Lower salt intake…and increase breast cancer risk?

And today’s award for talking out of both sides of your mouth goes to…the American Thyroid Association (ATA).

In a letter published in the New England Journal of Medicine, several ATA members cautioned that cutting back on salt also cuts back your intake of iodine.

Salt has been iodized in the U.S. for nearly 90 years to prevent thyroid conditions such as goiter.

But more recently, another iodine benefit has been recognized. Researchers have found a significant link to iodine deficiency and breast cancer risk. Risk of prostate and ovarian cancers may also be linked to this deficiency.

So here’s where it gets confusing: The ATA guys note in their letter that they agree with the recommendation to reduce salt intake to promote heart health.

Kind of stuck behind the 8 ball on that one, aren’t they?

They could easily get unstuck by first getting past those deeply-ingrained mainstream salt myths (see “Salt Shaking”). Plus, they of all people should know that the iodine content in your average table salt is really minimal.

To find out just how important iodine is, and to get the lowdown on an ideal supplement that provides it in proper amounts (no salt necessary), members can check the HSI archives (at hsionline.com) for the April 2006 issue. Look for the article titled “The orange antiseptic that could be the best breast cancer prevention tool yet.”

To Your Good Health,

Jenny Thompson

Source:
“Iodine Levels a Worry as Salt Use Declines” HealthDay News, 6/17/10, consumer.healthday.com