Iodine Deficiency

Author Lynne Farrow is a hero to many women, including herself. Her book, The Iodine Crisis, has become a go-to source for many women who have been diagnosed with fibrocystic breast disease or breast cancer; who have had to endure repeated breast biopsies or breast cyst aspirations; and for breast cancer survivors.

“Thanks to environmental pollutants Iodine deficiency has become a worldwide epidemic. Everybody knows pollutants cause cancer. What they don’t know is that these pollutants cause a deficiency that can make us sick, fat and stupid. Iodized salt – supposedly a solution to iodine deficiency – is actually a nutritional scam which provides a false sense of security. The Iodine Crisis explains how we became so deficient, then shows the time-tested solution to reversing many [health] conditions.”

What is Iodine Deficiency?

Iodine is an element that is needed to produce the thyroid hormone. The body does not make iodine, so it is an essential part of your diet. Iodine is found in various foods. These hormones control the body’s metabolism and many other important functions. The body also needs thyroid hormones for proper bone and brain development during pregnancy and infancy.

Iodine deficiency is a lack of the trace element iodine. It may result in goiter, as well as cretinism, which results in developmental delays and other health problems. Iodine deficiency is an important public health issue as it is a preventable cause of intellectual disability. (American Thyroid Association)

In her book, Ms. Farrow explains the variety of health challenges that led to her eventual discovery of an Iodine deficiency:

“For years, I endured headaches with brain fog so bad that I lost my driver’s license for missing stop signs and speeding. I slept so much my family called me Rip Van Winkle. Finally, could no longer work full time, even with caffeine and painkillers.

“I went from teaching college full time to working as a journalist part time. I grew overweight from undiagnosed thyroid disease and finally, when I thought my life couldn’t get worse, I was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease.

“By some turn of fate, a doctor suggested iodine. Ka-boom! Iodine changed my life so much I spent several years researching how this centuries-old nutrient can be so powerful.”

While further research is necessary, there is also evidence that Iodine deficiency may be a contributing factor in breast cancer and fibrocystic breast disease.

Beyond using Iodized table salt, you can increase the amount of Iodine in your diet by eating foods high in iodine, such as: dairy products, seafood, meat, some breads, eggs, and by taking a multivitamin containing iodine.

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