16 Remedies for Radiation Exposure

Ask a Prepper – by Claude Nelson

Some nuclear events are survivable.

Much depends on the type of event and your proximity to ground zero. Event possibilities range from dirty bombs that may distribute radiation over a small area, to nuclear accidents and nuclear weapon detonation that create large amounts of destruction and contamination. Your first goal is to avoid nuclear fallout, so you should take shelter immediately following a nuclear event. Then, you must mitigate the exposure that you do receive. Stay informed of local recommendations for your area, but be aware that your local news reporting may be designed to prevent mass panic, rather than give the best advice.  

Harmful Effects of Radiation Exposure

The harmful effects of radiation exposure are many and varied. Some effects go unnoticed, only to cause cancers months or years later.

Before exposure and immediately after exposure, you should act quickly to prevent absorption and remove radioactive substances from the body. There are a number of supplements and compounds that can help you detoxify and prevent damage. Each acts differently and some, like Iodine, are specific to only one radioisotope, so plan to use all of these methods, or as many as possible, for best results.

The Law of Selective Uptake

One important principle in protecting the body from the absorption of nuclear isotopes is the law of selective uptake. Reduced to bare bones, it means that radioactive isotopes look like nutrients to the body, so if the body is deficient, it will grab hold of the isotope and use it in the body. You can prevent this absorption by taking extra doses of the nutrients. Iodine supplements protect against iodine-131, cesium-137 mimics potassium in the body, strontium-90 mimics calcium, Plutonium-239 mimics iron, and cobalt-60 mimics vitamin B-12. Your first line of defense it to be nutritionally sound and take supplements for these minerals or vitamin when exposure is imminent or immediately following exposure.

We’ll talk about these supplements in more detail below:

#1. Iodine

A nuclear or radiological event can release large amounts of Iodine-131 into the atmosphere. This radioactive iodine is quickly absorbed by the thyroid creating problems for the body immediately or even years later.

Researchers investigating the Chernobyl nuclear accident found that potassium Iodide reduced thyroid exposure to radiation with minimal side effects. Taking a dose of potassium Iodide or nascent iodine before the event or immediately after can fill the iodine receptors on the thyroid and prevent absorption of radioactive Iodine-131. Nascent iodine is the most bioavailable form of iodine for this purpose, but potassium iodide (KI) is often recommended as well. One dose protects the body for 24 hours. If exposure is ongoing, daily doses will be needed, follow the recommendations of local authorities.

#2. Potassium

Potassium supplements protect the body from exposure to Cesium-137, another radioactive isotope that is commonly found in the environment following a nuclear event. Since cesium-137 mimics potassium in the body, immediate doses saturate the body with potassium and prevent absorption of cesium-137. Rich potassium sources in the diet is a good first line of defense, but it may not be enough. Potassium Orotate is the best form of potassium supplements to use for radiation exposure. Follow dosing guidelines on the product you choose, since too much potassium can have ill effects.

#3. Calcium and Magnesium

Calcium and magnesium protect the body from absorbing Strontium-90. Supplementing with these nutrients has been proven to reduce strontium-90 absorption by up to 90 percent. As mentioned earlier strontium-90 mimics calcium, but these two minerals work together and need to be balanced, so for best results take daily supplements of both of these minerals.

#4. Iron

Some women take iron on a regular basis, but most men do not need regular supplementation. However, in a nuclear event, iron supplements can prevent the uptake of Plutonium-239. Take a daily iron supplement during exposure, but consult a physician about long term use.

#5. Vitamin B-12

A fast absorbing vitamin B-12 supplement, such as Methylcobalamin can protect the body from exposure to cobalt-60. Cobalt-60​ is a product of nuclear reactors, so exposure could come from an accident at a nuclear reactor. It is also used in radiation therapy and could come from a spill or a dirty bomb. Take vitamin B-12 daily, following the label recommendations.

#6. Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)

Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) is a controversial sulfur compound that has been shown to actively detoxify the body and protect against the harmful effects of radiation. Animal studies show that DMSO protects DNA from breakage due to radiation exposure and guards against cell destruction. A Japanese study showed that even low doses of DMSO provide protection against radiation damage at a cellular level and can facilitate DNA repair. More research into DMSO is needed, but so far the results are promising. The FDA has not approved it’s use except for preservation of transplant organs and for cases of interstitial cystitis. If you choose to use DMSO, look for pure sources containing no other solvents, except possibly a small amount of water.

#7. Zeolite Clay

Zeolites clean the body of toxins and radioactive particles in the same way they clean the environment. Their porous structure and affinity for positive ions allow them to bind toxins and nuclear waste to them and remove them as they pass through the body. Zeolite Clay can be safely taken internally and was widely used for detoxification at Chernobyl. In addition to detoxifying the body, it is useful in removing nuclear contamination from the environment and can be used to mop floors and clean walls in contaminated areas.

#8. Other Clays

Bentonite, Fuller’s Earth, Kaolin, red clay, French Green Clay, and other clays are also effective at binding nuclear waste and removing it from the body.  Clay particles are negatively charged, so positively charged radioactive ions are attracted to them. They can be taken internally or used to scrub down the body to remove external contamination. Clay’s are considered safe to consume, but be sure to purchase a pure, food grade clay.

#9. Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is useful for absorbing and neutralizing a number of poisons and toxins, including radiation. Studies show that activated charcoal is able to neutralize up to 70 percent of its weight in radioactive toxins. Other uses for activated charcoal include: natural remedy for dental infections, kidneys infections, ear infections, lowers blood pressures, water purifier and many more.

#10. Papain

Papain is a natural enzyme found in papaya fruit and known for its ability to reduce toxins. Studies in mice show that it helps exposed mice survive lethal radiation doses. Early research suggests that papain reduces skin reactions and other side effects following radiation therapy.

#11. Bee Pollen

Recent studies suggest that bee pollen is effective in preventing and relieving the negative effects of radiation therapies by boosting the body’s defenses and supporting natural functions and it could provide these same benefits after a nuclear event.

#12. Beets

Beets are excellent sources of antioxidants, which can help protect the body from the stresses of radiation exposure. They also help the body rebuild hemoglobin broken down as a result of exposure. Animal studies show that rats eating a diet heavy in beets had less effects after exposure to cesium-137. They were able to absorb and detoxify up to twice the radiation dose of the control group.

#13. Cold-pressed Organic Vegetable Oils

Olive oil, coconut oil, sesame oil and other healthy oils offer some protection during and after radiation exposure. Lipids in the oils offer protection to individual cells, lining the cell membrane and binding toxins before they can cause cell damage. Animal studies show that mice fed oil are protected from doses of x-rays ranging from 300 to 2,400 roentgens and can survive lethal doses. The recommendation is to drink ½ cup of oil as soon as possible after exposure.

#14. Organic Germanium-132

Organic Germanium-132 is an ultra-modern mineral that increases oxygenation of the cells, supports the immune system and helps the body get rid of toxins, including radiation. Recent studies in the US and Japan have been experimenting with doses of 500 to 1000 mg per day for various medical conditions, but current recommendations in Japan are that exposed individuals take 100 mg daily of Organic Germanium-132.

It is important to note that only organic germanium is recommended here. Inorganic germanium is highly toxic. In minerals, the term organic has a different meaning than in food and inorganic germanium is a completely different compound.

#15. Prussian Blue

Prussian Blue, also known as ferric ferrocyanide, is useful as an antidote for Cesium-137 when the radioactive isotope has been ingested. In the Brazilian Goiânia incident, researchers found that treatment with up to 10 grams of Prussian Blue daily removed up to 70 percent of the Cesium-137 from the body and reduced it’s effects accordingly. This is an experimental antidote for use only in cases of known exposure to cesium-137.

#16. Organic Brewers Yeast

Some sources recommend organic Brewers yeast for preventing the effects of radiation and helping the body repair after exposure. Give 5 to 15 mg to children and 25 to 50 mg to adults. For cases of known exposure, this dose can be safely doubled or even tripled.

Other Recommendations

During and following a nuclear event, nutrition and general health are vitally important. Eating fruits and vegetables containing high amounts of antioxidants will help protect the body from the harmful effects of radiation. Obviously, do not consume plants that have been exposed to fallout or grown in contaminated soil, but frozen, dried, freeze-dried and safe fresh produce are healthy and give the body systems a boost.

For best results, each of these remedies should be begun immediately upon a nuclear event or exposure. Preparation is key. You should have these ingredients on hand before an event along with instructions on how to use them.

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