Being diagnosed with cancer means undergoing treatment such as chemotherapy, radiation and/or immunotheraphy. It also means our body will be exposed to ionizing radiation from various radiological scans, such as CT scans or PET/CT’s. While these type of scans are beneficial in that they give our oncologist valuable information, such as whether or not the chemo killed our tumors, or whether or not our cancer has metastasized, they also expose our bodies to harmful ionizing radiation. So, how can we protect ourselves from these harmful rays? Studies have shown that melatonin can help protect our bodies against oxidative stress caused by ionizing radiation.
The studies vary in the amount and time the melatonin was taken, with doses of 100mg-300mg taken 1-2 hours prior to scans. Since high doses of melatonin have been shown to be safe, I personally have chosen to take the higher dose of 300mg 1 hour prior to having a scan. To date, I have experienced no harmful side effects from taking the higher dose of melatonin. Whether or not the melatonin is actually protecting me from the harmful ionizing radiation, only time will tell.
Resources:
- Melatonin Protects Against Ionizing Radiation Read More
- Antioxidative effects of melatonin in protection against cellular damage caused by ionizing radiation Read More
- Protection Before and Detoxing After a Scan: Contrast Dye and Radiation Detoxing Read More
- Melatonin a Promising Candidate for DNA Double-Stranded Breaks Reduction in Patients Undergoing Abdomen-Pelvis Computed Tomography Examinations Read More