Iodine, thyroid, and breast cancer??
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I saw that some of the research and article links were more than 20 years old. If I interpret this correct "JAMA. 9.6.1976. Vol. 236, N. 10. 1124" is this from year 1976 which is over 40 years old? My concern is that I was dx a few years back with "acquired hypothyroid" and started Armour thyroid medication. Thyroid issues whether hypo or hyper are very complex metabolic problems and in many cases not easily resolved with supplement or diet like other medical problems. I could find articles for links of thyroid to breast cancer but not to treating the thyroid problems causing breast cancer.
For what it's worth - I do know someone who was dx over 25 years ago with non-hodgkin's lymphoma. She did macro diets and ate lots of seaweed and iodine rich foods and now has hyperthyroidism. I knew a nurse who had her thyroid removed for cancer as a teen - then 30+ years later developed breast cancer. She was 12+ year survivor when I met her as she was a nurse during my chemo treatments. So although I agree there is definitely a thyroid to breast cancer link - I hesitate to believe that taking an iodine supplement would "fix" my thyroid. The side effects from it can be very severe to life threatening if left untreated. Yes - I know another person who had a thyroid "crisis" and was hospitalized for it. So IMO it is a very complex medical problem and NOT an easy fix.
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Yes the article is very old but it's specific to thyroid hormone that they make ALOT of money off and iodine which costs pennies in comoarison and no patent. Maybe "they" shut those studies down. In the mean time bc is growing as well as survival, think of all the money they make on treatments and women mostly living longer. You can call it Chronic Treatment. I plan to gather more information. What I know now is daily requirement for iodine is 150 mcg. Iodine is not listed on food labels but what could 1sheet of seaweed a day hurt? The Japaese have less bc than we do.
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I totally understand where you are coming from - and I was concerned myself taking thyroid medication now (natural form). I had tried lowering my dose last year and had a problem with my lab data values going off again along with all the physical symptoms returning. I had tried seaweed and iodine supplement in the past and it did not change my labs or how I felt. Medication was my last resort to get my hypothyroid under control. Also, I refused to use synthetic form of the medication. I would just be careful not to over do the seaweed which is VERY high in iodine.
https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health...
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cp418 I'm finding this thread interesting. I'm just a month out of surgery for my second round of breast cancer. I have a friend who is really pushing massive amounts of iodine. I'm very hesitant since I am on synthroid.
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Thanks for the info, detoxidine has 650 mcg and readily absorbable. I imagine Japanese eat sushi every day so again one sheet should be ok to start. Please tell me what is your natural thyroid hormone? Not taking my levo for most of one year got me into a lot of trouble (pre bc). Now I am religious about taking it. My labs got screwed as well. When we traveled I used iodine drops to purify my water,alingwith boiling. I subsequently lost a lot of weight and felt great. So....I am hoping there will be some noticeable changes for the better. Will let you know. CT scans also throw off my labs btw.
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Here is an article describing the difference between synthetic vs natural thyroid medication. I use the Armour Thyroid medication. Also - important to know the DOSES between these different medications is NOT the same. So X mg of one medication is NOT the equivalent in another medication. When I started this medication I did a lot of reading with my concern for side effects. I came across more patients who had switched to the natural medication from a synthetic brand for various reasons. I currently take 30 mg in the morning and 15 mg in PM. I had previously tested negative for thyroid antibodies and it was believed my problem was due to my radiation treatments high on my chest. That was why I posted the articles about acquired Thyroid problems.
http://hypothyroidmom.com/which-is-better-synthroi...
I have not had Iodine testing done and the loading test sounds scary to me. I would consider the skin test first to see how I respond to iodine absorption. I use Betadine iodine soap to cleanse my animals for skin issues so I do have topical iodine contact. Plus I ate scallops last week.
Like everything - I would do consumption in moderation as these are very powerful substances.
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ok, I have no idea what a loading test is, pls tell? There is a lab where you can walk in and get most labs without a Dr. order. It's called any day or any time labs
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http://www.optimox.com/iodine-study-21
http://www.breastcancerchoices.org/loading.html
This is a test where you are given a large dose of iodine and then must collect ALL urine excreted for a 24 hour time period.
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personally I agree cp418 especially for anyone who is already on a thyroid medication. Thank you for the link to the difference between what you're on and what I take. I seem to remember you from when I was active 7 years ago.
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CP thank you for the which is better link, it's a good website. I have a lot of reading to do
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I just did a GOOGLE on the "Detoxidine" you mentioned and it looks like a good iodine supplement. I am going to research it further. It would be wonderful if an iodine supplement could help us to reduce our medication dose. Did your doctor recommend you take an iodine supplement along with your medication? I will discuss with my nutritionist the next time I see her. She does more extensive blood tests than my PCP and saw my thyroid problems a year before my labs got really out of range. Only then did my PCP consider medication for me.
kira - I'm sorry to hear you are dealing with BC for a 2nd time. None of us are ever in the clear. Wishing you a speedy recovery through your treatments.
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CP This is one of your links...Iodine and the Breast
From The Iodine Crisis by Lynne Farrow © 2007-2017 by the author. All rights reserved.
- What if there was one nutrient which...?
- 1. Desensitized estrogen receptors in the breast.
- 2. Reduced estrogen production in overactive ovaries.
- 3. Reduced fibrocystic breast disease which often precedesbreast cancer.4. Caused cancer cell death, slowed down cell division andreduced blood vessel growth to tumors.5. Caused more cell death than the chemo drug, Fluorouracil .
- 6. Prevented rats from getting cancer when they were fed the breast cancer causing toxin DMBA.
- Research suggests that some breast cancers may be an iodine deficiency disease.As iodine consumption has gone down, breast cancer rates have gone up. But the research goes far deeper, exploring the effects of iodine supplementation on breast disease and breast cancer. This important breakthrough has been in the research pipeline for years but only recently found momentum. After sifting through 50 years of iodine research and corresponding with researchers around the world, the editors report that abnormal iodine metabolism, due either to bromide dominance in the environment or a dietary deficiency of iodine, must be addressed as part of a preventive and or a therapeutic strategy.
- Iodine consumption by Americans has dropped 50% since the 1970s as breast
cancer rates have risen (1). In the US Goiter Belt, where iodine in the soil is
- lower, breast cancer is higher (2).
- By contrast, the incidence and severity of breast cancer are less in Japan than
- in Europe and the US, attributable to the diet (3). Japanese women consume 25 times more dietary iodine than North American women and have lower breast cancer rates (4).
- Meanwhile, since the 1970s, in the US and several other countries, iodine-
blocking bromides have been added to flour, some sodas, and medications,
exacerbating the iodine deficiency.
- Fluoridated drinking water also depletes iodine absorption. Thus, as women
- consume less iodine and excrete more due to toxic elements, our risk for breast cancer grows(5).
- Blocking iodine in rats' food supply led to progressive human-like fibrocystic
- disease (atypia, sclerosing, calcifications, dysplastic changes) as the rats aged (6). Supplementing patients with fibrocystic disease with iodine helped to resolve fibrosis and reduced breast size (7).
- For women with painful breasts accompanying fibrocystic disease, iodine
- improved symptoms in more than 50% of the women who took 6.0 mg. of iodine for 6 months (8), and brown sea alga improved pain and nodularity in 94% of the women (9). From the editors' observations of the Iodine Investigation Project participants, depending on the kind of iodine agent used, painful breast symptoms have resolved in from 24 hours to two months.
- Since benign breast disease increases the risk of breast cancer (10), and iodine
improves fibrocystic disease, we at Breast Cancer Choices propose studies to
see if iodine supplementation decreases the risk of getting breast cancer and
the risk of recurrence.
- For breast patients, iodine's therapeutic mechanisms of action may be at least
- three-pronged:Hormonal (11), Biochemical (12-18), Genetic (19).That is, iodine desensitizes the estrogen receptors, alters the chemical pathways as well effects on the genes, resulting in less cell growth, and causing anti-tumor effect by causing apoptosis (programmed cell death) of malignant cells.
- Iodine-rich seaweed exhibits an anti-cancer effect in rats and in the lab on human
breast cancer cells.
- Adding seaweed to rats' food delays the onset and number of rat mammary tumors (20,21). And in the lab, mekabu seaweed plant induced cell death in three kinds of human breast cancer cells. Mekabu had a stronger effect on the cells than the chemo drug, 5-fluorouracil (22).
- Adding iodine to chemically-induced (DMBA) rat breast tumors stops the
- growth of the tumors. Adding iodine plus medroxyprogesterone gave the highestlevel of response: the growth-suppressed tumors showed 100% times the iodine content than the full blown (nonsuppressed) tumors. The researchers suggest that the uptake of iodine was enhanced by medroxyprogesterone. (23). As David Brownstein, MD, phrased it, "You cannot give breast cancer to rats that have sufficient iodine."
- In small, preliminary patient studies, using the screening iodine-loading test,
breast cancer patients excreted less urinary iodine than healthy people, implying
iodine-deficiency (24,25).
- What to do about iodine deficiency?
- The editors at Breast Cancer Choices recommend patients read as much as they
- can from the Iodine Related Links on the top left side of this page.
- Secondly, we recommend taking the Iodine Loading Testwhich will provide a
guideline to your current iodine sufficiency status. Next, consider finding an
iodine-literate practioner (ILP) from our directory or one willing to consider this
non-toxic therapy. Join the Iodine Research Facebook Group.
- Iodine Protocol. Depending upon the results of your screening iodine-loading
test, most doctors we are familiar with currently recommend 12.5 mg or more of
iodine daily in the form of Lugol's Iodine Solution, Iodoral or Iodorx tablets. Our
many years of following iodine patients suggests starting at a low dose and
building up slowly offers the most reliable results.
- Where to get Iodoral:Iodoral tablets may be available from your health
practitioner. The Breast Cancer Choices charity fund-raises for the Iodine
investigation Project through sales of Iodoral. If we have provided information
- to you, please consider buying from a charity rather than a for-profit company.
- Iodine Companion Nutrients. Many Iodine Literate Doctors suggest certain
companion nutrients to enhance the therapeutic value of iodine. Niacin was also
recommended at the February 07 Iodine Conference. Thyroid function should be
closely monitored and may require an adjustment of thyroid medications.
- For those experiencing uncommon detox side effects such as constipation, acne
or rash, the Facebook Iodine Workshop group is an expert source of support and
study on how to counter these effects.
- What to ExpectThe Breast Cancer Choices Iodine Investigation Project is currently following patients taking iodine to prevent recurrence. Most patients report no side effects. Some report a range of non-breast improvements such as change in thyroid status, need for less thyroid medication, weight loss, ovarian cysts resolving, fibroids shrinking, improved energy, mood and mental clarity.But be aware some iodine takers report what we believe to be iodine detoxing bromide into the bloodstream causing symptoms of bromism.According to a Department of Defense commissioned report, , bromism symptoms can manifest as lethargy, depression, "dark" thoughts, "brain fog," constipation, leg and hip pain, acne, rashes and other symptoms. These side effects are usually reversible in 24-48 hours by discontinuing the iodine and allowing a short period of washout before restarting at a lower dose. Again, as stated above, Celtic salt in water has relieved detox symptoms quickly by speeding up bromide detox through the kidneys. See full iodine protocol.CAUTION: DO NOT TAKE IODINE IF YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO IODIZED SALT
Since bromide excretion seems to be higher in breast cancer patients than undiagnosed persons (29), it is important that each patient develop a strategy 0 - Iodine consumption by Americans has dropped 50% since the 1970s as breast
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CP, yes a nurse friend has been suggestiing I go to a naturapath. The thyroid specialist did absolutely nothing but he did look at my US, not just read the report. He said my thyroid tissue is degenerating or something like that and my immune system is doing it to me. I do have allergies, so qualify for autoimmune problems besides the thyroid. And he said one nodule is covered by calcification so it can't be known if that nodule is glowing or whatever. He did no tests and really only seems interested IF I have thyroid cancer. But he doesn't want to look at it, he thinks he knows that I don't. The nodules are less than half a cm so don"t qualify for an FNA until 1 cm except in my mind bc should be an exception. Anyways his attitude stopped me from asking about iodine. I did send a message to my pcp as he put nothing in my visit summary.
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. . . What defines an Iodine Literate PractitionerTM?
Breast Cancer Choices defines an Iodine Literate PractitionerTM as
a person who:- has read all the writings the Iodine Project initiated by
- A. Guy Abraham, MD, David Brownstein, MD, and Jorge Flechas, MD.
- is conversant with Iodine: Why You Need It: Why You Can't
Live Without It, Fifth edition, by David Brownstein, MD and
The Iodine Crisis by Lynne Farrow.
- Never prescribes seaweed in any form. The toxins in
seaweed can now include arsenic, pesticides, radioactive
waste and heavy metals.
- Has been approved by the BCC Advisory Committee
The Iodine Doctors' works explain the comprehensive context of
individualized iodine therapy, the companion nutrients and how the
25- 50 mg dose was calculated.
If a practitioner routinely prescribes adults iodine under 25 mg,
does not know why each of the companion nutrients is used, is
unfamiliar with salt loading, auto-immune disease treatment or
interpreting the idiosyncrasies of iodine patient TSH test reports,
then Breast Cancer Choices does not recommend them.
****Prospective practitioners: Please join the Iodine Workshop****
Facebook Group to learn how to address Iodine Protocol issues0 - has read all the writings the Iodine Project initiated by
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CP what tests did your nutritionist do to find your thyroid problems. Another good supplement is Indoral. It's at Amazon. All I have is year old drops so I'm looking too for the right supplement. I was taking seaweed but that's not a good idea.
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After reading these links I'm remembering some of the information I had previously researched. Especially about the possible toxins in the commercial farmed seaweed products.
My nutritionist recently ordered the following thyroid tests on me: TSH, T3 Total, Free T3, Free T4 and T3 Reverse. I recall initially she had also ordered antibody tests a few years back but they were negative at that time. She has mentioned to me about taking a Selenium supplement as I do not take a multi-vitamin. I already take numerous supplements and try to get eat healthy and mostly organic when I shop. When I take supplements I prefer to use the manufacturer of the supplements she recommends - many are Thorne Research or Pure Encapsulations brand. Also, I read a lot of reviews to see who is using the product and if helped. Many times a user had mentioned a particular supplement / brand was recommended by their doctor - so I find that helpful too.
Funny you mentioned Amazon because I was reading there too about the supplement reviews. I saw the Indoral and many others. I decided to go with Thorne products and ordered their Selenium supplement and Iodine/Tyrosine supplement. You can read about their product testing and quality assurance in the listing.
I already take numerous supplements dealing with all the side effects of breast cancer treatments and many years on Letrozole. So I was not crazy to add more but now with these thyroid issues and this discussion I'm open to try them. Some supplements I take on a daily schedule but others I will only take 2-3 times per week. Like medication I do not like to over do any product and I'm not a fan of medication - so I will do my best with diet and exercise. Found these helpful links too.
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Selenium-HealthP...
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iodine-HealthPro...
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from www.optimox.com
Iodine induces apoptosis and inhibits cells from forming cancer. The absence of iodine in the thyroid causes goiter(3,4). Goiter is associated with breast cancer, stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer . It is felt by many researchers that the absence of iodine is a promoter of cancer. I feel that those patients with the lowest excretion rates and the highest absorption of iodine on the iodine loading test are the ones with the highest risk for development of cancer. From literally hundreds of phone interviews with patients over the last two years, the levels of iodine excretion that seem to raise the highest alarm are those in which the excretion is somewhere around 10 mg or less per 24 hours in patients age 35 and up. My observations at this point show that there is a definite increase in the incidence of breast cancer, stomach cancer, ovarian cancer or thyroid cancer. If a patient has the iodine loading test and has an iodine excretion of 10 mg or less in a 24-hour period, I initiate a cancer workup. In 1976, a JAMA article showed that 6% of the female population was at risk for breast cancer (25)). Women who received thyroid supplementation doubled their risk of breast cancer to 12%. The age groups we used to separate the patients in Figures 1-6 were based on this article. As women get older, the risk of breast cancer increases. In Figures 2-6 the iodine/iodide loading test shows that the older the women are, the lower the rate of iodine excretion.
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CP how did your tests turn out, besides the antibody test that was negative? I have tyrosine not sure how it relates, will check Thorne. Thanks
So I am reading The Iodine Crisis and it says you need the iodine/iodide combination. Therefore I ordered the Indoral the lowest amount for gradual increasing and the lugol 5% drops. It can't hurt to give it a try. I really like the weight loss and energy aspect as well as healing the thyroid gland.
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Tyrosine
Tyrosine
This amino acid is used by the thyroid gland to produce T3 and T4. Good sources of tyrosine are meats, dairy, and legumes. Taking a supplement may help, but ask your doctor beforehand.
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The thyroid is a small gland in the front of the neck. It makes hormones that regulate growth and metabolism. These hormones affect nearly every body function. Thyroid hormones can influence:
- body temperature
- weight
- cardiovascular health
- fertility
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. If your thyroid hormone levels are too low, you may have fatigue, digestive problems, sensitivity to cold temperatures, and menstrual irregularities. The condition can be managed with medication. If left untreated, though, hypothyroidism can lead to many complications. These include heart problems, nerve injury, infertility and in severe cases, death.
Cardiovascular problems
Your thyroid hormone level can impact your cardiovascular health. You may have a slow pulse, abnormal heartbeats, and weakened pulse.
One study found that hypothyroidism can decrease the volume of blood pumped out by the heart in each beat by 30 to 50 percent. Low levels of the triiodothyronine (T3) thyroid hormone are also associated with heart failure.
Fortunately, most cardiac complications related to hypothyroidism can be treated. This involves using the proper medication to correct your thyroid function.
Renal complications
Serious hypothyroidism can lower the kidney's function. This is often due to decreased blood flow to the kidneys. You may have less ability to excrete water and absorb sodium. As a result, blood levels of sodium may be unusually low.
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Exactly regarding all the side effects when the thyroid is not balanced and working properly. This is when I would have discussions with PCP about using statins or BP medications when some of these issues were due to hypothyroid or Letrozole side effects. I did not want MORE medications - correct and support the cause not use multiple drugs. Since I'm no longer using Letrozole both my BP and cholesterol values have decreased. Now I need to balance my thyroid with the help from my nutritionist. She has been a great help as most MO and PCP are not trained in supplements and alternative treatments.
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Really, they blow off the thyroid like it's no biggie. TSH test and you're done. I would say heart failure and kidney water retention are somehow very important. Tsk
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I wish there was a nutritionist where I live but small towns just don't attract good doctors nor good hospitals. It's a shame I have to travel 2 hours to see my oncologist.
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I think about seeing a nutritionist and then I think everyone will give you their own version of what's good and what's not. I have changed my diet for the better and added supplements and I think it shows. I feel better too. It takes a lot of reading. And I forget stuff so I want to put all the information I've saved into a binder. And also if you want to add say magnesium there are all different kinds. But you can upgrade as you get more information. You can always order food online. I was just going to see if I can get a better deal on bone broth, it's expensive at WholeFoods
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Marijen have you tried making your own bone broth? I always make a big batch over the weekend to last me all week. I
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No it never crossed my mind. Do you have a recipe? Thanks
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Here's one there are many if you Google them. I also use the chicken chicken bones. Those I don't roast because they've already been cooked.
http://thehealthyfoodie.com/slow-cooker-beef-bone-...
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Thanks kira, I'm not much of a cook but it looks so tasty!! Need a slow cooker now.
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I've decided not to take any iodine supplement. It sounds too risky..... http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypo...
https://chriskresser.com/iodine-for-hypothyroidism...
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Hi - I'm reading "The Iodine Crisis: What You Don't Know About Iodine Can Wreck Your Life" by Lynne Farrow, David Brownstein and wanted to share this quote with you.
"What makes the breast, nature's most mysterious baby food factory, sick or inflamed? Since the condition is so common, you'd think scientists would be paying more attention or looking for a cause, asking why or identifying when, in the course of a woman's life, breast health starts to deteriorate."0
