50 replies to this topic

[smithx]

I am going to Japan for 10 days soon, and will of course be eating food there. Some of the food I'll be eating is sure to be radioactive. 

 

 I am already committed to at least one sushi lunch. And bizarrely, the Japanese government and a lot of the public supports eating Fukushima-grown vegetables to "support" the community there. 

 

So what could/should I be taking to help me:

 

- absorb less of the radioactive isotopes I will surely be consuming

- protect me from damage caused by consuming them

 

I'm looking for recommendations based on research, not off-the cuff "oh, this is good so you should try it" suggestions. 

 

Thanks everyone!

[niner]

I don't think there's any risk.   Japan is an advanced country and is pretty concerned about food safety.

[mike_nyc]

I would go for DIM

 

https://www.sciencen...ethal-radiation

 

"The researchers zapped rats with a hefty dose of gamma rays, a type of ionizing radiation. The dose was enough to kill the animals within 10 days. When the researchers injected a group of the rodents with daily doses of DIM starting two hours after the radiation exposure, 60 percent of the animals survived for at least 30 days and appeared healthy. Thirty percent survived when the researchers held off on DIM injections until 24 hours after exposure."

Edited by mike_nyc, 24 November 2014 - 10:27 PM.

[Hebbeh]

C60/EVOO

[smithx]

I don't think there's any risk.   Japan is an advanced country and is pretty concerned about food safety.

 

I know that the Japanese public is very skeptical about government pronouncements of safety. There are some independent testing groups, for example this one in Chiba. Results are from last Feb. Current ones are online in Japanese:

 

http://www.fukuleaks.org/web/?p=12351

 

There seem to be disagreements about the actual safe levels of Cs 137 in food. The Japanese standard is 100bq/Kg, but I've read elsewhere that over 30bq/Kg is problematic. 

 

Vegetables grown in Fukushima prefecture are sold at lower prices than produce from elsewhere in the country, so there's an incentive for restaurants to use them. 

[mike_nyc]

Curcumin too.  I would think curcuwin would be more effective than BCM95.

 

http://omicsonline.o...956.1000222.pdf

A Pilot Clinical Trial of Radioprotective Effects of Curcumin Supplementation in Patients with Prostate Cancer

Abstract

Background: Patients with prostate cancer who accede to radiation therapy usually experience several side 

effects and these toxicities are sometimes dose limiting. Some previous in vitro and in vivo studies have proposed 

a radioprotective role for curcumin, the yellow pigment of turmeric. 

Objectives: The purpose of this investigation was to assess the radioprotective effects of curcumin 

supplementation in patients with prostate cancer.

Methods: Forty prostate cancer patients undergoing external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) were randomly 

assigned to curcumin group, taking 3 g/d curcumin (6 × 500 mg capsules of BCM95 n=20), or placebo group 

(n=20). Quality of life was assessed by the Persian version of the European Organization for Research and 

Treatment of Cancer prostate cancer-specific quality of life questionnaire (QLQ-PR25).Analysis of covariance was 

used to compare radiotherapy related symptoms between groups following the intervention, adjusted for baseline 

symptoms.

Results: No differences in urinary symptoms, bowel symptoms, treatment related symptoms and sexual 

activity were observed between the curcumin and placebo groups before the intervention. The change in urinary 

symptoms across the 20-week period differed significantly between groups (p=0.011) and patients in the curcumin 

group experienced much milder urinary symptoms compared with the placebo group. No group differences were 

observed in any other domain of the QLQ-PR25.

Conclusions: Curcumin can confer radioprotective effect in patients with prostate cancer who undergo radiation 

therapy through reducing the severity of radiotherapy related urinary symptoms. However supplementation with 3 g/

day curcumin could not reduce the severity of bowel symptoms or other treatment related symptoms.

[mike_nyc]

Vitamin D as well.

 

http://naturalsociet...iation-damages/

 

“Our general understanding and appreciation of the multifaceted protective actions of vitamin D have recently entered a new era,” says Dr. Daniel Hayes, “It is now becoming recognized that its most active molecular form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, may offer protection against a variety of radiation- and otherwise-induced damages.”

 

Hayes is a radiological health expert and has published papers on the use of vitamin D in radiation protection. He says that D3 (calcitriol) may protect us in case of a low-level nuclear event. If it’s sub-lethal (less than deadly) exposure, vitamin D3 may be able to help protect against resulting cellular damage.

 

According to ScienceDaily, Hayes’ research indicates D3, the biological form of vitamin D, is involved in cell regulation and controlling proliferation (cell growth and reproduction which is out of control in cancer cells). He says it also helps regulate communication between cells and programmed cell death.

 

“As will be proposed and developed, vitamin D, with its preventative/ameliorating actions, should be considered among the prime (if not the primary) nonpharmacological agents that offer protection against sublethal low radiation damage and, in particular, against radiation-induced cancer,” says Hayes.

[niner]

 

I don't think there's any risk.   Japan is an advanced country and is pretty concerned about food safety.

 

I know that the Japanese public is very skeptical about government pronouncements of safety. There are some independent testing groups, for example this one in Chiba. Results are from last Feb. Current ones are online in Japanese:

 

http://www.fukuleaks.org/web/?p=12351

 

There seem to be disagreements about the actual safe levels of Cs 137 in food. The Japanese standard is 100bq/Kg, but I've read elsewhere that over 30bq/Kg is problematic. 

 

Vegetables grown in Fukushima prefecture are sold at lower prices than produce from elsewhere in the country, so there's an incentive for restaurants to use them. 

 

Most of the foods on the list are in the 5-50 bq/kg range.  A Bequerel is such a fantastically small amount of radiation; 1 bq is 1 atom emitting / second, and a kilogram is a lot of food.  The natural background level in the US is about 3 mSv.  The conversion from bq to mSv is complicated, but it would take a lot of them.  Cesium also washes out of the body quickly.  These are reasons why the risk is small, but to reduce it you could avoid the few foods on the list that have higher ratings, and stay well hydrated.  C60oo is a very good radioprotectant, not that I think you really need one, but you're taking it already IIRC. 

 

There is a lot of radiation paranoia going around.  It just scares the hell out of people, kind of like Ebola.  People should bear in mind that bananas are radioactive.  So are rocks.  Breathing exposes you to radiation, as does flying in planes.  At least you can't get Ebola from a banana.  (Well, not usually...)  Wow, poor Freelee.  That girl is doomed...
 

[Plasticperson]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA are you kidding me radiation in japan.. your doing urself more harm worrying about it.. enjoy your trip

[normalizing]

i dont know, is it me or does this thread come out extremely racist and anti-japanese if anything. the guy is like HEY IM WORRIED IM GOING TO JAPAN, HELP ME WITH THEIR RADIATION GUYS! what is your next question? anti-godzilla supplements!

you should have asked nicely and gently about supplements that may prevent radiation induced damage is all. your reference point is juvenile.

[Dorian Grey]

I wouldn't rush to yell racism about a not all that inflammatory query about a potential radioactivity problem in Japan's agricultural produce...  Fukushima was a major disaster and Japan isn't all that huge a country.  

 

Anyway...  IP6 has been shown to repair double strand DNA breaks in vitro.  Don't know how this might translate to in vivo.  

 

http://www.ncbi.nlm....pubmed/11030616

 

Binding of inositol phosphate to DNA-PK and stimulation of double-strand break repair

Abstract

In mammalian cells, double-strand breaks in DNA can be repaired by nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ), a process dependent upon Ku70/80, DNA-PKcs, XRCC4, and DNA ligase IV. Starting with HeLa cell-free extracts, which promote NHEJ in a reaction dependent upon all of these proteins, we have purified a novel factor that stimulates DNA end-joining in vitro. Using a combination of phosphorus NMR, mass spectroscopy, and strong anion exchange chromatography, we identify this factor as inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6). Purified IP6 is bound by DNA-PK and specifically stimulates DNA-PK-dependent end-joining in vitro. The involvement of inositol phosphate in DNA-PK-dependent NHEJ is of particular interest since the catalytic domain of DNA-PKcs is similar to that found in the phosphatidylinositol 3 (PI 3)-kinase family.

PMID:   11030616   [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] 

 

 

[smithx]

If anything, what we're finding out in this thread is:

 

A) the food situation in Japan isn't that bad, and there is a lot of monitoring. It should be pretty safe to eat basically anything in Japan, except perhaps sea bream. 

 

B) There are some supplements which can help in case of radioactivity exposure. 

 

Both of these are useful, so whomever is calling me racist, please stop. 

I actually go to Japan at least once or twice a year, but that doesn't stop me from feeling paranoid about it. Maybe now I'll stop. The food is really fantastic there, and much of it isn't that expensive. 

[Logic]

Radiation:

These Substances Protect the body from the Toxic Effects of Radioactivity

[Substances that prevent damage to the body that occurs as a result of
exposure to various spectrums of Electromagnetic Radiation (including
Radioactivity) are known as Radioprotectors].

Amino Acids:

Cysteine protects the body's Cells from many of the toxic effects of
exposure to Radioactivity.

L-Dopa protects the body's Cells from many of the toxic effects of
exposure to Radioactivity.

Carbohydrates:

Hyaluronic Acid (cream applied topically) counteracts the ability of
Radioactivity exposure to cause Radioepithelitis.

Carotenoids:

Beta-Carotene protects against many of the toxic effects of exposure
to Radioactivity.

Lycopene protects against many of the toxic effects of exposure to Radioactivity.

Hormones:

Melatonin protects the body?s Cells and tissues against the toxic
effects of exposure to Radioactivity.

Minerals:

Iodine alleviates Radiation Sickness (specifically the damage to the
Thyroid) that occurs as a result of exposure to Radioactivity
(Radioactive Iodine-131). The best form of Iodine for protecting
against Radiation Sickness after exposure to excessive Radioactivity
is Potassium Iodate.

Polyphenols:

Epigallo-Catechin-Gallate (EGCG), found in some green tea extracts,
protects the body?s Cells against the damage caused by Radioactivity.

Luteolin protects the body?s Cells against the damage caused by radioactivity.

Minerals:

Zinc (especially Zinc Aspartate consumed orally) reduces the lethality
of exposure to Radioactivity (when Zinc is consumed prior to exposure
to Radioactivity).

Vitamins:

Lipoic Acid reduces the toxic effects of exposure to Radioactivity:
Persons exposed to Radioactivity after the Chernobyl incident who
received Lipoic Acid supplements exhibit greatly lowered oxidative
damage as a result of Radioactivity exposure.

Vitamin C improves the ability of the body to resist the toxic effects
of exposure to Radioactivity: Guinea pigs that were supplemented with
large dosages of Vitamin C combined with Bioflavonoids were able to
withstand twice the known lethal dosages of Radioactivity. Vitamin C
(10 grams per day) decreases the Bleeding and Cell degeneration that
occurs as a result of exposure to Plutonium Radioactivity.

These Foods/Herbs Protect Against the Toxic Effects of Radioactivity:

Algae:

Spirulina reduces the quantity of Radioactive Isotopes absorbed into
the body and thereby helps to counteract the toxic effects of exposure
to Radioactivity.

Animal Organ Supplements:

Spleen Extract counteracts the damage to the Immune System caused by
exposure to Radioactivity.

Fermented Soya Bean Products:

Regular consumption of Miso protects the body from some of the toxic
effects associated with exposure to Radioactivity (due to the
Zybicolin content of Miso).

Herbs:

Aloe vera or aloe ferox (gel applied topically) counteracts the
ability of Radioactivity exposure to cause Radioepithelitis
(destruction of the epithelium of the Skin).

Chaparral protects the body from the toxic effects of Radioactivity.

Ginkgo biloba protects the body from the damage to Chromosomes
associated with exposure to Radioactivity.

Sarsaparilla protects against the toxic effects of Radioactivity.
__________________________________________________________________
DNA:

These Substances Enhance the Synthesis of Endogenous DNA

Amino Acids:

Glutamine supplies the necessary Nitrogen atom for the manufacture of
endogenous DNA.

Orotic Acid is essential for the synthesis of endogenous DNA (due to
its role as an intermediate in the synthesis of Pyrimidine
Nucleotides).

S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM) is essential for the production of DNA (SAM
functions as a methyl donor for DNA).

Carbohydrates:

Ribose is a component of DNA.

Minerals:

Magnesium facilitates the production and utilization of endogenous DNA.

Selenium (especially the L-Selenomethionine form) facilitates the
methylation of endogenous DNA.

Zinc assists the enzyme that produces DNA. research

Proteins:

Lactoferrin facilitates the endogenous production of DNA.

Vitamins:

Choline is essential for the synthesis of endogenous DNA.

Folic Acid is a cofactor for the synthesis of endogenous DNA and is
required for the incorporation of Uracil into DNA

Vitamin A is essential for the synthesis of endogenous DNA.

Vitamin B6 is essential for the synthesis of endogenous DNA.

Vitamin B12 is essential for the synthesis of endogenous DNA.

Vitamin E is essential for the synthesis of endogenous DNA.

These Substances Protect the Body?s Endogenous DNA:

Amino Acids:

Acetyl-L-Carnitine inhibits and reverses damage to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).

N-Acetyl-Cysteine protects the body?s DNA from damage: NAC can
prevent the Cross-Linking of the body?s endogenous DNA that is caused
by Tobacco Smoking.

Auxins:

Indole-3-Carbinol reduces the ability of Heterocyclic Aromatic Amines
(HAAs) (e.g. PhlP) to damage the body?s endogenous DNA.

Coenzymes:

Coenzyme A facilitates the repair of the body?s endodgenous DNA.

NADH facilitates the repair of damaged DNA (presumably by supplying
the Energy necessary to ?fuel? the repair of DNA).

Hormones:

Melatonin prevents Free Radicals from damaging (fragmenting) the DNA
content of Cells: - Melatonin prevents Amyloid-Beta Protein (the
Neurotoxin that is strongly implicated in Alzheimer?s Disease) from
causing oxidative damage to the (mitochondrial) DNA of the
Mitochondria of Cells.

Minerals:

Zinc helps to repair damaged DNA.

Peptides:

Glutathione activates enzymes that repair damaged DNA.

Phenolic Acids:

Ellagic Acid forms adducts with the body?s endogenous DNA, thereby
blocking binding sites on the DNA of Cells that could otherwise be
occupied by carcinogens or mutagens.

Polyphenols:

Apigenin helps to prevent oxidative damage to the body?s endogenous DNA. research

Epigallo-Catechin-Gallate (EGCG) protects the body?s endogenous DNA
from damage (including the damage inflicted by exposure to
Ultra-Violet Radiation).

Luteolin helps to prevent oxidative damage to the body?s endogenous DNA. research

Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPC) help to prevent damage to the DNA
content of Cells. Pycnogenol helps to prevent damage to the DNA
content of Cells (due to the OPC content of Pycnogenol).

Quercetin protects the body?s endogenous DNA from breakage and
oxidation (by chelating (removing) Ferric Iron from the body).

Rutin helps to prevent oxidative damage to the body?s endogenous
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA).

Quinones:

Coenzyme Q10 protects the body?s endogenous DNA (including
Mitochondrial DNA) from oxidative damage caused by Free Radicals (via
its Antioxidant properties).

Smart Drugs:

Idebenone protects mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from the damage caused by
Free Radicals (due to the Antioxidant effects of Idebenone).

Vitamins:

Folic Acid helps to repair damaged DNA.

Inositol Hexaphosphate facilitates the repair of damaged DNA (it
repairs double-strand DNA breaks).

Lipoic Acid inhibits damage to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).

Vitamin B3 (especially the Niacinamide form of Vitamin B3) helps to
repair damaged DNA.

Vitamin C facilitates the repair of damaged endogenous DNA: Vitamin C
protects against age-associated oxidative damage to Mitochondrial DNA
(mtDNA).

Vitamin E and prevents Free Radical damage to DNA: Vitamin E protects
against age-associated oxidative damage to Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).

These Foods/Herbs Protect the Body?s Endogenous DNA:

Algae:

Spirulina facilitates the repair of damaged DNA in Cells (due to
Polysaccharides in Spirulina).

Grasses:

Barley Grass protects the body?s endogenous DNA during the meiotic
division phase of Cell division.

Herbs:

Cat?s Claw helps to prevent damage to the body?s endogenous DNA and
facilitates the repair of damaged DNA.

Ginkgo biloba protects against age-associated oxidative damage to
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).

Golden Root facilitates the repair of damaged DNA and helps to protect
DNA from damage.

Green Tea protects human DNA from the formation of adducts (lesions).

Korean Ginseng inhibits the oxidative damage caused to the body?s
endogenous DNA caused by the Free Radicals generated by Tobacco
smoking.

Skullcap helps to repair damaged DNA (due to the Baicalein content of Skullcap).

Seeds:

Grape Seeds help to prevent damage to the DNA content of Cells (due to
the OPCs content of Grape Seeds).

Other Factors that Protect Endogenous DNA:

Diets:

Diet Restriction improves the efficiency of the endogenous repair of damaged DNA.

Kindest regards

Brent Murphy - B.Pharm (Rhodes), MPS
Complementary Medicine Consulting Pharmacist

 

I Trust this guy;  he makes some of the best supps available in South Africa

[Dorian Grey]

Me thinks smithx is going to need another suitcase if he follows the protocol above!  

[Kalliste]

Why so scared

http://en.wikipedia....iation_hormesis

[ta5]

LEF has an article on protection from X-ray and CT scans.

There's new study on Melatonin.

I have 2 studies on Naringin in my notes.

[niner]

I was fully expecting that rather exhaustive list to have some mention of the most statistically significant antiradiation supplements: beta-glucans (found in white button mushrooms, and isolated in supplement form). I loaded up on pill forms of this each time I got CT scans a few years ago to avoid the DNA damage.

 

Beta glucans might not do much for low dose radiation exposure.  When you get a really huge radiation exposure, it wipes out your hemopoietic system, and you die of opportunistic infections.  Beta glucans help your hemopoietic system recover, but that's not necessary with a low exposure like an x-ray or eating in Japan.  Antioxidants will do a better job in the low dose case, as well as being helpful in higher doses, because they stop the damage before it starts, by mopping up radiation-induced radicals.  I would hesitate to use plant-based antioxidants if I really needed protection, because they have poor pharmacokinetics.  I'd be looking at things like C60oo, MitoQ, HyFn, and NAC.

[normalizing]

whats HyFn and what references do you have any of those four protect from radiation?

[jroseland]

When I used to play the video game Half Life Gordon would take radiation beating medicine from time to time... 

[Ark]

Milk thistle and Nac

[gatornoot]

The best protection against an acute radiation dose is exposure to a chronic radiation dose. It's called hormesis.

You won't be exposed to an acute dose in Japan, but if you go hang out in fukushima right next to the failed plants for a few weeks you might get a low chronic dose if you're lucky, and then you'll be better protected to survive an acute dose from a nuclear blast.

We all have built-in DNA repair mechanisms that are upregulated when you're exposed to low levels of radiation for an extended period of time. This helps you deal better with damage to your DNA from free radicals and ionizing radiation alike.

Now, if you're expecting to inhale some large amount of I-131 from a recent nuclear blast, I'd recommend you saturate your thyroid prior with KI.

[Ark]

Milk thistle and Nac

http://www.ncbi.nlm....pubmed/19427509 http://www.mskcc.org...-acetylcysteine http://umm.edu/healt...adiation-damage


I pity the fool......

[Logic]

Radiation:

These Substances Protect the body from the Toxic Effects of Radioactivity

....

Kindest regards

Brent Murphy - B.Pharm (Rhodes), MPS
Complementary Medicine Consulting Pharmacist
 
I Trust this guy;  he makes some of the best supps available in South Africa

These are notes from a qualified individual (see above) they were meant as leads for further research, NOT a recommended stack!
I don't see how posting them is dangerous or irresponsible to anyone who actually reads posts and can thus see the intent of the author and poster.

If you disagree with something in the notes due to having researched it post your findings, to the benefit of everyone.

[OneScrewLoose]

I think the premise of this thread if a bit overcautious, to say the least. I don't think you're running any risk of exposure to more than background levels of radiation.

[Area-1255]

Supposedly, Reishi mushroom can help with radiation issues.

[Kalliste]

I think the premise of this thread if a bit overcautious, to say the least. I don't think you're running any risk of exposure to more than background levels of radiation.

 

 

It's pretty crazy to worry about it. But check out Alex Jones and similar alternative news types and you will understand the level of Radioparanoia some people suffer.

[OneScrewLoose]

I was there was a "not exist" button. I would simply speak the name of Alex Jones, press the button, and sigh in relief.

[Area-1255]

 

I think the premise of this thread if a bit overcautious, to say the least. I don't think you're running any risk of exposure to more than background levels of radiation.

 

 

It's pretty crazy to worry about it. But check out Alex Jones and similar alternative news types and you will understand the level of Radioparanoia some people suffer.

 

Alex Jones brings up excellent points, radiation is something he should touch on - but he does emphasize it quite a bit.....

It really depends on whether it's relevant to where you live specifically, he's not merely a conspiracy theorist, he's someone who understands the risks and mistakes of history - I agree with a great majority of his points. I also enjoy his humor.

[OneScrewLoose]

Alex Jones is insane and makes his money off of fear mongering and sensationalism. There are no ifs, ands nor buts about this.

Edited by OneScrewLoose, 12 December 2014 - 05:35 AM.

[Area-1255]

Alex Jones is insane and makes his money off of fear mongering and sensationalism. There are no ifs, ands nor buts about this.

I disagree, he does a lot of marketing, but...he has a lot of great points -  especially if you know history.

He was also right about a lot of things, such as the immigration issues, war in other countries, and a lot else.

Of course, anybody who has studied the U.N sufficiently should know the kind of bullshit they are up to as well as how it is coordinated in the US.