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Exposure to radioactive substances causes radiation sickness.
This can be the result of brief exposure to high levels of
radiation or long-term exposure to low levels. Ionizing radiation
destroys or damages cells, which can lead to cancer. Mutations
in the genetic makeup of cells in the sexual organs can result
in birth defects in offspring.
Harmful high-level radiation once came from diagnostic x-rays.
Fortunately, modern technological diagnostic procedures produce
much less radiation than in the past. The most common high-level
radiation sources today are man-made radioactive materials
that are used in nuclear power plants and in a number of medical
procedures. They do not come from x-rays. Acute symptoms of
high-level radiation, although relatively uncommon, are dangerous.
Generally beginning with nausea and vomiting, listlessness,
and general weakness, the symptoms progress to dehydration,
convulsions, and even death.
Radiation sickness as the result of low-level radiation exposure
commonly has symptoms that include dizziness, headache, fatigue,
and nausea. Common low-level exposure sources are medical
and dental x-rays, radon or uranium present in building materials,
tobacco smoke, cellular phones, computer monitors, satellite
dishes, and microwave ovens. Those who work in nuclear power
plants, or in an industry that produces radioactive material
for medical or industrial purposes, have greater chances of
radiation exposure.
Of course, the type and extent of the damage caused by radiation
exposure depends on a number of factors—the total dose
and length of time of exposure, the area of the body affected,
and the size of the area exposed.
During radiation therapy for cancer patients, high doses
of radiation are specifically targeted at malignant cells.
This treatment kills the cancer with minimal involvement of
the surrounding healthy tissue. Radiation sickness is this
treatment’s major side effect.
In Chapter 9, "The Anti-Cancer Capabilities of Friendly
Bacteria," you saw how strong colonies of friendly bacteria
can lighten the immune system’s workload, keeping it
strong in the fight against harmful microorganisms. Studies
also show that L. bulgaricus super strain LB-51, helps
lessen the destructive side effects of chemotherapy and radiation
treatment.
The work of Drs. K.M. Shahani, G.V. Reddy, and A.M. Joe shows
that the friendly bacteria may be able to ward off birth defects
in children whose parents have been exposed to radiation.
In their 1974 work entitled, "Nutritional and Therapeutic
Aspects of Cultured Dairy Products," they reported on
their work with guinea pigs that had been deliberately exposed
to radiation. The guinea pigs were divided into two groups.
One group was given acidophilus milk daily, while the control
group received none. Offspring born to the control group suffered
a great number of serious deformities. Litters born to those
who received the acidophilus milk were normal; none had birth
defects. These offspring developed better and gained more
weight than those in the control group. This in vivo study
was proof of the friendly bacteria’s efficacy in preventing
birth defects in laboratory animals who had been exposed to
radiation.
Similar effects have been observed in humans. In the book
Natural Sources by researchers Moira Timms and Zacharia Zar,
the authors state that the daily consumption of between a
pint and a quart of yogurt (or soured milk) has been found
to eliminate residues of radioactive strontium 90 from the
bowel.
We also know that regular use of cultured milk products improves
one’s general nutritional status and results in a measurable
reduction of toxic elements in the bowel and bloodstream.
RECOMMENDED PROBIOTIC REGIMEN
The following Probiotic regimen is recommended for anyone
undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, as well as those
who work in nuclear power plants or diagnostic laboratories
in which x-rays are administered.
Take 1/2 teaspoon each of L. acidophilus, B.bifidum,
and L. bulgaricus powders mixed together in 6 to 8
ounces unchilled filtered water, or mix the powders in 8 ounces
plain yogurt, two to three times daily.
In addition to the above regimen, for increased strength,
take 1 combination capsule that contains all three super strains
in an oil-matrix carrier, once a day.
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