Protection against radiation is important to good health – especially one that is effective against a wide range of radiation sources.
Biologists and pharmacologists who specialize in radiation and health are keen to find an effective agent that could be given by mouth, have few side effects and would protect us against a suspected or impending nuclear event, whether an accident, terrorist attack, radiation exposure caused by frequent flying (full body scans), cell phone radiation, occasional sun spot activity and radiation bursts into our atmosphere, medical x-rays, and environmental exposure.
In terms of protecting people from the long-term effects of radiation, cancer formation would be the main focus. The ideal agent would act by blocking DNA damage or by halting the progression of damaged cells that might eventually grow into cancers.
Vitamin D3 Is the Perfect Solution
Radiological health expert Daniel Hayes, Ph.D., of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene suggests that a form of vitamin D could be one of our body's main protections against radiation, specifically low levels of radiation. Writing in the International Journal of Low Radiation, Hayes explains that calcitriol (vitamin D3), the active form of vitamin D, may protect us from background radiation and could be used as a safe protective agent before or after a low-level nuclear incident.
Hayes argues that vitamin D, and in particular its biologically active form – vitamin D3, could be the key ingredient in protection against radiation.
"Our general understanding and appreciation of the multifaceted protective actions of vitamin D have recently entered a new era," says 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 has reviewed the various biochemical mechanisms by which vitamin D protects users from the low levels of natural radiation released by the rocks on which we stand and the skies above us. He points out that calcitriol is involved in cell cycle regulation and control of proliferation, cellular differentiation and communication between cells, as well as programmed cell death (apoptosis and autophagy) and antiangiogenesis.
Calcitriol is the form of vitamin D that activates the body's vitamin D Receptor (VDR), which allows gene transcription to take place and the activation of the innate immune response.
It is possible that several of the transcribed by the VDR will help transcribe proteins that protect the body against radiation.
"Vitamin D3 by its preventive/ameliorating actions should be given serious consideration as a protective agent against sub-lethal radiation injury, and in particular that induced by low-level radiation," concludes Hayes.
Our Recommendation
We believe one of the best ways to get the protection against radiation exposure that is so important these days, as well as boosting your body's ability to prevent cell damage, cancer, heart problems and 2/3rds of the other leading illnesses - that you get your Vitamin D3 (the most effective form of vitamin D) levels checked and seriously consider mega dosing (40,000 to 50,000 iu to build your levels up to optimum levels) and then sustaining these levels at 5,000 to 10,000 iu daily, which is the level your body naturally produces when exposed to sunlight.
Because your body naturally produces the vitamin D3 you need when exposed to the sun this is the best and least expensive way to get the vitamin D3 you need, however if it's not possible to get the sunshine you need naturally (for reasons of seasonality, latitude, work schedule, race, or other reason), it's easy to take vitamin D3 supplements (although be sure you use a high quality supplier).
If you are considering a major plan of vitamin d3 supplementation - we recommend learning as much as you about vitamin D and if you have any questions – to consult with a knowledgeable natural health practitioner to develop the best vitamin D supplementation plan for you.
Part of a Strategy
Keep in mind that while vitamin D3 can provide protection against radiation - especially at the cellular level it is only part of the solution. Please look up our articles regarding the use of Rosemary and iodine. As a result of the problems in Japan - we'll continue to add more articles on this site and on our blogs to help you get the protection against radiation you need.
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