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Heavy metals are all around us, which means they have a tendency to seep into our foods. A 2021 report found that, “commercial baby foods are tainted with significant levels of toxic heavy metals”. This can be an alarming statistic for parents. Thankfully, there are foods that counteract and/or “bind” toxins.

Here’s What You Need To Know:

  • A 2021 report found that, “commercial baby foods are tainted with significant levels of toxic heavy metals”.
  • There is no way to entirely remove heavy metals from our foods.
  • The four main toxins that cause health issues are mercury, lead, arsenic, and cadmium.
  • There are healthy foods that help counteract heavy metals, like broccoli, bok choy, and blueberries.

What can I do as a parent?

The four main toxins that cause health issues are mercury, lead, arsenic, and cadmium – all of which have been found in supermarket baby foods.

It’s impossible to avoid heavy metals altogether. However, below are a few things you can do to remove them from your baby’s body.

  1. Incorporate “Binders” & “Blockers”

Tomatoes, blueberries, spirulina, and garlic bind to heavy metals and remove them. Broccoli, kale, and beans are high in calcium and iron, two nutrients that block lead absorption.

  1. Choose Foods High in Antioxidants

Heavy metals create free radicals, which can cause serious illnesses if levels get too high. Antioxidants destroy free radicals and boost your little one’s immune system. Turmeric, spirulina, broccoli, spinach, carrots, and potatoes are all high in antioxidants.

  1. Combine Iron Rich Foods with Vitamin C

Vitamin C boosts the absorption of iron. Therefore, iron rich foods should be served along with foods rich in vitamin C. Kiwis, papaya, peppers and tomatoes are great options.

  1. Avoid Foods High in Dangerous Metals

Soy contains dangerous amounts of cadmium. Rice absorbs more arsenic than any other crop.
Fruit Juice also has worrisome levels of arsenic.

How do heavy metals get into food?

  • Water run-off: Contaminated water runs off and pollutes soil.
  • Contaminants: Metal scrapes off of food processing machines and cooking equipment.
  • Soil: Soil becomes polluted through farming or industrial manufacturing practices.

Why does it matter?

Studies show that exposure to lead can cause learning and behavioral problems. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, it can cause lasting problems with growth and development, including lower IQ, Autism, ADHD, hearing problems, and Anemia.

How is Yumi different?

We partner with trusted farms that are USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and follow rigorous food safety testing. We also look at federal data on soil contamination to find the best farms.

Summary

Babies’ vulnerable bodies and brains are far more sensitive to harmful metals and chemicals.

Even slight exposure in the first 1,000 days of life can have lasting effects.

As the recipient of the Clean Label Project Purity Award, you can feel great knowing that Yumi blends are tested for over 400 environmental and industrial toxins.

About the Author

Tia Ann

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