Arsenic
The silent contaminant. Arsenic is found naturally in groundwater, concentrated in rice, and present in some apple juice and chicken. Chronic low-level exposure is common and underrecognized. It's a known carcinogen and damages skin, blood vessels, and nerves. Methylation is required for detoxification.
Arsenic Sources
Well Water
Private wells often untested. Natural geological presence. Test your water.
Rice & Rice Products
Rice absorbs arsenic from soil/water. Rice milk, rice cereal. Basmati lower.
Apple/Grape Juice
Historic pesticide use on orchards. Contaminated soil persists.
Chicken
Roxarsone was used in poultry feed. Now banned but legacy exposure.
Seaweed
Hijiki seaweed high in inorganic arsenic. Other seaweeds less concern.
Pressure-Treated Wood
Older decks, playgrounds. CCA treatment. Don't burn it.
Health Effects
Skin Changes
Hyperpigmentation, keratosis. Early signs of chronic exposure.
Cancer Risk
Skin, lung, bladder cancer. Class 1 carcinogen by IARC.
Cardiovascular
Blood vessel damage. Increased heart disease. Peripheral vascular.
Diabetes
Disrupts insulin signaling. Associated with type 2 diabetes risk.
Neurological
Peripheral neuropathy. Cognitive effects. Developmental concerns.
Immune Effects
Immunosuppression. Increased infection susceptibility.
Reducing Exposure & Enhancing Detox
Test Water
Especially well water. Reverse osmosis removes arsenic effectively.
Cook Rice Differently
Rinse rice. Cook in excess water, drain. Reduces arsenic 50%+.
Choose Lower-Arsenic Rice
Basmati, jasmine. Avoid US-grown. California lower than Southeast.
Support Methylation
Arsenic detox requires methylation. B vitamins, folate, betaine support.
Selenium
Protective against arsenic toxicity. Brazil nuts, seafood.
Vary Grains
Don't rely solely on rice. Quinoa, oats, other grains lower arsenic.