Do Dental X-Rays Cause Brain Tumors?

by Michael Greger, M.D.
DESCRIPTION: Getting bitewing or full mouth (panoramic) X-rays at the dentist may be associated with an increased risk of meningioma, the most common type of brain tumor.

I was just actually at the dentist for my check-up and was again offered a set of full mouth X-rays (because I was "due"). Normally when I refuse routine dental X-rays I've just explained that I try to minimize my radiation exposure, but this time I was able to refuse "as per the official recommendation of the American Dental Association"! I just got a blank stare.
More on avoiding brain tumors in:

• The Inflammatory Meat Molecule Neu5Gc (http://nutritionfacts.org/video/the-i...)
• IGF-1 as One-Stop Cancer Shop (http://nutritionfacts.org/video/igf-1...)
• When Nitrites Go Bad (http://nutritionfacts.org/video/when-...)
• #1 Anticancer Vegetable (http://nutritionfacts.org/video/1-ant...)
• Do Cell Phones Cause Cancer? (http://nutritionfacts.org/video/do-ce...)

This is the third in a five part series on preventing and mediating the adverse effects of radiation exposure. The first, Fukushima and Radioactivity in Seafood (http://nutritionfacts.org/video/fukus...), described the natural and artificial sources of radioactive isotopes in our diet. The last video, Cancer Risk from CT Scan Radiation (http://nutritionfacts.org/video/cance...), detailed the estimated 29,000 cancers that doctors cause with CAT scans every year. In my next video, Mediating Radiation Exposure from Air Travel (http://nutritionfacts.org/video/media...), I talk about those full-body scanners in airports and I'll close out with ways to mediate all these risks with Reducing Radiation Damage With Ginger And Lemon Balm (http://nutritionfacts.org/video/reduc...).

Have a question for Dr. Greger about this video? Leave it in the comment section at http://nutritionfacts.org/video/http:... and he'll try to answer it!

Cancer Risk From CT Scan Radiation

DESCRIPTION: Pediatric CAT scans are estimated to cause hundreds of cancer deaths every year.

As I explain in my full-length live presentation on preventing, arresting, and reversing the 15 top killers (Uprooting the Leading Causes of Death http://nutritionfacts.org/video/uproo...), adverse drug reactions from prescription drugs are estimated to cause more than 100,000 deaths in the United States every year, making doctors the sixth leading cause of death. And that's not counting other "iatrogenic" (physician-caused) harm, such as medication errors or infections acquired in hospitals. My profession needs to do a better job of offering fully informed consent, clearly and comprehensively explaining the risks and benefits of each alternate course of action.

The risk associated with the thallium heart scans was shocking to me. By eating healthy, we may not only eliminate the death and disability associated with heart disease and its treatment (such as open heart surgery), but the risks associated with heart disease diagnosis as well. See:

• Our Number One Killer Can Be Stopped (http://nutritionfacts.org/video/our-n...)
• China Study on Sudden Cardiac Death (http://nutritionfacts.org/video/china...)
• Eliminating the #1 Cause of Death (http://nutritionfacts.org/video/elimi...)
• Heart Attacks and Cholesterol: Purely a Question of Diet (http://nutritionfacts.org/video/heart...)
• The Tomato Effect (http://nutritionfacts.org/video/the-t...)

What was that about radioactive polonium in seafood? See my last video, Fukushima and Radioactivity in Seafood (http://nutritionfacts.org/video/fukus...).

What about cell phone radiation? See Do Cell Phones Cause Cancer? (http://nutritionfacts.org/video/do-ce...)

And what about getting X-rays at the dentist? All in my next video, Do Dental X-Rays Cause Brain Tumors? (http://nutritionfacts.org/video/do-de...).

Have a question for Dr. Greger about this video? Leave it in the comment section at http://nutritionfacts.org/video/http:... and he'll try to answer it!

Radiation

Radiation - How to protect yourself from its effects safely and naturally

 Whether concern stems from the possible exposure to drifting radiation from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan or from every day sources of non-ionizing radiation (i.e., cell phones, computers, Wi-Fi, smart meters, etc.), exposure to radiation is a reality.

The constant exposure to electromagnetic fields results in DNA fragmentation which can lead to cancers of the parotid salivary gland, the thyroid gland, and the head. Kids are even more susceptible, with evidence of brain and spinal tumors appearing in children exposed to radiation.

Powerwatch, a non-profit organization prominent in the United Kingdom Electromagnetic Field and Microwave Radiation health debate, shares further consequences resulting from exposure to radiation, including:

• Cognitive dysfunction
• Failed pregnancies
• Certain types of dementia
• Overtiredness
• Compromised immune system function
• Headaches

Protection from radiation and its impending consequences is imperative as well as feasible through safe, natural sources.

Potassium Iodide

Potassium iodide, simply composed of the elements potassium and iodine, is the most familiar solution for protection from radiation exposure. Potassium iodide, taken in supplement form, is also used to treat overactive thyroid.

While natural, does it work? Is it safe?

Potassium iodide is effective, yet contraindicated for a multitude of medications, can damage the thyroid, and brings with it other side effects in the form of:

• Red, bumpy, itchy skin
• Painful joints
• Facial and body swelling

After using potassium iodide for a long period of time, a series of other serious health complications may also surface.

The Natural Approach

A strong, healthy thyroid is the best protection from radioactive iodine-131 (nuclear power plant steam), and EMF exposure. Steven Schacter, author of Fighting Radiation with Food, Herbs and Vitamins, explains, "If sufficient amounts of natural iodine are available, radioactive iodine will not be absorbed." Schacter advises eating seaweed (kelp) to obtain natural iodine.

Eating foods naturally high in iodine will supply the thyroid with adequate amounts of iodine, discouraging the absorption of radioactive iodine, and protecting it from EMF damage.

These foods are high in iodine and part of a natural, safe approach.

• Other seaweeds and sea vegetables
• Cranberries or cranberry juice
• Potatoes with the skin
• Beans - especially navy beans
• Himalayan crystal salt

For protection from cancers induced from radiation eat a variety of:

Dark leafy greens and orange starchy foods - (sweet potatoes, winter squash, carrots).

Additional protection:

• Milk thistle - a proven detoxifier
• Siberian ginseng - facilitates overall cellular health, strengthens body against all types of stress, including cancer treatments
• Curcumin - antioxidant and scientifically proven anti-inflammatory, protects and helps tissue healing
• Ecklonia cava - antioxidant seaweed extract
• Drink plenty of pure water every day to eliminate toxins
• Visual imagery - the power of positive thinking through the visualization of wellness throughout the body

Loss of Minerals

Radiation exposure sets the stage for the release of specific minerals from the body which are necessary for optimal protection from electromagnetic fields.

These minerals are:

• Potassium
• Lithium
• Magnesium
• Copper
• Calcium
• Selenium - especially important as a co-factor of iodine for cell regeneration and protection

Because the body works synergistically to heal and protect, consume a variety of organic, whole plant-based foods in a variety of colors to guarantee a good supply of antioxidants and the elimination of free radicals.

Multi-vitamin supplements are a poor substitute but may be used from time to time to cover any missing nutrients.

It's not practical in today's society to completely eradicate all sources of radiation; however, the best protection comes from minimizing exposure in the first place. This approach along with the others mentioned here offers the best scenario for minimizing the dangerous effects of radiation exposure.

Airplane Body Scanners

TSA refuses to fulfill promise to conduct independent safety investigation of naked body scanners

Not even a month after promising to conduct a legitimate, independent study on the safety of the illegal naked body scanners used in airports across the US, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator John Pistole is now saying that such a measure is unnecessary, and that it may not happen after all.

ProPublica reports that, despite myriad evidence that the privacy-invading machines can emit high levels of deadly ionizing radiation, Pistole has presented more rehashed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) data as "evidence" that the machines are safe -- and he is actually purporting that this biased data is sufficient to verify the machines' safety.

"My strong belief is those types of machines are still completely safe," said Pistole at a recent hearing of the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. "If the determination is that this IG (inspector general) study is not sufficient, then I will look at still yet another additional study."

Unfortunately for Pistole and his cronies at DHS and TSA, having a "strong belief" about something does not make it true. And Pistole's repeated avoidance of allowing a real investigation into the safety of naked body scanners clearly shows that he and his corrupt agency have something to hide from the public.

Pistole's use of the words "still yet another additional study" basically insinuates that existing studies have already verified the safety of backscatter naked body scanners -- but they definitely have not. In fact, the supposed "safety data" that the TSA has been relying on to assert the safety of the machines was exposed as fraudulent earlier this year (http://www.naturalnews.com/032425_airport_scanners_radiation.html).

Not only was the data flawed, but the study was conducted in secret by unnamed scientists, and by the company that makes the machines, Rapiscan Systems. The safety tests also did not even involve the actual machines used at airports -- they involved phony "mock-up" machines made of random spare parts at the company's manufacturing unit.

That Pistole would even suggest that existing "safety" studies conducted in this manner are legitimate is an insult to the intelligence of every American. And yet millions of Americans continue to comply with TSA's unconstitutional use of these deadly machines, and willfully subject their bodies to blasts of carcinogenic ionizing radiation every day.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.propublica.org/article/tsa-puts-off-safety-study-of-x-ray-body-scanners

Radiation Detoxification

Looking for Some Inexpensive Radiation Detoxification?

The video that accompanies this blog post is a two part strategy breaking down how you can inexpensively and easily begin protecting yourself from the long-lived radio isotopes, which have now become a regular part of our habitat.  This began 65 years ago, and has become particularly disconcerting in the last few months since the damage to the Japanese facility at Fukushima.

There are the two links that he mention in the video.  The first is an amazing visualization that shows all of the nuclear detonations that have happened on Earth since 1946.  Hint…  its over 2000!

The second is a documentary called Trinity, and it shows with nothing less than truly epic footage, the history of these tests. This, if you have time, is a must see!  Very disturbing, but strangely entrancing…  I guess that is the nature of this technology.

The reason he shares these videos and information is to demonstrate that the issues with radiation did not begin at Fukushima, or even with Chernobyl, but with the “silent” nuclear war that has already happened on Earth.

So what do we do?  This video is about the strategies that Daniel has been employing since the Japan disaster earlier this year.  Knowing what he know now, he's gracious enough to share it with us.  Taking actions like these has put him at considerable ease about the radio-isotopes in our environment, and can do the same for you if followed.

 In this video, Daniel Vitalis walks us through the long history of use and how to use two different strategies to assist us in detoxing radioactive isotopes, heavy metals, and other toxins from our bodies on an ongoing basis.

Here is the video of the nuclear testing map video Daniel mentions:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9U8CZAKSsNA

Here is the link to the documentary "Trinity" Daniel mentions: http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/trinity-beyond-atomic-bomb-movie/

Information about Geophagy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geophagy

The process Daniel goes over here is exactly what Dr. Vu recommends as hart of his protocol for detoxing is patients as well. At the Longevity Now conference to explains it.  Basically sweat (sauna) and activated charcoal...deemed the best/most gentle detoxification for your whole body to get rid of the toxins and heavy metals we All have inside our body due to our everyday environment. Only Dr. Vu added Niacin to aid this at optimal strength, to literally Flush it out of us. You can check out that video on my 8/5/2011 blog post.