UNDERSTANDING CADMIUM TOXICITY
- Aiyana Saint Gimbel
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Understanding Cadmium Toxicity
Exposure Routes
Occupational: Mining, battery manufacturing, metal work
Environmental: Contaminated soil and water
Lifestyle: Cigarette smoke (major source), certain foods (i never smoked in my life)
Health Effects
Primary Concerns:
Kidney damage and dysfunction
Bone demineralization and fractures
Respiratory complications
Cardiovascular effects
Cellular Mechanisms:
DNA repair inhibition
Reactive oxygen species generation
Genetic interference
Enzyme disruption
Bioaccumulation Challenge
With a biological half-life of 10-30 years, cadmium accumulates in the kidneys and liver, making prevention crucial as the body has limited capacity to eliminate this toxin once exposure occurs. The human body struggles to eliminate cadmium naturally, with a half-life spanning decades - meaning once exposed, this toxin remains in your system for an extraordinarily long time.
Exposure Types
Acute exposure: Sudden, high-level exposure causing immediate symptoms
Chronic exposure: Long-term, low-level exposure leading to gradual health deterioration
A Deeper Dive: Cadmium's Journey Through Body Systems
Understanding cadmium's path through our bodies gives us the knowledge to begin our healing journey.
Cadmium's Silent Invasion
Cadmium silently accumulates in our systems:
Initial Absorption:
3-8% absorbed through digestive tract
30-50% absorbed when inhaled (cigarette smoke being particularly potent)
Transported through bloodstream bound to proteins
Half-life in blood: 75-128 days
Systems Under Siege
Kidney Damage - Primary Target 🎯
Proximal tubular dysfunction (first sign)
Decreased filtration capacity
Protein leakage in urine
Progressive decline in kidney function
Increased risk of kidney stones
Skeletal System Weakening 🦴
Disrupts calcium metabolism
Decreases bone density (osteomalacia) (Dexa Scan proven Severe Osteoporosis)
Increases fracture risk
Creates bone pain and tenderness
May cause the painful "itai-itai" disease first documented in Japan
Respiratory Vulnerability
Damages lung tissue
Reduces lung function
Increases susceptibility to infections
Contributes to emphysema and COPD
Creates chronic inflammation
Cardiovascular Effects ❤️
Promotes atherosclerosis
Increases blood pressure
Contributes to heart disease
Disrupts heart rhythm
Damages blood vessel lining
Reproductive System Disruption 🌱
Reduces fertility
Impairs hormone production
Damages developing embryos
Crosses placental barrier
Accumulates in reproductive organs
Neurological Impacts 🧠
Crosses blood-brain barrier
Contributes to cognitive decline
May play role in neurodegenerative diseases
Creates headaches and dizziness
Affects mood regulation
The Cellular Battlefield 🔬
At the microscopic level, cadmium:
Depletes glutathione (master antioxidant)
Generates harmful free radicals
Inhibits DNA repair mechanisms
Disrupts zinc-dependent enzymes
Interferes with cellular energy production
Triggers inflammatory cascades
Akin to when Oyasin "turned the deeper blue-green and was ready for adventure," our cells change under cadmium's influence - but unlike his positive transformation, these cellular changes create vulnerability.
The Healing Path Forward
This wisdom reminds us that even with cadmium's extensive effects, healing is possible. The body has remarkable resilience when supported properly - just as Oyasin found his strength after feeling weak and trembling.
Through the "Three Thoughtful Breaths" and reconnection with nature's wisdom, we begin our journey back to wholeness
Healing Past Cadmium:
A Journey of Restoration
Understanding Cadmium's Challenge
Cadmium's stubborn 10–30-year half-life in the body makes healing a patient journey.
Supportive Detoxification:
Metallothionein protein activation (natural cadmium binder)
Zinc restoration (cadmium depletes zinc stores)
Liver and kidney support (primary detoxification organs)
Antioxidant support to counter oxidative damage
Holistic Approaches:
Gentle, supervised chelation protocols
Mineral balance restoration
Targeted nutritional therapy
Gut healing to prevent reabsorption
The Theta Healing Perspective
As experienced in Theta Hypnotherapy practice at the foothill of Mauna Kea, healing often requires addressing both the physical vessel and the energetic blueprint. My near death experience in 2011 revealed how environmental toxins had affected my body, creating a profound understanding of the healing journey.
Through Theta Activations you can:
Release cellular memory of toxic exposure
Restore energetic flow to affected organs
Address subconscious patterns around healing
Activate the body's innate wisdom
Nature's Wisdom in Recovery
Supportive Plants:
Ayurvedic HADJOD (bone rebuilder and pain relief). Saved my life. Read More Here
Chlorophyll-rich foods (natural detoxifiers)
Burdock root and dandelion (traditional purifiers)
Milk thistle (liver support)
Adaptogens for resilience during healing
Lifestyle Practices:
Connection with natural water sources
Organic, clean nutrition
Reducing ongoing exposures
The Integration of Healing
Healing from cadmium requires diverse, complementary approaches that nourish both body and spirit.
In my Thai massage and Theta Hypnotherapy practice, I've witnessed how transformation occurs when people connect with their "deep truths of being" – finding that integration point where physical healing meets spiritual awakening.
The journey of restoration from cadmium toxicity isn't just about removing a metal – it's about restoring harmony to the body's natural systems, much like the time of healing and Great Peace.
Silent Invaders: My Journey with Cadmium Toxicity
Friends, in our "Silent Invaders" blog series, we first explored mercury. Today, I'm getting personal about cadmium - a heavy metal that nearly took my life.
How Am I Still Walking?
On 11/11/11, I experienced a near-death journey at Hilo Medical Center. What led me there?
Pulmonary embolisms in both lungs
Deep vein thrombosis
Kidney concerns
GI bleeding
Brittle bones
Energy so depleted I couldn't thrive
What I didn't know then: cadmium had silently invaded my body systems for years, weakening my bones, damaging my kidneys, and affecting my cardiovascular health.
Tragic Turned to Magic!
I returned from that journey between worlds with purpose - my grandson Leo was to be born just 10 days later on 11/21/11. The universe wasn't finished with me yet!
This healing journey taught me that our bodies have remarkable resilience when we support them with love, intention, and earth wisdom.
I'm now able to share this transformation story! Visit my blog for the full post about cadmium's effects and the healing path forward.
Remember, as Oyasin's mother whispered: "All Will Be Well."
#HeavyMetalDetox #HealingJourney #WildlyAiyana #SilentInvaders #CadmiumAwareness #freexandrah #ToxicNation #MakeAmericaHealthyAgain #CadmiumToxicity
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