Cadmium and Telomeres

Researchers at George Washington University found that a higher exposure to a certain type of metal, cadmium, has an impact on telomeres within the human body.  As a person gets older, these telomeres begin to shorten which contributes to the aging process.  Telomeres are small bits of DNA within the human body; they are “caps” found on the end of chromosomes designed to protect the genetic code in the chromosome. These telomeres are connected with age-related health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other old-age disease.  If you want to prevent disease and slow the aging process, then it is essential to proactively work to maintain longer telomeres.

The problem is that exposure to cadmium is strongly associated with telomere shortening.  When cells are exposed to cadmium, it can lead to premature aging of the cells.  So, cadmium exposure might actually be speeding up the aging process!  When this heavy metal gets into the body, it can move through the blood stream and contribute to kidney problems and other health issues.

In addition to the common signs of aging, cadmium exposure is also linked with cancer, respiratory issues, and heart disease.

Researchers find the Link between Cadmium and Aging

The research done through George Washington University discovered through blood and urine samples that there is a direct connection between telomeres length and cadmium concentration.  The participants were divided into four groups based on the cadmium levels tested in their bloodstream.

It was found that the people with the highest levels of cadmium also had the shortest telomeres.  These people also looked older than their chronological age, by as much as 11 years.

Even though it is typical to have normal wear and tear which reduces telomere length, there are certain lifestyle factors that speed up the process.  By decreasing cadmium exposure, it is possible to prevent the telomere shortening, and as a result slow down the aging process.

Cadmium Exposure in Your Daily Life

It is likely that you are exposed to cadmium on a regular basis, even though you might be completely oblivious to this exposure.  Most people experience exposure to small amounts of toxic cadmium by eating produce that was grown in soil contaminated with cadmium, inhaling tobacco smoke, or living in an area where industrial work is done.

Even cadmium levels that are considered “safe” by occupational and environmental safety agencies can have an impact on the human body.  So, don’t be fooled into thinking that safe levels of cadmium are ok. Instead, it is best to avoid exposure all together.

Bottomline:  Avoid excessive cadmium exposure whenever possible.  There are certain things that are out of your control, like where you live, but you can take control of other factors that are just as impactful on your aging process.  One of the easiest ways to slow your aging process is to watch what you eat.  Shop at your local farmers market and buy foods that aren’t exposed to pesticides and other chemicals to minimize cadmium exposure.  Stay away from the people that smoke (if possible)… second hand smoke has been shown to greatly increase your susceptibility to lung cancer as well as speed your aging.  Also do the best you can to spend time away from areas with heavy traffic, construction and large factories that expel large quantities of chemicals.  Surrounding yourself with wholesome organic food, fresh air and natural environmental settings is a simple and effective way to slow your aging and promote optimal health.