With the nuclear reactor crisis in Japan occurring people in BC and along the West coast of North America are in a panic regarding what to do in case of a radiation exposure. This article will discuss some things that can be done to protect your body from the effects of radiation.
Potassium Iodide and Protecting the Thyroid
Potassium Iodide is used in the case of a radio logical or nuclear event to protect the thyroid from radioactive iodine. Potassium Iodide works by blocking radioactive iodine from entering the thyroid as it is already saturated with iodine. This in turn reduces the opportunity of the radioactive iodine to be absorbed by the thyroid. Please note, Potassium iodide is not protective from other radioactive elements other than radioactive iodine and should only be used under the direction of a doctor or local public health official. Over consumption of iodine can cause burning of the mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting, stomach aches, thyroid goiter and even coma.
Natural Sources of Iodine
Natural sources of foods with the highest amount of iodine include sea salt and fortified salt, kelp, dulse, seaweed and other sea vegetables. Other food sources include fish, seafood, egg, dairy and vegetables including strawberries and asparagus. The dosing of iodine in sea vegetables is significantly lower than potassium iodide drop dosing, making it a safer way to get iodine over the long term. Including the above foods, especially kelp and seaweed in your daily diet will ensure that your iodine levels remain closer to normal levels rather than at deficient levels.
Antioxidants and Radiation
Antioxidants are a great way to protect your body from radiation, heavy metal damage and general toxins in our environment. Medical research is showing the protective affects of antioxidants for patients who are undergoing radiation therapy. Short and long term injury to healthy cells, including tissue damage and increased risk of cancerous transformation can be prevented by antioxidants.1 Ensuring our body has sufficient antioxidants will help protect our bodies from the damaging effects of radiation and general toxins in our environment.
Radiation Protection and Heavy Metal Removal
There are many tools that Naturopathic Doctors have to help to both protect your body from radiation and heavy metal exposure. Some of the treatments that your Naturopathic Doctor may use include nutritional recommendation, IV vitamins (Myers cocktails contain very effective antioxidants with protective effects), botanical herbs, and homeopathic preparations. For your individualized plan please contact a Naturopathic Doctor at North Shore Wellness Centre
Facebook