Dr. Brownstein: More Iodine Would Counter Radiation Threat

Americans need more iodine in their systems to fight off the radiation that might spread here from Japan’s nuclear plant accidents, says Dr. David Brownstein, a family physician and Newsmax Health contributor.

“The risk to Americans from Japan is minimal now, but we don’t know what will happen,” he tells Newsmax.TV. “There is a risk that there will be fallout over the United States.” Hawaii and the West Coast should be especially concerned, he says.

The U.S. government isn’t ready to deal with mass radiation exposure, Brownstein says. “I don’t think we can depend on the government. We have to depend on our own intelligence and take precautions.”

So what preparations should we make?

“The proper precaution for this is to ensure you’re taking adequate amounts of iodine,” Brownstein says. “Over 95 percent of my patient population is deficient in iodine.”

Iodine is crucial for proper thyroid functioning and formation of all glandular tissue, including the breasts, ovaries, prostate, and uterus, he explains. “It’s important for all of us to ensure we have adequate iodine intake, regardless of what’s happening in Japan. But now it’s magnified.”

If people have adequate iodine levels, “this radioactive iodine will have nowhere to bind in their bodies and will pass right through them,” he says.

And how can Americans make sure they’re getting enough iodine?

“It’s important to see a healthcare provider knowledgeable about iodine, to have your iodine levels checked, and then supplement them with 6 to 50 milligrams of iodine per day,” Brownstein says.

Antioxidants also are helpful in a disaster like this, and vitamin C is the most important one, he says. Brownstein recommends 3,000 to 5,000 milligrams daily. “If this cloud does really fall over us, then the dosage should be increased for a short period of time.”

If someone’s iodine levels are insufficient, the first gland to be affected will be the thyroid, Brownstein says. “Next would be the ovaries and breasts. These are all the tissues of the body that are undergoing epidemic rates of illness now.”

Radioactivity from Japan could end up in our food supply, he says. “But if people have adequate amounts of iodine in their bodies, they won’t absorb this radioactive iodine.”

While it’s always important to have some canned food and bottled water in your house, Brownstein doesn’t think you’ll need it in this case.

“I don’t think it will be a deadly scenario for us; it’s too far away,” he says. “But there could be some impact.”