What Is It?
Cosmic radiation is electronically charged atoms known as ions that originate from
outer space and from our own sun. We are all exposed to radiation in our everyday
lives and cosmic radiation makes up approximately 17% of ground level radiation.
The vast majority of people are not at high risk of any potential adverse effects of
exposure to cosmic radiation because the dense atmosphere of the earth, relative to
the low level of exposure, acts as a protective barrier.
The sun is an essential component for all our lives and supports our very existence,
but it can also pose a threat to the healthy functioning of the human body, as well as
our way of life.
The sun gives us light, sustains all life on earth, and therefore our supply of food. It is
essential to us for a great number of things such as warmth, light, photosynthesis, and
vitamin D production. However, radiation from the sun can also damage DNA
(deoxyribonucleic acid), affect the growth of plants, and contribute to the
development of immune, and metabolic related disease conditions.
Cosmic radiation is made up of particles that can permeate matter, displacing
molecules, a process known as ionization. Ionizing radiation can damage cell DNA,
(genetic material) by breaking down chemical bonds that change how cells divide,
communicate or die. Free radicals are produced. At higher doses the biological
function of cells can be damaged. The potential effects can cause genetic damage to
human egg and sperm cells, which may lead to complications in a developing foetus.
Altitude: The higher the altitude, the greater the amount of cosmic
radiation exposure. This is because at higher altitudes the atmosphere of earth
is less dense so the earth’s shield effect is weaker.
Location: Earth’s magnetic field deflects much cosmic radiation.
However protection is more effective around the equator. There is around
twice the protection around the equator compared to the North and South
poles.
Duration: The longer we spend at higher altitudes, the larger the cosmic
radiation dose.
Solar Cycles: When normal solar activity is high, cosmic radiation is
low, and the opposite is also true.
Solar Flares: These are large eruptions of charged particles from the
sun that travel at high speed through space. The dose of cosmic radiation can
be significantly increased if they hit the earth.Who Is At Highest Risk?
Cosmonauts, pilots, cabin crew and frequent fliers who spend extended periods of
time at high altitudes and consequently can be exposed to levels of radiation 100-300
times stronger that the levels measured at sea level. The FAA consider flying staff to
be occupationally exposed to the effects of ionizing radiation. The increased number
of flying hours accumulated, the greater the risk of radiation exposure, so crews that
regularly fly over the North Pole, from Alaska to Japan for example, would be
exposed to larger doses compared to crews flying routes that are geographically closer
to the equator. The adverse effects will also be cumulative, so flying staff are at
greater risk than passengers, and pilots are at greater risk than cabin crew, because the
aircraft fuselage provides slightly more protection than inside the cockpit. Studies
have suggested that pilots and cabin crew may be at higher risk for cataracts and
cosmic radiation may contribute to the development, over time, of certain cancers.
Space Research
In 2010, the Moscow based Institute for Medical and Biological Problems,
cooperating with the European and Chinese Space authorities, simulated a 250-day
journey to Mars, a 30-day surface exploration and a 240 days return trip for 6
cosmonauts. The main aim of the Mars Project 500 experiment was to study the
many physical and psychological health effects on the Mars 500 cosmonauts who
were closely monitored throughout the mission. The preliminary results of all the tests
performed are very positive, and the research findings will serve to support future
space crews and a planned mission to Mars.
Radiation Network
http://radiationnetwork.com
This link shows International maps with indications of environmental radiation levels
that can be accessed by anyone at any time. It is live and updated every minute.
How Can I Minimise and/or Reverse Damage?
Human cells have the most amazing capacity to repair damage if afforded the
opportunity.
Step one would be to evaluate the systemic damage and then repair and regenerate.
1. Evaluation.
2. Repair and regenerate.
3. Protect and support the immune system, especially anyone with a
compromised immune system.
4. Eat foods that support how your body is currently functioning, rather than
adopting a ‘one size fits all’ approach.
5. Include 80 grams protein daily. Amino acids in protein foods are necessary for
repair.
6. Eat natural foods, preferably local, seasonal, and grown organically.
7. Drink pure (non-fluoridated) water.8. Eliminate all polyunsaturated fatty acids and all foods that are high in them.
9. Use real sea salt.
10. Eliminate soy and soy derivatives.
11. Eat animal foods from animals that have consumed their natural diet.
12. Move your body doing whatever activities you enjoy doing. Stop when you
feel tired.
13. Practice mindfulness, or meditation. This practice can help to support the ‘rest
and digest’ side of the autonomic nervous system. This side of the nervous
system is often weakened over time when the prevailing functional state has
been the ‘flight or fight’, (stress) side of the autonomic nervous system, due to
prolonged, unresolved stress.
14. Be exposed to some natural sunlight each day, preferably between the hours of
11am and 2pm.
15. Ensure you get sufficient sleep.
Evaluation – we use a 5-minute HRV (heart rate variability) test to evaluate the body’s
systemic ability to manage and respond to all internal and external stress.
Repair and regenerate the cell mitochondria. The three supplements that we use in the
practice of mitochondrial therapy were developed for, and are used by, the Russian
Mars Project cosmonauts studied. A cosmonaut’s body can age, internally, eight years
for each year on earth. For this reason it was imperative that they have access to all
manner of protection and shielding prior to being enclosed in simulated, or real space
conditions for extended periods of time. Pilots, cabin crew and frequent flyers can age
internally two years for each earth year so they are a high-risk group.
Our carnosine rich supplement was developed after 15 years research undertaken by
the Russian scientists. Carnosine supports cellular repair and regeneration, and the
positive effects can be measured with HRV (heart rate variability) testing. The other
supplement is rich in beta glucans, chlorophyl and flavonoids, which have been
shown to support the immune system, and offer protection from the damaging effects
of radiation exposure. This supplement can be taken before flights, before x-rays, and
is can help to minimise unpleasant side effects of some cancer medications.
References:
Friedberg W, Copeland K, Duke FE, Nicholas JS, Darden Jr EB, O’Brien III K,
Radiation Exposure of Aircrews, Occupational Medicine: State of the Art Reviews
17(2): 293-309, 2002
http://www.arpansa.gov.au/radiationprotection/factsheets/is_cosmic.cfm
http://irs.inms.nrc.ca/publications/articles/
Non-photic solar associations of heart rate variability and myocardial infarction.
Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics, Volume 64, Issues 5–6, March–
April 2002- Germaine Cornélissen, Franz Halberg, Tamara Breus, Elena V. Syutkina,Roman Baevsky, Andi Weydahl, Yoshihiko Watanabe, Kuniaki Otsuka, Jarmila
Siegelova, Bohumil Fiser, Earl E. Bakken
http://www.space.com/13500-mock-mars-mission-mars-500-ends.html
Tuning the Self-Assembly of the Bioactive Dipeptide l-Carnosine by Incorporation of
a Bulky Aromatic Substituent
V. Castelletto, G. Cheng, B. W. Greenland, and I. W. Hamley , P. J. F. Harris
Langmuir 2011 27 (6), 2980-2988
Synthesis, Physicochemical Characterization, and Biological Activities of New
Carnosine Derivatives Stable in Human Serum As Potential Neuroprotective Agents
Massimo Bertinaria, Barbara Rolando, Marta Giorgis, Gabriele Montanaro, Stefano
Guglielmo, M. Federica Buonsanti, Valentina Carabelli, Daniela Gavello, Pier
Giuseppe Daniele, Roberta Fruttero, and Alberto Gasco
Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
2011 54 (2), 611-621
Copyright (c) Sheri Dixon 2017 All Rights Reserved