RADIATION: Four Foods That Can Help

Japan's nuclear disaster has given the world a lot to think about.  It's not really their problem, it's a global problem, we all share in this.  The NYT reported that we can expect radioactive release for weeks and months to come. It can be unsettling to hear about radiation coming your way, even though they are saying that the radiation is still at "safe levels."  It's a scary prospect and one that can make you feel pretty helpless.  This ongoing crisis  has me wondering what I can do. 

Beyond reevaluating the whether or not we should use nuclear energy and donating what we can to Japan, we can be proactive by beefing up our intake of healthy foods and food known for counteracting the effects of radiation.  We should be consuming these foods anyway, especially after flying, medical tests, etc.  We are exposed to radiation on a regular basis, why not include some foods that protect us from harmful effects? 

Spirulina:  This blue green algae is packed with nutrition.  It was used to treat Chernobyl victims years ago.  It contains a substance called phycocyanin which binds with heavy metals including radiation.  I like it in powder form, including it in my smoothies on a regular basis.  It turns them a pretty blue green and you can tell your children it's a "swamp monster smoothie" and they will love it. 

Chlorella:  As you can surmise from the name, chlorella is loaded with chlorophyll which lends some protection against radiation and helps remove toxins from the body.  You can buy it in tablet form.  I'm not taking this one at the moment, but for those who have a hard time consuming a lot of greens I think it might be a good idea. 

Cilantro:  One of my favorite herbs, cilantro is known for removing heavy metals from the body, and is often utilized for mercury detox as part of chelation therapy.  It's so attainable and tastes good in everything (unless you are one that doesn't like cilantro, which is unthinkable to me).  I like it in salads, juice, smoothies, stir fry, pretty much anything and everything. 


Miso:  Yummy and versatile, this fermented soy bean paste is said to have helped save patients who were involved in the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings.  It's great for promoting intestinal heath as well.  Add it to soups (but don't let it boil), salad dressings, and dips, or eat it as a soothing broth.

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