The current crisis at the Fukushima, the nuclear power plant in Japan, has raised many important questions regarding the safety of nuclear energy. Are the benefits worth the risks? What is the immediate threat to Japan, the US and the world? Given the threat of radiation injury, and potential catastrophe, the enormous costs of building and maintaining these reactors, and the problems of dealing with the spent fuel, is nuclear energy realistic and prudent in terms of long-term policy? Finally, what can be done on an individual basis to protect oneself against the fearful effects of radiation?
At this stage, it is impossible to realistically assess the nature and amount of radioactive material which is likely to be released and how it will affect Japan, the US, and ultimately the rest of the world. Therefore, it seems more beneficial to discuss the following issues: are there differences in individual susceptibility to radiation? How can we determine this and what measures can we take to reduce this susceptibility? The current situation has prompted a flood of articles, many of which have simplistic recommendations regarding potassium iodide. Unfortunately, potassium iodide is not easily available in many areas. Fortunately, other forms of iodine exists, particularly in seaweed. Taking approximately 13 mg of iodine daily can help to prevent the uptake of radioactive iodine 131 but it is far from the total answer.
Actually, there is a considerable literature concerning the pathophysiology of radiation-induced illness, as well as factors influencing radiation survival. Ionizing radiation tends to cause markedly increased oxidative stress due to the formation of free radicals. Mammalian species have mechanisms to protect against oxidative stress, which involved glutathione and glutathione related enzymes such as glutathione peroxidases, as well as other free radical quenching enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase. Specialized metal transport molecules called metallothioneins also have an important protective role.
Even in the absence of radiation, excessive oxidative stress results in tissue damage and premature aging. The majority of chronic diseases, including chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, arthritis, diabetes, Alzheimers Disease, multiple sclerosis, arteriosclerosis, as well as chronic infectious diseases like hepatitis and HIV are associated with oxidative stress. Conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver are associated with low glutathione levels. Exposure to radiation can rapidly promote pulmonary fibrosis and similar conditions in other organs. Animal studies indicate that thiol (sulfur containing) substances, and particularly glutathione precursors such as cysteine, and n-acetyl cysteine protect against radiation damage and death.
Glutathione is known to be essential for phase 2 detoxification, which is essential for the excretion of toxic metals and chemicals. Persons with low levels of glutathione are unable to detoxify and excrete toxic metals and chemicals and manifest a variety of health issues and premature aging.
For many years we have used hair analysis as a valuable tool to determine whether clients require detoxification. In persons obtaining hair analysis, the vast majority (approximately 70 to 80%) manifest "trace mineral derangement" (TMD). TMD indicates that the individual is unable to detoxify and excrete toxic metals and chemicals due to impaired phase 2 detoxification associated with the depletion of intracellular glutathione. These individuals must also be considered to be highly susceptible to the effects of ionizing radiation. We have found that TMD is reversible using a combination of glutathione precursors, amino acids, antioxidants and minerals, including zinc, magnesium, and selenium, all substances previously shown to be protective against ionizing radiation. Serial studies using hair analysis indicate that this approach is capable of reducing levels of 17 different toxic metals, including uranium, aluminum, antimony, arsenic, beryllium, bismuth, cadmium, lead, mercury, etc.
If you are concerned about the current risk of radiation exposure, it would seem prudent indeed to obtain hair analysis (Click here to order a hair analysis) to determine whether there is evidence of trace mineral derangement since (1) it is indicative of susceptibility to radiation and other health issues and (2) it is reversible with current measures known to be effective. Appropriate multifaceted intervention is almost sure to reduce your risk of injury due to potentially damaging radiation.
Alan Greenberg M.D.
References are available upon request
