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.
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