Our diets have become increasingly deficient in iodine. A change from iodized salt to sea salt and/or low salt diets have resulted in deficiency in nearly 74 percent of adults.

Interestingly enough, research by Arizona State University found iodine deficiency in mothers could be a cause or exacerbating factor for autism. The study also found that children with autism spectrum disorder had up to 45 percent lower levels of iodine than the control.

Seventy percent of patients given iodine supplements showed an improvement in their fibrocystic breast disease in a study published in the Canadian Journal of Surgery. Breast tissue is rich in the same iodine-transporting proteins used by the thyroid gland to take up iodine from the blood. This provides for a direct form of supplying iodine to a nursing infant, which is essential for the brain's development. Iodine has an antioxidant effect akin to Vitamin C.

There have also been several studies that indicate iodine deficient breast tissue show elevated lipid peroxidation, an early factor in cancer development. The thyroid gland, breast tissue, and portions of the digestive tract are similar in that they all contain rich concentrations of iodine.

Iodine is an important mineral to have in one's diet; are you in-taking enough?

For more information contact Balanced Wellness Medical Clinic at (509) 919-4575, health@balancedwellnessmed.com, www.balancedwellnessmed.com.