(NaturalHealth365)  It’s unsettling to realize that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permits trace amounts of insects, rodent hair, and feces in our food supply.  Equally alarming is the revelation that federal regulations allow food producers to incorporate heavy metals into our meals.

Recent research draws attention to the dangerous levels of heavy metals in food, posing exceptionally high risks to children.  Both this study and another investigation confirm that ingesting these heavy metals through food can lead to cancer and other severe health complications.

From baby spoons to big plates: How heavy metals contaminate our food supply

The issue of metal contamination in our food is deeply concerning, with a spotlight on its presence in baby food drawing heightened attention from health experts.  Just a couple of years ago, a U.S. Congressional Report exposed alarming levels of metals in baby food, prompting their removal from store shelves.  More recently, similar levels of concern have been detected in fruit purees targeted at children.

The studies above shed light on the concerning connection between heavy metal exposure through infant food consumption and increased cancer risk.

So, how do these heavy metals infiltrate our food chain?  Crops can absorb these contaminants from polluted groundwater, tainted soil, and airborne particles.  Detailed examinations of food components have unveiled trace amounts of toxic heavy metals like cadmium, arsenic, and lead, not only in baby food but also in certain adult food products.

Cadmium in crops: Silent threat lurking in our favorite foods

The heavy metal cadmium seeps into produce through emissions from factories and fertilizers.  Cadmium is toxic, yet trace amounts are commonly found in the following foods:

• Leafy green veggies
• Grain used in cereal
• Potatoes
• Nuts

Cadmium toxicity causes a moderate-to-high risk for endometrial, pancreatic, bladder, breast, and prostate cancer.  The same elevated risk level holds true for non-cancer health issues such as neurological, immunological, and reproductive problems.

It is the most vulnerable among us who are likely to consume cadmium.  Researchers determined babies and youngsters between six months and five years of age are exposed to this heavy metal more frequently than other age cohorts.

American babies and youngsters who consume wheat, oats, spinach, rice, and potatoes surpass the maximum acceptable intake amounts established by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), a federal public health agency created to help reduce the human health risks caused by exposure to harmful substances.

Heavy metals are also present in a wide variety of adult foods

While the medical community is chiefly alarmed by the presence of detrimental heavy metals in infant foods, it’s crucial to recognize that adults are not exempt from this risk.  Heavy metals can be detected in various foods, from spinach to rice.  Prolonged exposure to these contaminants, especially inorganic arsenic, is believed to play a role in the development of cancer.

The study linked above reveals the presence of lead in foods such as beets and other root vegetables spurs a moderate-to-high risk for the following cancers:

• Brain
• Lung
• Bladder
• Kidney
• Stomach

The analysis also revealed the same moderate-to-high scores for risks aside from cancer, ranging from respiratory issues to reproductive problems, neurological challenges, and poor renal health.

Simple ways to reduce your heavy metal exposure

In an era of rising concerns about heavy metal exposure, taking proactive steps to safeguard your health is paramount.  Here are some straightforward strategies to minimize your intake of these harmful contaminants:

Avoid processed foods:  The foremost step to shield yourself from the threats of heavy metals is to eliminate processed foods from your diet.  If you’re looking to feed your family healthy foods … buy organic ingredients and make the food yourself.

Opt for organic:  Replace processed items with organic fruits and vegetables.  Seek out produce from local farmers’ markets or the organic section of your nearby grocery store.  Foods rich in fiber, such as bran, grains, and certain fruits, can help reduce the absorption of heavy metals in the body.

Use a sauna:  Consider incorporating sessions in a far infrared sauna – several times per week.  The sweat generated inside a sauna will help you to remove heavy metals plus many other unwanted toxins.

Stay hydrated:  Even if you’re not consuming processed foods, consider boosting your hydration levels.  Water aids in flushing out toxins from the body.  Aim to drink an 8 oz glass of water every waking hour or two to promote detoxification.

Sources for this article include:

SRA.org
Studyfinds.org
FDA.gov