Can You Fight Lead Exposure Effects with Food?

Nutrition is a great way to help your body combat the effects of lead exposure from the inside.

Sadly, the residents of Flint are going to have to deal with the after shocks of lead exposure, especially the kids. I have found a few tips from from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Michigan State University Extension, and Hurley Children's Hospital on how your family can fight lead exposure effects with nutrition. Please remember, I am in no way a doctor, and I am not giving you medical advice. I am simply sharing helpful information that I have found.

There are three major lead-fighting nutrients that can help limit the effects of lead exposure to your family:

1. Calcium - Keeps your bones strong, so lead absorption is limited. You'll find calcium in milk, cheese, yogurt, green leafy veggies like spinach or kale. You can also get your calcium with fortified orange juice, tofu, and canned salmon or sardines.
2. Iron - Blocks the lead from making it's home in your body. Iron, of course, is in lean red meats, fish, and chicken. Other foods that contain Iron are dried fruit, beans, green leafy veggies like spinach or kale. You'll also find that some cereals, breads, or pastas, are Iron fortified.
3. Vitamin C - This vitamin works with Iron to make sure lead doesn't stay in your body. Vitamin C mostly is in your citrus fruits like oranges, and grapefruits. You'll also find this vitamin in tomatoes, peppers, kiwi, strawberries, and melons.

Keep in mind, that when you prepare or wash any of these foods, that you are using filtered water, not water that could potentially be hazardous.