Heavy metals in spices
Turmeric is in the news again after being identified as the source of lead poisoning. A recent Consumer Report also found widespread lead, cadmium, arsenic contamination in 126 spices they tested
Turmeric is in the news again after being identified as the source of lead poisoning in at least four Seattle-area families recently - how can you protect yourself and your family? I break it all down here.
Let me start with some good news first. Although lead poisoning sounds scary, the blood levels in the average American has dropped since the 1990s thanks to public health measures like taking lead out of gasoline and the banning of lead pipes in 1986.
However, it is now sadly being found in our everyday products like supplements, protein powders, matcha and yup - herbs and spices.
Although devastating, lead poisoning via turmeric is nothing new. New York City’s health department tested nearly 1,500 samples of spices between 2008 and 2017 and found detectable levels of lead in nearly half the samples of turmeric.1
A more recent Consumer Report Nov 2021 which tested 126 herbs and spices found2:
40 products had high enough levels of arsenic, lead, and cadmium combined to pose a health threat to children when consumed regularly in typical serving sizes
31 products had levels of lead that exceeded the maximum amount anyone should have in a day
What symptoms might suggest lead toxicity?
Here are some signs and symptoms of lead toxicity in children - please note, this is not diagnostic - this is for general education, and you should always work with your medical provider so they can take the appropriate assessments as other conditions may also cause these symptoms:
Developmental delay e.g. late speech, walking.
Anemia
Learning difficulties or lowered IQ
Irritability
Tiredness
Weight loss
Abdominal pain
Vomiting
Constipation
Hearing loss
Seizures
Eating things, such as paint chips, that aren't food (pica)
Some signs and symptoms in adults (again, this is not diagnostic, work with your doctor) :
High blood pressure
Joint and muscle pain
Difficulties with memory or concentration
Headache
Abdominal pain
Mood disorders
Reduced sperm count and abnormal sperm
Miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth in pregnant women
(Source: Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lead-poisoning/symptoms-causes/syc-20354717)
I hear many of you say: “This is depressing. We think we are being healthy by adding these beneficial herbs and spices to our food, and then we learn that so many of them are contaminated by harmful heavy metals…”
I hear you. I am super frustrated too and I know it’s overwhelming.
However, I encourage you to focus on that which is within your control and turn this mindset around. There ARE things within our control; celebrate the fact you are here learning and empowering yourself with information that will help protect you and your family. Keeping reading to find out what steps you can take as well as my personal recommendations.
