In all my years as a physician I never imagined I’d be writing about exposure to nuclear radiation. But since the Japanese earthquake and tsunami-related disaster at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant, I’ve been asked to share some empowering information.
But before diving into my recommendations, please take a deep breath.
A lot of less-than-credible folks on the internet have been trying their best to spread fear about the recent events in Japan. And this fear-mongering doesn’t seem to be subsiding.
Is radiation reaching America? Yes—but in amounts so small scientists say it won’t cause any real harm. In fact, it’s less than what you would get from a chest x-ray.
We’re exposed to radiation every day
The truth is, we’re exposed to minute amounts of radiation every single day from the radon in our houses, uranium deposits in the soil, radio signals from every AM and FM station in range, airport full-body scanners, dental X-rays and our cell phones.
Could a nuclear emergency happen here? While the government tells us that it isn’t likely, it is possible. After all, there are more than 100 nuclear reactors in the U.S.
And anyone who remembers Three Mile Island knows things can go wrong.
If you live within striking distance of one of these nuclear reactors, you may want to be prepared for a worse-case scenario.
But rather than rushing to your local drugstore for potassium iodide, there are simple and affordable supplements you can keep stocked in your kitchen or an emergency kit that are safe and effective in case of potential exposure.
Kelp powder or tablets:
This sea vegetable is loaded with iodine. And studies show it blocks the absorption of the radioactive metal strontium in milk.1
The powder can be added to soups, sautéd vegetables, smoothies and other dishes. Just make sure you only use a sprinkle for culinary and therapeutic purposes because of its strong flavor (it smells and tastes somewhat like fish on its own). Also, be sure that you don’t use kelp powder or supplement forms on a daily basis without the guidance of a health professional because it can impact your thyroid.
Chlorella:
This amazing algae repairs DNA. It also reduces the symptoms associated with radiation cancer treatments. Spirulina is another option. Both of these algaes were used after the catastrophic Chernobyl nuclear plant disaster in 1986.
Calcium:
Because strontium absorption is significantly blocked by calcium, high calcium intake from food or supplements may offer protection against the absorption of strontium from food.2 But calcium supplements must be taken with food for this effect to occur.
Gingko biloba:
When workers at Chernobyl were given 40 mg of gingko three times a day for two months, scientists at the National Center for Scientific Research in Paris noticed a significant decrease in the amount of radiation damage. This protection lasted several months after the workers stopped taking the herb.3
Glutathione:
Exposure to ionizing radiation triggers free radicals and depletes the body of many of key antioxidants, especially glutathione.4 Over the long-haul, this can increase the risk of thyroid cancer.
While the typical daily glutathione dose is 250 mg, if you’re exposed to higher than normal radioactivity—whether because of a nuclear disaster or because you are undergoing radiation therapy—I recommend doubling the dose to 500 mg daily. You can also boost your glutathione levels with food.
Avocados, asparagus, broccoli, eggs, garlic, spinach and tomatoes are all high in this important nutrient.
Stay calm and be prepared
While these supplements can help protect against the unimaginable, the best advice I can give you is to stay calm. There will always be the “Chicken Littles” of the world and life is stressful enough without living in constant fear.
No matter what the future brings, your best defense is still a good offense. And that means eating a healthful—preferably organic—diet, getting plenty of exercise, sleeping well and keeping stress under control.
And don’t forget to lend a helping hand if you can. Japan is still reeling from aftershocks and rising radiation levels. For a list of reputable organizations involved in relief efforts, check out www.charitynavigator.org.
References:
1. Strontium biokinetics in humans: influence of alginate on the uptake of ingested strontium. Health Physics. 2004;86:193-196.
2. Apostoaei AI. Absorption of strontium from the gastrointestinal tract into plasma in healthy human adults. Health Physics. 2002;83:56-65.
3. Emerit I. Clastogenic factors in the plasma of Chernobyl accident recovery workers: anticlastogenic effect of Ginkgo biloba extract. Radiation Research. 1995;144:198-205.
4. Sadani GR. Changes in lipid peroxide levels and the activity of reactive oxygen scavenging systems in thyroid tissue after exposure to radioactive iodine in rats. Thyroid. 1997;7:937-941
Dr. David J. Blyweiss began his medical career as a clinical pharmacist in South Florida prior to earning his medical degree from St. George's University School of Medicine in 1982.
His dual background allowed him to appreciate the relevance of conventional pharmaceutical/surgical based treatments in acute medical conditions, and recognize where these approaches fell short in treating the majority of patients who suffered from the chronic degenerative diseases of "western civilization origin."
Over the last twenty years, with the nutritional medical knowledge base expanding in the fields of nutrigenomics, protemics, and other related "orthomolecular" disciplines directed towards patients' biochemical individuality, Dr. Blyweiss became an early adherent and experienced practitioner of what would become known as "functional medicine." This knowledge allows him to effectively manage and alleviate the symptoms related to the most "difficult-to-treat" conditions by addressing the underlying causes, allowing the body to heal itself.
Dr. Blyweiss was one of the initial researchers doing the early work on chlorhexidine (Phisohex) while earning his first post graduate degree at Temple University School of Pharmacy. During medical school he worked with the WHO (World Health Organization) in vaccinating children in the islands of the Carribbean. He has traveled much of the world, most recently to Belize, Central America, Gabon, Africa, and Zagreb, Croatia working closely with teams of specialists to identify new plant life and natural products for possible human benefit as well as researchers and their stem cell transplantation teams. He has consulted for and created state-of-the-art nutritional supplements for multiple nutritional companies since 1999. He is currently in private practice in South Florida where he resides with his family.
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