Study Links Cadmium Exposure to Premature Aging of Cells

Cadmium contained with a vial.

As biological dentists, it’s important to stay on top of newsworthy finds. Unfortunately, a recent study has found that cadmium exposure has been linked to premature aging of cells – even at concentrations well below the current safety standard.

The study included over 6,000 participants and analyzed several different factors such as blood, urine, and DNA samples. The participants were separated into four groups based on the amount of cadmium found in their blood.

After meticulous analyses, the highest group had telomeres found in their blood 5.5% shorter than those in the lowest group. The highest group also had 4.5% shorter telomeres from urine concentration as well. This is a significant change solely attributed to cadmium exposure as noted by the researchers.

What does this mean in layman terms?

Well, for one, it means that our government should take more caution by reducing the current standard to levels that are more acceptable – provided there is any acceptable level of cadmium exposure.

But more importantly, it means that we are essentially aging faster than we should. This is because cadmium exposure has been connected to many chronic conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and other inflammatory illness.

Telomeres will naturally shorten with age, but because of cadmium exposure, this process is being sped up. So in a basic sense, you could say we really are aging at a quicker rate – assuming you have been exposed to cadmium.

What can I do? Where is cadmium found?

Well, because cadmium is found in the air mainly from industrial plants producing batteries and other consumer products there’s not much control you have over exposure. It can also be found in fruits, vegetables, and tobacco from the soil. It is also a byproduct of the production of materials such as zinc, lead, and copper.

The bottom-line is you’ll never really know if you are being exposed, but if you’re in an urban environment then there is a good chance you have been exposed.

The one thing you have control over is making sure you are living a holistic lifestyle – practicing detoxifying techniques, eating well-balanced diets, and exercising. Nothing new, all basic stuff. The hard part is making a routine out of it. Better to start now than be sorry later! 

A good starting point: practicing detoxification at home.

Detoxifying Your Body The Holistic Way

Detoxing is something most people often go to extremes for: colon cleansing, liquid juicing diets, starvation, and many other ways of ridding the toxins that have built up in our bodies due to various factors. The foods we consume and the air we breathe to name a couple examples.

Here’s the deal: detoxing can be performed on a daily basis without having to be extreme about it. The best part, you can even make it a routine/habit!

5 Holistic Ways of Detoxifying Your Body on a Daily Basis

Detoxifying = Feeling Good!

1. Tea

Tea is great. It comes in many different types and flavors and if you don’t add excessive amounts of sugar to, can be one of the healthiest drinks to consume. Look for teas that have ingredients known for detoxification: green tea, burdock, ginger, dandelion, and cayenne pepper. Drink tea and your body will flush toxins out.

2.  Exercise

Our bodies are fully capable of sweating toxins out. Sweat is our body’s way of releasing water-soluble toxins. If you’re exercising, then there’s a good chance you’ll be sweating a little. And if you aren’t, well … it’s time to push yourself a tad harder!

Alternative way to sweat out toxins: dancing, using a sauna, steam-filled showers.

3. Brushing your tongue

I would hope that all of us brush and floss our teeth, but I’m willing to bet a very, very small minority of us brushes our tongue as well. Believe it or not, our tongue is host to a ton of bacteria and other toxins. Simply take your toothbrush and gently brush your tongue using downward strokes for a good clean.

4. Apple cider vinegar

Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar offers a host of benefits. A lot of people are beginning to use it more often in their recipes – some even drink small amounts straight. It works very well for detoxing your liver.

5. Antioxidants

Sources of antioxidants are a great way to rid the body of free radicals, which are produced naturally in our body and have been shown to cause damage to cells – including cancer.

Good news! Many fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidant properties. Eat more fruits and vegetables and trust us on this one… you WILL feel better.

There’s plenty of other holistic ways of detoxing our bodies, but if you can turn these 5 (or even one, really – but aim for all 5!) into a daily routine or habit, then you’ll be well off. :)