Iodine for Thyroid and Breast Health

Most people have no idea what iodine does and if they do, their awareness is usually limited to the thyroid. But guess what? It is really important to helping fight breast cancer too.

Years ago iodine was added to table salt to prevent goiter, which is an enlargement of the thyroid gland. And for many, that was all that was needed to prevent goiter and the majority of people never gave iodine supplementation much thought again.

But now researchers are beginning know more about how important iodine for breast health and are noticing that many of us don’t get enough. Why are many of us deficient? Well, here are a few reasons:

• Salt Restriction: Some people have been using less salt under doctor’s orders to treat blood pressure problems so they don’t get as much iodine from iodized table salt.
• Increased Popularity of Himalayan and Sea Salt, which don’t have added iodine.
• Chlorine and Fluoride in our water supplies: Chlorine and fluoride are similar in structure to iodine. When the thyroid is low on iodine, these other substances can be taken up by the thyroid and hinder the production of thyroid hormones.
• Bromines/bromides in commercial foods: Iodine levels began to fall in the 1970’s when commercial bakers started substituting bromide (used in dough conditioners) for potassium iodate. Bromides are also similar in structure to iodine and can end up blocking iodine absorption. They are also added to Mountain Dew soda, citrus drinks and are used in pesticides on strawberries.

So what is the breast cancer connection? Well, it is pretty important because we are discovering that iodine is toxic to breast cancer cells. It also helps your body produce antioxidants that protect cells from damage that could lead to cancer. Plus iodine suppresses the start of benign and cancerous tumors. A study published in 2001 by a Japanese researcher found that wakame sea vegetable caused breast cancer cell death and stopped the growth of tumors more effectively than a commonly prescribed chemo and yet did not cause regular cells to die.

The recommended dose of iodine for adults is 150 micrograms per day, which is probably a minimal dose for many. A teaspoon of seaweed contains about that amount. Contact a doctor before taking iodine supplements, especially if you have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. High intakes of iodine of more than 800 micrograms per day can cause side effects.

 

 

Foods and Supplements That May Reduce Your Blood Pressure

If you have high blood pressure you are not alone! Many people develop it as they reach middle age. Eating lots of vegetables and fruits along with exercise, keeping insulin levels low and reducing stress can help keep it controlled. In addition, certain plant foods supply minerals like potassium and some unique substances that may help your body maintain a healthier blood pressure. Be sure to monitor your blood pressure when taking any supplements and consult with your doctor. Note that some extracts mentioned below act in a similar fashion to common blood pressure medications.

• Celery contains the chemical 3-n-butyl phthalide that seems to help lower the resistance in blood vessels. It one study 150 mg of celery extract appeared to reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure by about 8 points each after three weeks. Natural Factors makes an extract capsule that has 75 mg of 3nb. Start with 1 tablet, twice per day. You can also eat about four ounces celery (equal to a cup chopped) daily.
• Hibiscus tea taken three times per day can lower blood pressure about 7 points within 3 weeks. It acts as an ACE inhibitor. Tazo Passion Tea, served at Starbucks iced, contains hibiscus and so does Celestial Seasonings Black Cherry Berry tea.  Black Cherry Berry tea and added hibiscus flowers also make a very refreshing iced tea in the summer. If you prefer capsules to tea, take 1000 mg capsules (2-3 times per day).

Tazo Passion Tea with Hibiscus

• Reishi Mushrooms contain triterpenes that lower blood pressure. A double-blind trial reported that reishi mushrooms significantly lowered blood pressure by the end of the four week study. A concentrated extract of reishi (25:1) in the amount of 55 mg three times per day was taken over the four weeks.
• Garlic tablets that are standardized, like those made by Kwai, may help lower blood pressure by five to ten percent within 12 weeks. Dose is 10,000 mcg allicin per day.
• Cocoa or Dark Chocolate with high polyphenol content may reduce systolic blood pressure by up to 5 points when ingested regularly. This is comparable to the effects of 30 minutes of daily minutes of exercise. 
• Fruits like watermelon and kiwis contain lutein that help lower blood pressure
• Potassium in such foods as peas, bananas, potatoes, tomatoes, kidney beans, melons and raisins can help your body control blood pressure. Potassium is very important for overall health. Each 1000 mg per day of dietary potassium reduces all cause mortality by about 20 percent.  A daily intake of 4700 mg of potassium from plant foods is suggested. The DASH diet recommends 8 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables per day.
• Pomegranate juice concentrate may lower the systolic (top) number by having a similar effect as ACE inhibitors, a commonly prescribed medication.  Some studies have shown that drinking 50-200 mL (about 1/2 to one cup) of pomegranate juice daily for up to one year can lower systolic blood pressure (the top number) by 5% to 21%.
• Beet root juice or extract lowers blood pressure and increases cerebral, coronary and peripheral blood flow.  Take 4 ounces of juice one to two times per day or at least 500 mg of extract per day.
• Hawthorn reduces BP, is an antioxidant, vasodilator and may reduce blood clotting. Try 1,200 mg of hawthorn extract that contains 2.2 percent flavonoids per day. It may take several weeks before blood pressure lowering effects occur.
• Vitamin C at 500 mg per day over six weeks, for those with low vitamin C levels,  may reduce systolic readings by about 4 mmHg and diastolic by 2.1
• Olive Leaf acts as a calcium channel blocker and improves insulin sensitivity. Take a 500 mg capsule twice per day.
• Magnesium enhances BP medication effectiveness and most Americans don’t get enough. Take 400-600 mg per day of a chelated supplement as long as renal function is good.
• Vitamin D, plus K2 work to incorporate calcium into bone and inhibit artery calcification to reduce cardiovascular deaths. Your skin makes Vitamin D during sun exposure in the summer months. Gut bacteria make Vit K and is in fermented food and grass fed meat. Some vitamin D supplements contain it as well.
• Melatonin lowers cortisol and is a vasodilator. If you suspect your levels are low, you may want to take 3-5 mg each evening at bed time.