Radioactive fallout escaping from a nuclear power plant poses significant risks to the health and safety of those in the immediate area. While no amount of radiation is considered “safe,” relatively small amounts of isotopes that may be found in distant parts of the world are less likely to endanger those populations.
Potassium Iodide is the Conventional Treatment for Radiation Exposure
This substance may cause severe allergic reactions, rash, gastrointestinal upset and swollen glands. For those at risk for acute radiation sickness, large doses of potassium iodide would have benefits that outweigh the risks, which include toxic side effects that could impair thyroid function. Potassium iodide must also be administered in a narrow window of time to confer protection over one to three days of highest levels of radiation. Less risky alternative health measures are more appropriate for people in little danger of serious exposure, as well as those who want to build resistance against environmental toxins.
Iodine Deficiency is Common
In an interview with Joseph Mercola, M. D., Dr David Brownstein, a specialist in thyroid disorders, discussed the results of his clinical experience testing patients for iodine deficiency. Dr. Brownstein noted that 19 out of 20 subjects are deficient in iodine, an important element that regulates many glandular functions. Deficiency appears to be widespread because of the prevalence of toxins, specifically fluoride, bromine and chlorine, in food, water and pesticides.
All three chemicals cause the body to release iodine. Iodine deficiency can be determined by measuring the amount of iodine excreted in urine first thing in the morning, or by ingesting a known amount of iodine and measuring the amount excreted in a 24-hour urine collection to compare how much is excreted to how much is retained by the body. Iodine deficiency predisposes the absorption of iodine from the environment, even when it is radioactive. That is exactly what happens during a nuclear disaster, when humans are exposed to fallout. By getting adequate dietary iodine on a regular basis, individuals and families can guard against deficiency, making themselves far less vulnerable to environmental pollutants that have an affinity for the thyroid, as well as to future nuclear accidents.
Spirulina Was Used to Treat Children After Chernobyl
In the April-June 2000 issue of Lik Sprava, a Ukranian medical journal, a nutritional blue-green algae known as spirulina is listed among phytoabsorbents used to treat radiation sickness during the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station disaster aftermath. Children eating food grown in radioactive soil were given five grams of spirulina per day to prevent bone marrow damage, anemia, infections and cancer. Spirulina has a 16 percent phycocyanin content—a blue pigment that is attached to its photosynthetic membranes. Phycocyanin is also a nitrogen storage molecule. The nitrogen atoms can bind with heavy metals such as radioactive cesium and stronium, hence carrying these metals out of the body.
Other Foods May Also Protect Against the Effects of Radiation
Chlorella is another algae superfood with properties similar to spirulina. Nutritional sea vegetables such as nori, kelp and kombu are high in natural iodine. Dr. Mercola warns that algae and seaweeds should only be harvested from uncontaminated waters and suggests that raw coconut oil supports thyroid health. The adaptogenic herb Ashwaganda, reishi mushrooms and high doses of vitamin C are rich sources of antioxidants, which are capable of protecting cellular DNA against damage. Dr. Mercola states that ubiquinol, also known as coenzyme Q 10, recharges and works synergistically with vitamin C, especially in those who are over the age of 40.
Nuclear disasters are rare and much has been learned from past experiences. Accidents can and do happen, so it is wise to be prepared. There is no need, however, to acquire and ingest potentially toxic substances “just in case.” A more sensible approach is to regularly include more natural iodine and antioxidants as part of a healthy diet.
Sources:
Joseph Mercola, "Why 95% of Japanese May Not Suffer from Radioactive Iodine Exposure," March 25, 2011
Zozulia, I., et. al., (2000) The adaptive potentials of those who worked in the cleanup of the aftermath of the accident at the chernobyl atomic electric power station under the influence of different treatment methods, Lik Sprava, 3(4), 18-21
Mary Earhart - Mary Earhart, RN, BSN, is a Licensed Midwife. She has written articles for professional journals and grants for non-profit agencies as ...
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