We’ve been closely following the situation with the nuclear plants in Japan. We live on the Oregon Coast, which is relatively close to Japan – straight across the pacific ocean. My partner has been sending emails to friends and family as he comes across valuable information and I thought I’d share his latest with you all, with some of my own additions.
Since nuclear fall out could come this way what should one do?
It is smart to be ready, and research takes time.
Normally Potassium Iodide is recommended to protect yourself from radiation poisoning. In a nuclear situation, there are high concentrations of radioactive Iodine and Cesium. The body does not distinguish between radioactive and non-radioactive minerals. The body treats it like it would potassium, which is why potassium is suggested.
The idea is that if the body has a full supply of these minerals, it will not take up the radioactive forms. If the body is deficient, it will readily absorb the radioactive minerals. In a case where we have some time, ideally we would get our minerals from food sources. Taking extra kelp and dulse – both valuable food sources of Iodine, as well as foods high in potassium such as bananas, avocados, black strap molasses – would be supportive. Apples are high in pectin, which bind to radioactive particles. Buckwheat is high in rutin, a bioflavinoid that protects against radiation. Calcium and magnesium are also recommended and are said to help prevent the body from absorbing radioactive minerals.
Antioxidant rich foods also support the body in defending itself on a cellular level.
There was a report that the radioactive levels in Oregon are currently normal, but in the event that further catastrophe occurs it is not far-fetched to consider we could be affected. We are definitely not in a panic here, but this is a highly concerning situation and it is wise to be as functional and pro-active as we can be. Give your body whatever you can to help it protect itself.
Some links:
Large Blast at the plant that is heading in to melt down phase.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12720219
Jet Stream:
http://squall.sfsu.edu/crws/jetstream.html
The water vapor loop is interesting. We will try to find a map/loop that is better.
http://www.goes.noaa.gov/WINDS/index.html
Union of Concerned Scientists
http://www.ucsusa.org/
Nuclear News: (might be some what slanted but more info than most…)
http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/RS_Battle_to_stabilise_earthquake_reactors_1203111.html
I am thinking so much of the people in Japan. It is hard to imagine having to evacuate my home, with not only the unthinkable devastation caused by the quake and tsunami, but now the threat of radiation exposure.
If anyone has links of interest, or helpful information, anything you want to share, I’d love to learn more.
Valerie
Abby — I’ve been thinking the same & checking iodine/food etc… of course cabbage, spinach etc… have to be avoided because they “take” your own iodine…(I’m into this at the moment, due to low thryroid suspicion) and sugar + wheat because they are said to “weaken” your immune system… I heard about buckwheat, lentils & some type of seaweeds, too. hopefully we won’t reach that stage… but so far winds are blowing Pacific & winds know no borderline… I usually NEVER watch TV daytime but I just can’t get to think about anything else. this is so sad, devastating & the nuclear thing freaks me out.
japan « tidytipsy.photography
[…] work I admire, lives on the Oregon coast which might be affected by a nuclear catastrophe and she is researching protective measures. I am otherwise still lost for words on this tragedy, but I think this picture captures it well: […]
margie oomen
http://www.chemcases.com/nuclear/nc-14.html
is a good overview of the different types of radiation and their possible effects. It is not biased and I appreciate the diagrams they use. I think it is wise abby to be prepared. All the reports say the wind is blowing across the pacific but they fail to mention what is on the other side of the ocean.
My eldest daughter has already had thyroid cancer in her late teens so this is very dear to my heart.
kathy
Thank you for this, Abby….very thoughtful. Doesn’t the irony of something so important as ‘energy’ could morph into something so very catastrophic play with your head? Man builds a reactor, mother nature shakes the earth and her wind could bring fall out back to mankind.
Kristin
Such a difficult reminder of how interconnected we all are and of the immense cost of “cheap energy” and technology in general. Thank you for sharing you findings with us. I’m a strong believer in the restorative power of foods. I’ll let you know if I come across anything.
taryn kae wilson
Thanks for posting this!! Jeff has been telling me about this information and I am so glad you are sharing this.
annie
Hi Abby… I’m new to your blog, but have been loving your bags for many many months now.
I, too, have been glued to the news, and my heart breaks daily for the people of Japan. Thank you for this post and the helpful links. I believe foods can absolutely protect us and heal us, and it certainly can’t hurt to eat more of the good stuff right now! I have also heard that miso can protect against radiation… could be worth adding to the diet at least a few times a week right now.