What is Cadmium Metal and How Does It Impact My Health?
When I hear the word Cadmium, I think back on batteries. It doesn’t seem like I’ve heard as much lately about those kinds of batteries. I also know there are some paint colors that are called Cadmium Red, Yellow, and Orange. That’s all I’ve known.
Recently, I have been looking into gut health and was very interested in learning that Cadmium is a heavy metal toxin that can affect our gut.
Why does gut health matter? At the risk of TMI (too much information), I have a steel gut, and I rarely have stomach aches, upset, or digestive issues. Yet what I have found is that I am STILL at risk of Cadmium impacting my gut health, whether I sense it or not.
What Is Cadmium Metal?
At first glance, Cadmium makes me think of the High School Science Lab. Did you take Chemistry classes? I avoided Chemistry and took Physics instead. The Periodic Table scared me.
Cadmium is located directly under Zinc on the Periodic Table, These two elements are connected in some ways. However, Zinc is basically GOOD for us, while Cadmium is NOT GOOD for us.
Cadmium was discovered in Germany in the 1780’s. Since then, it has been used in:
- Dyes, glazes, and paints
- Manufacturing
- Electronics
- Rechargeable Batteries (1990-2000)
- Aerospace materials
- Solar panels
- Plated parts for vehicle engines
Cadmium is often released in the process of recycling iron and steel. Whenever this toxic heavy metal is used or released, the particles can enter our environment. These particles can be carried through the air, then get deposited on the soil and the water.
Once Cadmium is in the air, soil, and water, it becomes part of the plants that grow. The animals and fish consume it. Eventually WE eat these food sources, and THAT’s when Cadmium enters our body.
Does Cadmium Naturally
Belong In Our Bodies?
No. Cadmium should not naturally occur in our bodies.
In fact, this Chemical of Concern can cause the following problems in our bodies:
- Digestive Issues
- Neurological Problems
- Reproductive Difficulties
- Respiratory Ailments
- Cardiovascular Disruptions
- Renal/Kidney Disease
- Cancer
The primary way most of us get exposed to Cadmium is through our food.
Since food goes straight to the gut, it impacts our gut health.
The gut is called “The Second Brain”, and there is a very good reason for this –
What happens in the gut will control most of the other body systems. Reduced gut health means reduced performance in the other body systems.
pam Schmidt, Chemical Minimalist
We might not be able to eliminate all of our exposure to Cadmium.
Yet we CAN take steps to reduce the amount of exposure we get.
I will be writing about ways to reduce our Cadmium exposure and ways to detox. Watch for my next article.
I love to help you to Enjoy Your Healthy Life! Gut Health is an important way to do this!
Pam Schmidt
Chemical Minimalist
Mindfulness Mentor
Find more articles about reducing toxins or join our community…. https://ChemicalMinimalist.com
P.S. Get the support you need to get things rearranged and reduce the chemicals in your home, food, cleaning supplies, and healthy supplements. Request a private consultation with me.P.P.S. Are you ready to Kick It Up in the New Year? I’ve got a course called Trash The Toxins, and I am looking for Beta Testers. Message me to chat about being a Beta Tester.
