
Cigarette Toxin in Your Food?!
Dear Reader,
I’m sure you, like many folks, know that there are numerous harmful chemicals in cigarettes.
But a lot of people would be surprised to find some of the toxins found in cigarette smoke are also found in many of the foods they eat.
One toxin in particular increases your risk from dying from flu or pneumonia.
Here’s what you need to know.
Cadmium is a common toxin found in cigarette smoke. But researchers were surprised to find it in both smokers and non-smokers.
Scientists at the University of Michigan School of Public Health have begun warning people that smokers aren’t the only one being exposed to cadmium high levels.
Cadmium is a naturally occurring mineral that is used to make batteries and solar cells. Because manufacturers are far from neat, the metal can seep into ground and water sources (and then into your body).
And this study, released in a Journal called Environmental Health Perspectives, found both smokers and non-smokers need to reduce their exposure to this harmful toxin.
The researchers point to the large number of people in China who were dying because they were smokers.
They pooled information from 16,000 people who took part in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
They measured their cadmium levels and then asked where they were smokers and they followed them for years. Smokers who had high cadmium level were 15 percent more likely to die from flu and pneumonia. Among non-smokers only, patients with the highest levels of cadmium were 27 percent more likely to die from a viral infection.
While researchers aren’t completely certain, they believe people are expose to cadmium from the food they eat (probable culprits: rice, animal organs like liver and kidneys, and soybeans) which is another good reason to eat organic foods whenever possible.
See, one of the problems with cadmium is it is really easy to absorb into your body, but very hard to get rid of (so it tends to accumulate as we grow older).
Long-term exposure to cadmium can harm your immune system, especially your lungs. Researchers also found that cadmium exposure makes flu and pneumonia worse. And one of the study authors suspects it could also worsen symptoms of COVID-19.
You can protect your lungs by drinking green tea, using steam therapy (involves inhaling water vapor to open your airways) and by exercising. Foods that fight inflammation like, leafy greens, turmeric and blueberries are also great for respiratory health.
P.S. If you’re wanting to protect your lungs and respiratory health then you’ll want to read this article about a household villain that might be wrecking your lungs.

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Mailbag: The Calcium Mistake That's Hardening Your Arteries
“What type of calcium is best to take with bisphosphonates for osteoporosis? I know some varieties can build up in arteries. Thanks for the help.” —Bone Builder Hi Builder, When a patient asks me about calcium, I ask them a peculiar question in return… “Ever wonder how elephants and giraffes build and maintain their massive...
Doctor-Approved Method to Ditch Blood Pressure Meds
In a world where drug solutions dominate healthcare, it’s refreshing to discover that best remedies sometimes don’t involve a single pill. A groundbreaking study shows simple relaxation techniques could be your secret weapon against one of America’s deadliest health conditions. Best of all? It’s free, easy to start right away—and your results are bound to...
Trouble Hearing? Your Heart Could Be at Risk
With research exploding and data pouring in, scientists are uncovering some weird (and surprisingly helpful) health connections. Today’s odd couple? Hearing loss and heart failure. Turns out your ears and your ticker are more connected than you ever imagined. A major study published in the journal Heart looked at over 164,000 people for nearly a...
Stay Up Late? It Could Destroy Your Mental Health
If you dread mornings but come alive at night, there’s concerning new research you need to know about. A recent study found that “night owls” are at higher risk for depression. But before you rush to set your alarm to get up with the sun tomorrow, there’s more to the story… Chronotypes are essentially your...
Go from Flabby to Fit with this Common Vitamin
If you’re like many of us, you woke up one day, looked in the mirror, and realized you’re no spring chicken anymore. Even worse—when you weren’t paying attention—it seems you somehow misplaced the muscles of your youth and have gone from fit to flabby. Aging has a way of humbling us like that. But scientists...
Seasonal Allergy “Off Switch” Discovered in the GUT
“Doc, why am I suddenly suffering from seasonal allergies when I’ve never had them before?” It’s a question I get all the time—and my answer might surprise you. Stop looking up at the trees—and start looking down at your gut… Your sneezing fits, itchy eyes, and runny nose might have more to do with what’s...
“Canary in the Coal Mine” Test Sniffs Out Brain Issues Early
One of the most common questions I get is how to tell if you’re starting to experience cognitive decline. I get it—losing your memory is scary, especially when it sneaks up on you. But here’s some exciting news that might put your mind at ease. A fascinating new study suggests that your nose might be...
BEAT Stubborn Leg Swelling Without Dangerous Diuretics
“I need help with edema.” —Swollen Hi Swollen, When patients complain of edema—fluid retention that causes feet, ankles, and legs to swell—I explain that, while conventional medicine immediately prescribes diuretic drugs, nature offers us effective solutions we can try first. I’ll share those in just a moment, but first, let’s take a quick look at...
Mental Health Linked to 30% FASTER Aging [6-Step FIX]
Your mind and body are more connected than you might realize—and a groundbreaking new study proves just how profound that connection really is. In fact, it’s this mind-body link that helps explain why battling depression can put you on the fast track to physical decline. Depression is the most common mental health condition worldwide. We’ve...
The Air You Breathe Is Silently Stealing Your Memory
You already know that air pollution damages your lungs. Chances are you’ve heard it can also harm your heart. And I bet you won’t be surprised when I tell you it claims millions of lives annually. But now, alarming new research suggests polluted air might also damage your brain. This study found that long-term exposure...