I have recently been astounded by the number of women who get complete relief from their fibrocystic breast disease with Iodine replacement, alone. While Iodine has long been considered essential in addressing thyroid problems, this surprise benefit makes its use even more important.  

Iodine deficiency in the typical American diet has lead to a host of serious health problems, in addition to Thyroid disease. The average American consumes about 240 micrograms of iodine a day. The average Japanese person consumes about 50 times more. Americans also consume a range of substances that make that small amount of iodine less available for the body’s health. Chlorine and fluorides in the drinking water antagonize  iodine use, as does the use of bromine in baked goods. The trace amount of iodine in some table salt is made more difficult to utilize because of the chloride in the salt. Add to this the decreased use of table salt for “health” reasons, and the problem becomes worse.  

Donald Miller, Jr, MD (1) explains that this increased iodine consumption in Japan appears to play a major role in improving health. The US has the highest incidence of Breast Cancer in the world; while Japan, until recently, has enjoyed the lowest rate of breast cancer. Life expectancy in Japan is one of the highest of the Industrialized Countries. About 1 in 7 American women will develop breast cancer. Thirty years ago, when the iodine consumption was twice what it is now (480 mcg / day) breast cancer incidence was about 1 in 20.  

While one might argue that many other factors have changed in those thirty years, research has repeatedly strengthened this connection between iodine and breast health.  Both breast cancer and fibrocystic breast disease appear to have an “iodine connection.” People who consume less iodine tend to have more problems with fibrocystic breast disease and cancers, in general. 

 Animal studies have shown that iodine is somewhat protective against breast cancer that is induced with chemical carcinogens. Animals raised on iodine deficient diets develop fibrocystic breast disease that is reversible with iodine intake. Women have repeatedly been cured of fibrocystic breast disease with adequate iodine replacement.  

Women with goiters (swollen thyroid glands) who are deficient in iodine are 3 times more likely to get breast cancer. A high intake of iodine is associated with a lowered incidence of breast cancer. (2)  Women who develop fibrocystic breast disease find relief and usually cure with therapeutic doses of iodine, an inexpensive, safe, effective therapy that is too often ignored by Mainstream Medicine. This makes for much unnecessary expense and suffering.   

Dr. David Derry, MD, PhD,  (3) feels that iodine plays a major role in apoptosis (self destruction of abnormal or cancerous cells) and helps prevent the development of breast cancer, while adequate thyroid hormones maintain the integrity of connective tissue to prevent metastasis of cancerous cells. Cells that avidly take up iodine include: the thyroid gland, which uses it for the manufacture of thyroid hormones; the gut, to allow iodine to enter the circulation; breast tissue, to prevent cysts and abnormalities; skin; the brain; bones; and joints.  Properly administered, iodine is a safe, essential and protective supplement. It plays an essential role in healthy thyroid function, in overall health, and especially in breast health.  

Lugol’s Iodine Solution is an excellent source of iodine and iodide. I place most of my patients on the equivalent of 2-8 drops, diluted in liquid, daily. It can relieve fibrocystic breast disease, help prevent cancers, help detoxify fluoride, chlorine, and heavy metals, and it is essential for health. (4)

1. Iodine for Health. Donald W Miller, Jr, MD, www.donaldmiller.com 2. Miller op cit3. Breast Cancer and Iodine: How to Prevent and How to Survive Breast Cancer. David Derry, MD, PhD Trafford Publishing 20024. Iodine: Why You Need It-Why You Can’t Live Without It. David Brownstein, MD. West Bloomfield, Michigan. Medical Alternatives Press 2004