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For years, we’ve been told to check our breasts, eat well, and manage stress to lower our risk of breast cancer, but there’s one crucial piece of the puzzle that’s been largely overlooked: iodine.
Recent research has uncovered a strong link between iodine deficiency and breast cancer risk, raising important questions about how we nourish and protect our bodies. If you’re a woman over 30, especially if you’ve experienced hormone imbalances, thyroid issues, or fibrocystic breasts, this is something you need to know.
What is Iodine & Why Does It Matter?
Iodine is a trace mineral that plays a crucial role in thyroid function, hormone regulation, and breast health. While it’s most commonly known for preventing goiters and supporting metabolism, its benefits go far beyond that.
Women’s breast tissue has one of the highest iodine concentrations in the body, second only to the thyroid. That means when you’re iodine-deficient, your breasts (and hormones) feel the impact.
The Iodine & Breast Cancer Connection
A growing body of research is showing a clear connection between low iodine levels and breast cancer. Here’s what’s been discovered:
- Iodine has natural anti-cancer properties – It helps prevent abnormal cell growth and supports healthy apoptosis (your body’s natural way of eliminating damaged cells before they turn cancerous).
- Women with breast cancer often have lower iodine levels – Studies have found that iodine deficiency is more common in women diagnosed with breast cancer compared to those without.
- Iodine plays a role in oestrogen balance – Low iodine can lead to oestrogen dominance, a condition linked to a higher risk of breast cancer, fibroids, and hormonal chaos.
Are You at Risk of Iodine Deficiency?
Because our bodies don’t produce iodine on their own, we need to get enough through diet or supplementation. However, many women unknowingly fall short. Risk factors include:
- Eating a low-salt or processed-food-heavy diet (Most table salt is iodized, but processed foods don’t contain it.)
- Not consuming enough seafood, seaweed, or iodine-rich foods
- Having a sluggish thyroid, hormone imbalances, or fibrocystic breasts
- Being pregnant, breastfeeding, or going through perimenopause, when iodine needs increase
- Exposure to environmental toxins like fluoride, chlorine, and bromine, which compete with iodine in the body (in common brands of toothpaste and unfiltered town water)
How to Boost Your Iodine Levels Naturally
If you’re wondering how to get more iodine safely, here are some simple ways to start:
✔️ Eat More Iodine-Rich Foods – Seaweed (like nori, dulse, and kelp), wild-caught fish, shrimp, eggs, and dairy are great sources.
✔️ Use High-Quality Iodized or Sea Salt – Many natural sea salts contain small amounts of iodine.
✔️ Consider an Iodine Supplement – If you suspect deficiency, a high-quality iodine supplement (such as Lugol’s solution) may be helpful. Always consult a holistic healthcare practitioner first.
✔️ Support Your Thyroid & Hormones – Getting enough selenium, zinc, and magnesium is crucial for iodine absorption and hormone balance.
✔️ Reduce Toxin Exposure – Avoid fluoride-containing toothpaste, chlorine-laden tap water, and processed foods that strip minerals from your body (I love using Moogoo toothpaste).
Iodine & Breast Health
If you’re serious about preventing breast cancer and supporting your hormones, iodine needs to be part of the conversation.
While there’s no single “magic bullet” for breast cancer prevention, ensuring your body has enough iodine is a simple step toward better breast health. If you suspect you may be iodine deficient, it’s worth getting your levels tested and making strategic dietary changes. Your breasts (and your overall health) will thank you 💕
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