The earthquake, tsunami and recent struggles with nuclear radiation in Japan have been a heartbreak to the world. I have been in contact with family and friends in Japan and all assure me that they were fortunate and are doing fine. Still we all hear and read of the dangers of the radiation contamination and this is something of great concern for all.Much of the media in the U.S. where I am living has been covering issues regarding widespread dispersal of radiation in the environment. While we are currently assured that the levels of radiation at this time are not a threat to human health in the U.S., traces of radiation from the nuclear plants in Daiichi have been discovered in Massachusetts, California, and now iodine 131 has been found in the milk of cows in Spokane, Washington.We are assured that the radiation in the cow's milk has a half-life of 8 days and poses no threat at its current rate of .8 pico-curies which is 5,000 times lower than the "intervention level" as mandated by the U.S. FDA.
Still, I would like to share with my readers some information at this time that may be useful to you.In Japanese culture and medicine we have long eaten sea vegetables (seaweed) and miso soup (fermented soy bean soup).These foods have an ability to help clear certain kinds of radiation from the body.In their book, The Cancer Prevention Diet, Michio Kushi and Alex Jack discuss the use of seaweeds and miso:
"Sea Vegetables: Kombu, wakame, nori, and other edible seaweeds are a small but important part of the daily macrobiotic diet. In Japan, a macrobiotic doctor in Nagasaki who survived the atomic bombing in August 1945 put all of his surviving patients on a strict diet of brown rice, miso soup, sea vegetables, and sea salt. In contrast to many patients at other hospitals and medical centers who contracted or died from radiation sickness, all his patients and staff were saved. "
Seaweed has historically been used in Chinese medicine to soften and help reduce masses in the body. Both seaweed and miso are being studied by modern medical researchers for anti-cancer properties and seaweed, for its tumor shrinking properties. Both are a mainstay of the macrobiotic diet which has long been famous for its successes in treating people with different cancers, including those caused by exposure to certain forms of radiation.
Seaweed is very potent, containing many minerals and vitamins. Only small amounts are recommended in the diet. Kombu is considered particularly potent. It is so strong in its effect, that for some patients with cancer it can actually have an adverse effect and worsen tumors if used excessively or under the wrong circumstances.
Similarly, there is conflicting data from different research on the use of soy and its anti-cancer properties. Certainly before considering the use of soy in the diet, one should consult your physician if you are a cancer patient.
The U.S. Atomic Energy Commission recommends eating two to three ounces of seaweed per week for those exposed to radiation.
For the layperson, you might consider adopting some mainstays of a traditional Japanese diet. Two servings of miso soup (low sodium) per day with a small portion of seaweed and a serving of brown rice on the side. read more..
Monday, 30 July 2012
The Radiation Contamination-Radiation Sickness-Nuclear Radiation-Macrobiotic Diet
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Prostate Cancer Awareness Month-Personal Philosophies-Oriental Medicine-Begrudgingly
With more than 2 million survivors of prostate cancer in the U.S., it’s important to recognize that September is Prostate Cancer Awareness month. It’s even more important when you realize that 1 out of every 6 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Thankfully, prostate cancer can be successfully treated for [...] read more..
Could Acupuncture be the Key to Aging Gracefully?
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American Cancer Society-Cancer In Women-Ovarian Cancer-Natural Cures-Thanksgiving
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Thanksgiving wishes a day early
I'm sending this wish today because tomorrow may be a very busy day for everyone! Many of us have so much for which to be grateful. Here's wishing that you have the experience on Thanksgiving that offers you the most growth, happiness, Spiritual wellness, and calm that you deserve. Remember, the important things in life aren't things. read more..
Natural cures: this one for diarrhea. More to come!
One of my patients and I were talking about natural cures (or treatments) for various conditions and she shared this natural cure for diarrhea that she's used since she was a child in Europe. http://m.voices.yahoo.com/natural-cures-treat-diarrhea-pomegranate-555760.html read more..
Saturday, 10 March 2012
Breast Cancer Awareness Month-National Cancer Institute-Overweight Individuals-Comprehension Skills
As you all probably know, October is breast cancer awareness month. What you may not know is that according to the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) latest statistics, Pennsylvania women have a slightly higher chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer than the U.S. average and more than 1,100 Philadelphia women are diagnosed with the disease [...] read more..
Gut Hormone And Acupuncture Leads To Weight Loss
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Acupuncture Reduces Pain
The brain’s capacity for memory, reasoning and comprehension skills (cognitive function) can start to deteriorate from age 45, according to research published on bmj.com. Acupuncture can sharpen memory and reduce pain by deactivating areas within the brain associated with the … Continue reading ? read more..