Seaweed and Radiation Exposure
by Trish Gallagher
In the last few days many questions have come to us about the specific ways in which seaweed can be used to protect us from exposure to radiation.
Seaweeds radio protective qualities are based on the principal of selective uptake. Selective uptake says that when our bodies are saturated with the nutrients they need they are less likely to “select” radioactive elements. Seaweeds fill the nutritional receptor sites with the elements required for optimum functioning.
In the absence of the element mineral or vitamin needed the body may choose to pick up a similar radioactive element Studies show that deficient bodies uptake toxins and radioactive material more readily.
The following is a list of stable elements which are able to block the uptake of radioactive elements
The stable element is followed in brackets by the radioactive element Calcium (Strontium-90), Iodine (Iodine-131), Iron (Plutonium-238,-239), Potassium (Cesium_137), Sulfur (Sulphur-35), Vitamin B12 (Cobalt_60), Zinc (Zinc-65).
All of these stable elements are found in abundance in seaweeds. Charts showing specifics of Vitamin and nutritional content are available in the sources listed below.
The seaweed has a two fold approach to radio protection First its nutritional benefits fill the receptor sites with minerals. The alginate in brown kelp species have been found to bind with previously ingested radioactive particles separating the radioactive particles from the element to which they have attached themselves Once this has happened the radioactive element is changed and becomes a harmless substance which is excreted from the body. Radioactive particles can be inhaled or ingested with food.
The use of potassium Iodide is only preventing uptake of radioactive Iodine which is not a high risk at this time. The body has more success in using nutrients from food in its natural state rather than a synthesized product like potassium Iodide.
Currently there are many questions about the levels of radiation considered harmful We do not know the level of contamination we are being exposed to For these reasons I suggest making a choice based on information Seaweed has the potential to be quite beneficial in any case and regardless of contamination fears. We are available to answer your questions and help in making informed decisions about using seaweeds. To all of our Health!
Reference & Seaweed Sources:
Diet for the Atomic Age by Sara Shannon
The Irish Seaweed Kitchen by Prannie RhatiganTrish Gallagher: www.wilddevOceanSeaweed.com
Ryan Drum, Island Herbs: www.ryandrum.com
Kristin Younger: pacificseaweed@comcast.net
Catherine Abby Rich: medicinewoman2006@gmail.com
Seaweed as Food & Medicine Teaching Dates for 2011
May 14th Middletown Massage & Herb Collective 707 987 7310 full day class $50.00 per student
May 20,21,22,23 Northern California Womens Herbal Symposium
June 4 2011 Seaweed Safari Coastal Field Trip: Mendocino, CA 707 684 0759 $ 50.00 per person
Or by arrangement 707 684 0759
