(Health Secrets) The Boston Marathon bombings and the ricin-laced letters sent to government officials may be off the front page but they are not forgotten. Terrorist acts, including bioterrorism with poisons, have happened and will probably happen again. Besides, thousands of people are exposed to deadly poisons every year, even without overt bioterrorism . Too often lives have been lost because the poison is simply too strong and too fast-acting to effectively counter by the time medical help can be obtained.
Whenever anyone is exposed to a poison they should immediately seek emergency medical help by calling 911, their doctor, or the National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222). In the interim between help arriving, here are some key supplements which might make a big difference in surviving exposure to bioterrorism or poison.
Activated Charcoal
The weekend before the Boston Marathon and the ricin-laced letters, the season opener of The Borgias television series portrayed Pope Alexander VI being saved from poisoning through a slurry mixture of charcoal and water forced into his stomach. Though the episode was fictional, activated charcoal can indeed be a lifesaver when it comes to neutralizing and surviving poisons.
Activated charcoal, which can be obtained in powder, capsule and wet drink forms, not only absorbs toxins in the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract), it actually adsorbs them – which means that toxins are attracted to the charcoal. Toxins then become bound to the charcoal and are passed out of the body through the digestive system.
Note that medical authorities do not recommend that activated charcoal be administered at home to anyone who is not awake and alert – and that any use of activated charcoal is best done under the guidance of a qualified medical professional or a poison control center.
Five more supplements useful against bioterrorism and poison
Bentonite clay is a natural clay substance which is known for its ability to draw out and absorb toxins. Taken internally, it will pull out and absorb toxins in the GI tract so that they can then be eliminated via the colon, liver and kidneys.
Zeolite minerals are naturally occurring volcanic mineral compounds with a negative magnetic charge and a unique crystalline cage-like structure which draws in many harmful toxins.
Food grade diatomaceous earth is best known for its ability to trap and neutralize pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. However, it also traps and absorbs toxins and helps eliminate them from the body.
Colloidal silver is a must-have supplement if the poison is a biological agent, since colloidal silver is deadly for most single-celled pathogens including viruses and bacteria. In the event of ingestion of a biological agent, take plenty of silver – eight ounces or more per day for the first few days and a couple of ounces a day thereafter until the threat has passed. Colloidal silver is also effective for cleansing topical exposures to biological poisons.
If the poison is a viral agent, digestive enzymes taken in quantity on an empty stomach will literally strip off the protective outer layer and head of viruses. Take 6-10 capsules of systemic oral digestive enzymes three times daily on an empty stomach for seven days or until the threat has passed.
More precautions
Even if you aren’t directly affected by an act of bioterrorism or other disaster, such events may result in temporary lockdowns, travel restrictions and shortages of food and other essential supplies. Thus, it is prudent for all of us to make sure that we have at least several days of supplies on hand of such essential items as food, water, first aid supplies, batteries, toilet paper, candles and other items to avoid running short until order is restored.
For more information:
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/activated_charcoal/article_em.htm