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Natural Remedies to Reduce Harmful Effects of MRIs and CT Scans

| Modified on Mar 03, 2025
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scans with contrast dyes are widely used for medical diagnostics. However, exposure to radiation (from CT scans) and contrast agents can have potential side effects, including oxidative stress, kidney burden, and inflammation. Fortunately, natural remedies can help support detoxification and mitigate any harmful effects of these scans.

Why Detox After an MRI or CT Scan with Contrast?

CT scans expose the body to ionizing radiation, which can generate free radicals and increase oxidative stress. Meanwhile, contrast agents used in both MRI and CT scans, such as gadolinium (MRI) and iodine-based dyes (CT), can put a strain on the kidneys and cause mild to severe reactions in some individuals. Supporting the body’s detox pathways can help minimize potential side effects and promote faster recovery.

Top Natural Remedies for MRI and CT Scan Detox

1. Activated Charcoal

  • How it helps: Activated charcoal binds to toxins, heavy metals, and contrast agents to facilitate their elimination.
  • How to use: Take 500-1,000 mg of activated charcoal with a full glass of water immediately after the scan.

2. Chlorella & Spirulina

  • How they help: These green superfoods are rich in chlorophyll and help remove heavy metals, including gadolinium and iodine, from the body.
  • How to use: Take 1,000-2,000 mg daily for at least a week after the scan.

3. NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)

  • How it helps: NAC is a powerful antioxidant that supports glutathione production, the body's master detoxifier.
  • How to use: Take 600-1,200 mg daily for a week post-scan.

4. Vitamin C

  • How it helps: A potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals generated by radiation exposure.
  • How to use: Take 1,000-3,000 mg of vitamin C daily to support detoxification.

5. Milk Thistle

  • How it helps: Protects and supports the liver, which plays a crucial role in detoxifying contrast agents.
  • How to use: Take 300-600 mg of milk thistle extract daily.

6. Magnesium

  • How it helps: Aids in muscle relaxation, reduces inflammation, and supports kidney function.
  • How to use: Take 200-400 mg of magnesium glycinate or citrate daily.

7. Hydration with Electrolytes

  • How it helps: Flushing out contrast agents quickly requires proper hydration.
  • How to use: Drink at least 8-10 glasses of purified water daily with added electrolytes.

8. Dandelion Root

  • How it helps: Supports kidney and liver detoxification.
  • How to use: Drink 1-2 cups of dandelion root tea daily.

9. Sauna or Epsom Salt Baths

  • How they help: Promote sweating and the elimination of toxins through the skin.
  • How to use: Take an Epsom salt bath (2 cups per tub) or use an infrared sauna several times per week.

10. Bentonite Clay

  • How it helps: Binds to heavy metals and toxins to facilitate elimination.
  • How to use: Drink 1 teaspoon of food-grade bentonite clay in water or apply it as a detoxifying skin mask.

11. Antioxidant-Rich Diet

  • How it helps: Provides essential nutrients to counteract oxidative stress from radiation exposure.
  • Best foods: Blueberries, turmeric, garlic, green tea, leafy greens, and cruciferous vegetables.

12. Dry Brushing

  • How it helps: Stimulates the lymphatic system to eliminate toxins.
  • How to use: Use a natural bristle brush to gently brush your skin in circular motions before showering.

Cautions and Considerations

  • Consult a healthcare provider before taking supplements, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.
  • Ensure adequate hydration to help flush contrast agents out of the body.
  • If you experience unusual symptoms after a scan, seek medical attention promptly.

Conclusion

While MRI and CT scans are essential diagnostic tools, they can expose the body to oxidative stress and potential toxicity from contrast agents. By incorporating these natural remedies, you can support your body’s detoxification processes, reduce inflammation, and mitigate harmful effects.

Share Your Experience

Have you used natural detox remedies after an MRI or CT scan with contrast? We’d love to hear about your experiences! Continue reading below for feedback from Earth Clinic readers who have successfully used these natural approaches to support their health.

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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MRI & CT Scan Contrast Recovery Remedies

Posted by Den (EU) on 02/28/2025

I am going to get 2 MRIs and 1 CT scan with contrast. Up until now I managed to get all MRIs without contrast and refused CT scans. This time I need good scans to see what is going for I might have a silent sinus syndrome* which is corrected by a surgery only. My asymptomatic moderate chronic sphenoid sinusitis is also needs be investigated. Is there a way to minimize harmful effects of the contrasts? I usually get adverse reactions and side effects on pretty much every medication. Prednisone for example, nearly killed me.

I am going to take homeopathic remedies before and after the MRIs to restore polarity in the cells of my body, but don't know how to protect my body and brain from the contrast toxicity.

*A rare otorhinolaryngologic disease characterized by adult-onset progressive enophthalmos due to collapse of some or all of the maxillary sinus walls and remodeling of the orbital floor.

Replied by Les
(Michigan)
03/03/2025

Read these articles:

Sodium Bicarbonate Prevents Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Addition to Theophylline
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4902357/
https://examine.com/supplements/sodium-bicarbonate/?srsltid=AfmBOora7gIdOuk2Y4EO6eCFCjHk5MVFXtlFtibrVNMSVGYnLfXJmWx1&show_conditions=true

N-acetylcysteine, theophylline, sodium bicarbonate and statins show some promise as potentially efficacious agents for preventing CIN**, but more high-quality studies are needed before they can be recommended for use in routine practice

Replied by Art
(California)
03/03/2025
2444 posts

Hi Den,

Melatonin has shown itself to help prevent DNA damage related to CT scans as discussed in this randomized controlled trial (RCT) using 100 mg of melatonin:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32208125/

Here is a relevant quote from the RCT :

' Compared to the control group, the use of melatonin 1h before the CT examination caused a significant reduction in γH2AX-foci, indicating a reduction in DSBs. In addition, no side effect was observed in patients following 100mg melatonin administration. '

This next human study suggests that melatonin is an effective protective agent against damage caused by contrast media :

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3998990/#:~:text=Conclusion: Melatonin is an effective, to use contrast media agents.

Here are two relevant quotes from the human study :

' Contrast media significantly increased the creatinine and BUN and renal injury (p<0.05). Melatonin prevented and reversed the injury induced by contrast media (P<0.05). Pretreatment with melatonin reduced the renal injury induced by contrast media (P<0.05). '

' Melatonin is an effective drug to prevent contrast–induced renal injury. Therefore its usage (especially pretreatment) might be beneficial in patients who are planning to use contrast media agents. '

The following literature review suggests that melatonin also has protective effects against radiation :

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4037598/#:~:text=Since 1993, when melatonin (a, damage [5, 10].

Here is a relevant quote from the review :

' Since 1993, when melatonin (a pineal gland hormone) was first identified as a free radical scavenger [13], a large number of papers have been published confirming the ability of this radioprotective agent to shield against radiation-induced damage [5, 10]. '

Art


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