HEALTH NEWS

Is Low Level Radiation Exposure Good for You?

By Byron J. Richards, Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist

April 21, 2011

Is Low Level Radiation Exposure Good for You?
A general uneasiness has swept across the U.S. as a result of the nuclear reactor problems in Japan. At this time the radiation exposure in the U.S. is quite low. If it elevates it could be a problem, but it may actually have benefits in the current low dose range – as long as you have adequate antioxidants.

A number of animal studies show that low dose radiation1 actually stimulates many aspects of your immune system to be more conditioned and healthy, including a better overall anti-inflammatory response. Think about it for a minute. If radiation were truly a problem then sun exposure would be a significant health issue. This data implies that the human race has no problem processing radiation in moderate and low level amounts and may actually be conditioned to be more fit by exposure to it.

Radiation is activating processes that require antioxidants for protection. This means that individuals lacking in antioxidants may not get a “fitness response” to low level radiation exposure. It appears that such antioxidants are likely to help process low dose radiation in a manner actual consistent with improved immunity.

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