers was higher. Diets low in iodine can lead to more circulating estrogen levels in the body.
Women with fibrocystic disease (benign breast lumps) are four times more likely to develop breast cancer, the Mayo Clinic finds. But double-blind research at Queen’s University in Ontario has shown that iodine treatment improves fibrocystic disease in 70 percent of the women tested.
Dr. Ann Louise’s Take:
“You have breast cancer” are probably four of the most devastating words for women. Women are more terrified of breast cancer than any other disease. This is why I’ve been such a crusader for the most powerful and effective natural treatments. I want to make sure you’ll never hear those four words.
What most people don’t realize is that next to the thyroid, iodine is concentrated in breast tissue. Iodine helps to normalize the impact of estrogens on the breast. Iodine decreases or turns off the estrogen receptor sites in the breast. So when there is a lack of iodine, breasts overreact to estrogen, which then leads to pre-cancer and then full-blown breast cancer.
Many researchers now believe that you may need 100 to 400 times the RDI. Iodine is not just a mineral, it is an adaptogenic substance that helps reduce stress, regulate the thyroid, support your adrenals, promote HCL (hydrochloric acid) for digestion of protein, iron, and calcium, and boost immunity.
Unfortunately, depletion of iodine in soils, low consumption of iodine-rich sea vegetables and seafood, and iodine blockers have led to a nationwide iodine deficiency.
The Bottom Line:
The most accurate way to assess your body’s iodine levels is by taking an Iodine Loading Test. This is a 24-hour urine test specifically developed by Dr. Abraham. It assesses the amount of iodide in your tissues following an intake of a combination iodine and iodide supplement, called Ioderal.
The test results can also show if your iodine absorption is being blocked by other chemicals (chlorine, fluoride, and bromide), which compete with iodine. When you have sufficient levels in your body, iodine helps you detox, pulling these toxic chemicals out and eliminating them.
Depending upon your test results, you may need 1 to 4 tablets of Ioderal, a combination of 5 mg of iodine and 7.5 mg of potassium iodide. Additional research by Dr. Abraham and David Brownstein, MD, finds that vitamin C improves the transport of iodine in the body. I suggest at least 1 to 3 grams of additional vitamin C daily.
For more on iodine for breast health, read Nan Kathryn Fuchs’ The Health Detective’s 456 Most Powerful Healing Secrets ($18.95, Basic Health, 2006).
Source: http://www.breastcancerchoices.org/iodineref.html
Visionary, health guru, diet/detox expert, author, spokesperson, role model, and natural foods icon, Ann Louise Gittleman has always been a trendsetter. 
What are some natural ways to increase iodine in the diet?
Best ways are with sea veggies from non-polluted waters and seafood from clean waters as well.
how can we check for iodine deficiency with taking the idoine loading test?
Iodine loading test will measure the amount of iodine you are retaining. If you are not retaining enough, you can then request testing for blocking agents such as floride, chloride, and bromines. Call LIZ at 1-800-888-4353 who knows all the deatils. My test showed I was not retaining sufficient iodine to nourish my glands nor my breats because of bromine blockages.
If this test reveals that a person has one or more of these ingredients blocking iodine retention, what happens then?
Depending upon your results, you will be advised as the optimum iodine dosage to displace the metabolic blocker, be encouraged to take sufficient Vitamin C, and even salt.
Hi Anne–
For those of us who can’t afford the test, is it ok to still take iodine supplements.
You may wish to get Iodine from the natural food sources, if you don’t know your actual levels.
Most people can benefit from one Iodoral tablet per day.
Had thyroid cancer in 2006. Have no thyroid and no uterus. I am on Armour thyroid. I had two benign cysts on my breast last year. Is my body sending me a message that I need iodine? Can my physcian run an iodine test?
I have breast cysts, so I decided to do the Iodine loading test, but after fining out that I have to take 4 Iodoral tablets, I didn’t proceed! and took one 12.5 Iodoral tablet per day for a month. When I checked my TSH level I have found out that it has risen from 1.9 to 3. ! so I stopped the iodoral, and my levels went down again to normal. I do have low normal levels of T3, cold hands and feet. Does this mean I don’t need Iodine? thank you.
Where your metabolic blockers checked?
I have been interested in taking Iodoral for some time. However, I am concerned about its effects on TSH. I currently have lowered body temp (ranging 97.5-98.6 rarely), lower TSH level, and lower free T4 & T3 levels. Can taking iodine harm the thyroid if I am already “sluggish”? I have not been “diagnosed” as hypo-thyroid. My intution says to take iodine — but I am nervous because I do not want adverse reactions.
Thank you for the great article.
I wanted to offer my 2 cents for Fatima. The issue of TSH elevating after starting Iodoral arises occasionally in our Iodine Investigation Project for breast cancer patients. The expert on TSH/iodine is Jorge Flechas, MD. (see link to his article below, 5th paragraph) who has treated thousands of iodine-supplementing patients.
As the thyroid reorganizes, various little lab anomalies may occur which does not mean the patient is truly hypothyroid. When we hear about this we refer the patient’s physician to Dr. Flechas’ article or Dr. Flechas directly and they are reassured.
http://www.optimox.com/pics/Iodine/IOD-10/IOD_10.htm
Good luck,
Lynne
I am currently taking Prolamine Iodine. What is the difference between that and Ioderal? What doe the Potassium Iodide do?
No, my metabolic blockers were not checked. My doctor asked me to stop using Iodoral,and/or take half a tablet.
I have read in one of Dr. Jonathan Wright’s nutrition newsletter on Testing for fibrocystic breast disease, and treatment using SSKI that: “Although problems occur rarely, SSKI can cause thyroid suppression when used over a long period of time.” I didn’t use SSKI, but I thought basically Iodoral and SSKI are the same (Iodine). By the way, the cysts in my breasts were reduced after one month.Thank you.
Thanks Lynn for your clarification and the website.
Terrific discussion – thanks to all of you. Lynne, your comment is well taken; sometimes the thyroid, like other glands and systems of the body, goes through a balancing act before settling in on an appropriate dose.
DB: Ioderal is based ujpon the iodine/iodide solution known as Lugol solutoin which was used extensively and most effectively years ago by a myriad of nutritional giants. Ioderal is a precisely formulated tableted form of Lugol’s and contains iodine and iodide as the potassium salt.
Prolamine iodine contains 3 mg per tablet and is chelated with zein (a corn protein). Many individuals, as long as they are not corn sensitive, do well with this supplement and take 1 – 3, three times per day. I personally am now recommending the Ioderal at 12.5 mg per tab as research suggests it can also dissolve and shrink cysts in the breast and uterus and hopefully, elsewhere.
I definitely agree with taking an iodine supplement to nourish the thyroid – didn’t know about it’s benefits for the breasts as well. I started taking Iodoral after reading Dr. Brownstein’s book. I have a fluid filled cyst on my thyroid which started to shrink. Recently, I read an article by Byron Richards who recommends Iosol Iodine because it does not contain potassium chloride which he says can clog the thyroid. So when I ran out of the Iodoral, I switched to the Iosol Iodine. The cyst is continuing to shrink and is getting softer. Are there any benefits in taking one over the other? I would love to do the iodine loading test, but finances are very tight right now. Any information would be appreciated.
They are both great – there is more research on Ioderal.
Just wanted to thank everyone for their information & comments. My intuition all along, was that I needed to increase my iodine intake — and I did not feel that I was getting enough naturally. Many of your stories, are in sync with my own. Lynne, thanks so much for that article as well.
The discussion clearly points to the interaction of iodine and thyroid. I am hypo and have taken T4 and T3 supplements for years. I was once given iodine for an imaging test and my thyroid practically stopped producing for 6 months – even with supplement. It can be really dangerous for people taking thyroid hormones to take iodine.
This is exactly why assessing iodine as the underlying cause of thyroid dysfunction is so critical BEFORE you take thyroid replacement hormones. Testing, testing, testing — that’s become my motto – because there are so many variables. Find the cause and go from there.
Quick note to DB. The radioactive iodine in scans is completely different from the iodine in Iodoral or similar supplements. The radioactive scan toxicity can last six months, as you say. Iodoral is virtually all gone from the body in 24 hours.
I have been reading that selenium should be taken along with iodine. ALG, can you clarify this? Please? I will be ordering the iodine test today. But if selenium is also needed, then Id like to be properly informed. I have had my thyroid tested (TSH, Free T3 & T4). My ND has not put me on anything other than a mild thyroid support formula. However, my symptoms have not improved. How does one know if natural sources of Iodine are prefered vs. Iodoral? Thanks for your knowledge…been a big fan for years!
Yes to selenium – about 100-200 mcg to be exact. Very important in the T4 to T3 conversion. Also chelates mercury…..Nice to have you with us.
Thank you for confirming the selenium question, ALG! (Im honestly not trying to pump you up here — but seriously, Ive been your fan & follower for over 7 years now!)
Is it possible to also answer the natural iodine (ie; seaweed/kelp, etc.) vs. Iodoral question, please? I am confused as to which one is better. I am not on a thyroid hormone, only a mild support formula, per my ND. Thank you for reading!
P.S. Can the selenium be included in my Multi? Or does it have to be in addition to? (My Multi has 200mcg per dose.) Thanks again… : )
The jury is still out re Ioderal vs other iodine-rich substances, to be quite honest. I do know that due to pollution in our waterways, seaweeds can be contaminated with heavy metals, negating the benefits of the iodine. Plus, Paige, we are so biochemically unique that what may work for one, isn’t the answer for someone else
As long as you are getting 200 mcg in your multi, that should be fine UNLESS a TMA (hair analysis) indicates otherwise. I am a big fan of TMA for all thyroid abnormalities. It can assess selenium and potassium deficits which are legion with hypothyroidism. Hope this helsp 
Thank you, thank you, ALG! My TMA did not indicate a potassium, or selenium deficiency. But it DID indicate a slow metabolizer. Because I do not eat meat/poultry, I have been eating a lot more fish, and borage/flax oil, as well as olive & coconut oil, natural kelp & dulse granules & nori. Selenium is also in my thyroid support formula + my multi = approx. 300mcg/day.
I am eager to find out if I need Iodine. I just know in my gut, that there is something missing. I plan to order another TMA in a few months, but the Iodine loading test is in the mail.
I appreciate you so much, ALG. I have been informing others about you & your work, for a long time now. I am believer of the FFP, and many of your findings. You are truly a God send & Im thankful to be able to let you know that!
Thank you!
I have Grave’s disease (hyper) now what?
Iodine is connected to hypo and hyperactive thyroid conditions. I would definitely suggest you take the iodine loading test or the TMA to see what mineral may be impacting your thyroid
Can too much calcium be a factor? That was one thing that was very dominant in my TMA….
Yes, too much calcium can slow down the thryoid — and we see this often in the TMAs…which is why a TMA is sooooo important
ALG, thank you for the reply. I am taking the Iodine Test as soon as it arrives, and I do not take a calcium supplement. So, Im confused as to why I have too much calcium. I eat very little dairy & I only eat fish (no meat/poultry — as I am mostly a vegetarian). Who would I turn to, to find out why I have so much calcium?
To ALG..Wow! ..I just discovered this site through the Hopkins Center…
My doctor has me on thyroid hormone 15mg then up to 30 mg…I am now experiencing heart palpitations..and he felt it was a build up of the medication (Armour)…can I stop this as I feel maybe it’s too much for me (overstimulating) I also take prolamine iodine, 3mg 2X day ..Is this too low? I read so much about Iodoral..would like to try this and stop medication..and How much should I take daily? I also have had many years of breast cysts and biopsies…I also use bio-identical hormones…Thank you for your reply.
Hi again…just wanted to know also..does thyroid hormone medication lead to breast cancer..I read this on a few sites..but Dr. Jonathan Wright recommends this hormone medication?? I can’t afford urine testing right now…what amount of Iodoral can I take? Looking forward to a reply.
Thank you.
Eileen: I cannot advise you when you are under a doctor’s supervision. The best advice I can give is to have you either do an iodine loading test (which is offered on this site)OR a TMA (tissue mineral analysis, also available here) that I use with my private patients.
Without an iodine loading test and in light of your history, I would be guessing as to what strength and how much Ioderal you need. Some individuals do just fine on prolamine iodine and others do better on Ioderal.
The challenge is that when you are already taking hormonal replacement, you have to be very careful with either of them.
The only way of knowing what you really need nutritionally is to test. The TMA provides mineral ratios that correlate with glandular function. I am not familiar with thyroid hormone leading to breast cancer. I would also like to suggest that you consider a Salivary Hormone test (far more accurate when it comes to biologically-active hormones)to make sure that your bio-identical hormones are “correct” for you. I don’t know if you can get these tests elsewhere, but UNI KEY at 1-800-888-4353 offers them and has for years for my patients.
If you do choose to do the tests, Liz at UNI KEY offers professional consultation above and beyond the read-out materlal for a modest fee.
ALG – thank you for the reply. I think with my past history of breast cysts and adrenal (anxiety) problems, I will be ordering the Iodine loading test…I hope this will clear alot of my problems over the years. I am 60 years old..I have been tested for bio-identical hormones with saliva in the past…my doctor feels that blood testing is more accurate? I’ve heard saliva is good too…confusing to me as what is the right thing to do…I have borderline osteo and my mother had dementia…dr. wants me on Biest 2.5mg, Prog. 100mg and Test. 1mg 2X a day. I have been to many GYN’s and doctors and still bounce around with symptoms…but right now the palpitations from the thyroid hormone needs to get better…I hope the urine test will explain the problem. Thank you.
Hi Again: Just my 2 cents but salivary hormone testing is much more accurate than blood. Eileen, I would highly encourage you to also do a TMA test in light of your osteo concerns. Many times people are not absorbing calcium or magnesium and they are being stored in the tissues; not in bone. It is not an easy road to hoe, I know but from my experience, getting off of everything and then starting (with the exception of some magnesium to assist palpitations) and then testing is your best bet. In the long run, it will give you the answers you need. Bio-identical hormones, just like the synthetics, need to be monitored frequently. Just because they are natural, doesn’t mean they are without their own inherent risks
Getting older sure ain’t for sissies, is it, my dear 
Thanks again ALG…I just ordered the Iodine Loading Test..after that, I will take your advice on the TMA…I wish I did this years ago..I will speak to my doctor again regarding Saliva testing..In this office, I see two different doctors…one likes saliva, the other blood testing…I need both of them .. on the same page…I’m tired of this…and yes, getting older is no picnic..thanks again!
ALG…Just a quick question…when I receive the Iodine Loading Test…If I have been experiencing palpitations from the increased thyroid medication (also using 6mg Prolamine a day)I have stopped taking the thyroid medication…will I be OK taking the 50mg loading dose to assess iodine…??This will not increase palpitations hopefully or any other effect… Thank you again…anxious to do the test now…
ALG, I know you have been busy on here. You replied to my last post — that calcium dominant in the TMA was common from what you’ve seen. I would like to know who I should turn to, to find out why I have so much calcium. Thanks a million – as always.
ALG – Just wanted your advice again on BHRT..I refer to a book “The Natural Superwoman” by Uzzi Reiss, MD OB/GYN…he has a high-profile practice in Beverly Hills, Calif. He states in his book “saliva tests should never be a monitoring tool for bioidentical use.” He uses blood tests. Again, confusing for me. Also, please let me know if the 50 mg loading dose of iodine will be OK for me with the palpitations I had from using the thyroid hormone medication. Thank you again very much for a reply..
Ladies: I am so happy that this blog has become so popular. As much as I would like to answer each and every one of you individually, I am being inundated with private emails and posts which can best be answered by Liz at Uni Key – espeically if it has to do with your TMA results and iodine loading instructions.
A high calcium in hair tests is covered in two of my books: Before the Change and Why Am I Always So Tired. It can signal malabsorption, a need for HCL, or even copper overload.
There are lots of differing opinions on just about every issue regarding health and healing these days. I cannot defend someone else’s view. I can only rely on my own clinical and personal experience as a female.
I also cannot say whether the 50 mg of iodine will trigger palpitations in someone with a history of same. I would make sure that that I take extra magesium and potassium to prevent this from happening.
Again, ladies I am delighted that you are so responsive but I would ask that when your concerns are directly related to one of the tests that UNI KEY has faciliated, you ask Liz about your concerns.
Thanks for letting me know who to call, for an explanation. And thank you for all you do to educate us, ALG! You are appreciated very much.
My daughter has low thyroid, elevated DHEA, ovary and breast cysts. Her thyroid is also enlarged. Would Ioderal help her and can she take this with shellfish allergy?
Hmmm. I would first take the TMA test (hair analysis) that is offered through my official distribution center – UNI KEY Health Systems. Call one of the reps and get mor info but this might help s figure out what else is going on with her adrenal and thyroid minerals – beyond iodine. The UNI KEY number – and you can use my name – is 1-800-888-4353
I am currently on Amour Thyro 3GR and it is the only one in which my hair does not fall out – I have lost alot. Synthroid & others do nothing & lose hair. For the last several months I have not been able to get the amour prescrition filled. They say the company is not making it any more. Is there anything you can suggest for me? Not much in finances now & no insurance. Thank you, Sheila
My oh my, this continues to be a stellar topic. I would recommend that you consider Thytrophin to replace your Armour. Three Thyrtophin are about the equivalency of a 1 grain Armour (without the hormones)UNI KEY carries this for my private clients; call and see if they can get it for you or special order it.