The importance of iodine tablets and the present questions...

Thyroid gland is producing hormones which are important for the functioning of our body. Iodine is needed to produce the hormones. Thyroid gland filters the iodine which we get from our food to produce these hormones. Unfortunately it can’t distinguish between stable and radioactive iodine.

The radioactive problems in Japan make this actual and many have several unanswered questions. I try to answer some of them here.

Can iodine tablets prevent the entrance of radioactive iodine into our body?

No, it can’t.

What is the right time to take the iodine tablets?

We must take it before the radioactive iodine reaches our body. After that there is no big use.

Is the iodine present in the food enough to make the thyroid glands full?

No, in food iodine is present in microgram amount, but we need in milligram amount to fill the thyroid gland completely. Microgram x 1000 = milligram

I’m using iodized salt: is it enough?

No, here also the amount of iodine is very small to do this job. Only special tablets or fluids are good for this purpose.

What are the amounts needed?

Newborns from birth to one month – 16 mg
Infants and children from 1 month to 3 years – 32 mg
Pregnant women – 65 mg
Breastfeeding women – 130 mg
Adults – 130 mg

This is for 24 hours.

Are there side effects?

Yes, there are few side effects, but the advantage is more than the side effects. If there is a nuclear accident it is an emergency and we must take it.

I have heard adults above 40 years need not take iodine tablets: is it right?

In many countries the health authorities say this. But, from our experiences from Chernobyl we know well that radioactive iodine attacks children as well as adults and causes cancer. Adults must also take iodine tablets.

The hidden dangers of radioactivity…

We know now the problems of radioactivity better because of the Fukushima accident in Japan. We have enough scientific information after 25 years of Chernobyl accident. Based on that, we could predict the hidden dangers of radioactivity.

The hidden dangers include:

• Thyroid tumors
• Leukemia
• Bladder caner
• Liver cancer
• Breast cancer
• Testicular cancer

The risk for tumor developing is far higher in children than adults.

The psychological, social and health problems are also very high.

The reproductive organs of men and women are also seriously affected and the dangers include:

• Reduced fertility in men
• Reduced fertility in women
• Increased stillbirths
• Increased birth defects – heart malformation, neural tube defects etc.
• Negative influence on children’s intelligence
• Negative influence on children’s general health


Adults had more heart attack and stroke. Fear and resettlement ruined many too.

Yes, the hidden dangers are very serious. This is happening in Japan now. Shall we learn something from this accident?

How to minimize the risks for cancer? 6. Other radiations…

The uncontrolled growth of cells in any part of the body is cancer. It is a group of disease. Cancer kills millions of people every year in our world. Few can be curable if diagnosed in the early stages. We can do a lot to minimize the risk of cancer. The hereditary risk factor is only about 5% to 10%. The rest comes from our lifestyle, diet and environment. We see here the many ways to reduce the cancer risks.
Apart from the ultraviolet rays from the sun there are many other radiations that can affect our health and can cause cancers. Here we have to differentiate between ionizing and non-ionizing radiations.


Ionizing radiation is high-frequency radiation. It has energy to remove an electron from an atom or molecule. Thus it can damage the DNA and this may lead to cancer. The ionizing radiations include:

• X-rays
• Gamma rays
• High energy ultraviolet rays
• Protons
• Alpha particles

Non-ionizing radiation is low-frequency radiation. It cannot damage DNA as the energy is not enough to remove electrons.

The non-ionizing radiations include:

• Low energy ultraviolet rays
• Infrared rays
• Visible light
• Radio waves
• Microwaves

Low energy ultraviolet radiation is a known risk factor for cancers. In other cases the cumulative effect must also be considered. Lot of neutral research is still needed in these fields.

Radiations from atomic bombs or atomic power plants are ionizing radiations and therefore sure risk for cancers. Workplace ionizing radiation is also risky. It is know that even small doses of ionizing radiation can increase cancer risk. The cancers caused by ionizing radiation include:

• Leukemia
• Thyroid cancer
• Lung cancer
• Skin cancer
• Breast cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Multiple myeloma

Leukemia can occur few years after radiation exposure and the other cancers can result after 10 to 15 years. Moreover, the radiation exposure to a particular part of the body or organ can cause cancer there.

Children are more sensitive and vulnerable than adults as they are growing.

The sources of ionizing radiation include:

• Natural radiation – cosmic rays, radiation in the earth and radon
• Radiation from medicine – CT scans, x-rays, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine tests. Radiation therapy doses are thousands of times higher than the x-rays
• Man-made radiation – Uranium mining, workplace radiations, from the already conducted atomic tests, accidents in the atomic power plants and the atomic waste depots

Tobacco products contain low levels of ionizing radiation. Smoke detectors and some building materials can also have low levels of ionizing radiation.

The whole body scanner in the airport uses very weak x-rays.

The non-ionizing radiation types include:

• Few ultraviolet rays
• Visible light
• Infrared rays
• Radio waves
• Microwaves
• Electromagnetic fields

Cell phones, heaters and all electrical devices emit non-ionizing radiation. Very little is known about the non-ionizing radiation and cancer risk. The non-ionizing radiation cannot damage DNA, but may affect the cells in other ways. Lot of long-term research is needed.

Cell phones and cell phone towers are not good to children below 12 years old. There are many studies to prove this. More long-term research is needed for adults.

Electromagnetic fields from the power lines and electrical devises may be the reason for increased leukemia and brain tumor in children. More studies are required for adults.

Television and computer screens produce many radiations. Here also more long-term research is needed.

Very high levels of microwaves are used to heat foods through microwave ovens. As long as it is used according to instruction there is no problem. High levels of microwaves can lead burns and it is dangerous to eyes too.

More research can only bring more light in this difficult field. It is better to avoid radiations if it is possible. It is always important to understand the difference between ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.

How to minimize the risks for cancer? 6. Avoid excess sun…

The uncontrolled growth of cells in any part of the body is cancer. It is a group of disease. Cancer kills millions of people every year in our world. Few can be curable if diagnosed in the early stages. We can do a lot to minimize the risk of cancer. The hereditary risk factor is only about 5% to 10%. The rest comes from our lifestyle, diet and environment. We see here the many ways to reduce the cancer risks.

We all love sun. The sun rays make us feel well and look beautifully. Skin cancer can be caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The sun beds can be a risk factor for skin cancers too.


The three main types of skin cancer are:

• Melanoma – This is the most dangerous and can spread to other parts of the body. There are only limited treatments for this cancer. It can be fatal.
• Basal cell carcinoma – This is the most common skin cancer. Mostly it never spreads to other parts of the body. But it can grow into the organ, bone or nerve in its path beneath the skin and destroy them. If it is near the eye it can spoil your eyesight.
• Squamous cell carcinoma – This is also common, but next to basal cell carcinoma. It is more dangerous than basal cell carcinoma, but less dangerous than the melanoma. Squamous cell carcinoma can spread to other parts of the body. It spreads mostly to lung, liver or lymph glands. There are treatments for this cancer.

With simple precautions you can protect your skin. Skin cancers are strongly associated with excessive sun exposure and the resulting damage to the skin. The damage can be permanent. Therefore, protection from sun’s ultraviolet radiation is important to avoid premature aging and skin cancer. The precautions include:

• Protective clothing
• Hat
• Sunglass
• Lotions or creams with Sun Protection Factor 15 or above
• Avoiding sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The SPF lotions must be used often if you sweat or swim. There is also a hereditary risk factor for skin cancers. If close family member have this or you have more than 20 moles you must be careful. Every abnormal color or form change must be informed to your doctor.

Brown skin filters the ultraviolet rays better than the white or pale skin. Persons with white skin must be very careful. Here a quick sun burn is possible. It is important to protect the skin of the children. Mostly the damage starts there.

People living under ozone holes must be very careful. Protection is the magic word for everyday to prevent skin cancers.

How to minimize the risks for cancer? 5. Enough physical activity…

The uncontrolled growth of cells in any part of the body is cancer. It is a group of disease. Cancer kills millions of people every year in our world. Few can be curable if diagnosed in the early stages. We can do a lot to minimize the risk of cancer. The hereditary risk factor is only about 5% to 10%. The rest comes from our lifestyle, diet and environment. We see here the many ways to reduce the cancer risks.

Physical activity is the key to our health. We all know this. But, we have several excuses why don’t we do it regularly.


Last week a patient of mine came to me. She had 30 kg overweight. I tried to persuade her to do some physical activities. For each of my suggestions she had an argument why she didn’t do that. Uncontrolled food intake and a sedentary life are the reasons for overweight.

Physical activity helps us in many ways. The advantages include:

• Helps to protect you from developing certain cancers, e.g. breast, lung, colon and endometrial cancers
• Reduce the risk factors for high blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglycerides, heart disease and stroke
• Helps to prevent type 2 diabetes
• Reduces bone loss and thus prevents osteoporosis
• Improves mood and relieves the symptoms of anxiety and depression
• More calories are burnt and this means maintaining the weight or for many enjoying their food
• Very good to improve the mental fitness of seniors
• Improves sleep
• Improves general fitness
• Improves quality of life
• Makes healthy to live longer

It is never too late to start the physical activity. Physical activity is important for all, but how much one needs varies from individual to individual. 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity for 5 days in a week is considered optimum. You can do it continuously or with breaks. The 2005 Dietary Guidelines recommend the following for exercise:
• To reduce disease risk, at least 30 minutes daily of moderate-intensity physical activity, beyond your usual activities at home and work.
• To lose weight and prevent gradual weight gain, 60 minutes of moderate-to vigorous-intensity activity on most days.
• To keep of lost weight, 60 to 90 minutes of moderate-intensity activity.

The moderate-intensity physical activities include:

• Brisk walking for 35 min
• Gardening for 30 to 45 min
• Basketball (shooting baskets) for 30 min
• Playing volleyball for 45 min
• Bicycling 8 km in 30 min
• Fast dancing for 30 min
• Water aerobics for 30 min
• Swimming, 20 min
• Rope jumping, 15 min
• Self using of wheelchair, 30 to 40 min, personal experience
• Stair-climbing, 15 min

In vigorous-intensity physical activity one breaths rapidly and is able to speak in short phrases. The heart rate is increased and mostly results sweating. If possible the moderate-intensity physical activity and vigorous-intensity physical activity can be done alternatively. The vigorous-intensity physical activities include:

• Aerobic dancing
• Fast dancing
• Fast cycling
• Fast swimming
• Jogging
• Playing basketball, hockey, soccer, tennis etc.
• Race walking
• Hiking uphill


If you have not done more than a year any physical activity consult your doctor first. This is the case if you suffer from diseases too. Pregnant woman must also consult her doctor before starting her exercises.

Select the right physical activity, stay healthy and enjoy life…

How to minimize the risks for cancer? 4. Healthy weight…

The uncontrolled growth of cells in any part of the body is cancer. It is a group of disease. Cancer kills millions of people every year in our world. Few can be curable if diagnosed in the early stages. We can do a lot to minimize the risk of cancer. The hereditary risk factor is only about 5% to 10%. The rest comes from our lifestyle, diet and environment. We see here the many ways to reduce the cancer risks.

During the last 20 years the percentage of overweight and obese children and adults has been steadily increasing in our world. Good/Bad and excess food and lack of physical activity are the main reason for this problem. It is well established that overweight and obesity are risk factors for high blood pressure, high triglycerides, heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Apart from this, overweight and obesity are risk factors for certain cancers and they include:

• Breast (postmenopausal)
• Endometrium (cancer of the uterus lining)
• Gallbladder (in women)
• Kidney (in women)
• Colon (in men)
• Esophagus


There are many ways to have a look about your weight whether it is normal or not. Many follow the BMI and the guidelines for adults from age 20 are:

<18.5>30.0 obese

BMI = weight in kg/square of height in meters

The other easy way to know about your weight is:

Height in cm – 100 = normal weight
Normal weight – 10% normal weight = ideal weight

It is not advisable to have less than ideal weight as ideal weight – 10% normal weight = the dangerous model weight, that is simply skin and bones only.

Another very important factor is the waist circumference. Waist is the place where the reserve fat is deposited and this is a great risk factor. The recent research shows that Waist-to-height-ratio (WHtR) gives more information about the risk of heart attack and stroke. It is easy to calculate. Measure your waist circumference around your navel in cm and divide this with your height in cm to get the Waist-to-height-ratio. For example, your waist circumference is 85 cm and your height is 170 cm. 85/170 = 0.5

The reference ratios are:

Below 40 years – less than 0.5
Between 40 and 50 years – between 0.5 and 0.6
Above 50 years – around 0.6

Avoid or reduce the intake of processed food, fast food and junk food. Excess fat and carbohydrates must be avoided. Vegetables, fruits, whole grain products, nuts, seeds and legumes must be always a part of your food.

Physical activities are very important to keep the normal weight. Normal weight not only reduces the risks for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes but also the cancers.

Consult with your dietician and select the right foods for you. Get the advice of your dieticians often if it is necessary.

How to minimize the risks for cancer? 3. Alcohol in moderation…

The uncontrolled growth of cells in any part of the body is cancer. It is a group of disease. Cancer kills millions of people every year in our world. Few can be curable if diagnosed in the early stages. We can do a lot to minimize the risk of cancer. The hereditary risk factor is only about 5% to 10%. The rest comes from our lifestyle, diet and environment. We see here the many ways to reduce the cancer risks.

Many people know that heavy alcohol consumption can cause health problems. Interestingly, many people do not know that alcohol can increase the cancer risk. Alcohol is definitely a risk factor for cancers. Research has clearly established the link between alcohol consumption and the risk for developing cancers. If more alcohol is drunk the risk is correspondingly high. The exact mechanism is not yet clear. It may be because alcohol can alter the hormone levels or make the liver not to metabolize certain cancer producing substances so that the healthy cells are vulnerable to cancer. We can compare this with the adverse effects of tobacco.

The risk may include the cancer of:

• Breast in women
• Colon
• Esophagus
• Larynx (voice box)
• Liver
• Mouth
• Throat
• Rectum

Alcohol and smoking or the use of tobacco products together increases this risk further. Few drinks a day may be already dangerous. As we all know in smokers, the more you drink the more you smoke and this increases the risk.

Alcohol can affect estrogen levels in a woman’s body and this may be the reason for the increased risk of breast cancer. Few drinks in a week can be sometimes too much. It is better not to drink alcohol or drink in very moderate amount to lower the risk of breast cancer.

For mouth and throat alcohol is an irritant and this damages the cells. The damaged cells try to repair themselves by changing their DNA and this may result the uncontrolled growth of the cells and thus the cancer.

Alcohol is converted into acetaldehyde in the colon by bacteria and this may be the reason for colon and rectum cancer.

Alcohol can damage the liver that results scarring and inflammation. This can be fatal.

Alcohol is not necessary for the metabolism and so without any problem one can avoid it. If you want to drink in social events drink less. A glass of beer or wine or champagne is allowed. But avoid all drinks that have high percent of alcohol.

There are many ways to enjoy life without alcohol…

How to minimize the risks for cancer? 2. No tobacco products…

The uncontrolled growth of cells in any part of the body is cancer. It is a group of disease. Cancer kills millions of people every year in our world. Few can be curable if diagnosed in the early stages. We can do a lot to minimize the risk of cancer. The hereditary risk factor is only about 5% to 10%. The rest comes from our lifestyle, diet and environment. We see here the many ways to reduce the cancer risks.

Cigarette smoke contains over 4000 chemicals and metals. Out of this 43 are known cancer-causing and 400 are other toxins. These include:

• Nicotine
• Tar
• Carbon monoxide
• Formaldehyde
• Ammonia
• Hydrogen cyanide
• Acrolein
• Arsenic
• Cadmium
• Radioactive lead and polonium
• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
• Nitrosamines
• Pesticides such as DDT and its metabolites

Nicotine is highly addictive. Nicotine from the smoke needs only few seconds to go through the lungs to reach the brain. It is a stimulant to the brain in small doses, but in high doses it is a depressant.

From the chewing tobacco more nicotine reaches the blood and thus to the brain. All tobacco products including cigars or snuff are not safe.

Apart from lung cancer smoking is known to be a risk factor for many cancers and they include:

• Lung

• Larynx
• Oral cavity including lips
• Throat
• Esophagus
• Stomach
• Pancreas
• Cervix
• Kidney
• Bladder
• Acute myeloid leukemia

90% of the lung cancer is caused by smoking. Men and women are equally affected. There are many other health problems coming from smoking and the use of other tobacco products. They include:

• Women’s reproductive health is affected
• Can affect embryo
• Reduced fertility
• Miscarriage
• Premature birth
• Stillbirth
• Can make asthma and pneumonia worse
• Excess production of free radicals and thus many organs can be affected
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Bronchitis
• Aneurysms, bulging or ballooning of the arteries
• Emphysema, causes shortness of breath
• Causes poor blood flow in the legs and arms.

Passive smoking or secondhand smoking is worse than smoking. Never allow others to smoke inside your home or where children or non-smokers are there.

Pregnant woman or breastfeeding mothers should not smoke or use any tobacco products.

Go and consult your doctor and there are many ways to quit smoking or the use of tobacco products.

If you stop smoking the body needs 10 years to recover completely. Stop smoking immediately and improve your quality of life.