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Exposure to ionizing radiation is increasing rapidly in the United States. Medical imaging is the main source of artificial radiation exposure. Evidence, however, suggests that patients are poorly informed about radiation exposure when attending diagnostic scans. In fact, Americans today are exposed to seven times more radiation from diagnostic medical imaging tests than they were 30 years ago, due to a dramatic increase in the use of X-rays, mammograms, and CT and PET scans as diagnostic tools.

Most of the increased exposure in the United States is due to CT scanning and nuclear imaging, which require larger radiation doses than traditional x-rays. A chest x-ray, for example, delivers 0.1 mSv, while a chest CT delivers 7 mSv) — 70 times as much. And that's not counting the very common follow-up CT scans. Exposure to CT scans can increase the risk of cancer by at least 24%, with such risk lasting even years after the testing. For patients who had multiple CT scans, the increase in risk is higher.

Don't ask for a CT scan just because you want to feel assured that you've had a "thorough checkup." CT scans rarely produce important findings in people without relevant symptoms. And there's a chance the scan will find something incidental, spurring additional CT scans or x-rays that add to your radiation exposure. If you need a CT or nuclear scan to treat or diagnose a medical condition, the benefits usually outweigh the risks.

The effects of radiation damage typically take many years to appear, and the increase in high-dose imaging has occurred only since 1980. If your clinician recommends a CT or nuclear medicine scan, ask if another technique would work, such as a lower-dose x-ray or a test that uses no radiation, such as ultrasound (which uses high-frequency sound waves) or MRI (which relies on magnetic energy). Neither ultrasound nor MRI appears to harm DNA or increase cancer risk.

Studies show that ionizing radiation, such as gamma rays, X-rays, and radioactive particles can cause cancer by damaging DNA. If not properly repaired, this damage causes harmful changes in the DNA, subsequently leading to mutations.

The problem with radiation is that it interacts with living tissues causing damage to chromosomes (DNA), and proteins and lipids. Medical imaging is responsible for about 50% of the total radiation exposure to a typical US resident.

Here are examples of how much exposure one receives with some common X-rays tests:

· Radiation dose from 1 chest X-ray equals a 10-day exposure to natural radiation.

· Each cigarette smoked exposes the smoker to the radiation of 1 chest X-ray.

· Radiation from 1 chest CT-scan is like 100 chest X-rays!

· Radiation dose from 1 mammogram equals a 3- month exposure to natural radiation.

· Radiation dose from 1 DEXA scan equals less than a 1-day exposure to natural radiation.

Mammograms expose the body to radiation 10- 100x higher than chest X-rays. Since Mammograms have been introduced into screening the number of ductal carcinoma in-situ has increased by 328%.

As an aside, the radiation one is exposed to on a 7-hour flight from New York to Europe is equal to 1 chest X-ray. Doctors today are just beginning to take into account prior radiation exposure when considering the necessity of ordering an additional radiological test.

While these routine imaging procedures in conventional medicine are sometimes necessary, they do come with health risks due to the radiation they emit. In fact, researchers at the National Cancer Institute estimate that 29,000 future cancer cases could be attributed to the 72 million CT scans performed in the country. Furthermore, other imaging tests that don’t emit radiation, like MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) also come with risks. For example, most doctors order the contrast dye gadolinium when ordering an MRI. Gadolinium has been shown to have toxic residual effects, especially among those with poor kidney function.

So, if you’re about to get a scan or some other type of imaging test, here are a few things you may want to consider helping your body detox from radiation exposure and heavy-metal laden contrasts:

HIGH-POTENCY SUPPLEMENTS CONTAINING POLYPHENOLS

Resveratrol, quercetin, and green tea polyphenols rank among the best-studied and most potent radioprotectants. In fact, studies have shown that plant polyphenols can protect human cells against radiation-induced DNA damage.

HIGH DOSE MELATONIN

Aim for 60 mg of melatonin the night before and the night after a scan. While many cancer patients actively take melatonin as part of their supplement protocol, melatonin has also been shown to have beneficial properties for the reduction of radiation toxicity in healthy tissue due its potent antioxidative properties.

CONSUME DETOX FOODS

Some of my favorite detox foods include spirulina, chlorella, kelp, broccoli, garlic, onions, wheat grass, lemon balm, parsley, avocados, kale, coconut oil, and pectin-rich foods like apples. These foods have been shown to protect against radiation-induced damage to cells and tissues primarily due to their high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Spirulina, chlorella, and pectin in particular act as natural binders, which bind to toxins and radioactive elements, drawing them.

OXICELL CREAM

Oxicell cream is a glutathione cream. Glutathione, also known as the “master antioxidant,” protects the body from toxic metals, pollutants, and perhaps most importantly when it comes to scans – oxidative stress. Radiation can cause the production of free radicals, which lead to oxidative stress, which can further cause DNA damage and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Using Oxicell in targeted areas before and after a scan can help to protect the body from oxidative stress by supporting the scavenging of free radicals that the scan may produce. Consider putting ¼ tsp of cream into your hands, and rub over your liver, your thyroid, and your adrenals, up to three times the day of your scan.

TAKE A RADIATION-NEUTRALIZING BATH FOLLOWING YOUR SCAN

Dissolve one to two pounds of salt with one to two pounds of baking soda in a hot bath, and soak for 40 minutes. Radiation is acidifying to the body, while a salt and baking soda soak is highly alkaline, which helps to neutralize radiation’s effect. Another thing to consider adding is bentonite clay. Clays are known for their ability to remove toxic metals because of their unusual structure of pores, which allow the clay to absorb large amounts of toxins. A magnetic clay bath is a great way to assist the body in a heavy metal detox and to remove radiation from the body.

HOMEOPATHY

Homeopathy means “similar pathology,” and its science is based on a principle known as the “Law of Similars.” This principle supports the proposition that any substance that can cause symptoms when consumed by a healthy individual can also combat the same symptoms in a person who is ill. Consider homeopathic remedies like X-Ray 30c, Cobaltum 30, Calc fluor 12 and Nat mur 6 to help your body detox from radiation. For example, taking one dose (3 pellets) of X-ray 30c the night before, morning of, and for three days after your scan may help mitigate the radiation effects.

HEALTHY DIET

The best anti-radiation diet is one that is rich in ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) foods, which have been shown to help heal the body from radiation damage, and chelating foods (foods that remove toxins from the body). Among my favorite high ORAC foods are blueberries, walnuts, cruciferous vegetables, and cilantro. Some favorite chelating foods include parsley, cilantro, Brazil nuts, garlic and onions.

SWEATING

Sweating helps the body eliminate heavy metal toxins (e.g. mercury and cadmium), and also reduces inflammation. In addition to exercise, a great way to help the body eliminate toxins is by sweating inside an infrared sauna. If you don’t have access to one, We highly recommend Relax Sauna. It’s a powerful, portable, and budget-friendly sauna.

CASTOR OIL PACKS

Castor oil is a non-volatile fatty oil that is derived from the seeds of the castor bean. Studies have shown that castor oil possesses detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. A favorite way to use castor oil is via castor oil packs. Castor oil packs applied to the liver area have also been shown to support and improve liver function. Castor oil packs have also been shown to:

· Increase lymphatic drainage

· Detoxify the body

· Improve digestion

· Reduce pain & inflammation

· Increase glutathione

· Promote regularity & boost gut integrity

HYDRATE

The simple act of drinking water is one of the most important pathways to detoxification. Aim to drink filtered water at least half your weight in ounces per day. If you’re looking for a high-quality filtration system.

These are just a few powerful protocols to follow that can help you detox, rebalance, and protect your body after radiation exposure from imaging tests.

RECOMENDED READING

https://www.amazon.com/Radiation-Human-Health-John-Gofman/dp/0871562758/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&sr=1-1