Concerns Regarding Radiation Exposure

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Japanese as they deal with this crisis.

There are a growing number of patients asking what to do to protect themselves from radiation exposure should radio iodine or cesium from the nuclear plants in Japan catch the trade winds and travel to places such as Hawaii or the western coast of North America. At this time, in the US there seems little reason to panic and we want to review what can be done in case of radiation exposure.

The Centers for Disease Control has an excellent summary on the use of potassium iodide, including dosing, for protection of the thyroid (see link below). Those who are most vulnerable to the damaging effects of radio iodine are pregnant/breastfeeding women, neonates and young children. While there is less research on other dietary supplements for protection against radiation exposure, there is reason to believe that higher doses of curcumin (2-4 grams) can protect numerous tissues, reishi and cordyceps protect bone marrow, and antioxidants help the body counteract many adverse effects. Staying indoors (if instructed) and using HEPA filters are additional measures.

http://www.bt.cdc.gov/radiation/ki.asp

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