Breast Cysts

Background

Breast cysts (fibrocystic breast disease) and cancer are common in the U.S. and Europe, but rare in Japan. It is suspected that this occurs because the Japanese diet is high in iodine, and iodine deficiency is becoming increasingly common in the United States. Iodine is critical for breast health (and also thyroid function).

Treatments

If you have a breast cyst or knot that lasts over a month, have your physician check it.

General Diet Advice

Avoid caffeine

For severe cases, this includes the caffeine in chocolate.

Recommended Supplements

Iodine

150-200 mcg of iodine is recommended for everyone’s day-to-day requirements. A dose as high as 12.5 mg (12,500 mcg) iodine is recommended for those with breast cysts (and also for breast cancer). Do not exceed this amount unless you are under a holistic health practitioner’s supervision. It will help sooner, but give it at least 3 months to work. Very rarely, iodine can aggravate acne or indigestion, so stop the iodine supplement if this occurs or take a lower dose. (For more information on iodine, see the book "Iodine" by David Brownstein M.D.)

Vitamin E

Take vitamin E 400 units a day (use a "natural mixed tocopherols" form — Twinlabs has a good one).

More Information Online

Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It (book on www.amazon.com)