by Tess Pennington
Ready Nutrition

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Since the dawn
of nuclear weapons, we have always been weary of a trigger happy
world leader hastily pushing a nuke detonator. However, according
to history the two worst nuclear events that have occurred were
accidental. Chernobyl, being the first event, had a fire and explosion
that released large quantities of radioactive contamination into
the atmosphere, and spread over much of Western USSR and Europe.
The second largest nuclear event is the infamous Fukushima Daiichi
nuclear disaster that occurred in 2011.

Each day we
are exposed to nuclear radiation, some naturally and some through
un-natural means. Those of us who live close to nuclear power plants
are exposed more than others.

Are You
At-Risk?

Those that
live near nuclear power plants should be especially concerned with
nuclear disaster preparedness; especially individuals who live in
areas where natural disasters (hurricanes, earthquakes and tornadoes)
could damage the nuclear facilities. The map below shows all of
the nuclear power plants in the U.S. Many states are areas where
natural disasters could quite possibly take out or damage a power
plant. Are you ready for this?

We Are Affected
Globally by Radiation

No matter where
radiation leaks or disasters occur, they will affect us globally
one way or another and we should be ready for them. Due to the Fukushima
nuclear disaster, our food
supplies, water sources, and even our health have become affected
from the radiation dispersed. Radiation tests conducted since the
nuclear disaster in Japan have detected radioactive iodine and cesium
in milk, beef and vegetables produced in California (Source).
This video is a great
source that explains how radiation gets into our food supply.

According to
“Health
Ranger” Mike Adams, even growing your own organic produce
is no longer enough to guarantee food safety. “Only those who
grow food in greenhouses will be largely protected from the fallout.”

How to Limit
Our Exposure to Radiation

1. One of
   the easiest ways to minimize the effects of radiation is knowing
   where our food comes from and limiting our exposure to radioactive
   foods and water sources. Keep in mind that foods, especially seafood
   from the West coast will be the most effected by radiation.
2. Having an
   electroscope that gauges how much radiation you are receiving
   daily can be a useful tool. A Kearny
   Fallout Meter can give daily readings of radiation levels
   in your area.
3. Thoroughly
   wash
   your produce. Despite arguments to the contrary, you can wash
   radioactive particles off of produce. Clearly if the plant has
   taken in the radiation through the roots, it is irrevocably tainted.
   Fallout, however, can be dealt with. Washing your food in baking
   soda or peeling the skin off is a way to avoid ingesting radiation.
   Calcium bentonite clay is another natural substance that actually
   absorbs radiation. Interestingly, calcium bentonite clay has a
   uniquely strong negative ionic charge. When activated with water
   it works like a strong magnet, absorbing anything with a positive
   ionic charge (i.e., toxins, pesticides, radiation). The clay captures
   these substances and removes them as it is eliminated or washed
   off.” To wash produce with Bentonite Clay: Mix 1 part
   Calcium Bentonite Clay to 8 parts of purified water in a large
   non-metallic bowl. Toss your produce in this clay water, making
   certain the produce is completely covered, and let it sit for
   10 minutes. Rinse well with more purified water.
4. Also, by
   adopting an anti-radiation diet can provide natural alternatives
   to assist the body in ridding itself from exposure. Foods such
   as kelp, rosemary, spirulina, miso soup and niacin all assist
   the body in fighting radiation damage. Other foods that may help
   in combating radiation sickness are foods that naturally detoxify
   the body. Foods that are high in potassium such as apples, oranges,
   pineapples and pomegranates are foods that are also good cancer
   fighters. Mushrooms are also a food source to add to your anti-radiation
   diet. Any mushrooms brown or black in color, and especially reishi
   mushrooms. Foods that are high in antioxidants will also assist
   your body in ridding itself of radioactive particles. Foods such
   as green and black teas (make sure that your tea is not from Japan),
   garlic, cumin, nettles, dandelions, ginseng, lentils, collards
   and mustard greens are also suggested.
5. Any food
   or water stored in sealed containers that have any fallout dust
   is safe to consume as long as the fallout dust is brushed or rinsed
   off the outside of the container. Take caution not to allow the
   fallout dust to get inside the container.
6. If you are
   concerned about your water sources, use filtered water in everything,
   including brushing your teeth and sponge bathing. Purchase a reverse
   osmosis water filter with extra filtration cartridges. Remember,
   it is important to replace your filters after multiple uses. Drinking
   apple cider vinegar can also assist in flushing toxins and radiation
   from the body. Baking soda and water is another option as it also
   flushes radiation and cleans the stomach lining. You can also
   put baking soda in dish soap, body soap, laundry detergent as
   the radiation will bind to the baking soda thus neutralizes it.
7. Did you
   know that the Spiderwort plant is NatureÂ’s gieger counter?
   This plant naturally has very dark purple flowers and when they
   are exposed to radiation or near an area where radiation is high,
   the flowers turn pink. Planting these in your yard will be a great
   way to know if you are taking in excess radiation.
8. Knowing
   in advance how much radiation you are exposed to radiation through
   natural and un-natural means can help you calculate your annual
   radiation dose. To find this out, click on the Annual
   Radiation Calculator.

What if
You Are Exposed to Radioactive Particles?

Radioactive
ionic particles attach themselves to dust floating in the air. Therefore,
it can be ingested, inhaled or absorbed through the skin. If you
are told to evacuate or bug in due to a nuclear disaster, keep the
following points in mind:

1. If you
   are driving, keep the car windows and vents closed, and use recirculating
   air.
2. Due to the
   fear of panic and gridlock that will ensue from mass evacuations,
   most governments will delay mandatory evacuations until the last
   minute. This will only cause mass confusion and chaos at gas stations,
   grocery stores and on the streets. The best way to prevent this,
   is to stay ahead of the crowd and prepare ahead of time.
3. If told
   to stay indoors, turn off the air conditioner and other air intakes
   and go to a basement. Seal basement windows and entrances to prevent
   fallout from getting inside. If you go outside, you will need
   to remove your outer clothing before coming inside the shelter.
4. Likewise,
   creating a sealed area near the entrance of the shelter will prevent
   fallout dust from entering. Seal the entryway with blankets, bubble
   wrap or plastic sheeting to prevent the dust from coming in. Have
   water and baby shampoo near the entrance to wash and thoroughly
   rinse any exposed skin and hair. Exposure to fallout radiation
   does not make you radioactive, but you need to assure that you
   donÂ’t bring any inside. Some experts suggest having a rain
   poncho to take on and off when you go outside.
5. To go a
   step further, covering the windows wood, then sandbags followed
   by masonry bricks will create a multi-layered protection against
   you and radioactive particles.
6. If you find
   yourself outdoors when a nuclear blast occurs, duck and cover
   for 2 minutes. You will first see a blinding light followed by
   tornado force winds and dangerous. When all danger is gone, seek
   shelter immediately. Remove your clothing at the door and place
   in a sealed plastic bag. You can remove 80% of the particles by
   removing your clothing. Showering immediately following exposure
   is another way to remove the remaining particles.
7. If you have
   signs of radiation on skin soak in a tub of equal parts baking
   soda, apple cider vinegar and epsom salt. Skin brushing can be
   very beneficial, because the skin is a primary avenue for detoxification
   – scrub along with the lungs, kidneys, liver, and colon.
   An unused vegetable brush would be very helpful with this process.

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the rest of the article

August
20, 2012

Tess Pennington
joined the Dallas chapter of the American Red Cross in 1999 Tess
worked as an Armed Forces Emergency Services Center specialist and
is well versed in emergency and disaster management and response.
You can follow her regular updates on Preparedness,
Homesteading,
and a host of other topics at ReadyNutrition.com.

Copyright ©
2012 Ready
Nutrition

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