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Cadmium in food: The hidden toxin sabotaging our health & how to fight it back!

Balance your hormones Detox your body Gut health
Nabil Besri Profile picture Co-founder of MyAuthentikSpoon
Nabil Besri

February 5, 2025

Are you struggling with low energy, weight loss resistance, or inflammation?

Cadmium in food is more common than you think, and it could be affecting your well-being in ways you don’t realize. You eat healthy, exercise regularly, and try to make the best choices for your health, yet something still feels off. You wake up tired, struggle with cravings, can’t find a solution to lose weight and feel like your metabolism just isn’t working the way it should. What if the culprit isn’t your diet or routine but something hidden in your food? Cadmium—a toxic heavy metal—may be silently affecting your health.

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Heavy metals in our food: What’s really happening?

Cadmium is a naturally occurring heavy metal that has become a widespread contaminant due to environmental pollution, industrial waste, and agricultural practices. Once it enters the food chain, it accumulates in crops, seafood, and processed foods, making its way onto our plates.

Foods most affected by cadmium:

  • Cereals and bread (34%) – A major source due to soil contamination
  • Leafy vegetables (20%) – Lettuce, spinach, and kale absorb cadmium from the soil
  • Potatoes (11%) – A staple in many diets but prone to contamination
  • Legumes and nuts (7%) – Includes beans, peanuts, and sunflower seeds
  • Root vegetables (6%) – Carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes
  • Seafood (mollusks & crustaceans) – Shellfish accumulate heavy metals from water
  • Processed foods – Potato chips, cereal bars, and chocolate can contain higher levels

Even healthy foods can be unintentionally exposing us to toxic levels of cadmium over time.

The silent health threat: How cadmium affects your body

Long-term exposure to cadmium can cause serious harm to your body, even at low levels. Here’s how:

1. Gut health & detox impairment

Cadmium disrupts the gut microbiome, making it harder for the body to absorb essential nutrients and detox naturally. This can lead to digestive issues, bloating, and fatigue.

2. Hormonal imbalance

Heavy metals like cadmium interfere with hormone production, affecting thyroid function, adrenal health, and insulin regulation—making weight loss and energy balance more difficult.

3. Weight loss resistance

Chronic exposure can contribute to inflammation and metabolic slowdown, leading to difficulty losing weight, persistent cravings, and blood sugar imbalances.

4. Inflammation & chronic disease risk

Cadmium is linked to kidney damage, bone loss, and an increased risk of cancer (including lung, bladder, and breast cancer). It also fuels chronic inflammation, which is the root cause of many modern diseases.

You can checkout the following article from the European commission to learn more on Cadmium presence in Food and it’s impact to our health.

Detox & protect: How to reduce cadmium exposure

A variety of healthy foods, including fish, berries, and greens, for detox, weight loss, and anti-aging benefits
Fuel your body with nutrient-rich foods for healthy aging, weight loss, and a natural detox.

The good news? You CAN reduce your exposure and support your body’s natural detoxification. Here’s how:

  • Diversify your diet to minimize repeated exposure to high-cadmium foods.
  • Choose whole, unprocessed foods over refined cereals, biscuits, and snacks.
  • Increase mineral-rich foods to block cadmium absorption:
    • Iron: Grass-fed meats, eggs, lentils, and dark leafy greens
    • Zinc: Pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, shellfish
    • Calcium: Tahini, almonds, sardines
  • Prioritize anti-inflammatory foods to counteract heavy metal toxicity:
    • Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts)
    • Turmeric, ginger, and green tea
    • Omega-3s (wild-caught salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts)
  • Choose organic produce when possible – Studies suggest organic vegetables and fruits contain up to 50% less cadmium compared to conventionally grown crops.
  • Drink filtered water to eliminate potential plastic contaminants.
  • Support natural detox pathways with liver-cleansing foods:
    • Lemon water, beets, cilantro, dandelion tea
  • Engage in sweat therapy – Regular exercise, sauna sessions, and movement help eliminate toxins.
  • Balance your hormones – Supporting liver function, reducing inflammation, and consuming hormone-balancing foods like cruciferous vegetables, healthy fats, and adaptogenic herbs can help mitigate the endocrine-disrupting effects of cadmium.

Time for a reset: whether you fast or not, join our Ramadan detox challenge

Ramadan challenge 2025
Join our Ramadan challenge from February 17 to 21 to reset your body and support your natural detoxification. Free registration – sign up now!

If you’re looking for a guided, science-backed way to detox and gain energy, our Ramadan challenge is the perfect opportunity. Designed by six health experts, this program will help you learn how to:

Improve gut health and digestion
Boost energy levels and metabolic function
Reduce sugar and stimulant dependency
Stay motivated and energized

Whether you are fasting or not, this challenge is designed to help you feel lighter, more energized, and in control of your health.

📅 Challenge runs from February 17 to 21 🔗 Join now !

Take control of your health today

Your health is in your hands. By making small but powerful changes today, you can detox naturally, reduce inflammation, and regain control of your energy and well-being. Start by making informed food choices and supporting your body’s detoxification—one meal at a time.

For those ready to take action and looking for expert guidance to boost their natural detoxification process, our Detox Coaching Program offers a personalized approach to overcoming sluggish detox pathways and optimizing health.

Join us for the Ramadan challenge or explore our coaching program to start your journey toward a healthier, stronger you.

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About the author

Nabil Besri Profile picture Co-founder of MyAuthentikSpoon

Meet Nabil, the co-founder and COO of MyAuthentikSpoon, an online plateform dedicated to helping people make better food choices for stronger wellbeing. If you’re ready to tackle wellness with a fresh perspective, schedule a complimentary private consultation with our expert naturopathic coach to receive personalised dietary insights and weight management strategies. This is your opportunity to have your questions answered and to learn how to incorporate the food choices into your lifestyle and achieve a better wellbeing.

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