Inquiries about radiation affecting US

We have received numerous inquiries from clients on the west coast or who have family living there if potassium iodide should be taken as a radiation preventative.

At this point in time, there is absolutely no reason to take it.

That said, watchful waiting is in order. If and only if the situation in Japan worsens to the point that radiation is released in such high concentrations that it will affect the health of the population of the west coast, here are my recommendations:

For children and underweight adults, take 250 micrograms of potassium iodide daily.

If normal weight adult, take one ThyroComplex (iodine complex) or equivalent dose of potassium iodide recommended by your physician. If overweight, take two ThyroComplex or equivalent dose of potassium iodide recommended by your physician.

Sea vegetables also contain good amounts of iodine.

As a general preventative, because we are exposed to low levels of radiation on a daily basis, an optimal diet rich in carcinogenic-fighting vegetables such as those from the cruciferous family, is a good idea.

With regard to radiation affecting food coming from Japan, this is a very different situation. Great care must be taken to look at the country of origin on labels if possible. If a food was produced in Japan after the nuclear disaster happened, you should use your best judgment on whether to consume that foodstuff on a consistent basis. World experts are wary of contamination and there is no way the FDA is equipped to test every batch coming from Japan for high radiation. While the FDA is already barring certain foods from specific areas of Japan, cross-contamination that may occur in processed foods especially could be a major issue.

Bonnie