First of all, let me say that my heartfelt prayers go out to all of those affected by the ravaging effects of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami. In the weeks after the initial shock, we now realize it is time to get practical about managing any potential radiation exposure that is raining down on us now or coming our way in the future. So far we are being told that this fallout exposure is less than our typical background radiation levels. Do you even know what those exposures are, that there are different types of radiation, and they do not all carry the same risk? I will walk you through the basics so that in the end you can adopt a protective diet and develop a sense of peace regarding any radiation exposure, especially during these trying times.
Government agencies determined that an annual exposure dose of more than 100 milliSeverts (mSv) increases your risk of developing cancer. Do you know what your number is? According to the World Nuclear Association, exposure levels are as follows: flying on an airplane (0.04 mSv NY to LA), cell phones (according to one British study, as much as 99 mSv/hr with measurable exposure up to 2 meters away from the device!!!), dental x-rays (0.005 mSv), x-rays (chest 0.1 mSv), mammogram (0.3 mSv), CT Scan (abdominal, 14 mSv), living within 50 miles of nuclear power (0.01 mSv annually), and tobacco smoke (0.08 mSv 1 ½ packs per day). Rocks, vegetables, fruits, MRI contrast, thyroid scans, television/electronics use, radon, and microwaves are other sources as well.
Basement radon and microwave ovens are two common, everyday radiation sources that you do have control over. Test for radon in your basement and, if detected, use abatement measures to eliminate the risk. Microwave radiation also can be eliminated. Radiation leakage is caused by slamming the door, accumulated food particles and basic wear and tear. According to a survey conducted by the Professional Service Associates, more than 56% of the microwave ovens over two years old leak radiation at a level of 10% higher than the safety standards set by the FDA. According to Pro-Lab, “the FDA warns that microwave radiation can cause cataracts, skin cancer, dizziness, headaches, blood disorders, increased stress, birth defects, central nervous system damage, temporary male sterility, cardiovascular problems, and interference with some pacemakers.” You can test your microwave for leakage using “The Detecto Card” by Pro-Lab, or better yet, get rid of it because there are healthier ways to prepare food!
American scientists have evaluated low-dose, man-made sources of radiation and have deemed them safe as compared to Mother Nature’s sources, such as sunlight and living altitude (i.e. Denver, Colorado 0.5 mSv annually) as a potential threat to humans. However, according to Duke University, “Any amount of radiation can be dangerous because of the potential effect that it has on living cells. Radiation can disrupt normal chemical processes of the cells, causing them to grow abnormally or to die. Cells that are altered by the radiation may go on to produce more abnormal cells – a process that could eventually lead to cancer. . . Any cells that die due to exposure can be replaced by the body. If one receives a very high dose, unlike any exposure mentioned here, the cells may not be able to be replaced fast enough and tissues or organs may fail to function properly.” If you want to test your ability to repair cellular damage, I have patients conduct the “Oxi-Stress” Test to detect oxidative damage and evaluate the need for increased antioxidant therapies.
Nuclear plant fallout mainly contains Iodine 131 (I-131), cesium 137 (C-137) and strontium 90 (S-90) and possibly plutonium, which can last in our environment for years to come. The cancer risk is highest for those closest to the radiation leak; it becomes weaker with distance and time; but this risk may not go away as fast as people would like!
So, how are you going to know radiation is coming at you too fast? Plain and simple, most of you won’t! If you want to wear a personal radiation meter, they are available . . . otherwise you have to rely on the choices you make in your lifestyle. Besides reducing your exposure, choose foods that will protect and/or repair your tissue from the damaging effects of radiation exposure. One of the first books I read on this subject was from 1993, Diet for the Atomic Age, by Sara Shannon. She gives a very detailed account of our radiation exposure in the environment, specifically for Connecticut and Long Island Sound as it relates to nuclear power plants and the damaging effects it has had on people living near those areas. She goes on to outline what was learned from the major nuclear accidents regarding food as a possible “medicine” for the exposure. Much of what I have to say here is based on her accounts of what has worked, based on the history of Chernobyl and Nagasaki as well as nutrition and human biochemistry.
- Potassium blocks the uptake of C-137, and the iodide form of potassium specifically protects the thyroid from I-131. A downloadable PDF called “Guidance: Potassium Iodide as a Thyroid Blocking Agent” is available from www.fda.gov. It provides specific doses for children and adults and appropriate use of potassium iodide. Dark leafy greens including parsley and dandelion leaf are a rich dietary source of potassium and should be included in the diet. Supplemental potassium should only be used under the supervision of a medical professional because of the powerful effect it has on the body.
- Oats and soybeans contain phytates that bind with radioactive substances for elimination from our bodies (1980 National Council on Radiation Protection). The most beneficial soy foods are the fermented forms which include tofu, tempeh, miso and tamari.
- Brown rice and miso protected survivors of both the Nagasaki and Chernobyl radiation disasters. Unfermented miso that is made with warm (not hot) water is most beneficial. Miso is prepared as a broth: use 1-3 teaspoons plus a cup of very warm water to maintain its benefit. I make miso broth with seaweed, fresh or dried shiitake mushrooms, fresh garlic, fresh ginger root, raw honey, fresh lemon juice, and scallions for a nice immune soup for colds, flu, and general immune support.
- Kelp, a form of seaweed, contains Iodine-127 that specifically prevents the absorption of I-131 and protects the thyroid gland. Seaweed naturally contains sodium alginate which binds with C-137, virtually protecting you against the two radioactive isotopes from nuclear power plants. You can use Kelp granules, crush kelp leaf into soups, or add Bragg’s Organic Sea Kelp Delight Seasoning or Herbamare Organic Herb Seasoning Salt to food for added convenience and to hide the flavor if it is too strong for some of you.
- Rosemary herb contains carnosic and rosmarinic acids that deter radiation poisoning. (British Journal of Radiology). Rosemary can be added to roasted vegetables, soups, and cold vegetable salads, and can easily be grown as part of your kitchen herb garden right outside your door.
- Red wine & resveratrol have been shown to protect against the damaging effects of radiation (2008, University of Pittsburg School of Medicine). Pinot Noir that has the highest level of resveratrol is grown in cold damp regions such as the Finger Lakes of NY, Willamette Valley of Oregon or Carneros and is unfiltered to retain its beneficial levels of resveratrol.
- Calcium helps block strontium-90 uptake. Taking 800-1200 mg daily in supplement form (not the carbonate form) plus dark leafy greens, almonds, and broccoli can help deliver adequate amounts for protection. With milk supplies being affected by fallout, and calcium being tightly bound to phosphorus in milk, dairy is not necessarily the best route for calcium intake.
- Iron helps to block the uptake of plutonium. This is especially important for pregnant, lactating and menstruating women and all children. Millet, oats, beans, seaweed, dark leafy greens, red meat, beets, and organic blackstrap molasses are good sources, in addition to an age appropriate multivitamin with Iron.
Simply start by including these foods in your daily diet as a protective measure against potential radiation exposure. Adequate zinc, selenium, and vitamins A & C also are necessary to protect against other forms of radiation. In addition, you can take a vitamin antioxidant blend for cell protection and a supplemental botanical extract blend for tissue repair.
Dr. Debra Anastasio, a Naturopathic Physician practicing in Cheshire, CT, is a natural- health author and motivational speaker. Dr. Anastasio will be presenting a lecture on the Anti-Radiation Diet on May 21st. For more information and to “Connect with Dr. A”, go to www.drdebraanastasio.com