Alpha, beta and gamma particles, X-ray and neutron radiation have found their indispensable use in modern oncology for the treatment of tumors, stopping the division and destruction of pathogenic and cancer cells, destruction of the molecular structure and further synthesis of their DNA.
Pre-planning for radiotherapy is a complex process.
It involves individual selection of the required dose of radiation, the duration and number of radiation therapy sessions, the search for ways to remove radiation from the body after irradiation and prevent the occurrence of more serious complications such as radiation sickness.
Sources of radiation
Procedures that are carried out to diagnose the lesion and its further treatment use ionizing radiation. Radiography, MRI, contact, radionuclide and remote effects of radiation are widely used.
Methods for conducting radiation therapy are varied:
- static. Targeted multiple or unilateral effects on tumor cells;
- mobile. The radiation beam moves, the maximum radioactive dose is used;
- applique. Applicators are placed on the skin. The procedure is recommended for benign and malignant tumors
- interior. Administration of radiation sources in the form of drugs taken orally or through the blood
- intracavitary. Purpose of special radioactive substances;
- interstitial. Cobalt needles or threads containing iridium are inserted under the patient's skin.
The course of radiation therapy lasts no more than 2-3 weeks. During this time, a person receives up to 200 rads per irradiation, and 5000 rads for the entire treatment period. Additionally, steroids and painkillers are prescribed.
Taking vitamins and antioxidants is prohibited, because the presence of antioxidants in them, which neutralize the effects of free radicals, removes radiation from the body.
Is radiography harmful?
X-rays are used to create images of localized areas of the skeleton and organ systems. This type of diagnostic procedure (fluorography, mammography, etc.) exposes the person to minor exposure to x-rays. Even with numerous examinations, the patient is not exposed to more radiation over a certain period of time than in normal life.
If serious diagnostics (computed tomography) are required, high doses of radiation are used. This measure is used in justified cases when the type of treatment procedure and the patient’s condition depend on the results of the examination. The consequences of exposure to high doses of X-ray radiation depend not so much on the exposure itself, but on the duration of the procedure.
In the case of one-time X-ray diagnostics with a low dose of radiation, no procedures to cleanse the body can be performed. However, if repeated diagnostics are accompanied by large doses of X-ray radiation, it is worth considering methods of eliminating radiation.
The most harmful diagnostic method
Effects of radiation on the body
Effective radiation treatment, unfortunately, harms healthy tissues and organs. And each new dose of radiation that a person receives during radiation therapy reduces the body’s protective functions and weakens the immune system.
Why is radiation dangerous and what happens after exposure:
- skin damage. It is accompanied by pain, swelling, redness, blisters form, pigmentation appears, and hair stops growing. Radiation ulcers are a complication. May cause skin cancer;
- disruption of the mucous membranes of the larynx, oral cavity and respiratory organs. The structure of the lung tissue becomes heterogeneous, a complication is acute radiation pneumonia, foci of infiltration. Hyperemia, erosion and necrosis of individual areas. Radiation therapy of the larynx provokes a cough with sputum, impaired salivation;
- changes in bowel function. Necrosis and ulcerative processes are observed on the walls, unstable stools, diarrhea, and there are frequent cases of bleeding from the intestines. Fistulas and scars form, the absorption of vitamin B 12, proteins and iron is disrupted;
- partial dysfunction of the urinary system. Kidney failure, nephritis, increased urea in the blood. From the bladder side, radiation cystitis, ulcers, necrosis and fistulas are possible;
- liver problems. Radiation hepatitis, fibrosis;
- consequences for the spinal cord are numbness of the extremities, irritability and weakness, pain in the sacrum, dizziness;
- complications for the brain. Memory impairment, emotional instability.
It can provoke ionizing radiation and radiation sickness, which leads to a reduction in the patient’s life expectancy, functional disorders of the circulatory, endocrine and respiratory systems.
Changes of a dystrophic nature appear, malignant neoplasms and hereditary genetic mutations, and sexual impotence are possible.
Is it harmful to have a CT scan with contrast?
Radiation exposure, according to some patients, is not the only danger. To some extent, a radiopaque contrast agent used in some cases for computed tomography can compete with it.
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As a rule, it is an inert substance that is not absorbed into surrounding tissues. However, the components included in its composition can cause harm - in some patients they can cause the development of allergic reactions.
This complication may occur in the presence of the following factors:
- hypersensitivity to seafood and iodine;
- renal failure;
- cardiovascular diseases;
- diseases of the gallbladder and liver.
The development of minor side effects is observed in only 1-5% of patients. They experience mild nausea, vomiting, skin reactions, and impaired sense of taste and smell. As a rule, these symptoms do not require special treatment and disappear on their own.
There are isolated cases of the development of side effects of moderate severity: Quincke's edema, acute respiratory failure caused by narrowing of the lumen of the bronchi and sudden involuntary contraction of the muscles of the larynx, shortness of breath. To eliminate such conditions, emergency medical care is required.
In extremely rare cases, severe adverse reactions develop: sudden cardiovascular failure, which can result in loss of consciousness and death. Most often, this harm to CT is caused to allergic patients. In such cases, immediate resuscitation measures are required.
If there is a history of a negative reaction to drugs containing iodine, an antihistamine is administered to the patient before starting a contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan. Some patients require special tests to help identify the allergen.
The development of allergic reactions in patients prone to them occurs in fairly rare cases. Rapid intravenous administration of a contrast agent is accompanied by the occurrence of side effects much less often than slow infusion using a dropper.
Drug treatment after radiation
Intensive treatment of cancer and tumors should be combined. In addition to radiation therapy, the oncologist must teach the patient how to safely remove radiation from the body, what pills and medications are best to take after radiation:
- "Potassium iodide" . Prevents the accumulation of large amounts of iodine and reduces its absorption by the thyroid gland, protects the endocrine system from radiation. Daily intake ranges from 100 to 250 mg;
- "Revalid" . A combined drug that replenishes the lack of important vitamins, micro and macroelements after radiation therapy, normalizes protein and fat metabolism, reduces intoxication of the body, strengthens the immune system;
- "Methandrostenolone" . Prescribed for severe exhaustion of the body. A steroid that activates the regeneration of cells, tissues and muscles, promotes the synthesis of DNA and RNA, and prevents oxygen starvation of the body. The maximum daily dose is 50 mg;
- "Mexamine" . Using a serotonin receptor stimulator 50-100 mg before a session 30-40 minutes increases intestinal motor activity and prevents the absorption of harmful toxic substances;
- "Neroball" . Recommended for protein metabolism disorders, weakening of the body, weight loss and muscular dystrophy. The dosage of the drug per day is 5 mg twice;
- "Amygdalin" or vitamin B17. It affects cancer cells, poisons and inhibits their growth, and nourishes healthy tissues. In addition, it has an antiseptic and analgesic effect. The dosage is prescribed only by a specialist.
Without exception, all drugs are potent and have a large number of side effects. They can be taken only after consultation and prescription by an oncologist.
Will strong alcohol help you cleanse yourself?
It is generally accepted that alcohol destroys and removes radionuclides from the body. This statement is half true. Ethyl alcohol only helps to evenly distribute the radiation load across systemic organs, which reduces the amount of radiation the system receives.
However, strong alcohol is useless if consumed some time after the procedure. On the other hand, the harmful effects of vodka will have a noticeable effect on the body.
However, this explanation does not apply to all types of alcoholic beverages. For example, doctors recommend that those who work in X-ray laboratories drink “dry” red homemade wine. The product will not harm humans and will be an excellent means of preventing radiation sickness.
A single X-ray is not dangerous to human health, unlike forced or planned intake of increased doses of radiation. Dietary medications and supplements can help speed up the elimination of harmful ingredients. The patient's diet is also important.
Products for removing radiation from the body
It is very important to get adequate nutrition after radiation exposure. It should saturate the body with missing nutrients, be energetically valuable, and restore the immune system.
It is also necessary to include in your diet foods and drinks that remove radiation from the body:
- fermented milk products, goat milk, butter and low-fat cottage cheese;
- quail eggs. Remove radionuclides, strengthen tone and immune system;
- pectin. Cleanses the body of toxins and preserves intestinal microflora. They are rich in jelly, carrots, beets, peaches, strawberries, pears, plums;
- cellulose. Regulates metabolic processes, removes toxins, prevents increases in sugar and bad cholesterol. Pasta, raw vegetables, herbs, cilantro, red beets. Fruits with fiber - grapefruit, grapes, blackberries, plums;
- green tea. Tones, relieves cerebral vascular spasms, has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and analgesic effects. Frees from carcinogenic substances and free radicals;
- selenium. Stimulates the production of leukocytes and red blood cells, neutralizes free radicals that can destroy cells. Prevents cell mutation, prevents tumor formation, and participates in the production of hormones. Wheat, lentils, liver, eggs, rice, octopus;
- potassium. Saturates tissues with oxygen, accelerates metabolism. Wheat bran, dried apricots, yogurt, sardine, tuna, rabbit meat;
- vitamin P. Strengthens blood vessels and small capillaries, normalizes heart function and blood pressure. Contained in garlic, tomatoes, black currants;
- vitamin A. Persimmon, celery, parsley, carrots, rose hips;
- B vitamins. Reduce the growth of tumor cells and prevent metastases. They increase the body's resistance, maintain the normal condition of the skin, mucous membranes and intestinal microflora, are responsible for vision and memory, participate in intracellular metabolism, maintain muscle tone, stimulate the functioning of the heart, liver and kidneys. Found in large quantities in flaxseeds, poultry, liver, cereals, nuts, asparagus, egg yolk;
- ascorbic acid. It is used in the prevention of cancer, during the treatment of tumor diseases. Helps eliminate heavy metals and toxins. Sea kale, currants, sorrel, spinach, cabbage;
- vitamin E. Prevents aging, strengthens the immune system, clears blood vessels from blockages. Olive, sunflower, wheat germ oil, banana.
When treating the effects of radiation, it is necessary to combine nutrition with the intake of activated carbon. It is a potent, safe sorbent. Half an hour before meals, grind the tablets, check the dosage with your doctor, and drink the resulting powder with plenty of water.
It is better to check with the oncology center which products remove radiation better, and how to properly formulate a diet.
What not to eat and drink after radiation therapy
Along with useful vitamins and dietary supplements that cleanse the body of toxins and metals, there are also absolutely useless ones.
During and after the irradiation period, doctors inform patients which products do not remove radiation and are prohibited:
- beef;
- coffee;
- sugar;
- yeast dough;
- alcohol;
- legumes;
- raw vegetables;
- whole grain products;
- cabbage.
The properties of the products, as in the above list, do not allow radiation to be removed from the body. They retain radioactive elements, complicate the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, disrupt blood circulation, and negatively affect the central nervous system.
They should be avoided during radiation therapy and during the rehabilitation period.
Consequences of radioactive radiation
As a result of radioactive irradiation and improperly performed radiography, pathological changes in the human body may occur, caused by defective cells and toxins that provoke disruption of their functions.
This condition is called radiation sickness, the severity of which depends on the intensity of the source of infection. Its symptoms include loss of strength; diarrhea; cough; mostly dry; nausea and vomiting; problems with the cardiovascular system.
You can get rid of it only with an integrated approach and under the supervision of a doctor.
Folk remedies for radiation
Self-medication during irradiation is strictly prohibited. Vitamins A, C and E, which are found in many medicinal plants, can reduce the level of radiation needed during radiation therapy. After completing the course, removing radiation from the body using folk remedies is allowed.
Modern herbal medicine for oncology uses the following herbs:
- tincture that helps after radiation. Ingredients: peppermint, chamomile, 50 grams of plantain leaves, 25 grams of yarrow and St. John's wort. Mix dry plants, brew a tablespoon in 500 grams of boiling water. Leave for 1 hour. Take ½ glass 4 times a day before meals;
- black radish. To prepare the tincture you will need 1 kg of washed vegetables and a liter of vodka. Leave in a dark place for 15 days. After straining, drink ¼ glass three times a day half an hour before meals
- nettle leaves. Dry plant - 5 tablespoons, 2 cups of boiling water. Leave to brew for 1 hour. Pass through a piece of gauze. Drink 200 ml of decoction 3 times for no more than a month with a break of two weeks;
- celery juice Natural honey - 1 teaspoon and freshly squeezed herb - 50 ml. Mix. Must be consumed in the morning an hour before the intended meal;
- rose hip. Fruits - 40 grams, boiling water - 1 liter. Leave to infuse in a thermos for 2-3 hours. Drink the prepared infusion one day before.
To prevent phytotherapeutic methods from causing irreparable harm to health, you should contact professional therapists in specialized offices. Properly selected herbal preparations and compositions will help get rid of the effects of radiation exposure and restore the body.
Behavior when affected by radiation
Let's consider an algorithm for combating radiation exposure. It looks like this:
- Perform life-saving procedures such as artificial respiration or chest compressions.
- Reduce radiation exposure—move the victim to a shelter or basement.
- Remove clothing to reduce the risk of re-exposure to radiation.
- Clean the head area: eyes, mouth, throat and stomach by rinsing, apply sorbent (activated carbon, etc.).
- Protect your respiratory system with a respirator, cotton gauze, or a piece of cloth.
- Transfer to a medical facility.
Methods of radiation protection
After a course of radiation therapy and recovery, experts recommend avoiding any possible source of radiation.
To do this, they recommend that the patient use all possible means of protection against penetrating radiation:
- wear clothes only made from natural fabrics;
- eliminate bad habits;
- limit exposure to direct ultraviolet rays;
- take pills and medications that protect against radiation. “Eleutherococcus extract”, “Iodomarin 100”, “Ammifurin”, “Sodecor”, “Magnesium sulfate”.
It is better to coordinate all your subsequent actions after cancer with a specialist.
Self-prescribing and taking medications can provoke serious consequences for a still weak body and slow down the healing process.
