Heavy metal toxicity: cadmium

Today I would like to take an overview of cadmium. This is one of the heavy metals, along with mercury, lead, nickel, arsenic and aluminium, which contribute to chronic disease in the 21st century.

Cadmium is a potent neurotoxin and carcinogen. It affects the reproductive system (failure to ovulate, malformations of the developing fetus for example) as well as the endocrine and cardiovascular systems. This metal has an affinity for the liver and kidneys and is stored in these organs, causing renal dysfunction. Cadmium continues to accumulate in the body over a lifetime.

Cadmium is EVERYWHERE.

Cadmium is found in marine fish and in snow on Mt Everest. It is a product of  industry where heavy metals  are extracted, combusted or processed ( eg the coal industry). Cadmium is present in the soil, groundwater and crops. Cadmium is released into the atmosphere when e-waste is incinerated along with many other harmful gases.

Cadmium is found in marine fish and in snow on Mt Everest. It is a product of industry where heavy metals are extracted, combusted or processed ( eg the coal industry).

Smoking cigarettes is a major source of cadmium exposure, as is living close to heavy industry. Cadmium is found in phosphate fertilisers and the sewage and sludge in farmlands. Cadmium is absorbed by plants which are then eaten by us.

It is also present in minute amounts in laundry detergents and powders, toilet paper, fresheners, hand and body washes, some sunscreens and body lotions.

In a systematic review of 343 studies into the benefits offered, if any, of eating organic produce, it was determined that organic food had significantly higher concentrations of antioxidants and lower concentrations of cadmium( due to the non-use of phosphate fertilisers) compared to conventional produce.

This is another reason to nourish our families with organic food. Buy certified organic produce from market farmers. It can be much more expensive than supermarket fruit and vegetables. However, root vegetables in particular are very reasonable, as are seasonal fruit and vegetables. Now the new season apples and pears are available – they are crisp, delicious and quickly devoured and are available at a very affordable price. Eat seasonally and get to know your farmers and their produce.

Sweating is an affective way to eliminate cadmium from the body. Use saunas, exercise in the gym or in the fresh air to work up a sweat, feel invigorated knowing that you are assisting your body in excreting heavy metals.

Cadmium will bind to metallothionein and is excreted in the presence of antioxidants and thiols . Visit your health practitioner to learn more.