Articles
Article for Santos Newsletter.
Protection from Radiation
Hi everyone,
In light of the events that have occurred in Japan recently, there has been much concern about what we can do to protect ourselves from radiation poisoning. Of course, it is crucial for the Japanese people to take steps to protect themselves and a good idea that we take some precautionary measures also.
While researching this topic, it became clear to me that this is not something new. Since WW2 nuclear bombs have been detonated in Australia and Japan, the South Pacific and other places. We have also had to contend with Chernobyl, spent uranium from munitions and many other forms of radiation that is fast filling our environment including, on a more subtle level, computers, mobiles, power poles etc.
So, while we have an acute situation in Japan at present, we also have a chronic low-grade exposure to radiation happening all over the globe. According to Parvo Airola PhD, ND, Iodine 131 from radiation fallout is a powerful carcinogen that can cause thyroid cancer, leukaemia and other forms of cancer that can occur many years after the initial exposure.
What can we do to help counteract this very real threat? Well the people of Japan have been advised to take iodine even though the average Japanese consumes around 12 mg of iodine a day. Here in the west, we are lucky to get 100 mcg's of iodine a day!
Luckily there are many foods that are high in nutrients that can help to protect us from radiation poisoning and help to boost our immune systems, and assist the liver to detox.
Miso, a food produced by fermenting rice, barley or soybeans with salt and a fungus kojikin, is known to reduce radiation sickness and is one of Japan's traditional foods. I first read about this in Leslie Kenton's book "The Wise Woman's Passage To Power" where she sites research from a doctor in Japan who was treating the locals for radiation sickness after Hiroshima. He and his staff consumed a bowl of miso soup every day and did not succumb to the poisoning.
Seaweeds are not only a great natural source of nutrients, they are very effective at removing radiation from the body as they contain sodium alginate and they are high in iodine. Try dulse or wakame flakes on sandwiches and salads, nori for making sushi and kelp sprinkled on vegies. Also, agar derived from sodium alginate in kelp, can be used as a thickening agent.
Chlorophyll rich foods (think green - spirulina, chlorella, wheat grass and barley grass etc.) have been shown in a number of studies to decrease radiation toxicity. Add a couple of teaspoons to a fresh fruit or vegie juice every day for optimal benefit.
Reishi Mushrooms (Ganoderma Lucidum) are high in Beta-1,3 glucan and have been shown to offer protection from radiation in animal studies. I have recently started adding these thin brown slices to my morning cup of bancha (kukicha) tea. The bancha is alkalising and the mushrooms, as well as protecting from radiation, boost the immune system. With some added ginger and honey it makes a flavoursome and potent start to the day!
Rutin (which is found in good levels in buckwheat) strengthens the capillary walls and in animal studies was shown to reduce the death rate from excessive X-Rays by 800 percent.
Selenium protects DNA from radiation damage and foods and herbs that are considered to be good sources of selenium are nettles, burdock root, organic yoghurt, kelp and organic brazil nuts.
Holy Basil (Tulsi) - preliminary research shows that this lovely fragrant herb protects against radiation induced peroxidation thus helping to protect against the detrimental effects of low level radiation. It also increases glutathione and superoxide dismutase, important mediators in the liver helping the body deal with radiation. Tulsi is available as a tea but should be avoided in pregnancy and in large amounts.
Lastly, fresh coriander, which can be grown easily in your backyard, is a natural heavy metal chelator and can be chopped up and added to many dishes for flavour as well as health benefits. Try adding it to a warming lentil soup for a yummy addition to your detoxing regime!
We cannot avoid being exposed to radiation as well as other toxins in our environments. Hopefully we will not have to deal with such an acute level as our Japanese friends are now doing, but we can go a long way in protecting our bodies and keeping them healthy by consuming a good diet which includes as many of the above foods as possible.
Suzanne Staples, ND DBM ATMS.
Last updated :
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
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