8 Vitamins, Herbs & Foods that Detoxify Radiation Exposure
Throughout our daily lives, humans come across low-level doses of radiation. From airport security scanners to X-rays to radioactive particles in the air, experts estimate that every human on Earth has low levels of radiation in their body. There are many risk factors in exposure to radiation—potentially life-threatening effects—and everybody can react differently.
Thankfully, several all-natural immune-boosting foods and minerals can help fight off the short and long-term risks of radiation exposure and poisoning. Let’s dive into the foods that detoxify radiation exposure.
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1. Iodine
You’ve likely already heard about taking iodine to thwart radioactive iodine from binding to the thyroid. The thyroid, known as the “shield gland,” is one of the body’s best defenses from toxins. When we’re deficient in iodine—a trace mineral essential for proper thyroid function—we can develop health problems such as extreme fatigue, depression, weight gain, and goiters.
Suppose our thyroids are deficient in iodine when exposed to radioactive iodine. In that case, it will bind to the thyroid in place of iodine, and can lead to cancer and other serious illnesses. In the case of radiation exposure, iodine’s protection is only good for roughly 48 hours after a dosage. Always consult your health care practitioner before taking high levels of iodine or any nutritional supplements.
There are several types of iodine supplements you may hear about: potassium iodine, Lugol’s, and nascent. All are suitable in providing the thyroid with enough iodine to keep radioactive iodine from binding, in most cases.
2. Kelp and Sea Salt
Foods that contain high levels of naturally occurring iodine are seaweeds, particularly kelp. There are several iodized salts, which are helpful in detoxification. Sea salt especially helps remove radioactive iodine from the body.
3. Chlorella
Chlorella, which is a type of single-celled green algae, is very high in chlorophyll and neutralizes toxins in the body, and helps against mercury poisoning. Taking recommended doses of chlorella when exposed to radiation—even after a visit to the X-ray machine—is a good way to speed up the detoxification.
4. Reishi Mushrooms
The reishi mushroom, known as the King of Chinese medicine, offers immune-boosting properties. It is not your pizza-topping kind of fungus. Boosting your immunity with supermushrooms like reishi will help your body defend itself against toxins and may reduce the impact after radiation exposure.
5. Ashwaganda and Ginseng
Ashwaganda, or Indian ginseng, is a powerful Ayurvedic tonic herb that helps the body deal with stress. American and Siberian Ginseng can do this, too. Even if you don’t feel like you’re under stress, when your immune system is fighting something foreign and potentially harmful, it stresses the entire body. So using adaptogens like ashwaganda and ginseng can enhance your overall body immunity performance.
6. Vitamin C
Likewise, vitamin C is an indispensable nutrient for boosting immunity and helping the body trigger its own defenses. It strengthens cells by acting almost like cement or glue, making it difficult for radioactive or cancer cells to penetrate and corrupt healthy cells. You cannot overdose on vitamin C, and Nobel Prize winner, Dr. Linus Pauling, used it in incredibly high doses—over 100,000 milligrams daily—to treat serious illnesses such as cancer.
7. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is very supportive of the thyroid gland and is often an option for cancer chemotherapy patients. It’s got antifungal and antiviral properties too, which can help the body defend against contamination. Many use it topically on skin exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation.
8. Water
Radiation can also increase our susceptibility to dehydration. And when we’re fighting off any unwelcome guests, it’s critical that we stay hydrated so that our body’s natural defenses are working properly. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
And when dealing with radiation exposure or any other serious health crisis, taking measures to reduce your stress can play a huge role in your health and well-being. Check out our tips on dealing with tragedy and loss naturally.
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