Fwd: Japan, Radiation Fallout and Iodine Recommendations

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Japan, Radiation Fallout and Iodine Recommendations

With the terrible earthquake in Japan, let’s send thoughts, prayers as
well as assistance to the Japanese.

I have had inquiries about the use of iodine to prevent problems
secondary to the nuclear fallout that will occur. As the Japanese
nuclear reactors release radiation into the air, the jet streams will
push this radiation to the Western U.S. and Canada. There are
estimates that the radiation fallout will reach the Western side of N.
American in six to ten days. Furthermore, I have seen estimates that
it is expected that 750 RADS may contaminate these areas.

How much is 750 RADS? One chest x-ray is approximately 3/100 RADS. One
CT scan is 1 RAD.

Folks, potentially this is a lot of radiation. Fortunately, we have an
item that can prevent this fallout from damaging us: iodine. If there
is enough inorganic, non-radioactive iodine in our bodies, the
radioactive fallout has nowhere to bind in our bodies. It will pass
through us, leaving our bodies unharmed.

It is important to ensure that we have adequate iodine levels BEFORE
this fallout hits. How much iodine is recommended?

The CDC recommends using iodine to prevent injury from radioactive
iodine fallout. Adults and women who are breastfeeding should take
130mg of potassium iodide. Children who are between 3 and 18 years of
age should take 65mg of potassium iodide. Children who are adult size
should take the adult dose. Infants and children between 1 month and 3
years of age should take 32mg of potassium iodide. Newborns from birth
to one month of age should be given 16mg of potassium iodide.

When should you take iodine? For an acute exposure, you want to take
iodine just before the exposure hits. Iodine is cleared out of the
body within 24 to 72 hours after taking it. However, if you have been
using ortho-iodosupplementation as I describe in my books and lectures
(taking from 6-50mg/day of iodine and iodide), you should be covered.
Remember, the goal is to not let the radioactive iodine bind in the
body.

Potassium iodide can be found in many health food stores. Combinations
of iodide/iodine can be obtained from holistic physicians. Iodoral,
Iodozyme HP, and Lugol’s solution are examples of this form of iodine.
For long-term treatment, combinations are much more effective. More
information about this can be found in my book, Iodine Why You Need
It, Why You Can’t Live Without It, 4th Edition (available at <http://
www.drbrownstein.com>www.drbrownstein.com).

I do not recommend starting the first dose of iodine right now. It is
important to follow the news reports and supplement accordingly. I
would suggest starting iodine supplements within one to two days of
the expected fallout. If the fallout is expected to continue, you may
need to take more than one dose of iodine. I will keep you updated as
I find out more information.