Potassium Iodide, the Japan Tsunami Nuclear Disaster, and Plant Sterols

Posted on 18th Mar 2011 @ 10:50 AM

We at Cove Mountain Health extend our sympathies and concern for those affected by the catastrophie in Japan caused by the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami, and by the resulting nuclear disaster.

As is the case when any natural or man-made disaster occurs that result in the loss of human life, all of us seem to be reminded of our own mortality. On a certain level this can be good, as it can compel us to make changes to lifestyle, in relationships, and in other areas of our lives. Sometimes, however, these events also cause panic, which leads people to make choices that can actually harm them. Such has been the case with the current disaster.

A run on the potassium iodide market

We have seen in the news a rush to buy potassium iodide in the days since the Japan tsunami, in light of the problems that have arisen with various nuclear power plants in operation in the affected area. In fact, stores have been completely sold out of potassium iodide. People are in a panic because they believe that should one or more of Japan’s nuclear reactors meltdown and release radiation into the atmosphere, this radiation will reach and affect people in the United States. And those stockpiling potassium iodide believe that it will protect them from drifting atmospheric radiation. In this article we will cover some important areas in regards to these, and related issues.

Radiation exposure and contamination

It is important that we first understand that people who are exposed to radiation may not necessarily be contaminated with radiation. Exposure simply means that radioactive particles have been introduced into the body. Contamination means that radiation has been incorporated into the tissues or organs of the body. In the case of people near a nuclear meltdown, this would likely occur through the inhalation of contaminated air, or the ingestion of contaminated food. Since the body cannot distinguish between radioactive and non-radioactive elements, it will treat them the same. Thus contaminated foods will be processed just as uncontaminated foods, and the radioactive elements in the food will be passed through the body and incorporated into a person’s cells.

Where potassium iodide fits in

Potassium iodide is a salt needed by the body to make thyroid hormones. We get most of the potassium iodide from the foods we eat. In a nuclear event such as a reactor meltdown, radioactive iodine is released into the atmosphere. This can be inhaled into the lungs, and can penetrate and contaminate food sources and water, which may then be consumed, introducing the contamination into the body. In such an emergency, potassium iodide may be administered to affected people and was been approved by the FDA in 1982 for use in just such cases as the one in Japan. When the “clean” potassium iodide is absorbed by the thyroid, the thyroid becomes “full” and will not usually accept more for a day or so. In this way, contaminated iodine that has been introduced into the body is not actually absorbed, but is excreted as waste.

Our danger from the Japan disaster

Should a meltdown occur in a nuclear reactor in Japan, any radiation released would dissipate to levels that would not pose a threat before it could reach the U.S. As such, the panic to get potassium iodide that has been observed following the tsunami disaster is unnecessary. In fact, improper use of potassium iodide may result in serious side effects, so taking potassium iodide unnecessarily to mitigate radiation leaked from a nuclear power plant on the other side of the world—this is not a wise course of action.

Nutrition is just as important in a nuclear disaster

In a nuclear disaster, not only is it important to prevent the thyroid from being damaged by contaminated elements, cells in the entire body need to be protected—and particularly the immune system. The effects of high radiation exposure are seen all around us, all the time, by those who are undergoing radiation therapy for cancer. They experience similar side effects from such treatment as would any person who had been exposed to high levels of radiation in a nuclear disaster—hair loss, diarrhea, vomiting, etc. People thus exposed are at higher risk of contracting disease due to the strain on and depression of the immune system. In like manner, when food sources become contaminated in a nuclear disaster, getting proper nutrition can become a real challenge. Ingesting contaminated food can damage any cell that is the recipient of the contaminated nutrients.  The immune system can be overwhelmed by the effects of radiation on the body's cells. It is thus very important when exposed to radioactive elements in a disaster to ensure that you get “clean” nutrition. And it is doubly important at such times to get proper nutrition.

Plant sterols provide potent nutrition for the immune system

Plant sterols have long been known to boost immune system function.  As they are simply raw nutrition, plant sterols offer a potent punch for the body in good times, and a doubly-potent punch in an emergency. And we can all use help balancing our diets every day, so you needn’t wait for a nuclear disaster to enjoy the benefits of the pure nutrition and immune-system-enhancement of plant sterols. You can get reVigorate in our store any time you like. There’s no better time than today to start boosting your immune system.  Do yourself a favor.  Get healthy now, and in times of disaster, think of your whole body, and remember that plant sterols can provide vital nutrition and immune-system support.

Karl Wirth, CEO, Cove Mountain Health