Iodine and Breast Health: What You Need to Know

Iodine and Breast Health: What You Need to Know

by | Oct 29, 2024 | Endocrine/Hormone Health, Naturopathic Medicine, Women's Health

Maintaining optimal breast health is a priority for many women, and iodine plays a crucial role in achieving this. While iodine is commonly associated with thyroid function, it’s also essential for breast health. This blog will explore the relationship between iodine and breast health, the risks of iodine deficiency, and actionable steps for improving your iodine intake.

The Importance of Iodine for Breast Health

Iodine is an essential nutrient that is often overlooked in discussions about breast health. Not only does it support the thyroid, but it is also vital for maintaining healthy breast tissue. Adequate iodine levels may help prevent conditions like fibrocystic breast changes and could potentially lower the risk of breast cancer.11, 13

Iodine’s Role in Cellular Function

Breast tissue requires significant amounts of iodine for normal cellular function. Iodine helps regulate estrogen metabolism, supporting healthy hormone balance. When iodine levels are sufficient, the body directs estrogen down protective pathways. In contrast, low iodine leads to imbalances that may increase the risk of breast issues.11,13

In particular, molecular iodine (I2) has been shown to neutralize free radicals, induce the production of antioxidant enzymes, and reduce inflammation. In cancerous cells, iodine activates apoptotic pathways (programmed cell death) and inhibits markers related to chemoresistance and cancer cell survival.1 A small pilot study in women with early and advanced breast cancer found that molecular iodine, when combined with chemotherapy, not only enhanced treatment response but also reduced side effects and prevented chemoresistance in all patients. After five years, patients who received iodine before and after surgery had a significantly higher disease-free survival rate compared to those who only received it after surgery.10

How Iodine Supports Estrogen Balance and Breast Health

Iodine plays a key role in metabolizing estrogen, guiding it through pathways that can either protect against or may raise the risk of cancer.5,12 It is especially important to note that iodine works best in synergy with selenium, a powerful antioxidant. Selenium protects iodine-rich tissues, such as the breasts and thyroid, by neutralizing free radicals.8

Studies suggest that breast cancer-protective effects of iodine are most prominent in people with higher selenium levels. Therefore, maintaining adequate levels of both iodine and selenium is critical for optimal breast health.8

The richest foods sources of selenium include Brazil nuts, organ meats, seafood, and muscle meats (from farmed animals who are supplemented with selenium in their feed).7

Fibrocystic Breast Changes and Iodine

Many women experience fibrocystic breast changes, characterized by lumpy, tender, and often painful breasts, due to hormonal fluctuations. Research indicates that iodine deficiency can exacerbate these symptoms. Increasing iodine intake has been shown to improve breast tissue health and reduce discomfort associated with fibrocystic changes.9

Why Are So Many People Still Deficient in Iodine?

Despite iodine being added to table salt, iodine deficiency remains common. Here are some reasons why:

  • Dietary Deficiencies: In my practice, I find iodine deficiencies in patients who do not consume little if any dairy, seafood and/ or sea vegetables and who are not supplementing with iodine. Recent research has found that those with vegan, vegetarian and paleolithic diets tend towards iodine deficiency. Recently, I have also found functional deficiency of iodine due to vitamin A deficiency (read more on the importance and connection between vitamin A and iodine below).4
  • Halides: Found in common products like baked goods, tap water, flame retardants, halides (chlorine, fluoride, and bromine) compete with iodine in the body, blocking its absorption.9
  • Soil Depletion: Modern farming practices have depleted iodine levels in the soil, meaning our food contains less iodine than it did decades ago.9
  • Less Effective Forms: The form of iodine found in table salt (iodide) is not as easily used by breast tissue, making it less beneficial for overall breast health.1,9

The Importance of Testing for Iodine Deficiency

Before supplementing with iodine, it's crucial to test your levels. A 24-hour urine iodine test is considered the most accurate method.6 Testing ensures you're taking the right dose of iodine and prevents over-supplementation, which could aggravate conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Iodine Supplementation Guidelines

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the following iodine daily intake:

  • Adults and adolescents: 150 mcg/day
  • Pregnant and lactating women: 250 mcg/day
  • Children aged 6–12 years: 120 mcg/day
  • Infants up to 6 years: 90 mcg/day

It's important to work with a healthcare provider to determine an appropriate supplementation plan based on your test results.

The Connection Between Vitamin A, Iodine, and Breast Health

The Sodium Iodide Symporter (NIS) and Pendrin (PDS) are transport proteins that help move iodine into sensitive tissues, such as thyroid, breast and prostate. NIS levels are higher in about 80% of breast cancers, particularly HER2+, whereas pendrin has been found to be low in breast cancer tissues.2,3 Researchers are exploring how NIS can be used in breast cancer imaging and treatment.2

Vitamin A, specifically in the form of all-trans retinoic acid, helps boost NIS activity, improving how well breast tissue utilizes iodine.6 This suggests that keeping both iodine and vitamin A levels optimal may provide added protection against breast issues like fibrocystic changes.

What You Can Do

  1. Test Your Iodine Levels: Always test before supplementing with iodine. Work with a healthcare provider to determine the best type of test for you —24-hour urinary iodine testing is generally preferred.6
  2. Test Your Selenium Levels: Since selenium is crucial for iodine metabolism and breast tissue protection, consider testing your selenium levels too.7
  3. Consult a Professional: If you're considering iodine supplementation for breast health, consult your healthcare provider or naturopathic doctor for personalized advice based on your test results.
  4. Read Labels: Many multivitamins contain adequate iodine, but prenatal vitamins often fall short. Be mindful of the iodine content in your supplements to ensure you’re getting enough.

Final Thoughts

Iodine is a vital nutrient for both thyroid and breast health. By testing your levels, ensuring adequate selenium intake, and eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, you can take proactive steps to support breast health and hormone balance. Always consult with your healthcare professional to determine the best approach for your unique needs.

Take charge of your breast health today by understanding your body’s iodine needs and working with a trusted healthcare provider to achieve optimal wellness.

 

Dr. Sarah Giardenelli is a naturopathic doctor, acupuncturist, herbalist, and owner of the Collective Health Center in Leesburg, Virginia. With a focus on holistic health and wellness, Dr. Giardenelli is dedicated to helping patients achieve their health goals through personalized care and evidence-informed practices.

References

  1. Aceves C, Mendieta I, Anguiano B, Delgado-González E. Molecular Iodine Has Extrathyroidal Effects as an Antioxidant, Differentiator, and Immunomodulator. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Jan 27;22(3):1228. doi: 10.3390/ijms22031228. PMID: 33513754; PMCID: PMC7865438. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7865438/
  2. Arczewska KD, Godlewska M, Krasuska W, Łyczkowska A, Kiedrowski M, Czarnocka B. Expression of pendrin and NIS iodide transporters in human breast tumor and peri-tumoral tissue. Arch Med Sci. 2019 Nov 25;18(4):1041-1050. doi: 10.5114/aoms.2019.89980. PMID: 35832691; PMCID: PMC9266960. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9266960/
  3. Elliyanti A, Rusnita D, Afriani N, Susanto YDB, Susilo VY, Setiyowati S, Harahap WA. Analysis Natrium Iodide Symporter Expression in Breast Cancer Subtypes for Radioiodine Therapy Response. Nucl Med Mol Imaging. 2020 Feb;54(1):35-42. doi: 10.1007/s13139-019-00632-8. Epub 2020 Jan 3. PMID: 32206129; PMCID: PMC7062960. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7062960/
  4. Greger, M. (2023, March 31). Are vegans at risk for iodine deficiency? org. https://nutritionfacts.org/video/are-vegans-at-risk-for-iodine-deficiency/
  5. He S, Wang B, Lu X, Miao S, Yang F, Zava T, Ding Q, Zhang S, Liu J, Zava D, Shi YE. Iodine stimulates estrogen receptor singling and its systemic level is increased in surgical patients due to topical absorption. 2017 Sep 4;9(1):375-384. doi: 10.18632/oncotarget.20633. PMID: 29416620; PMCID: PMC5787473. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5787473/
  6. Linus Pauling Institute. (2023). Oregon State University. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/iodine#:~:text=Vitamin%20A%20deficiency%20in%20animal,thyroid%20gland%20and%20impairing%20the
  7. Linus Pauling Institute. (2023). Oregon State University. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/selenium#selenoproteins
  8. Manjer J, Sandsveden M, Borgquist S. Serum Iodine and Breast Cancer Risk: A Prospective Nested Case-Control Study Stratified for Selenium Levels. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2020 Jul;29(7):1335-1340. doi: 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-20-0122. Epub 2020 May 26. PMID: 32457181. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32457181/
  9. Meletis CD. Iodine: Health Implications of Deficiency. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine. 2011;16(3):190-194. doi:10.1177/2156587211414424. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2156587211414424
  10. Moreno-Vega A, Vega-Riveroll L, Ayala T, Peralta G, Torres-Martel JM, Rojas J, Mondragón P, Domínguez A, De Obaldía R, Avecilla-Guerrero C, Anguiano B, Delgado-González E, Zambrano-Estrada X, Cuenca-Micó O, De La Puente Flores O, Varela-Echavarría A, Aceves C. Adjuvant Effect of Molecular Iodine in Conventional Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer. Randomized Pilot Study. 2019 Jul 17;11(7):1623. doi: 10.3390/nu11071623. PMID: 31319484; PMCID: PMC6682905. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6682905/
  11. Rappaport J. Changes in Dietary Iodine Explains Increasing Incidence of Breast Cancer with Distant Involvement in Young Women. J Cancer. 2017 Jan 13;8(2):174-177. doi: 10.7150/jca.17835. PMID: 28243321; PMCID: PMC5327366. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5327366/
  12. Stoddard FR 2nd, Brooks AD, Eskin BA, Johannes GJ. Iodine alters gene expression in the MCF7 breast cancer cell line: evidence for an anti-estrogen effect of iodine. Int J Med Sci. 2008 Jul 8;5(4):189-96. doi: 10.7150/ijms.5.189. PMID: 18645607; PMCID: PMC2452979. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2452979/
  13. Winder M, Kosztyła Z, Boral A, Kocełak P, Chudek J. The Impact of Iodine Concentration Disorders on Health and Cancer. 2022 May 26;14(11):2209. doi: 10.3390/nu14112209. PMID: 35684009; PMCID: PMC9182735. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9182735/
  14. ZRT Laboratory. (2021, July 7). Curious about iodine? Part 2: The history, uses, and forms of iodine. ZRT Laboratory. https://www.zrtlab.com/blog/archive/curious-about-iodine-2/#B9

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[UPDATED 2/5/24] Unlocking the Mystery: How a Newly Discovered Autoantibody Sheds Light on Chronic Fatigue and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

[UPDATED 2/5/24] Unlocking the Mystery: How a Newly Discovered Autoantibody Sheds Light on Chronic Fatigue and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

by | Sep 20, 2023 | Endocrine/Hormone Health, Prevention

Unrelenting fatigue in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, despite “normal” thyroid functions tests is an extremely common complaint in my patient population, many of whom have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), is a debilitating condition characterized by severe, unexplained fatigue that lasts for at least six months and is not improved by rest. It often comes with a myriad of other symptoms, including muscle pain, cognitive difficulties, and sleep disturbances. Despite its significant impact on the lives of those affected, CFS remains poorly understood and effective treatments are limited. However, recent research has shed light on a potential link between CFS, selenium, and thyroid hormones, opening new avenues for understanding and managing this enigmatic condition.

Yet Another Antibody that Affects Thyroid Function

I recently came across some research by Sun and colleagues that sheds light on why the fatigue for CFS patients with Hashimoto’s might be unrelenting. Interestingly, in 2021 Sun’s research group discovered a new autoantibody that affects thyroid function. Their research verified their hypotheses that the body has natural autoantibodies to the selenium transporter selenoprotein P (SELENOP) in thyroid patients which impair selenium transport and thus negatively affect glutathione production in the thyroid, which is so essential to help protect the thyroid from the oxidative stress that occurs in the thyroid with thyroid hormone production. Their most recent research from 2023 unveiled a fascinating connection between CFS and selenium in the form of autoantibodies targeting selenoprotein P (SELENOP-aAb). [CORRECTION] They discovered that there is a subset of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome with autoantibodies to selenoprotein P (SELENOP-aAb) which hinders normal transport of selenium to target tissues and causes reduced selenoprotein expression [in my originally blog I misstated that these patients not also had Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which the article does indicate - there was no mention if they screened or excluded participants with Hashimoto's]. This disruption had far-reaching consequences on the health of CFS patients.

Selenium Connection

To understand their findings, we need to understand the connection of selenium to thyroid function. Selenium is a trace element that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes within the body. It is an essential component of selenoproteins, a family of proteins that function as antioxidants and help regulate the immune system and thyroid hormones. Selenium helps to protect the thyroid from oxidative stress that occurs normally during thyroid hormone production. If selenium isn't able to be properly transported, oxidative stress and tissue damage ensues and thyroid (and body) cannot function optimally.

Thyroid Hormones and the Impact on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

To fully grasp the implications of SELENOP-aAb in CFS, researchers examined the interplay between selenium, selenoproteins, and thyroid hormones (TH). The thyroid gland produces TH, essential for regulating metabolism, energy production, and overall health. Thyroid hormones come in two primary forms: T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine). T3 is an active thyroid hormone that has metabolic effects in our body and derives from T4 (inactive thyroid hormone) through a process known as deiodination 1 (DIO1) and deiodination 2 (DIO2). DIO1 occurs mostly in the thyroid, but also in the liver and kidneys, whereas DI02 activity has been detected in areas of the brain (pituitary and hypothalamus), ear (cochlea), brown adipose tissue, bones, muscles, heart, and central nervous system. The T3 produced by DIO2 in these peripheral tissues persists longer in the body for reasons that are not yet fully understood. We also have DIO3 which helps to protect fetal tissues and adult brains (central nervous system) from excessive TH production by converting T4 to inactive reverse T3 (rT3) and T3 to inactive 3,3’-diiodothyronine (T2).

Sun et al introduced two indices to evaluate thyroid gland activity and peripheral deiodination: the SPINA GT index (secretory capacity of the thyroid gland, indicates DIO1 activity) and the SPINA GD index (total deiodination activity, indicates peripheral tissue DIO2 activity). These indices offer valuable insights into how SELENOP-aAb impacted TH metabolism. Patients with SELENOP-aAb displayed lower SPINA GD values, indicating reduced TH activation as well as lower active thyroid hormone (fT3) levels and higher levels of inactive thyroid hormone (rT3). Furthermore, their 24-hour urinary iodine concentrations were significantly lower, pointing to suppressed TH deiodination. This collective evidence suggested that SELENOP-aAb disrupted regular selenium supply to target tissues, resulting in reduced selenoprotein expression, elevated oxidative stress, and impaired TH activation.

Sun et al’s 2023 study is frankly one of the most useful studies on thyroid function that I’ve come across. It sheds so much light onto several different and previously perplexing aspects of thyroid health. Clinically, I tend to recommend 24-hour urine iodine testing to my hypothyroid patients who upon dietary review have a low iodine diet. However, this study helps us understand that iodine levels can be low in patients even with adequate dietary intake because of the SELENOP antibodies making it so iodine cannot be freed from the tissue. Thus, 24-hour urinary iodine might be a helpful test for all patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and if low in a patient with normal iodine consumption, may point towards SELENOP-aABs. Their findings also help to explain why supplementing with high dose iodine in patients with Hashimoto’s can go south for some patients. I’ve never had clinical success with this approach – iodine is very oxidizing to thyroid tissues, especially in the context of low selenium, and there is even more oxidative stress with SELENOP-aABs which creates a functional iodine deficiency. Iodine is like fuel to the fire in this situation. Furthermore, their study helps us better understand why selenium supplement is vital for patients with Hashimoto’s but is not a cure-all in this situation. Other studies have demonstrated that selenium supplementation helps to improve thyroid function and lower thyroid antibodies in patients with Hashimoto’s for several months but without significant improvements after this. Repletion of selenium helps to counter the oxidative stress from SELENOP-aAB, but may not resolve the SELENOP-aABs, this research hasn’t yet been done. Deficiencies of selenium and iodine we may see with SELENOP-aABs appear to be functional and related to these autoantibodies. Finally, this study helps us to better understand why some patients do so much better while on active thyroid replacement than others, particularly those with chronic fatigue syndrome, as their peripheral conversion of inactive (T4) to active thyroid (fT3) is impaired by SELENOP-aAB lending to more brain fog and bodily fatigue.

Implications and Future Directions

The discovery of SELENOP-aAb in a subset of CFS patients opens a promising avenue for understanding and managing this perplexing condition. It suggests that CFS may have an autoimmune component that affects selenium transport and thyroid hormone metabolism, leading to characteristic symptoms of fatigue, pain, and cognitive dysfunction. While naturopathic doctors have long appreciated the nuances of thyroid function in different patients, and that a personalized approach is needed, we didn’t understand all the whys. I was excited to see if SELENO-Abs and SPINA GD discussed in Sun et al’s study, were available through standard commercial medical labs, sadly they are not yet available. I expectantly await additional research with larger study groups and more longitudinal studies that will hopefully pave the way for additional commercially available tests that can help clinicians better understand the nuances of thyroid function in individual patients and more targeted approaches to underlying immune dysfunction.

An Aside - Bio-Energetic Testing!

As an aside, while I was writing this blog this week, another interesting study on chronic fatigue syndrome came across my newsfeed on a blood-cell based diagnostic test for chronic fatigue syndrome that appears to have extremely high accuracy.

These results demonstrate that Raman profiles of blood cells can distinguish between healthy individuals, disease controls, and ME/CFS patients with high accuracy (91%), and can further differentiate between mild, moderate, and severe ME/CFS patients (84%).

Given that so many patients with CFS go through the ringer prior to getting a diagnosis, often being told their symptoms are “all in their head”, obtaining access to an accurate diagnostic test would be a game changer for these patients. The method of testing, called single-cell Raman spectroscopy (SCRS), measures the vibrations of the cell providing a type of energetic fingerprinting of all the biomolecules in the cell. Vibrational energy is being found to help identify imbalances at a cellular level - amazing, right?! Different types of bio-energetic testing and balancing machines (ie EKG, heart rate variability, TENS, etc) have been available for some time, but this is the first time I’ve seen such technology aid in diagnosis so specifically and at a cellular level. As energetic beings, it makes so much sense that medical research is beginning to look at energetic vibrations to provide additional insights on underlying cell function and aid in the diagnosis, monitoring and potentially treatment of disease.

 

 

Dr. Sarah Giardenelli is a naturopathic doctor, herbalist, acupuncturist and the owner of Collective Health Center in Leesburg, Virginia. She loves diving into the medical literature in order to help patients get to the root causes of their troubling health conditions and getting them back with their health. She is grateful to all of the researchers who do the hard work that helps clinicians do better.

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Balancing Female Hormones Naturally

Balancing Female Hormones Naturally

by | May 7, 2021 | Endocrine/Hormone Health, Naturopathic Medicine, Women's Health

If you weren't able to catch my talk from the Be Well Women's Summit, Balancing Female Hormones Naturally, you can listen to this and the entire summit HERE at no cost. My 15 minute talk starts at the 2 hour 40 minute mark. Learn why understanding how ones' female hormones are metabolizing is a key step in developing a personalized approach to rebalancing.

Dr. Sarah's focus with patients is truly on personalized health and her goal one patient at a time, is community health. Women's health = community health. She is a naturopathic doctor & acupuncturist at Collective Health Center in Leesburg Virginia. Learn more by filling out the form below.

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Alcohol, Immune Health and More: A Holiday PSA

Alcohol, Immune Health and More: A Holiday PSA

by | Nov 30, 2020 | Brain Health, Cardiovascular Health, Endocrine/Hormone Health, Immune Health, Mindfulness, Stress Management, Women's Health

The holiday season is a particularly stressful time for many people – and this year has been extra, as the kids say. One theme I often see in my patients is a tendency to use alcohol to relax. Most do not realize they are consuming a moderate or heavy amount of alcohol and many are not aware of the various health effects associated with each. Especially during this season and with alcohol sales soaring in Virginia, I feel compelled to provide a public service announcement. On September 3rd, the Washington Post wrote: “The Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Authority brought in $1.2 billion in revenue during the 2020 fiscal year in a nearly $120 million increase from the previous year, even as the coronavirus pandemic left restaurants and bars shuttered for months.” As a health care provider, while not shocking, this is concerning, especially given the known, deleterious health effects of alcohol on the immune system.

When we talk about alcohol and its effect on the body positive or negative, we really need to consider the amount we are talking about. A standard alcohol drink is 14 grams of alcohol which equals 12 ounces of beer (~5% alcohol), 8.5 ounces of malt liquor (~9% alcohol), 5 ounces of wine (~12% alcohol), 3.5 ounces of fortified wine (ie sherry or port), or 1.5 ounces of liquor (distilled spirits, 40% alcohol). Moderate alcohol consumption for women is, as considered by the USDA, to be no more than one standard alcoholic drink per day and for men no more than two standard alcoholic drinks/day. Heavy alcohol consumption for women is considered, by the USDA more than 7 standard alcoholic drinks per week or more than 3 standard alcoholic drinks in one day and for men more than 14 standard alcoholic drinks per week or more than 4 standard alcoholic drinks in a day.

 

Light to moderate alcohol consumption has some likely effect in cardiovascular disease, where it has been shown to reduce risk of plaque build-up and heart attack and deaths from heart disease. One to two alcoholic drinks/day increases protective HDL and Apo A1 cholesterol, decreases LDL, triglycerides and ApoB (an inflammatory cholesterol fraction), decreases factors that influence blood clotting, may decrease systolic blood pressure, has been shown to reduces inflammatory marker blood biomarker, hsCRP. However, light to moderate consumption does not seem to have any effect in men with already established coronary heart disease. This is a major caveat to be aware of as many people in the US already have evidence of established heart disease and with the obesity epidemic we are seeing heart disease in children. About half of all Americans are at risk for heart disease and heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. 

Although red wine has been touted as ‘better’ than other forms of alcohol there is no conclusive evidence from clinical studies. Often people point to the polyphenol resveratrol that is in red wine as a reason to drink. However, you would have to consume a TON of red wine to get any benefit from the resveratrol in it. Most of the resveratrol in supplements is not from grapes, but from Japanese knotweed - an herb that grows like a weed in the US. Also, most of the research on the single ingredient resveratrol is insufficient. However, Japanese knotweed with all of its many phytochemicals is a wonderful herb that has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries for its properties that have immune supportive effects and anti-inflammatory effects. 

Additionally, fruits and veggies generally have more polyphenols than wine. Most people would do better to focus on getting 5-10 servings of veggies and a few fruits per day and herbals teas and avoid drinking alcohol. One of my absolute favorite herbals teas of late is Holy Basil or Tulsi – as it has both a calming and gentle energy boosting or stress managing effects as an adaptogen herb.

I have a lot of patients with estrogen dominance, which is having too much estrogen in ratio to progesterone which contributes to many common PMS and other female health concerns. Alcohol only exacerbates these symptoms. Additionally, I have many patients at increased risk for breast cancer, sleep disturbances and symptomatic menopause. I generally advise limiting alcohol in these populations. 

While many people use alcohol to help relax before bed, the medical evidence shows alcohol to be disruptive to the sleep cycle. Magnesium chelates, Epson salt baths, meditation area some examples of more effective and less harmful choices to help get relaxed before bed or to get relaxed in general. Stress cannot be drunk away, as a culture the research shows that we all may benefit even when a small group of individuals takes some time daily to meditate. No time for meditation? Consider tapping or the Emotional Freedom Technique, which is a simple and often effective method for helping to relieve mild stress and worry. 

Known risks of over consumption or dependence include: central nervous system effects (kills your brain cells, as alcohol is a cellular toxin), cirrhosis (liver inflammation and damage), malnutrition, and mouth/esophageal/ laryngeal/liver cancer. More than two drinks per day can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and overall mortality. Light to moderate consumption can increase risk of hemorrhagic stroke. In women, one or more alcoholic drinks per day might increase risk of breast cancer by 2 to 15% and increase mortality from breast cancer as much as 30% (especially if daily intake of folate is 300 mcg or less). Alcohol consumption can also increase asthma and migraines in those sensitive to sulfites/ yeast. 

I have many patients with acid reflux who are drinking 1-2 drinks every night, possibly along with caffeine, and often soda. While it is no surprise to me, they are often pleasantly surprised when their acid reflux resolves after eliminating these known triggers. 

Because alcohol increases your liver’s detoxification pathway alcohol consumption, it can disrupt the metabolism of many medications. Birth control is a good example of this, it is not as effective when drinking alcohol, so using a second method of birth control during these times is particularly important if trying to prevent pregnancy. There are many other medications affected by alcohol consumption and if you take medications you should be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if any can be consumed with alcohol. 

If you have pre-diabetes or diabetes, you might consider reducing your alcohol consumption. While light drinking can contribute to low blood glucose, heavy drinking can cause insulin resistance, which leads to the development of type II diabetes. Heavy drinking can cause inflammation of the pancreas and destroy the pancreas’ ability to make insulin, leading to diabetes. Alcohol is nutrient light and high caloric. “One pint of lager can be equivalent to a slice of pizza.” Over-consumption can contribute to weight gain and obesity, an independent risk factor for many diseases.

A final note during this season is that alcohol consumption weakens the body’s immune system making it more susceptible to disease and infection. Drinking more than 3-4 drinks on a single occasion will suppress the immune system even up to 24 hours later. Chronic drinkers have higher rates of diseases like pneumonia and tuberculosis.

For further reading on this topic, Harvard’s Nutrition Source has a thorough summary of the research on alcohol and its effect on the body: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/alcohol-full-story/

Dr. Sarah is passionate about educating patients and getting to the root cause of their chronic, troubling symptoms; often alcohol is often a culprit that has not been thoughtfully considered. Dr. Sarah is honored to be a collaborative partner in her patient’s health at her practice Collective Health Center, in downtown Leesburg, Virginia. As the saying goes, ‘it takes a village’ – particularly when sensitive issues, such as dependence are involved, the primary care provider, the behavioral health specialist, the naturopathic doctor and others may need to work together to help get patients back on the road to wellness.

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CBD: Making Your Own!

CBD: Making Your Own!

by | Mar 20, 2019 | Brain Health, Digestion/GI Health, Endocrine/Hormone Health, Herbal Medicine, Naturopathic Medicine, Stress Management

This is the first in a series of blogs I am going to present on the topic of cannabinoids and CBD. As it is the first day of spring, I figured it is the perfect day to start discussing America’s favorite weed, hemp. Since the 2018 Farm Bill has made it legal to grow hemp, there seems to be more and more interest and comfort using CBD and its relative marijuana medicinally. Indeed, I am seeing more and more folks using on their own, typically to manage issues with the mood or pain, without really understanding why or any concerns or contraindications they should be aware of.

A Few Cautions with CBD 

Family history of schizophrenia? Did you know that marijuana doubles the risk of psychosis in vulnerable individuals. Personal or family struggles with addiction? Did you know that marijuana is just as addictive as any other substances with addictive potential (caffeine, alcohol, cocaine, etc). About 9% of the population who uses will likely become dependent upon it. While CBD products, without the THC, do not seem to confer this addictive potential and can actually be useful in helping in cases of dependence – do you really need them? This last question is really one to address with your health care provider. However, did you know that you can make your own cannabinoids? I don’t mean in the kitchen – I mean in the body (although some of our favorite culinary spices can help our bodies make our own cannabinoids too!). There are more cautions that I will address in future blogs. Here I want to focus on how you can help your body make its own cannabinoids.

Make Your Own CBD! 

The cannabinoids that your own body makes are called the endocannabinoids and they help to regulate the cannabinoid system in our bodies that helps to regulate everything from mood, cognition, hormones, immune function, gastric motility, reproduction – including attaining and maintaining pregnancy, pain, pre and post and natal development - and we have the capacity to make our own! The endocannabinoids are fatty acids that are derived from arachidonic acid, which comes from consuming animal meats or from our body converting plant oils, such as from nuts, seeds, or cooking oils, into arachidonic acid. Too much arachidonic acid has been considered inflammatory. You might have heard about the importance of the balance between omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, it has been theorized that our America diet is generally low in omega-3 fatty acids that help to combat inflammation, and that a balance between is thought to help combat inflammation. Both omega-3 and 6 fatty acids are important for human health, but there are some people who struggle to convert omega-6 fatty acids into arachidonic acid. This is related to genetics and can be exacerbated by a vegan diet. These issues with impaired conversion, is part of the struggle with anxiety in some, not all folks, on a vegan diet, as there is not the building block available. 

The Endocannabinoids 

The arachidonic acids is converted into our endogenous endocannabinoids: anadamide, anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamide, AEA), 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), and palmitoylethanolamide. These serve as ligands or binding proteins to receptors, known as the cannabinoid receptors (CBD receptors), and their binding or complexing is what causes the changes in the body. 

Top 8 Ways to Make Your Own - CBD 

There are many ways we can both increase and decrease our body’s natural CBD that will be outlined in future blogs. Here I will focus on the top 8 ways we can increase our body’s natural cannabinoids. There are no big shockers, most are considered foundational in the naturopathic approach. 

  • Eat more omega-6 fatty acids (ie nuts, seeds, and olive oil) – these are the building blocks!
  • Exercise – this helps to increase both CBD1 receptors sensitivity and increase anandamide, which actives the CBD1 receptors. Interestingly, the motivation for exercise over eating, seems to be regulated by CBD1 receptors, at least in mice, but seems to be consistent to what we see in humans who use a lot of marijuana. CBD1 receptors diminish in the body with chronic marijuana usage…
  • Stress less – stress especially chronic stress reduces our CBD1 receptors
  • Cold exposure – Yes, the good old hydrotherapy practice of ending the shower with 30 seconds of cold water can help to increase endocannabinoid tone.
  • A nutritious diet, with adequate calcium, vitamin A, potassium, and folate will help to increase CBD1 expression and activation. Restricted diets can make getting these particular nutrients a challenge.
  • Get outside in the sun for at least 15 minutes per day – low level ultraviolet radiation exposure increase endocannabinoids in humans!
  • Cook with spices or consume teas with herbs, such as cinnamon, clove, black pepper, star anise, basil, mint, age thyme, and marjoram, all that contain beta-caryophyllene which actives CB2 receptors. Carrots contain some of this as well.
  • Balance your hormones. Testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone all help to increase the tone of the endocannabinoid system. Strength training is one of the best ways to help get these hormones back into balance for both men and women! 

Dr. Sarah Giardenelli is a naturopathic doctor, acupuncturist, and the owner of Collective Health Center. She is a proponent patient empowerment and enjoys the role as doctor as teacher, helping patients make informed lifestyle choices. Fill out the form below to learn more about us!

Editor's Note: This post was originally published in March 2019 and has since been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 

 

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