The use of medical imaging tests that emit ionizing radiation (high energy radiation which causes electrons to separate from their atoms or molecules) has skyrocketed in recent years, leading more doctors and patients to question not only whether certain tests are being overused, but also whether the damage caused by exposure to ionizing radiation can be minimized. Several small but promising recent studies have shown that antioxidants could help reduce damage to DNA caused by radiation from these medical imaging tests.
“Radiation” is a word that evokes fear, but it’s important to realize that we are surrounded by naturally occurring radiation at all times, including cosmic radiation from the sun and stars, as well as radon gas released as soil and rocks break down. These natural sources are referred to as ‘background radiation,’ and levels can vary from place to place, but American Cancer Society estimates that, on average, Americans are exposed to about 3 mSv (millisieverts) of radiation from natural sources each year. Some level of exposure to ionizing radiation is just a normal and unavoidable part of life. In fact, we even rely on some radiation for our health, using ultraviolet radiation from sunlight, for example, to create vitamin D in our skin….