Here are more of my thoughts about the effects of seaweed and radiation on the body. I hope you find this information useful and not fearful. I feel very empowered by this information and pleased to know how to keep myself healthy during stressful times. Please let me know if you find this useful.
(Radioactive) Iodine 131 is released during nuclear failures. Our bodies will take in iodine 131 if we don't have enough iodine in our diet. A steady supple of iodine 127 (from seaweed) is the best protection. If the body has plenty of iodine 127 from seaweed or potassium iodide (a supplement that you could take if you don't want to eat seaweed) the radioactive iodine cannot bind to the receptor sites in the thyroid and begin to damage the cells. Instead, it just passes quickly through the kidneys without causing much damage.
The real damage is caused when radioactive iodine binds in the thyroid and starts to decay there impacting the cells and molecules within your body increasing the chances of major problems, like cancer and non-functioning of the gland. Thyroid damage is the most-caused damage from radiation exposure from nuclear plants.
There is iodine 127 in all the seaweeds we carry. (This 127 is a molecule reference number). Bladderwrack, wakame, kombu and dulse have the highest iodine levels and therefore the most protective properties. Sea palm is good, as well. Nori isn't known for having the highest levels of iodine, so in this instance wouldn't be my first recommendation unless it is the only kind of seaweed someone likes or tolerates.
For kelp powder 1-3 grams per day is a maintenance dose. For the other seaweeds, I've read that 3-5 grams daily is a low maintenance dose.
My favorite seaweed is from a wonderful company in Northern California called Rising Tide Sea Vegetables. You can purchase from them online, too. This is the seaweed sold at the Olympia Food Co-Ops.
The hijiki is fine right now, but I'm curious how this disaster will affect future batches of hijiki, which is harvested in Japan.
Even though this disaster happened in Japan, it is my understanding that radiation can travel and the winds travel right over the ocean to us. I think it is important to eat seaweed daily during this time.
Miso soup is another food that has shown to have a strong ability in pulling radiation out of the body. It is highly recommended during this time as well. Especially in conjunction with seaweed and for those who do not like seaweed at all. I should also mention that OlyKraut just came out with the “Sea Vegetable” kraut, which is filled with bull kelp fronds from Lopez Island and is chock full of iodine.
These are my thoughts on the matter. Besides the radiation protection, seaweed has many other nutrients as well and supports glandular function throughout the body including calcium uptake.
Thank you! This has been very helpful. Much appreciated!
You are welcome. Thanks for reading and commenting!
Yes, thank you Summer, great advice!
I think finding seaweed will be a bit tricky in Guatemala,
but I wonder if drinking water with iodine tablets would be helpful?
Not my favorite choice, but I do have some lying around that I use
when I go camping…any thoughts on that?
Gina,
According to my research these tablets, in a pinch, would be helpful in protecting your body from radiation.
It’s great to hear from you! Thanks for commenting.
Summer
Hey summer, thanks!
I love you!
You are welcome, darling!
Thankyou ; I feel I can do a little to help our population , and maybe even my extended family in Japan.
Lovely article!
I have used kelp for 40 years, usually have kombu on hand for soups & beans, wakame is my favorite ‘snacking’ seaweed, etc. Dr Jarvis (in ‘Folk Medicine’ & ‘Arthritis & Folk Medicine’) comments that a couple of drops of Lugol’s solution (Potassium Iodide) calms the ‘race horse type child’ in 2 hours, & I’ve observed that as well!
Ryan Drum of Waldron Island, Wa, has a lovely sea veggie business, & some great articles on the workings of the thryoid, etc. “Prior to the 1940’s, there was no biologically available Iodine 131. This means that prior to the development of nuclear devices and facilities, animals had no prior experience with unstable Iodine 131 and probably no special protective mechanisms.” http://www.ryandrum.com/thyroidpart2.htm
In a class on wildcrafting herbs & seaweeds, Ryan suggested a great agricultural use was on Garlic, as that plant utilizes the micronutrients & Iodine well. It’s available in granular form at my local feed & seed store, & I sprinkle it on both garlic & other crops.
Thanks. I got some of this information from a lecture I went to with Ryan Drum!
Wow, great tip on the garlic. I’ll go get some and sprinkle it on my garlic bed this week!
Summer
Potassium Iodide delivers about 250 mg (milligrams) of iodine. 3-5 grams of seaweed is estimated to contain 100-150 mcg (micrograms) of iodine. A microgram is 1/1000 of a miligram. This makes your estimated prophylactic dose of seaweed for radiation exposure approximately 5 Kilograms, or 11 pounds. Iodine only protects from radioactive iodine, and does not convey any protection against other forms of radiation.
I am all in favor of consuming sea veg… I was recently re- diagnosed
with Hachimoto’s thyroiditis. The former diagnosis was hypo-…and so i have been told seaweed and iodine supplementation is definately NOT recommended and in fact the meds i had been taking ( reluctantly) exacerbated my condition – seen in behaviour as well as hair fallinf out, etc…so what would a person like me do? will look forward to your response. PS My reading states that many iodine substitutes/ie using liquid iodine is very poisonous and also that as the body ages ( 40+) supplwmentation can lead to the body shutting down it’s own production and absorption of thyroid hormone.
thanks for your info…
Hi Summer! Thank you so much for this info. It is so appreciated. Also, I wonder if you can tell me if there is a difference between kelp powder and kelp granules? Insofar as potency/dosages? Thanks!
Bummer to hear about Hijike. I haven’t been able to find it here in Houston for months. Any info on Arame?
I have bookmarked your site in my browser to check back whenever you update your blog with another useful post. Keep up the good work.