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DESCRIPTION
Cadmium is an inorganic metal that is naturally present in the environment. Cadmium can be detrimental to your health. Like lead, cadmium accumulates in the body and has varying degrees of toxicity. Cadmium replaces the body's stores of the essential mineral zinc in the liver and kidneys. Not surprisingly, therefore, cadmium levels rise in people who have zinc deficiencies.
Cadmium is present in the environment in different chemical forms, such as cadmium sulfide, cadmium oxide, cadmium sulfate, cadmium carbonate, and cadmium chloride. It is used in the production of colored inks and dyes, as well as in many industrial applications, such as metal plating, engraving, and soldering. Cadmium is also used in plastics and in the production of nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cad) batteries, which are in widespread use in cell phones, portable computers, and in many toys. Trace amounts of cadmium are found in most foods. In shellfish, however, cadmium accumulates at a significantly higher level. Cadmium exposure from eating shellfish varies, depending on the origins of the shellfish. In other words, there is no way to know how much cadmium a specific clam or lobster might have in its tissues. Other common sources of cadmium include drinking water, fertilizer, fungicides, pesticides, soil, air pollution, refined grains, rice, coffee, tea, and soft drinks.
Dietary exposure to cadmium is estimated to be about 0.12 mcg to 0.49 mcg per kilogram (2.2 pounds) of body weight daily. This is not a recommendation, just the normal amount a person in modern society can expect to ingest. Intake of dietary cadmium should not exceed 7 mcg per kg of body weight, per week, according to the World Health Organization. For a healthy male of about 80 kg (175 pounds) of body weight, that is only 560 mcg per week, a very small amount indeed. (A microgram is one-millionth of a gram.)
Tobacco smoke - whether cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoke - contains cadmium, and studies have shown that cigarette smokers have higher levels of cadmium in their bodies than non-smokers. Smoking a pack of cigarettes can add between 2 and 4 mcg of cadmium to the body. You can also accumulate cadmium from secondhand smoke. Dangerous exposure to cadmium usually occurs through inhalation of fumes and dust. Cadmium in this form is extremely irritating to the lungs and can lead to such symptoms as headaches, chills, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Cadmium is so hazardous the government has determined that for long-term workplace exposure to cadmium-contaminated dust and fumes, the level should be kept below 0.025 mg per cubic meter of air.
The human body can tolerate low levels of cadmium but long-term chronic exposure can lead to serious health problems. Elevated levels of cadmium may result in hypertension (high blood pressure); a dulled sense of smell; anemia; yellow discoloration of the teeth; inflammation of mucous membrane of the nose (rhinitis); joint soreness; hair loss; dry, scaly skin; and loss of appetite. Cadmium toxicity threatens the health of the body by weakening the immune system. It causes a decreased production of T lymphocytes (T cells), key white blood cells that protect the body by destroying foreign invaders and cancer cells.
Because cadmium is retained in the kidneys and liver (50 to 70 percent of accumulated cadmium is deposited in these organs), excessive exposure can lead to kidney disease and serious liver damage. Possible effects of intense cadmium exposure include emphysema, bone disorders such as osteoporosis and osteomalacia, cancer, and a shortened life span.
SYMPTOMS
Hypertension (high blood pressure).
Dulled sense of smell.
Anemia.
Joint soreness.
Hair loss.
Dry, scaly skin.
Loss of appetite.
Weakened immune system by reduced T cell production.
Kidney disease and liver damage.
Effects may include emphysema, cancer, and a shortened life span.
TREATMENT
DIAGNOSIS OF CADMIUM TOXICITY
A blood test is the best method of determining acute cadmium toxicity. A urine test helps to determine the body's total burden of cadmium.
HERBS
Alfalfa contains chlorophyll and vitamin K, and helps to remove cadmium from the body. Take 2,000 to 3,000 mg in tablet or liquid form daily.
Burdock Root and Red Clover help to purify the blood-stream and stimulate the immune system.
Milk Thistle is very effective in protecting the liver. It also stimulates the production of new liver cells.
HOLISTIC RECOMMENDATIONS
If you suspect cadmium toxicity, consider having a hair analysis done by a reliable laboratory to determine the level of toxic metals in your system.
MoonDragon's Nutrition Therapy: Hair Analysis
Make sure that you include plenty of fiber and apple pectin in your diet. Also eat pumpkin seeds and other foods that are high in zinc.
Chelation removes toxic metals from the body.
NUTRITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The following nutrients are important for healing once appropriate local treatment has been administered. Unless otherwise specified, the following recommended doses are for those over the age of 18. For a child between 12 and 17 years old, reduce the dose to 3/4 the recommended amount. For a child between 6 and 12 years old, use 1/2 the recommended dose, and for a child under 6, use 1/4 the recommended amount. See Environmental Toxicity Products for more suggestions.
NUTRIENTS Supplement Suggested Dosage Comments Important Alfalfa 2,000-3,000 mg daily. Contains chlorophyll and vitamin K. Helps remove cadmium from the body.
Alfalfa, NOW Foods, 650 mg, 500 TabsCalcium 2,000 mg daily. Mineral, when used with Magnesium, helps rid the body of cadmium.
Calcium Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 700 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.,
Liquid Calcium W/ConcenTrace, Orange Vanilla, Trace Minerals, 1000 mg, 32 fl. oz.,
Cal-Mag Pre-Chelated Calcium & Magnesium, Vital Earth, 240 GelcapsMagnesium 1,000 mg daily. Mineral, when used with Calcium, helps rid the body of cadmium
Magnesium Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 350 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.,
Just An Ounce Calcium & Magnesium Liquid, Almond Flavor, 16 fl. oz.,
Calcium & Magnesium Mineral Complex, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 500 mg / 250 mg, 250 CapsCoenzyme A As directed on label. Aids in removing toxic substances from the body.
Pantethine (Coenzyme A Precursor), Highly Active Form of Vitamin B-5, 300 mg, NOW Foods, 60 SoftgelsGarlic (Kyolic) 2 tablets 3 times daily, with meals. Helps to rid the body of cadmium. A potent detoxifier.
Lecithin Granules
Or
Capsules2 tablespoons 3 times daily, with meals.
2,400 mg 3 times daily, with meals. Take with vitamin E for better assimilation.Protects all cells.
Lecithin Vegetarian Granules, NOW Foods, 97% Phosphatides, Identity Preserved Non-GE, 1 lb.,
Liquid Lecithin, NOW Foods, Vegetarian, 16 fl. oz.,
Lecithin, Fine Vegetarian Granules, NOW Foods, 975 Phosphatides, Pure & Fresh, 1 lb.L-Cysteine 500 mg twice daily, on an empty stomach. Take with water or juice. Do not take with milk. Take with 50 mg Vitamin B-6 & 100 mg Vitamin C for better absorption. Acts as an antioxidant, protecting the organs, especially the liver. See Amino Acids for more information.
L-Cysteine Structural Support With Vitamin B-6 & C, Vegetarian, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 TabsAnd
L-Lysine500 mg twice daily, on an empty stomach. Take with water or juice. Do not take with milk. Take with 50 mg Vitamin B-6 & 100 mg Vitamin C for better absorption. Acts as an antioxidant, protecting the organs, especially the liver. See Amino Acids for more information.
L-Lysine, Pharmaceutical Grade, Stable Tartrate Form, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 CapsAnd
L-Methionine500 mg each daily, on an empty stomach. Take with water or juice. Do not take with milk. Take with 50 mg vitamin B-6 and 100 mg vitamin C for better absorption. These amino acids (Cysteine, Lysine & Methionine) act as antioxidants, they protect organs, especially the liver. See Amino Acids for more information.
L-Methionine, NOW Foods, 500 mg, With B-6, 10 mg, 100 CapsRutin 200 mg 3 times daily. Take with 100 mg vitamin C. Aids in removing high amounts of metals from the body. Vitamin E 200-1,000 IU daily. An antioxidant. Use d-alpha-tocopherol form. Use emulsion form for easier assimilation.
Ester E Natural Vitamin E, California Natural, 400 IU, 60 Softgels,
Vitamin E, 400 IU, 100% Natural, NOW Foods, 100 Gels,
Vitamin E-1000, NOW Foods, 1000 IU, 100 Gels,
Vitamin E, d-alpha-tocopherol, 400 IU, 100 Softgels
Zinc 50-60 mg daily. Do not exceed a total of 100 mg daily from all supplements. Needed to restore zinc displaced by cadmium, and to prevent cadmium levels from rising.
Zinc Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 100 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.,
Colloidal Silver & Zinc Lozenges, Silva Solution, 90 Lozenges,
Zinc Lozenges W/ Echinacea & Vitamin C, Nature's Way, 23 mg, 60 Lozenges,
Zinc Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 100 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.,
Zinc (Chelated), 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 30 mg, 100 CapsHelpful Plus
Copper3 mg daily. Needed to work with and balance with zinc. Helps zinc to remove cadmium deposits.
Copper Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 50 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.,
Iron As directed by health care provider. Take with 100 mg vitamin C for better absorption. Works with zinc to remove cadmium deposits. Caution: Do not take iron unless anemia is diagnosed and your health care provider recommends an iron supplement.
Ionic Iron Supplement With ConcenTrace, Trace Minerals, 2 oz.,
Iron Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 20 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.,
Iron Complex With Vitamins & Herbs, Vegetarian, NOW Foods, 250 Tabs,
Iron Gluconate, Nature's Way, 18 mg, 100 Caps,
Alive! Whole Food Energizer Multi-Vitamin & Mineral With Naturally Occurring Iron (No Iron Added), Nature's Way, 90 VCapsOr
Floradix Iron Plus HerbsAs directed on label. Contains non-toxic, natural iron from food sources that is easily assimilated into the body.
Or
Blackstrap Molasses1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon 3 times daily. A good source of natural iron.
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You suspect a cadmium toxicity in yourself or a family member.
Your symptoms worsen, even after treatment.
You have unexplained, unexpected symptoms. Some treatments may cause side effects in certain sensitive individuals.
RELATED LINKS
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICITY PRODUCTS
Amino 1500, Chewable Blend of 20 Amino Acids, Predigested, NOW Foods, 150 Tabs
Our Amino 1500 contains a balanced blend of 20 essential and non-essential amino acids in a chewable format.Burdock Root (Arctium Lappa) Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
Burdock Root is used is traditionally used for skin disorders associated with adolescence. It is also one of the most effective herbs for cleansing the blood without the side effect of nausea.CAL/MAG/ZINC, Calcium Magnesium Zinc Supplement, 90 Tablets
This unique Calcium Magnesium Zinc Supplement formula perfectly balances calcium, magnesium, and zinc with over 70 minerals and trace elements found in ConcenTrace for maximum absorption and utilization by the body.Copper Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 50 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.
WaterOz Ionic Copper is a pure liquid Copper supplement. Copper influences protein metabolism and general healing, improves vitamin C oxidation and is integral in the formation of RNA.CoQ10, Vegetarian Co-Enzyme, NOW Foods, 30 mg, 60 VCaps
A coenzyme for several key steps in the production of energy within each cell, and an antioxidant important in its clinical effects. It is these two properties make CoQ10 one of the best supplements available today.Detox Foot Pads, 10 Detox Foot Patches Per Box
BodyPure detox foot pads are very effective, 100% natural, easy to apply, and a truly unique detoxifying product.Digestive Enzymes, 750 mg, 100 Caps
Since cooking destroys many of the digestive enzymes in food, taking plant fiber-based digestive enzymes aids in digesting even the heaviest meal.Garlicin HC, Healthy Circulation Formula With Odor-Free Garlic Supplement, Nature's Way, 90 Enteric-Coated Tabs
Garlicin HC garlic supplement supports cardiovascular health with the help of hawthorn, cayenne, and vitamin E.Grape Seed Extract, Standardized, Nature's Way, 100 mg, 30 Caps
Nature's Way Standardized Grape Seed Extract are technically and scientifically advanced herbal product.Green Phyto Foods Vegetarian Powder, NOW Foods, 10 oz.
Green Phyto Foods is a potent vegetarian blend of 30 nutrient dense superfoods containing a variety of vitamins, minerals, fiber, chlorophyll, enzymes and herbs.Mineral-Check Home Mineral Analysis, Mail-in Hair Test Kit
Mineral-Check Home Mineral Analysis Mail-in Hair Test Kit is a safe, easy-to-use, and reliable screen that uses a small hair sample to measure your mineral and toxin levels. Hair samples show the long-term accumulation of minerals and toxic elements in your system. Hair is nourished from your bloodstream where minerals and toxics are found. This non-invasive and inexpensive screen provides you with the accuracy of a laboratory analysis without leaving the comfort of your own home. When you order your screen, we'll send you a complete kit. You collect the required hair sample and send it back to us in the prepaid return mailer provided. Within 7-10 working days of receiving your sample, we'll send your results to you. Due to current New York State regulations, we are unable to process samples from residents of New York or samples that are collected in New York.Quercetin, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 VCaps
Quercetin is a naturally accounting bioflavonoid found in high concentrations in red wine, onions and green tea. Quercetin possesses powerful antioxidant properties and like other bioflavonoids, has the ability to stabilize cell membranes.Red Clover Herb, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 100 Caps
In Europe, Red Clover herb is widely cultivated and used as a salad herb and as a tonic.Ultimate B (Vitamin B Complex Formula), 60 Tabs
Superbly formulated, Ultimate B, vitamin B Complex Formula, is a synergistic blend of herbs, superfoods, and enzymes made of 33% food ingredients for easy absorption.Ultimate Respiratory Cleanse With Mullein, Nature's Secret, 60 Tabs
A powerful, synergistic herbal blend that will cleanse, strengthen and rejuvenate the entire respiratory system. This formula also provides unique nourishment specifically for the immune system.Vitamin C 1000 with Bioflavonoids, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 250 VCaps
Nature's Way Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids provides antioxidant protection for many of the body's important enzyme systems.Vitamin C 500 with Rosehips, 100% Natural, 500 mg, 250 VCaps
Nature's Way Vitamin C with Rosehips offers a rich whole plant source of vitamin C and provides antioxidant protection for many of the body's important enzyme systems.Zinc Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 100 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.
WaterOz Ionic Zinc is a pure liquid Zinc supplement. Zinc moves through all the fluids in the body, it creates a defense against infection-causing bacteria and viruses trying to enter the body and stops bacterial and viral replication.Zinc Lozenges With Echinacea & Vitamin C, Nature's Way, 23 mg, 60 Lozenges
Nature's Way Zinc lozenge boosts cold season defense with zinc, widely recognized as an important nutritional support during the cold season, and echinacea pupurea, clinically shown to support the immune system, and Vitamin C, a vitally important vitamin for general health maintenance.
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