The Essential Mineral You Need!

There is a inexpensive mineral you are probably slightly deficient in. The good news…getting enough of this mineral could help in the fight against cancer…that super power mineral is IODINE. In this article I have revealed a few inexpensive food sources where you can get this mineral and make sure you benefit from its protective effects.

In nature it’s pretty scarce. Mainly because it’s found in the ocean and only in very small quantities in soil and in certain foods. Decades ago, North America put an end to iodine
deficiency by including it in table salt (iodized table salt).
But more recently, rates of iodine deficiency are increasing at an alarming rate. In fact, iodine deficiency in North America has QUADRUPLED in the past 40 years, with most people experiencing a 50% reduction in iodine levels.
There are a few reasons for this:
1. Bromine exposure. Bromine is found in baked goods, plastics, medications, pesticides, soft drinks and more. It contributes to iodine deficiency because when it gets into your body, it displaces iodine, not allowing your body to take in what little iodine may be available.
2. Perchlorate contamination. This is an active chemical in rocket fuel that’s made its way into our food and water supply – and even used to enhance flavor in certain foods! Once ingested, it decreases your body’s ability to use iodine.
3. Less salt intake. With the mainstream media telling us to eat less salt, we’re now avoiding what was once our main source of iodine! What’s more, healthier versions of salt, such as Sea and Kosher salts contain little to no iodine. Also, salt used in cooking loses over 60% of its iodine content.
“So what does all this have to do with cancer?”…Glad you asked!
In the context of breast cancer, iodine plays a critical role in the health of women’s breast tissue. In fact, breast tissue that is iodine deficient commonly shows elevated levels of lipid peroxidation – which is one of the earliest signs of cancer development.
There is also both anecdotal and emerging scientific evidence for iodine’s role in preventing breast cancer. The Japanese have one of the highest intakes of iodine in the world, since they eat a diet rich in seafood and sea vegetables. It’s also no coincidence then, that Japanese women (whose iodine consumption is 25 times HIGHER than that of North American women) have breast cancer rates that are a small fraction of that seen in the North America!
And as far as other kinds of cancers, boosting iodine levels in the body has been linked to a reduction in the rate of stomach cancer. [2] The moral of the story here is to make sure you’re getting enough iodine in your diet. Don’t take it in supplement form, as there is evidence that it could cause issues with your thyroid. Aim to eat plenty of iodine-rich foods every day. That means eating plenty of whole eggs, milk (raw if possible), sea vegetables, certain types of seafood (like mussels, for instance) and some yogurt.
What to do?
Make sure to limit your exposure to substances that interfere with your body’s utilization of iodine. That means choosing baked goods that are bromine-free. This will usually be displayed on the label. Try to avoid plastic containers and instead use glass. Also, drink filtered water and use iodized salt directly on food (only if you don’t have high-blood pressure! Always please check with your doctor first).
Always keep in mind you get enough of this  mineral and help your body stay healthy!
References:
1.Garcia-Solis P, Alfaro Y, Anguiano B, et al. Inhibition of
N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced mammary carcinogenesis
by molecular iodine (I2) but not by iodide (I-) treatment
Evidence that I2 prevents cancer promotion. Mol Cell Endocrinol.
2005 May 31;236(1-2):49-57.
2. Golkowski F, Szybinski Z, Rachtan J, et al. Iodine
prophylaxis the protective factor against stomach
cancer in iodine deficient areas. Eur J Nutr. 2007 Aug;46(5):251-6.