(NaturalHealth365)  Arsenic, a potent carcinogen, is a familiar substance to many, but its true nature remains elusive to most.  This chemical element is primarily encountered in various minerals, often in conjunction with metals and sulfur.  While it holds significance in industrial applications, its pervasiveness has led to contamination of the air, soil, water, and food we rely upon.

Being exposed to arsenic carries the risk of triggering a range of health issues, even potentially resulting in death.  In fact, a recent study highlights that such exposure is closely linked to the development of cancer.

Study reveals how arsenic causes cancer

You might unknowingly consume arsenic during your daily meals, whether it’s breakfast or lunch, and its effects may only become apparent as health issues arise in the future.  Arsenic exposure occurs through tainted foods, contaminated drinking water, and even polluted air inhalation.

The previously mentioned study offers compelling proof that arsenic exposure triggers the development of cancer, particularly in the liver, lungs, bladder, and skin.  This research builds upon prior investigations using cellular and animal models, which established a connection between arsenic and cancer progression.

Scholars readily acknowledge that the exact mechanisms behind arsenic-induced carcinogenesis remain somewhat elusive.  The process through which arsenic exposure leads to cancer is intricate, targeting specific cellular pathways.  Additionally, the metabolic behavior of this chemical element adds complexity to understanding the ensuing carcinogenic effects.

Arsenic provokes oxidative stress reactions that harm human DNA and various other important molecules.  It interferes with DNA repair and disrupts the epigenetic regulation of gene expression.  Moreover, arsenic substitutes zinc in certain proteins, affecting their functionality.  Each of these processes contributes to the aforementioned development of cancer spurred by arsenic exposure.

The research suggests that arsenic disturbs cellular signaling pathways and weakens the immune system’s effectiveness.  The cumulative impact of these types of harm and impairment creates conditions that facilitate the formation of cancer.  Furthermore, scientists have established a link between prolonged arsenic exposure and the emergence of cancer stem cells.  These cells reside within tumors and are thought to drive the growth and spread of cancer.

Assess your arsenic exposure risk

Those residing in regions characterized by elevated arsenic levels in water and soil face a notably heightened risk of exposure and subsequent cancer development.  For instance, states like New Mexico, Nevada, and Arizona are renowned for their elevated arsenic concentrations.  Furthermore, if you live in an area with substantial agricultural or mining operations, the likelihood of arsenic infiltrating your water and food sources increases.

Arsenic is also prevalent in various food and beverage products, including rice and rice-based items.  Additionally, a number of bottled water brands accessible to consumers in the United States have been found to contain unhealthy levels of arsenic.  It’s important for parents to be aware that certain baby food formulas have been identified as containing unsafe concentrations of arsenic.

How to reduce exposure to arsenic

Take control of your exposure to arsenic by adopting certain measures.  Decrease your intake of store-bought fruit juices, with particular attention to apple juice, due to concerns about arsenic levels.  If you rely on well water, ensure it undergoes testing to stay below the 10 parts per billion threshold for arsenic.  And, especially if you’re drinking well water, use a reverse osmosis water system to clean up the drinking (and cooking) water.

If you have an infant, avoid feeding them rice milk, as arsenic can accumulate in rice syrup.  Additionally, it’s advisable to rinse organic rice thoroughly before cooking to minimize the arsenic content on each grain.

Enhance your diet by incorporating a wide range of organic fruits and vegetables from diverse sources, thus reducing the likelihood of consuming produce grown in arsenic-contaminated environments.  It’s important to note that arsenic can also be present in some cigarettes, cosmetics, and certain unregulated supplements.

Just remember, you can greatly reduce your risk of exposure to many toxins, like arsenic.  This just takes a little effort … but, you’re worth it.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
Studyfinds.org