"Kidneys" have long been a cherished aphrodisiac for men, especially when grilled on a skewer. Under the belief of "like cures like," this food takes on a suggestive connotation. However, experts are warning men seeking to invigorate their kidneys that overindulging in "kidneys" may lead to infertility.
According to the latest research from Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan, livers and kidneys of pigs, cattle, and sheep all contain varying amounts of the heavy metal cadmium. While people are nourishing their bodies with these foods, they are also ingesting cadmium, which can very likely cause infertility. If the individual is also a smoker, the chances of infertility can be as high as 60%.
Vice President Lyu Bodong of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University pointed out that cadmium can induce degenerative changes in the structure and function of male reproductive organs such as the testes and epididymis, ultimately leading to a decline in reproductive capacity.
According to the World Health Organization's recommendations, a person's weekly exposure to cadmium should not exceed 7 micrograms per kilogram of body weight. "Kidneys," considered a food that "strengthens essence," contain high levels of cadmium. The harm of cadmium to human tissues and organs is multifaceted, primarily affecting the kidneys, liver, and reproductive function. It not only reduces sperm count but also affects the implantation of fertilized eggs. Due to cadmium's damage to chromosomes, the implantation of fertilized eggs may be hindered, impacting pregnancy.
If the individual is also a smoker, the chances of infertility can be as high as 60%, because each pack of smoked cigarettes increases the body's cadmium by 2 to 4 micrograms. Furthermore, chronic cadmium poisoning can cause kidney damage or lead to bone diseases.
Finally, Vice President Lyu Bodong reminds everyone that foods high in zinc can help excrete cadmium. Therefore, to prevent excessive intake of cadmium in daily life, one can choose foods rich in zinc. It is advisable to eat more vegetables and fruits. High-zinc foods are mainly shellfish, with oysters containing the most zinc. Alginic acid in seaweed can also help excrete cadmium from the body. Apples contain galacturonic acid, which is quite helpful for detoxification. Consuming more milk and soy products, with their rich calcium content, can serve as useful "toxicity movers." Additionally, it is important to quit smoking and minimize contact with cadmium-containing items such as batteries.