The Environmental Protection Agency has known about the existence of inorganic arsenic in our soil for over 45 years, mostly from the use of pesticides. It seems that lead arsenate insecticides, used until they were banned in the 1980’s, left a lingering effect in our soil and still may be contaminating our food products to this day.
According to a news release on 9/19/12, the FDA is proactively researching and collecting data that should produce solid scientific findings by late 2012:
“The FDA is in the process of collecting and analyzing a total of approximately 1,200 samples to examine the issue thoroughly. This data collection will be completed by the end of 2012. Once the data collection is completed, FDA will analyze these results and determine whether or not to issue additional recommendations.” (http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm319972.htm)
Southern regions produce higher levels of arsenic in food
In the south, where rice is grown, the levels appear higher than in other locations across the country. The reasoning behind higher levels of arsenic may be associated to a few things:
*Farmers using lead-arsenate insecticides before they were banned
*Fertilizer from chickens fed arsenic laced feed
*Water flooded conditions used to force absorption into the root of the plant leading to higher concentrations of arsenic levels
Arsenic is mostly absorbed to the outer hull of rice, and unless the rice is “refined” the hull isn’t stripped away, leaving the higher levels to remain. Brown rice, for example, isn’t refined; white rice is refined. Therefore, higher levels remain in the brown rice.
Organic versus Inorganic Arsenic
There are two types of “arsenic”, which occur either naturally (organic) or unnaturally (inorganic). Inorganic arsenic occurs through pesticides and contributes to the problem of its absorption into plants, like rice.
Low levels of arsenic are found throughout the environment (air, water and soil) and naturally absorb into plant food as it grows, hence making it the largest natural provider of arsenic consumption by both humans and animals.
The more we are exposed, over time, to arsenic, the likely we are to see the side effects of higher exposure. Arsenic potentially affects the way our cells “communicate” and function within our bodies. Some researchers point the finger at various diseases being related to higher levels of arsenic consumption, such as:
*Skin Cancer
*Bladder/Lung Cancer
*Heart Disease
Fortunately, arsenic does not build up in the body and can quickly leave within 48 hours from consumption. However, constant overconsumption possibly leads to the above diseases. Exposure to arsenic can also be found in our water supply. The EPA limits the acceptable amounts to 10 parts per billion (ppb) in public drinking water; however, higher levels of arsenic can be found in privately owned wells.
Organic vs Non-organic rice, variety of grain consumption
According to the FDA, both products are susceptible to the problem of arsenic found in rice due the environmental exposures. However, what is crucial about consumption of grains is that our diet be varied versus concentrated on one type.
“It is critical to not get ahead of the science,” said FDA Deputy Commissioner for Foods Michael Taylor. “The FDA's ongoing data collection and other assessments will give us a solid scientific basis for determining what action levels and/or other steps are needed to reduce exposure to arsenic in rice and rice products.”
“We understand that consumers are concerned about this matter. That’s why the FDA has prioritized analyzing arsenic levels in rice. The FDA is committed to ensuring that we understand the extent to which substances such as arsenic are present in our foods, what risks they may pose, whether these risks can be minimized, and to sharing what we know,” said FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D. “Our advice right now is that consumers should continue to eat a balanced diet that includes a wide variety of grains – not only for good nutrition but also to minimize any potential consequences from consuming any one particular food.” (http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm319972.htm)
The most valuable thing we can learn from this lesson is to eat a balanced diet, filled with a variety of healthy foods. Since the majority of the problem with rice seems to rest in the consumption of arsenic absorption in the hull of the plant, then refined rice may be the better alternative. Again, variety of grains in our diet is the key.
Detoxification of toxins
If you want to learn more about natural and medical methods to detoxify your body, see the following link from the “Live Strong” website (http://www.livestrong.com/article/9782-need-treating-arsenic-poisoning/). From vitamin “C” to selenium consumption, there are various methods to use when ridding your body of unwanted toxins. The most natural way to help your body is to consume more variety of grains like legumes, vegetables and whole wheat.
Signs of arsenic poisoning may include severe headaches, nausea, change in nail pigment, diarrhea, hair loss, etc. Hair sample tests are typically taken to determine if you’ve been exposed to higher levels of arsenic and medical treatment can provide you with a healthy, balanced method for riding your body of what it cannot dispose of naturally.
Quick Tips for Wellness: The body can naturally rid itself of reasonable amounts of inorganic arsenic consumption, but only in moderation. A healthy balanced diet of grains is a reasonable approach to lowering the risk of arsenic consumption.
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