If you’re looking for an all-natural way to increase your body’s resistance to radiation, consider these super(protective)foods!

Radiation exposure due to potential nuclear reactor meltdowns in Japan threatens not only Japanese residents but also those people in the path of weather carrying dangerous elements in the atmosphere. These elements may cause serious illness and even premature death. I hate to be an alarmist. However, I feel it is better to be safe than sorry when faced with the possibility of such a threat.

As you may have heard, Potassium Iodide (KI) supplements are flying off of the shelves of pharmacies and health food stores where customers are buying them “just in case.” KI is known to flood the thyroid and have protective qualities against radiation damage to the thyroid gland.

When a nuclear event occurs, radioactive iodine is released into the atmosphere. The thyroid uses iodine metabolically, taking in the radioactive (dangerous form) if not loaded with a more benign form, such as Potassium Iodide. Take note: These tablets do NOT protect the rest of the body from radiation. The thyroid is a highly sensitive gland. Therefore, when it is left unprotected, accidental exposure to radioactive iodine may trigger thyroid cancer.

So, what can you do? Authorities warn against prematurely supplementing with Potassium Iodide as it may cause side effects such as acne, upset stomach, and loss of appetite. More severe side effects may be experienced such as fever, weakness, unusual tiredness, swelling in the neck or throat, mouth sores, skin rash, nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, irregular heartbeat, numbness or tingling of the hands or feet, or a metallic taste in the mouth.

A more natural route to follow is to include foods in your diet that have protective or detox qualities. First, eat foods that are high in natural iodine, such as sea vegetables and seaweed. This list includes spirulina (the powder that was given to children in Chernobyl), blue-green algae, chlorella, kelp, nori, and kombu, to name a few. Seaweed salad is a favorite of mine and can be found at your favorite sushi restaurant. Nori seaweed is commonly used to wrap sushi rolls and is rich in iodine.

If you are concerned about radiation exposure, especially if you live in the Hawaiian Islands or along the western coast of the United States, in addition to increasing the iodine-rich foods mentioned previously, you may want to beef up the following foods in your diet due to their protective, detoxifying qualities.

•        Garlic
•        Ginseng
•        Green and Black Teas
•        Dandelion
•        Burdock
•        Lentils
•        Collard Greens
•        Mustard greens

A few rules for you to follow: Fresh is best when preparing your foods. Include them regularly versus a more sporadic schedule. In my home, we always had my homemade lentil stew at least two to three times a month. This way,  we have it not only for dinner but also to be enjoyed as leftovers during the following two to three days after our lentil rich dinner.  Be sure you remember to include iodine-rich foods or nutritional supplements such as spirulina powder.

As a nutrition expert, I’m fascinated with natural solutions to age-old problems.  Stay tuned for more nutrition tips!