How to protect yourself from radiation poisoning

Thursday, April 07, 2011 by: Randall Neustaedter OMD
Tags: radiation poisoning, protection, health news

(NaturalNews) In the wake of the Japanese nuclear disaster, radiation has contaminated the food and water supply and the ocean in Japan. Radioactive particles have been carried to distant lands, though no dangerous levels have been detected in other countries. During this time of possible exposure we need to protect ourselves from the toxicity of heavy metals and radiation. Anyone could be exposed to radiation from the nuclear reactors in Japan through contact with contaminated products or travelers, or by ingesting contaminated food, even if the exposure is relatively low in level.

There are three simple principles involved in detoxification. The most important is chelation, or the binding and removal of metals and other toxins from the body. Second, the body has its own methods of detoxification which can be encouraged. And third, antioxidants will scour and remove free radicals that have been created by oxidative damage. Everyone can easily take supplements to produce these results and protect the body from heavy metal and radiation toxicity.

Chelation can be accomplished with one or more of several supplements.

Chlorella is a green algae and spirulina is a blue-green algae which contain chlorophyllin and other nutrients that bind toxic compounds in the gut. They are both used as chelating agents of heavy metals and other toxins. They are readily available in most health food stores. Seaweed has a similar ability to inhibit absorption of toxins in the digestive tract.

Laminaria is a brown seaweed that contains sodium alginate, which has been shown to chelate heavy metals and treat radiation sickness.

Modified citrus pectin has been shown in clinical studies to remove heavy metals including lead, mercury, arsenic and other toxins (Econugenics). Pectins and alginates are polysaccharides known as polyuronides, molecules that form chains in an "eggbox" structure that attract and trap radioactive metals. Typical dosage is 5 gm of the powder per day.

Zeolite is a naturally occurring mineral that has a crystalline structure that traps metals. It has been shown to remove depleted uranium from the body. Dosage is 5 gm of powder per day.

The body's natural chelating agent is called metallothienein (MT). This protein binds to toxic metals for delivery to the liver or kidneys for excretion. MT also prevents toxic metals from reacting with other molecules in the body, thereby preventing toxicity. The body's production of MT can be encouraged by taking certain botanical and nutritional supplements. Specifically, Humulus (hops) and Andrographis, as well as zinc, will all help regulate the genes associated with MT production (Metalloclear, Metagenics).

Glutathothione is the body's primary antioxidant. It can be produced in every cell of the body, but the liver is the primary source. Glutathione is capable of breaking down carcinogens and heavy metals. Supplements including N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and alpha lipoic acid (or R-lipoic acid) will support glutathione production. A reduced, liposomal glutathione supplement can also be used to increase glutathione directly.

Milk thistle, or its active extract sylimarin, supports liver cell synthesis and promotes glutathione production.

Supporting the small intestine's ability to maintain an effective immune system is an important component of detoxification. L-glutamine is an amino acid that protects the small intestine lining from radiation damage. Probiotics (lactobacilli and bifidobacteria), and prebiotics (arabinogalactan, beta glucans, and inulin) will maintain a healthy intestinal lining.

In addition to supporting the body's own production of antioxidants, various supplements can provide additional support. These supplements include vitamin C, coenzyme Q 10, grape seed extract (or resveratrol), astaxanthin (from krill or other sources), beta-carotene, and others. Of course many fruits and vegetables provide significant amounts of antioxidants, especially those with red, orange, or purple color.

Safeguard your body and protect it from radiation damage by taking at least one chelating agent such as chlorella, modified citrus pectin, or zeolite.

Support the body's own detoxifying mechanisms by taking reduced glutathione, or its precursor N-acetylcysteine, humulus, and/or milk thistle. Support the small intestine's ability to remove metals with L-glutamine, probiotics and prebiotics.

Get antioxidants from fruits, vegetables, and supplements of vitamin C, CoQ10, grape extracts, krill, or other sources.

Most other products can be purchased at health food stores or easily found on the Internet. Follow the dosage recommendations of the manufacturer on most products. None of the products mentioned have any toxicity, so overdosing is not a problem. In general, children take one-third to one-half the adult dose depending on their weight.

Disclaimer: Dr. Neustaedter has no financial ties with any manufacturer of the recommended supplements.


About the author:
Dr. Randall Neustaedter, OMD, has practiced and taught holistic medicine for more than thirty years in the San Francisco Bay area, specializing in child health care. He is a licensed acupuncturist and doctor of Chinese medicine, author of The Holistic Baby Guide, Child Health Guide and The Vaccine Guide. Visit his website, www.cure-guide.com, to register for a free newsletter with pediatric specialty articles and follow him on Facebook, at Dr. Randall Neustaedter, OMD.