More Dangerous than Radiation, this Common Everyday Ingredient is a Much Greater Risk to Your Health

More Dangerous than Radiation: This Common Everyday Ingredient is a Much Greater Risk to Your Health, Heart and Life

Though millions of people are concerned about the health risks posed by radiation, a much more real risk, that you can’t avoid, and consume on a daily basis, is something you must pay attention to.

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Los Angeles Times March 22, 2011

Enjoying that cottage cheese? We have a bit of bad news for you — a cup of the stuff could contain roughly 1,000 milligrams of sodium, a little less than half of what you should consume in an entire day. Using three packets of ketchup on those fries? There’s another 534 milligrams.

Making people aware of how much sodium may be in certain foods is the idea behind a series of “Salt Shocker” videos produced by the L.A. County Department of Public Health’s RENEW LA County initiative as part of their sodium awareness program. Don’t let the title scare you — there’s no blood or gore in these videos, just a friendly reminder that some foods, such as cottage cheese, pack more salt than many people realize. By the way, we’re in the midst of World Salt Awareness Week (March 21-27).

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services recommend consuming no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day, but people 51 and older, African Americans and those with high blood pressure or chronic kidney disease should consume no more than 1,500 milligrams per day.

“We consume so much salt, and most of it comes from processed foods and restaurant fare,” says registered dietitian Suzanne Bogert, director of the initiative. “We talk so much about fat and sugar in food, but I feel like salt is the other white substance. And just like fat and sugar make food tastes good, so does salt.”

If you need to cut down on salt she suggests doing it gradually. A few tips: Taste your food before you salt it; add non-salty spices such as basil and rosemary; and read food and restaurant labels. Also, avoid obvious sodium-filled foods such as chips, foods that are brined or smoked and most soups. Many supermarkets also offer low-salt versions of foods such as canned vegetables. But Bogert said even rinsing canned veggies before eating them can cut way down on sodium levels.

“It’s going to take time,” she says, “but you can adjust your palate.”

What Is Radiation? How Does It Affect My Body?

RADIATION EXPOSURE – STAY INFORMED AND PROTECT YOURSELF!

The earthquake and Tsunami in Japan, potential radiation exposure from the damaged nuclear plants and its potential life-threatening effects has been a hot topic on people’s minds. How does this radiation affect our bodies and is there really anything we can do to protect ourselves. Partial understanding of an issue can lead to misinformation, confusion and unwarranted conclusions and fears. So we thought we would help you to get a better understanding of exactly what radiation is, what different kinds of radiation exist that we get exposed to, and the potential of each kind of radiation to cause us harm.

What is Radiation?

Radiation is basically the outflow of energy from an emitting source. So, anything from the outflow of energy from our bodies in the form of heat, to electrons from a radioactive source like radioactive iodine, or the heat from the sun, to your cellphone signal, to the signal from a radio station is radiation.

Because the nature, source and energy of these various radiation sources are so vastly different, certain sources are more likely to cause cancer more quickly than others and some may have little or no definitive cancer risk associated with them.

Types of Radiation

The types of radiation that can cause the most damage over the shortest periods of time are the high-energy (high frequency) sources like those from radioactive sources and X-ray machines and perhaps even UV exposure from the sun. These sources are known to cause cancer if the dose we are exposed to is high enough over time and data indicates that our exposure is probably cumulative, meaning that if we were exposed to the sources multiple times, our risk is the sum of our total exposures not just the latest exposure period.

Lower energy sources like visible light, infrared, microwave, and radio frequency are less likely to cause cancer but it is not known, if constant exposure to even these lower energy sources, is not without risk. Thus the questions about constant cellphone use.

How Does Radiation Cause Cancer?

At least for the higher energy sources of radiation, it is known that they can disrupt the structure of the molecules that make up the cells of our bodies. They do this by removing electrons from the stable, healthy, molecules, thus making them unstable, and threatening the DNA building blocks of our entire bodies. When DNA is disrupted, cells can replicate inappropriately, thus causing cancerous cells, which can lead to organ dysfunction and possibly death.

The radiation sources that can cause this kind of damage are called “ionizing” radiation sources because they are strong enough to remove electrons from healthy, stable cells, possibly causing them to change to cancerous cells.

The lower energy radiation sources are referred to as “non-ionizing” radiation sources and are much less likely to cause cancer (at least over short periods of time).

The risk that radioactive substances in the air, that have made their way from Japan to the western coast of the U.S, would be in high enough doses and last long enough to cause measurable damage that would lead to cancer, are probably, quite low.

But in the case where a radioactive accident were to occur in the United States, the closer one is to the accident, obviously, the higher the risk. Then it is very important to know what can be done to protect ourselves from what might be a real risk.

So in the event that we become exposed to high levels of ionizing radiation like those the Japanese are now exposed to, it would make a lot of sense, to implement the following regimen:

ANTI-RADIATION DIET TIPS:

Consume 2-3 grams a day of vitamin C
Reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption
Decrease meat consumption. Increase fish consumption
Reduce sugar consumption
Eat five servings a day of fruits and vegetables, especially broccoli, broccoli sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower
Increase fiber consumption via whole grains and flax seed fiber
Take one drop a day of Lugol’s Solution or 1 tablet a day of Iodoral, both of which are sources of both iodide and iodine (many conventionally trained physicians think that this level of iodine supplementation can interfere with thyroid function, though we do not see this belief supported in the literature, and in fact, this level of iodine supplementation may be very protective against breast and prostate cancer. Furthermore, these levels are lower than the levels of potassium iodide recommended by the government, so obviously there is some kind of disconnect here)
Take 5000 IU daily of vitamin D-3

Take 1500 mg daily each of curcumin and green tea extract with a minimum of 30% or more of EGCG

To the Best of Health,

Curt Hendrix, M.S. C.C.N. C.N.S

Everyone at MigreLief is deeply saddened by the tragic events in Japan and our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Japan, their families, friends and all victims of this terrible tragedy. In an effort to help, MigreLief will be contributing a portion of this months sales to assist in the relief and recovery efforts.

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU: Radiation and Cancer -What Potassium Iodide Does Not Protect

Radiation and Cancer -What Potassium Iodide Does Not Protect!

Potassium Iodide and Nuclear Exposure

Since the earthquake and Tsunami in Japan, radiation and its potentially life-threatening effects have been a hot topic on people’s minds. Millions of people have rushed out to buy potassium iodide but few understand its limitations and what else can be done.

High Energy Ionizing Radiation Like That From the Nuclear Accident in Japan Can Cause More Than Just Thyroid Cancer.

The iodide form of iodine, works to protect against thyroid cancer, if taken before or upon early exposure to ionizing radiation, but does little to protect against other forms of cancer like leukemia, bone marrow cancers, skin cancers, breast cancers, myeloma, stomach and colon cancers.

In fact, though iodine may be protective against breast, prostate, and ovarian cancers, it is only pure iodine, not the iodide form of iodine that these organs absorb, so potassium iodide would probably not be protective for these cancers.

Because ionizing radiation sources, remove electrons from healthy cells, this causes the cells to become oxidized free radicals and therefore powerful antioxidants like vitamin C and those found in fruits and vegetable may be very protective against these other kinds of cancers that potassium iodide would not protect against.

So in the event that we become exposed to high levels of ionizing radiation like those the Japanese are now exposed to, it would make a lot of sense, to implement the following regimen:

Supplements and Foods to Add or Exclude to Your Anti-Radiation Diet:

• Consume 2-3 grams a day of vitamin C
• Reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption
• Decrease meat consumption. Increase fish consumption
• Reduce sugar consumption
• Eat five servings a day of fruits and vegetables, especially broccoli, broccoli sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower
• Learn about forskolin, it might be for you. Find out for yourself: is forskolin recommended by Dr Oz?
• Increase fiber consumption via whole grains and flaxseed fiber
• Take one drop a day of Lugol’s Solution or 1 tablet a day of Iodoral, both of which are sources of both iodide and iodine (many conventionally trained physicians think that this level of iodine supplementation can interfere with thyroid function, though we do not see this belief supported in the literature, and in fact, this level of iodine supplementation may be very protective against breast and prostate cancer. Furthermore, these levels are lower than the levels of potassium iodide recommended by the government, so obviously there is some kind of disconnect here)
• Take 5000 IU daily of vitamin D-3
• Take 1500 mg daily each of curcumin and green tea extract with a minimum of 30% or more of EGCG

To the Best of Health,

Curt Hendrix, M.S. C.C.N. C.N.S

Hypothermia: Symptoms and Treatment

WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE HAS HYPOTHERMIA

SYMPTOMS & TREATMENT

With the tragic events in the aftermath of the earthquake in Japan, the survivors now face the additional threat of a serious nuclear disaster and radiation exposure from the potential reactor meltdown. But just making it through the day is a challenge with the frigid weather conditions and risks of “Hypothermia.” Thanks to the Mayo Clinic, here is some valuable information about this potentially life-threatening condition.

Hypothermia occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can make it, resulting in a drop of body temperature from normal of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees centigrade) to below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees centigrade).

This is most often (but not always) attributed to prolonged exposure to cold weather or immersion in cold water.

Some older people can develop the condition by being exposed to indoor temperatures that are low (say 55-60 degrees) that most younger people could easily tolerate.

Also hypothermia can occur in infants, causing them to become red in color and exhibit very low energy levels.

At these very low body temperatures, organs like the heart, kidneys and nervous system start to lose function. Untreated, this can lead to organ failure and eventually death.

The symptoms of Hypothermia are:

• Shivering – the body’s way of trying to generate heat
• Shallow and/or quick breathing
• Poor coordination
• Unclear thinking
• Low energy/drowsiness

The goal in hypothermic people is to use methods that will warm the body back up to normal body temperature by:

Avoiding jarring movements that may trigger cardiac arrest.
Moving the person out of the cold. Move the person to a warm, dry location if possible. If you’re unable to move the person out of the cold, shield him or her from the cold and wind as much as possible.
Removing wet clothing. If the person is wearing wet clothing, remove it. Cut away clothing if necessary to avoid excessive movement.
Covering the person with blankets. Use layers of dry blankets or coats to warm the person. Cover the person’s head, leaving only the face exposed.
Insulating the person’s body from the cold ground. If you’re outside, lay the person on his or her back on a blanket or other warm surface.
Monitoring breathing. A person with severe hypothermia may appear unconscious, with no apparent signs of a pulse or breathing. If the person’s breathing has stopped or appears dangerously low or shallow, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately if you’re trained.
Sharing body heat. To warm the person’s body, remove your clothing and lie next to the person, making skin-to-skin contact. Then cover both of your bodies with blankets.
Providing warm beverages. If the affected person is alert and able to swallow, provide a warm, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverage to help warm the body.
Using warm, dry compresses. Use a first-aid warm compress (a plastic fluid-filled bag that warms up when squeezed), or a makeshift compress of warm water in a plastic bottle or a dryer-warmed towel. Apply a compress only to the neck, chest wall or groin. Don’t apply a warm compress to the arms or legs. Heat applied to the arms and legs forces cold blood back toward the heart, lungs and brain, causing the core body temperature to drop. This can be fatal.
Not applying direct heat. Don’t use hot water, a heating pad or a heating lamp to warm the person. The extreme heat can damage the skin or induce cardiac arrest.

If left untreated, hypothermia can result in the following complications and eventually death:

Frostbite, or freezing of body tissues
Gangrene – decay and death of tissue resulting from an interruption in blood flow (possible complication of frostbite)
Chilblains – damage to nerves and small blood vessels, usually in the hands or feet after prolonged exposure to above-freezing, cold temperatures
Trench foot (immersion foot) – damage to nerves and small blood vessels due to prolonged immersion in water.

Therefore it is important to get medical help as soon as possible.

Health tips provided by Curt Hendrix, M.S. C.C.N. C.N.S and MigreLief

Iodine Alternative For Thyroid Protection Against Elevated Radiation Levels

Consider Your Alternatives to Potassium Iodide (KI) in the Event of Nuclear Exposure and the Possible Unavailability of KI

With so many people around the world and on the West Coast of the United States becoming concerned about the possibility of radiation from Japan, there has been a rush to purchase Potassium Iodide – the supplement that’s recommended to protect our thyroids from absorbing radioactive iodine. According to sources on the Internet, most supplies of KI are depleted and people are unable to purchase it.

As an alternative, people may want to purchase Lugol’s Solution, which is a combination of pure iodine, Potassium iodide, and water. One site that sells it is jcrows.com.

One milliliter of Lugol’s solution contains 150 mg of iodine and iodide which is slightly more than the 130 mg of KI recommended for adults. Also, pure iodine can be more toxic than iodide and if taken for too long can negatively affect thyroid function. But in a radiation emergency and no source of KI available, you may want to discuss with your physician the option of taking Lugol’s solution, if radiation levels get too high.

There is another interesting option that may serve as an alternative if KI is not available when radiation levels increase. Swabbing 8ml of 2% iodine solution on your abdomen and/or forearms. The following research is also an option that you may want to discuss with your physician if you are caught without KI during a period of high air-born radiation:

According to research by Health Physicist Ken Miller, Hershey Medical Center, using 24 healthy adult male subjects, an adult could get a blocking dose of stable iodine by painting 8 ml of a 2 percent tincture of Iodine on the abdomen or forearm approximately 2 hours prior to I-131 contamination. The abstract of his study titled “Effectiveness of Skin Absorption of Tincture of I in Blocking Radioiodine from the Human Thyroid Gland” from Health Physics, June 1989, Vol. 56, No. 6, pages 911-914, states:

“Although there were large variations within each subject group in regard to serum-I levels and thyroid uptakes, the increase in serum-I concentration after topical-I application was effective in reducing the thyroid uptake of I131. The authors conclude that in the absence of KI, most humans would benefit from topical application of tincture of-I, and that in some the effectiveness would equal that of oral KI.”

In an emergency, if no more KI tablets available, you can topically (on the skin) apply an iodine solution, like tincture of iodine or Betadine, for a similar protective effect (WARNING: Iodine is NEVER to be ingested or swallowed and is poison to drink). For adults, paint 8 ml of a 2 percent tincture of Iodine on the abdomen or forearm each day, ideally at least 2 hours prior to initial exposure. For children 3 to 18, but under 150 pounds, only half that amount painted on daily, or 4 ml. For children under 3 but older than a month, half again, or 2 ml. For newborns to 1 month old, half it again, or just 1 ml (one measuring teaspoon is about 5 ml, if you don’t have a medicine dropper graduated in ml). If your iodine solution is stronger than 2%, reduce the dosage accordingly. Absorption through the skin is not as exact a dosing method as using the tablets, but tests show that it will still be very effective for most. Do not use if allergic to iodine. There are also a few other medical conditions and medications that are contraindicated that your physician can best advise you about.

Inquire with your doctor NOW if there is any reason why anybody in your household should not use Potassium Iodide (KI), or iodine solutions topically applied on their skin, in a future nuclear emergency, just to be sure. (The preceding paragraph was taken from the ki4u.com website).

For more on foods and supplements to eliminate or include in an anti-radiation diet to avoid potential cancers from radiation exposure: /radiation-and-cancer-what-potassium-iodide-does-not-protect

Related Articles: What Potassium Iodide Does Not Protect

What to Do if You Are Exposed to Radiation

How to Protect Yourself Against Nuclear Radiation

When a nuclear event occurs, radioactive iodine is released into the air. Our thyroid glands require and absorb iodine to synthesize thyroid hormone, which amongst other things, circulates in our bodies to govern our metabolism. To prevent our thyroids from absorbing the radioactive iodine in the air, it is recommended to take the supplement Potassium Iodide. This non-radioactive source of iodine will saturate the thyroid with healthy iodine and prevent the absorption of the radioactive iodine which can destroy the thyroid and/or cause thyroid cancer. The FDA has approved two different forms of KI – tablets and liquid – that people can take by mouth after a nuclear radiation emergency. Tablets come in two strengths, 130 milligram (mg) and 65 mg. The tablets are scored so they may be cut into smaller pieces for lower doses. Each milliliter (ml) of the oral liquid solution contains 65 mg of KI. According to the FDA, the following doses are appropriate to take after internal contamination with (or likely internal contamination with) radioactive iodine:

Adults should take 130 mg (one 130 mg tablet OR two 65 mg tablets OR two mL of solution).
Women who are breastfeeding should take the adult dose of 130 mg.
Children between 3 and 18 years of age should take 65 mg (one 65 mg tablet OR 1 mL of solution). Children who are adult size (greater than or equal to 150 pounds) should take the full adult dose, regardless of their age.
Infants and children between 1 month and 3 years of age should take 32 mg (½ of a 65 mg tablet OR ½ mL of solution). This dose is for both nursing and non-nursing infants and children
Newborns from birth to 1 month of age should be given 16 mg (¼ of a 65 mg tablet or ¼ mL of solution). This dose is for both nursing and non-nursing newborn infants

The protective effects of a dose of KI is about 24 hours. KI is available without a prescription, and a pharmacist can sell you KI brands that have been approved by the FDA. The above doses are to be taken daily until radiation levels, as reported by governmental authorities, drop to safe levels.

To the best of health,

Curt Hendrix, B.S. M.S. C.C.N. C.N.S.

Insomnia? Discover Great Tips for a Good Night’s Sleep

Most Everyone loves the daylight savings time and pushing the clock ahead an hour, except for those of you, for whom falling asleep is a challenge and not the easy task it should be to end a tiresome day.

We all know that eating too much and the wrong foods can make us fat, but now, as if that’s not enough punishment, scientist are adding more negative news to the “fat” bandwagon…

Fatty Foods May Contribute To Insomnia

Insomnia treatments may include certain foods or the elimination of other foods. Research indicates that eating fat may contribute to insomnia, especially if you eat fatty foods close to bedtime. A study using mice found that fat disturbs sleep by disrupting metabolic bodily functions. The eating of fat interferes with the natural rhythms that induce sleep.

A high-fat diet affects DNA in the body, and that can cause permanent sleep problems. As if that’s not enough, eating fat causes you to want more fat, which just makes everything worse.

For a better night’s sleep, cut down on fat, especially at night.

We thank the University of Maryland for the following interesting and comprehensive information on how to “Win the battle against Insomnia”!

Poor sleep habits (referred to as hygiene) are among the most common problems encountered in our society. We stay up too late and get up too early. We interrupt our sleep with drugs, chemicals and work, and we overstimulate ourselves with late-night activities such as television.

Below are some essentials of good sleep habits. Many of these points will seem like common sense. But it is surprising how many of these important points are ignored by many of us. Click on any of the links below for more information:

Your Personal Habits
Your Sleeping Environment
Getting Ready For Bed
Getting Up in the Middle of the Night
A Word About Television
Other Factors

Your Personal Habits

Fix a bedtime and an awakening time. Do not be one of those people who allows bedtime and awakening time to drift. The body “gets used” to falling asleep at a certain time, but only if this is relatively fixed. Even if you are retired or not working, this is an essential component of good sleeping habits.
Avoid napping during the day. If you nap throughout the day, it is no wonder that you will not be able to sleep at night. The late afternoon for most people is a “sleepy time.” Many people will take a nap at that time. This is generally not a bad thing to do, provided you limit the nap to 30-45 minutes and can sleep well at night.
Avoid alcohol 4-6 hours before bedtime. Many people believe that alcohol helps them sleep. While alcohol has an immediate sleep-inducing effect, a few hours later as the alcohol levels in your blood start to fall, there is a stimulant or wake-up effect.
Avoid caffeine 4-6 hours before bedtime. This includes caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea and many sodas, as well as chocolate, so be careful.
Avoid heavy, spicy, or sugary foods 4-6 hours before bedtime. These can affect your ability to stay asleep.
Exercise regularly, but not right before bed. Regular exercise, particularly in the afternoon, can help deepen sleep. Strenuous exercise within the 2 hours before bedtime, however, can decrease your ability to fall asleep.

Your Sleeping Environment

Use comfortable bedding. Uncomfortable bedding can prevent good sleep. Evaluate whether or not this is a source of your problem, and make appropriate changes.
Find a comfortable temperature setting for sleeping and keep the room well ventilated. If your bedroom is too cold or too hot, it can keep you awake. A cool (not cold) bedroom is often the most conducive to sleep.
Block out all distracting noise, and eliminate as much light as possible.
Reserve the bed for sleep and sex. Don’t use the bed as an office, workroom or recreation room. Let your body “know” that the bed is associated with sleeping.

Getting Ready For Bed

Try a light snack before bed. Warm milk and foods high in the amino acid tryptophan, such as bananas, may help you to sleep.
Practice relaxation techniques before bed. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, deep breathing and others may help relieve anxiety and reduce muscle tension.
Don’t take your worries to bed. Leave your worries about job, school, daily life, etc., behind when you go to bed. Some people find it useful to assign a “worry period” during the evening or late afternoon to deal with these issues.
Establish a pre-sleep ritual. Pre-sleep rituals, such as a warm bath or a few minutes of reading, can help you sleep.
Get into your favorite sleeping position. If you don’t fall asleep within 15-30 minutes, get up, go into another room, and read until sleepy.

Getting Up in the Middle of the Night

Most people wake up one or two times a night for various reasons. If you find that you get up in the middle of night and cannot get back to sleep within 15-20 minutes, then do not remain in the bed “trying hard” to sleep. Get out of bed. Leave the bedroom. Read, have a light snack, do some quiet activity, or take a bath. You will generally find that you can get back to sleep 20 minutes or so later. Do not perform challenging or engaging activity such as office work, housework, etc. Do not watch television.

A Word About Television

Many people fall asleep with the television on in their room. Watching television before bedtime is often a bad idea. Television is a very engaging medium that tends to keep people up. We generally recommend that the television not be in the bedroom. At the appropriate bedtime, the TV should be turned off and the patient should go to bed. Some people find that the radio helps them go to sleep. Since radio is a less engaging medium than TV, this is probably a good idea.

Other Factors

Several physical factors are known to upset sleep. These include arthritis, acid reflux with heartburn, menstruation, headaches and hot flashes.
Psychological and mental health problems like depression, anxiety and stress are often associated with sleeping difficulty. In many cases, difficulty staying asleep may be the only presenting sign of depression. A physician should be consulted about these issues to help determine the problem and the best treatment.
Many medications can cause sleeplessness as a side effect. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if medications you are taking can lead to sleeplessness.
To help overall improvement in sleep patterns, your doctor may prescribe sleep medications for short-term relief of a sleep problem. The decision to take sleeping aids is a medical one to be made in the context of your overall health picture.

To the best of health,

Curt Hendrix, M.S., C.C.N,. C.N.S

Health tips provided by Curt Hendrix, M.S. C.C.N. C.N.S and MigreLief

Nuclear Meltdown and Radiation Exposure in Japan

Protect yourself from radiation poisoning:

Many people are wondering what they could do to protect themselves and their loved ones in the event that dangerous levels of radiation were to migrate into their local areas.

There are two types of radiation, according to Lita Lee, author of the “Radiation Protection Manual”. They are ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. The ionizing radiation is more damaging because it is of higher energy than non-ionizing radiation and produces charged particles called ions, either negative ions (the good “guys”) or positive ions (the bad ones). Ionizing radiation is produced from nuclear bombs, nuclear reactors, medical and dental x-rays, and is the type of radiation used to irradiate food. The non-ionizing radiation includes electromagnetic radiation produced by electric current, radio waves, microwave ovens, radar stations, television (cathode ray tube), video display terminals (VDT’s) computers, high voltage lines, infrared and fluorescent lights, and sunlamps (e.g. tanning booths which emit ultraviolet light).

#1- Potassium Iodide (KI) – Many are reading about potassium iodide being handed out in Japan because of radiation levels. Potassium iodide may protect just the thyroid gland against exposure to radioactive iodine that occurs when radiation levels increase. KI will probably not help with radiation damage in other parts of the body.

The FDA has approved two different forms of KI – tablets and liquid – that people can take by mouth after a nuclear radiation emergency. Tablets come in two strengths, 130 milligrams (mg) and 65 mg. The tablets are scored so they may be cut into smaller pieces for lower doses. Each milliliter (mL) of the oral liquid solution contains 65 mg of KI.

According to the FDA, the following doses are appropriate to take after internal contamination with (or likely internal contamination with) radioactive iodine:

Adults should take 130 mg (one 130 mg tablet OR two 65 mg tablets OR two mL of solution).
Women who are breastfeeding should take the adult dose of 130 mg.
Children between 3 and 18 years of age should take 65 mg (one 65 mg tablet OR 1 mL of solution). Children who are adult size (greater than or equal to 150 pounds) should take the full adult dose, regardless of their age.
Infants and children between 1 month and 3 years of age should take 32 mg (½ of a 65 mg tablet OR ½ mL of solution). This dose is for both nursing and non-nursing infants and children.
Newborns from birth to 1 month of age should be given 16 mg (¼ of a 65 mg tablet or ¼ mL of solution). This dose is for both nursing and non-nursing newborn infants.

The protective effects of a dose of KI is about 24 hours. KI is available without a prescription, and a pharmacist can sell you KI brands that have been approved by the FDA

#2- Glutathione and a potentially protective combination!

We know radiation exposure causes approximately 3% of all cancers. This fact has been studied extensively. When you are exposed to radiation a very reactive type of free radical is formed called a “hydroxy radical”. Studies have shown glutathione’s (GSH) detoxification abilities play a key role in neutralizing hydroxy radicals and cancer specialists are now raising glutathione (GSH) levels in patients who are undergoing radiation therapy as part of their cancer treatment. Detoxification benefits from boosted glutathione (GSH) levels and helps cancer patients better tolerate their treatment. Studies have also been done around the world, from Switzerland to Spain to India to Germany, on the effect of glutathione (GSH) on radiation damage. Low levels of glutathione (GSH) were connected with an increased risk of developing cancer from radiation exposure. Patients undergoing cancer treatment experienced stronger side effects and greater injury from radiation therapy when they had low glutathione (GSH) levels.

The immune system, have been shown to be better able to withstand radiation therapy when cancer specialists raised glutathione (GSH) prior to treatment. The implication here is… glutathione (GSH) does and will, to a greater degree, play a major role in the treatment of cancer by using detoxification to reduce the damaging effects of radiation.

At the time of the atomic bombing, Tatsuichiro Akizuki, M.D. was Director of the Department of Internal Medicine at St. Francis’s Hospital in Nagasaki and he fed his staff and patients a strict diet of brown rice, miso and tamari soy soup, wakame, kombu and other seaweed, Hokkaido pumpkin, and sea salt. He also prohibited the consumption of sugar and sweets since they suppress the immune system. By imposing this diet on his staff and patients, no one succumbed to radiation poisoning whereas the occupants of hospitals located much further away from the blast incident suffered severe radiation fatalities. Much of this positive result has to do with the fact that the sea vegetables contain substances that bind radioactive particles and escort them out of the body. This is why seaweed sales usually skyrocket after radiation disasters, and why various seaweeds and algae are typically used to treat radiation victims. http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/detox.htm

In Chernobyl, for instance, spirulina was used to help save many children from radiation poisoning. By taking 5 grams of spirulina a day for 45 days, the Institute of Radiation Medicine in Minsk even proved that children on this protocol experienced enhanced immune systems, T-cell counts, and reduced radioactivity. Israeli scientists have since treated Chernobyl children with doses of natural beta carotene from Dunaliella algae and proved that it helped normalize their blood chemistry. Chlorella algae, a known immune system builder and heavy metal detoxifier, has also shown radioprotective effects. Because they bind heavy metals, algae should, therefore, be consumed after exposure to any type of radioactive contamination. (Note: Marine phytoplankton is also a powerful detoxifier and nourishing product.

In 1968 a group of Canadian researchers at McGill University of Montreal, headed by Dr. Stanley Skoryna, actually set out to devise a method to counteract the effects of nuclear fallout. The key finding from their studies was that sea vegetables contained a polysaccharide substance, called sodium alginate, which selectively bound radioactive strontium and eliminated it from the body.

Sodium alginate is found in many seaweeds, especially kelp, and since that time the Russians have been seriously researching the use of their own kelps from Vladivlostok, from which they have isolated the polysaccharide U-Fucoidan, which is another radioactive detoxifier. Because miso soup was so effective in helping prevent radiation sickness, the Japanese have also done research identifying the presence of an active ingredient called zybicolin, discovered in 1972, which acts as a binding agent to also detoxify and eliminate radioactive elements (such as strontium) and other pollutants from the body.

The kelps and algae aren’t the only natural foods with radio-detoxifying effects. In terms of fluids to drink, black and green tea have shown “radioprotective effects” whether consumed either before or after exposure to radiation. This anti-radiation effect was observed in several Japanese studies, and studies from China also suggest that the ingredients in tea are radioactive antagonists.

In short, after any sort of radioactive exposure you want to be eating seaweeds and algae along with almost any type of commercial heavy metal chelating formula to bind radioactive particles and help escort them out of the body. Whether you’re worried about depleted uranium, plutonium, or other isotopes, this is the wise thing to do which can possibly help, and certainly won’t hurt. Many nutritional supplements have been developed for the purpose of detoxifying heavy metals, most of which contain the algae and plant fibers and other binding substances. Basically, an anti-radiation diet should focus on the following foods:

· Miso soup
· Spirulina, chlorella and the algaes (kelp, etc.)
· Brassica vegetables and high beta carotene vegetables
· Beans and lentils
· Potassium, calcium and mineral-rich foods
· High nucleotide content foods to assist in cellular repair including spirulina, chlorella, algae, yeast, sardines, liver, anchovies and mackerel
· cod liver oil and olive oil
· Avoid sugars and sweets and wheat
· A good multivitamin/multimineral supplement

Yet another benefit of the sea vegetables rarely discussed is their high mineral content, which is a bonus in the case of radioactive exposure. Consuming natural iodine, such as in the seaweeds, helps prevent the uptake of iodine-131 while iron inhibits the absorption of plutonium-238 and plutonium-239. Vitamin B-12 inhibits cobalt-60 uptake (used in nuclear medicine), zinc inhibits zinc-65 uptake and sulfur is preventative for sulfur-35 (a product of nuclear reactors) incorporation by the body.

Since nuclear workers are potentially exposed to radioactive sulfur, this means that workers in the atomic power industry need a higher content of sulfur in their diet. MSM supplements provide a source of dietary sulfur, but supplements such as cysteine, lipoic acid, and glutathione serve double-duty in this area because they help detoxify the body and attack all sorts of other health problems as well.

The above are options that may be protective without being dangerous. It’s important to understand that some of these options have not been studied in large, well-organized trials but come about as a result of the reported experience of countries, scientists and physicians who had to deal with dangerous levels of radiation and their effects on the populations exposed to them.

To the best of health,

Curt Hendrix, M.S. C.C.N. C.N.S
Akeso Health Sciences

15 Ways to Protect Yourself from Foodborne Illness

This alert from Johns Hopkins is worth copying and keeping handy in your kitchen. It will help you and your family to avoid food contamination and the illness and discomfort it causes. I hope you find it informative and useful. ~ Curt Hendrix M.S. C.C.N. C.N.S.

15 WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FOODBORNE ILLNESS

Hardly a month goes by without a news report of people getting sick from bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens in food. While there’s nothing you can do about food contamination that occurs at the level of the farm or processing plant, you can take steps to protect yourself once the food is in your hands. Here are some food safety tips to help keep foodborne illnesses at bay:

Food Safety Tip 1. Pay attention to news reports about contaminated foods and do not eat anything under suspicion.

Food Safety Tip 2. Wash produce well, especially if it will be eaten raw. Produce with inedible peels like melons should be washed, too, to prevent pathogens on the peel from contaminating the flesh inside.

Food Safety Tip 3. Before and after handling food, wash your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds — about as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice.

Food Safety Tip 4. Use one cutting board and set of utensils for raw meat, fish, and poultry and another for produce.

Food Safety Tip 5. Use hot, soapy water to wash cutting boards, dishes, and utensils that have come in contact with raw meat, fish, eggs, and poultry.

Food Safety Tip 6. Separate raw meat, seafood, eggs, and poultry from other foods in your shopping cart, grocery bags, and refrigerator.

Food Safety Tip 7. Cook meat, seafood, and poultry adequately. Take special care with ground meat, which is especially likely to harbor pathogens. Eggs should be cooked until the yolk is firm.

Food Safety Tip 8. Don’t place cooked meat, seafood, eggs, or poultry on the same plate that held the raw version.

Food Safety Tip 9. Store food properly. When you buy raw meat, seafood, eggs, and poultry, refrigerate them as soon as you get home from the store.

Food Safety Tip 10. Refrigerate foods within two hours of cooking. Never allow meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, or other foods that require refrigeration to sit out for more than two hours.

Food Safety Tip 11. Keep your refrigerator temperature at or below 40 degrees F and your freezer below 0 degrees F, because cold temperatures help stop organisms from multiplying.

Food Safety Tip 12. If a restaurant serves you undercooked meat (especially hamburger or chicken), send it back for more cooking. Ask that all other food on the plate be replaced, too.

Food Safety Tip 13. Avoid unpasteurized milk and other dairy products as well as unpasteurized juices.

Food Safety Tip 14. Don’t eat food that is spoiled, moldy, or smelly. If in doubt, throw it out.

Food Safety Tip 15. Discard old food. Check package labels for recommended storage time limits.

Does HRT Increase the Risk of Breast Cancer?

Since so many of our MigreLief friends and customers are women, I wanted to express my concern about the use of estrogen replacement therapy by perimenopausal and menopausal women.
To me at least, the research data is fairly clear, hormone replacement therapy increases the risk of, at least, breast cancer.

A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, which was based upon 4 million person-years of follow-up, in 1.1 million women, found the following:

1- Both current and past users of hormone replacement therapy were at significantly higher cancer risk than “never-users” and risk increased with the number of years hormone replacement therapy was used.

2- The risk was greater among current users if therapy started before or soon after menopause, compared with starting later;

3-The greatest risk was among current users of estrogen-progestin formulations;

4-Risk declined rapidly after stopping use, falling to that of never users within 3 years.

I suggest that women who are troubled by peri-menopausal symptoms try herbs like Chasteberry (aka -Vitex agnus cactus/Chaste Tree Extract) and/ or black cohosh to try to control their symptoms.

These options work very well for many women. If they don’t work for you and you feel the need to take hormone replacement therapy, I suggest that you look into bio-identical hormones administered by a physician who is also trained in Alternative Medicine.

I strongly suggest that women on HRT discuss with their physician supplementing with calcium d-glucarate (200 mg) and Indole-3- carbinol (200 mg). These compounds help control and protect the body from the potentially carcinogenic effects of certain estrogen compounds.

To the best of health,

Curt Hendrix B.S. M.S. C.C.N. C.N.S.

Calorie Restriction = Weight Loss & Longevity

A great deal of research regarding the life-extending benefits of “caloric restriction” is being published. To date, most of it, though promising, demonstrated benefits in non-human models.

Recently a particularly encouraging study on Labrador retriever dogs, indicated that cutting calories intake by 30% increased the life span of these dogs by 2 years. Given the average life span of this species, that was an increase of over 20%. Quite remarkable.

I would strongly suggest to those who have dogs (especially larger dogs 50+) to consider cutting back their pet’s caloric intake.

I did this with my 4 year old, black German shepherd and his weight went from 100 lbs to 86lbs and his energy levels increased significantly. Several people upon meeting him for the first time, thought he was a puppy, no more than 8-12 months old.

Though proof of this concept for humans is not yet established, it is my bet that it will be. In some respects, digesting and metabolizing food puts demands on your body that can be considered contributors to aging.

The more one eats, the more free radicals they will generate, the more their bodies will have to detoxify and remove bi-products of digestion and metabolism both systemically and cellularly. The benefits of reducing calories goes beyond just the weight loss that occurs. Calorie restriction/reduction may be the best form of life insurance we can get, and it’s free.

Now a welcomed study from Tufts University has shown that caloric restriction in humans actually boosts our immune response. As humans age, their immune response tends to decline and become less efficient. Though animal studies have previously shown that caloric restriction improves immune function, this study is the first to show the same benefit in humans.

46 men and women who were overweight but not obese, were placed on calorie-restricted diets reducing intake by either 10% or 30% for six months. At the end of that period test measuring DTH (Delayed Type Hypersensitivity, a test measuring whole-body immune function) and T-cell function (white blood cells involved in immune response) improved significantly in both groups.

For those readers who would like to read the research, this study was funded by the Agricultural Research Service of the Department of Agriculture of the U.S. government. The lead researcher was Simin Nikbin Meydani and the article was published in 2009 in the Journal of Gerontology.
Curt Hendrix, M.S, C.C.N, C.N.S.

Eat, Drink, and Shrink!

Foods to Avoid During the Holidays With Possible Substitutes

Swedish meatballs – instead, try some cold cuts like ham or turkey
EggNog – instead, try a cinnamon or other spiced tea
Stuffed potatoes – instead, eat a regular baked potato or red potatoes
Creamed spinach – instead, spinach without the cream or broccoli
Pot Roast – instead, breast of turkey or sliced steak
Fruitcake – instead, a fruit tart
Pecan Pie – instead, a fruit tart

Cheese Cake – instead, a slice of pound cake
Croissant – instead, some whole grain bread
Hot Buttered Rum – just leave out the butter, and then spice with nutmeg
Cinnamon Rolls – instead, a slice of toasted whole grain bread with a bit of jelly
Ice Cream – instead, sorbet

Making sensible diet choices is easier than it seems and there’s no time like the present to start.

Here’s to a fun, tasty and skinny holiday.

Curt Hendrix M.S. C.C.N. C.N.S.