Here is some very sound and practical information from two of my friend and colleagues.
The first is from Dr. Isaac Eliaz, M.D. who is also an expert in Integrative Cancer Care as well as Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.
The second set of recommendations comes from Dr. Cynthia Watson, M.D. and Integrative and Functional Medicine physician.
The most important thing is to get a broad spectrum of protection from all types of radioactive emissions and isotopes. For this purpose foods, supplements and herbal medicines rich in antioxidants are the first choice. The genetic material in our cells, the DNA is most vulnerable. When this genetic material, easily damaged by radiation, is unable to repair, the risk of cancer is increased.
Dr. Isaac Eliaz, M.D. offers this advice
Protect cellular DNA from damage and mutation with an antioxidant rich diet and extra supplementation. High powered antioxidants and free radical scavengers which can help protect cells from radiation exposure include vitamin C, A, E, lipoic acid, selenium, glutathione, vitamin – D3, beta-1,3 glucans, sea buckthorn, and others. Medicinal mushrooms, in particular Reishi and Cordyceps, protect tissues from radiation-related anoxia (oxygen deprivation), oxidative stress and inflammation, while collecting toxic materials from the body. Due to these actions and their critical support of the immune system, these and other medicinal mushrooms can play an important role in protection from radiation exposure. Clinically, medicinal mushrooms are used to prevent tissue damage from radiation therapy, which poses dangers similar to radioactive fallout exposure. Finally, it is important to consume a diet high in potassium rich foods and dark leafy greens, bulky fiber and plenty of pure water.
Dr. Cynthia Watson, M.D. offers this advice:
Although radiation of any kind is dangerous, those living in the vicinity of a nuclear plant should be familiar with evacuation routes and procedures. Even in emergencies that do not cause damage to the nuclear reactor itself, radioactive gases may leak or be vented into the atmosphere. These gases often contain a radioactive form of the essential thyroid mineral iodine known as Iodine?131 or I?131 for short. Also called radioiodine, I?131 is formed in fission reactions from uranium?235. Once it enters the atmosphere, it is chemically similar to the stable form of iodine, I?127. It quickly moves from the atmosphere into the water supply and soil and eventually enters the food supply. After an I?131 radiation leak occurs, one of the first foods to be affected is cow’s milk, which means babies and young children have the highest risk of exposure. Fortunately, the half?life if I?131 is relatively short, about eight days, and there is a medication that if taken within the first 2?4 hrs after a possible exposure can block the uptake of !?131 and prevent more than 90% of the toxic effects, which include destruction of the thyroid gland and the development of thyroid cancer.
WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THE USE OF POTASSIUM IODIDE RIGHT NOW. IF THERE SHOULD BE EVIDENCE OF RADIATION, POTASSIUM IODIDE CAN BE USED BUT OTHER ANTIOXIDANTS ARE ALSO IMPORTANT. The medication to protect against thyroid cancer is called Potassium Iodide and it is an over the counter. Although many people are aware that iodine is important to protect against I?131, radioactive nucleotides have other serious health impacts including weakening of the immune system and increasing oxidative stress. Therefore, several other supplements may be of benefit. Antioxidants are nutrients that protect the body for oxidative stress and therefore radiation. Certain nutrients have been studied that are known to have protective effects. Lipoic acid in particular has many research studies documenting its protective effects against the radiation exposure from Chernobyl.Any nutrient that supports glutathione, the body’s first defense in protecting against free radicals, is also beneficial. These include NAC, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and selenium. So if you are allergic to iodine or have concerns about taking it due to thyroid disease, you may want to take the antioxidants listed below. We are recommending the following:
- Lipoic acid 100 – 300 mg daily;
- N AcetylCysteiene (NAC) 500 mg 2 times daily;
- Vitamin C 2000 mg daily;
- Vitamin E 400 IU of gamma tocopherol;
- Selenium 200 mcg daily;
Glutathione can also be taken orally as liquid liposomal
Many foods are rich in iodine and antioxidants. Fish, sea weed and chlorella are rich sources of iodine.
These recommendations are easy to implement. Coconuts and coconut water are very high in potassium and magnesium. I often recommend this to cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy as well.
If you are in an area where there has been radioactive fallout, be sure the food supply has not been contaminated.
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