by Robin Nielsen
There is no magic pill…just a lot of conflicting information out there about how much radiation we might be receiving and what the right approach is to protect yourself.
Do not take potassium iodide unless you are working with a health care professional. If used incorrectly it can cause heart palpitations, shock, or make you extremely wired. For autoimmune conditions, it is not recommended and can potentially make matters worse.
Here are some straightforward things you can do to protect yourself…
#1 Eat a rainbow of a whole, real foods daily: these brightly colored fruits and vegetables contain phytochemicals that protect our bodies from damage, help our livers to detoxify harmful toxins, and boost immune function.
Think red, dark green, yellow and light green, orange, and purple foods. Here are some examples:
- apples (red, with peel) -red
- bell peppers – red, green, yellow
- berries – red, purple
- plums – purple, red
- radishes – red
- beets – purple
- cabbage – green, purple
- cherries – red
- eggplant – purple
- cauliflower – yellow
- carrots – orange
- sweet potatoes – orange
- onions – yellow
- green beans – dark green
- kale – dark green
- swiss chard – dark green
- cucumbers – dark green
Are you getting the idea? There are many more so experiment and enjoy. Do not underestimate the power of these foods for protection!
#2 Protect digestion. One of the first things to happen with harmful doses of radiation is damage to our gastrointestinal tract. This will impair digestion and will keep us from digesting and absorbing powerful nutrients that keep our bodies functioning properly.
- 2-4 ounces aloe vera juice daily, has anti-cancer and gut-healing properties
- whey protein powder – whey concentrate is best…contains great base of amino acids to promote healthy liver function, powerful antioxidant support and gut healing/support
- ground flax seed, 1-2 tbls daily, promotes healthier digestion
- cabbage – this powerful food fits into both categories #1 & #2 for protection as it also contains l-glutamine – an amino acid critical to digestive health
#3 Eat extra flavonoids (also antioxidants): they are referred to as “nature’s biological response modifiers” because of their ability to modify the body’s reaction to other compounds such as allergens, viruses, and carcinogens. They also act as powerful antioxidants by providing remarkable protection against oxidative and free-radical damage.
- berries and apples with peel (higher concentrations)
- cinnamon, ground
- cocoa
- grape seed and grape skin
- red wine
- green tea
- black tea
- black current
- plums
- beans, many kinds (pinto, black, kidney)
- sorghum
- nuts
#4 Take extra antioxidants: nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, selenium and zinc. Vitamin C is the body’s most important antioxidant so if you had to pick one this would be it. Try 1000mg three times a day.
#5 Ginger: protects against radiation and can reduce the severity of radiation sickness – add it to food or make some thin rounds, place in the bottom of your mug and pour boiling water over for a tea.
#6 Green tea and fish oil have been found to be very protective for long term, low level exposure.
Here are some comprehensive supplements from my Wellness Boutique that contain some of the above-mentioned nutrients plus extra immune, digestive and liver support. Click on them to learn more…
#7 Get good sleep. Get 8-9 hours of sleep nightly (without medication). Sleep is critical to immune support and good health. During sleep, we produce natural killer cells, our main defense against illness, and we also produce more melatonin, our main antioxidant. Melatonin is a strong protector against radiation.
#8 Eat some miso and seaweed…both can be radiation protective. Add to recipes such as soups, homemade hummus, etc. You can even get seaweed “crunchies” that are fun to put on salads or eat by itself.
Eat, sleep and protect yourself against radiation! You may find yourself happier and healthier too.