Top 10 Foods To Help You Naturally Detox From Radiation
By NaturalOn
You might be reading this article and thinking that it would really only apply if there was another nuclear war or if you were somehow accidentally exposed to radiation. But did you know that radiation fallout is actually all around you?
You probably can’t remember a time when acid rain was not a problem. Air pollution is picked up by the rain and fog and brought to the ground.
And let’s not forget the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan in 2011 and damaged the Fukushima power plant, leaking radiation into the air and water. This event is NOT over, folks — it is ongoing. Radioactive elements were released into the air and water. These elements accumulate at each step of the food chain. Once inside the body, radioactive elements are called internal emitters, and these migrate to specific organs — typically, the thyroid, brain, liver and bones.
Radioactive isotopes have been found in rainwater in Minnesota and a few other states. Even if you feel that you are safe from fallout, there are many other risk factors that expose you to radiation. These include airport security cameras, dental X-rays, medical X-rays and radioactive particles in the air. Speaking of medical tests, Pet/CT scans are a very precise tool that can help diagnose many disorders, but this type of scan is a huge dose of radiation. If you have cancer, you might be getting regular doses of high intensity radiation.
After the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster, the Swedish government monitored the radiation level of foods. They found that most animal meat, including fish and dairy products, had much higher levels of radioactive substances then vegetables, fruits, grains and potatoes. Eating a plant-based diet is a great way to limit your radioactive exposure by avoiding the higher concentrations of these substances in animal fat, meat and dairy products.
Whether or not the Fukushima meltdown escalates, another study out of Russia showed that dietary fiber from things like beet root and lemon peels had radio-protective compounds. The scientists concluded at the end of their study that increasing dietary fiber in humans could accelerate the removal of radioactive elements.
Keep reading to find out which foods and other substances you can take will greatly increase your body’s ability to remove radiation.
1. Iodine
You’ve most likely already heard about the protective effects of iodine in thwarting radiation from binding to the thyroid gland. You should seriously consider having some iodine tablets on hand, as, for example, once word got out that the Fukushima fallout was hitting the West coast, tablets sold out quickly.
Radioactive elements will bind to the thyroid if the body is low on iodine. Most people in the U.S. are low on iodine anyway, so you shouldn’t worry about overdosing on this vital substance. Iodine’s protection is only good for about 48 hours, so as long as you skip a day in between doses, you should be good. Always take iodine according the instructions, and consult your doctor for proper dosage if you have any medical condition or if you are taking any prescription medication.
2. Chlorella
This is a single-celled type of algae that is super high in chlorophyll and has been shown to be a powerful detoxifier. Chlorella is often prescribed when someone has mercury poisoning. Take recommended doses of the green algae, which you can buy as a supplement, whenever you believe you have been exposed to radiation — even after a simple trip to the dentist or doctor where X-rays were required. Other foods rich in chlorophyll are leafy greens, bean sprouts, parsley, celery, alfalfa and spirulina.
3. Cruciferous Vegetables
Vegetables such as kale, cabbage, broccoli and Brussels sprouts all contain a powerful detoxing agent called sulfur. This substance has long been known to protect the body from radiation and remove the elements if one is exposed.
4. Reishi Mushrooms
Reishi mushrooms are those little mushroom pieces you find on your pizza, but the big ones you see in your health food store. This mushroom is considered by many to be the king of ancient Chinese medicine due to its powerful immunity-boosting compounds. When your immune system is in tip top shape, your body can naturally defend itself from toxins and even reduce the overall impact of radiation exposure. Enjoy these mushrooms as often as possible for optimum immune system capabilities.
5. Vitamin C
Absolutely vital for your immune system, vitamin C encourages the body to trigger its own defense system. Vitamin C actually strengthens your body at a cellular level. Think of pouring cement over your cells, making it difficult or even impossible for anything to penetrate your defense system, and it stops corrupted cells from growing and dividing. Nobel Prize winner Dr. Linus Pauling believed that incredibly high doses of vitamin C (about 10,000 milligrams every day) could stop and even reverse just about any disease, including cancer. Keep in mind that although you cannot technically overdose on vitamin C, you will need to build up to higher doses as more than 2,000 mg often gives people diarrhea or nausea. Start slowly and build yourself up to whatever dosage your doctor has decided is safe.
6. Coconut Oil
This is a very different type of oil that offers support for the thyroid gland and is often recommended for cancer patients undergoing chemo or radiation. Coconut oil also has antiviral and antifungal compounds, which can help your body defend itself against other types of infection or disease. Even the sun has ultraviolet radiation so putting coconut oil on your skin before heading out for the day is a good way to protect yourself when outdoors. Consume at least 2 tablespoons of this oil every day to protect your insides from radiation as well.
7. Ashwagandha
Sometimes called Indian ginseng, ashwagandha is a powerful herb that can help the body deal better with stress. Your immune system is constantly fighting against outside invaders, so even if you don’t feel as if you are under a great deal of stress, your body is most likely undergoing stress simply by defending itself. Using adaptogens such as ashwagandha, Siberian ginseng and even American ginseng can improve your body’s overall immune performance.
8. Apples
Studies have shown that the pectin in apples bind with radioactive residues and remove them from the body. Other foods that are high in pectin are plums, oranges and grapefruit.
9. Beets
Beets are high in fiber as well as being terrific blood cleansers. They can help your body rebuild hemoglobin after exposure to radiation. However, be careful when choosing beets as many sugar beets are GMOs. Be absolutely certain that the beets you are buying state they are organic. You might even want to consider growing your own since organic beets can be difficult to find. Beets can be grown in a large container, and they store well for months.
10. Garlic
High in sulfur, this herb can protect the red blood cells in your body from radiation damage. Eat one or two lightly crushed cloves of organic garlic each day for super health benefits that simply can’t be ignored.
Extra Tips:
There are other foods that are also good for the body after radiation exposure or that can protect you from radiation damage, including:
- Kelp
- Seaweed
- Rosemary
- Miso
- Brown rice
- Ginger
- Green and black tea
- Onions
- Lemons
- Avocado
- Sauerkraut
- Horseradish
- Sea salt (choose one with iodine)
Eating a healthy, plant-based diet is your best defense against the effects of radiation. Eat right, and your body will take care of your for your entire life.
