There are a number of major risks that come with prolonged exposure to high levels of radon gas, and one of the single most notable here is lung cancer. Radon exposure is a major risk factor for lung cancer, heavily increasing the chances that someone exposed to it will have this condition later in life – and while avoiding radon exposure in the first place is by far the most important way of preventing this raised risk, there are also some tactics for those who have already been exposed.
At Absolute Radon Safety, we’re here to help with all things radon. We offer the very best radon testing and radon mitigation services in Colorado, plus provide clients with regular expertise and information about how to steer clear of the risks of this harmful gas. For those who have already been exposed to significant radon before testing their home or building and learning of its presence, you may be looking for ways of countering the increased cancer risk you’ve taken on – and one option that’s often successful for some people is the use of supplements. Here are a few of the most notable supplements that have shown success in decreasing cancer risks in some people, and which might be helpful to those exposed to high levels of radon.
(*Note: This information is not intended as medical advice, and should not be considered as a substitute for advice from your doctor! Rather, it is provided as an informational resource only.*)
Vitamin D
One of the top supplements that may help to reduce the risk of lung cancer in those exposed to radon is Vitamin D. This “sunshine vitamin” helps to regulate calcium absorption and can actually help guard against a number of forms of cancer, including lung cancer. It’s a good idea for anyone exposed to high levels of radon to look into taking a Vitamin D, which can be found in pill form or as a liquid supplement.
Now, this is also an area where some people won’t need supplements – they’ll be able to change their diet in ways that will ensure they’re getting enough Vitamin D naturally. Foods like salmon, cod liver oil, and egg yolks are all good sources of this vitamin, so if you can incorporate them into your regular diet it’s a great option for increasing your body’s natural Vitamin D levels.
Selenium
Another important supplement to look into as a way of decreasing risk of lung cancer is Selenium. This powerful mineral helps to support the immune system, and can help to protect against certain cancers by supporting our bodies in fighting off free radicals. It’s also been shown to promote healthy cell growth and DNA repair, two processes that are very important when it comes to avoiding cancer.
Selenium can be found in pill form, and can also be incorporated into your diet by eating more foods like Brazil nuts, mushrooms, tuna, and eggs.
Melatonin
Many people are familiar with melatonin as a supplement that helps regulate sleep, and this is often a key supplement for those exposed to radon – as good sleep is very important in helping our bodies fight off cancerous cells. But melatonin also has other benefits, and it can actually help to reduce the risk of lung cancer as well. Melatonin helps protect against oxidative damage, which is a key factor that contributes to increased cancer risks.
It’s important to note that melatonin is a hormone, so it’s best to speak with your doctor before taking it – but for those who can, this supplement can be taken in pill form and is also naturally found in foods like oats and cherries.
Garlic
Garlic is yet another food that can be eaten to help reduce risk of cancer caused by radon exposure. This powerful food has been shown to have anti-cancer effects in some studies, and it’s a great way of helping your body fight off cancerous cell growth. Garlic is very high in sulfur compounds, which are important for immune system health and may also help in the fight against cancer.
Garlic can be easily incorporated into your diet, so if you’re looking to reduce the risks of lung cancer due to high radon exposure this is definitely an option that’s worth exploring. It can also be taken in pill form as a supplement, but it’s important to speak with your doctor before doing so – as it can interact with some medications.
Vitamin B12
For those exposed to high levels of radon, taking in adequate amounts of Vitamin B12 is also a very important way of reducing their risk for lung cancer. This vitamin helps to boost the immune system and can help protect against certain types of cancers. It can be taken in pill form or as a liquid supplement, but it’s also naturally found in many foods like meat, fish, dairy products and some fortified cereals.
In conclusion, there are a number of supplements that may help to reduce the risk of lung cancer in those exposed to high levels of radon gas. Vitamin D, Selenium, Melatonin, Garlic and Vitamin B12 can all be good options for those looking to decrease the risk of this condition. It’s important to speak with your doctor before taking any supplement, however – as some may have interactions with existing medications or other potential risks.
But at the core, avoiding cancer risks due to radon comes down to removing any chance of radon exposure to begin with. To learn about how we can help with this through radon testing and high-quality radon mitigation systems, contact our team at Absolute Radon Safety today.