Heavy Metal Toxicity
An unfortunate side effect of our vastly industrialized society is the release of heavy metals and pollutants into the environment, and their subsequent absorption into our bodies. The accumulation of heavy metals in the body poses a major health risk and can be responsible for a variety of diseases from neurological and auto-immune disorders to cancer. Fortunately, there are many ways to detoxify our bodies from heavy metals.
How do heavy metals get into our bodies?
Heavy metals are released into the environment by chemicals, industrial plants, and fossil fuel combustion. They can also come from natural sources such as the erosion of rocks and soil. These metals then contaminate the environment and can find their way into our bodies through air, water and food. Some heavy metals become more concentrated as they continue through the food chain through a process called “biomagnification.” An example of biomagnificaiton is when a small fish with a low level of mercury is eaten by a bigger fish, then the bigger fish, as a result, has a higher level of mercury (its own plus that of the fish it has eaten). Then if another fish eats that fish, it ends up with an even higher mercury level. This is the reason that tuna is known to have high levels of mercury. And if we then eat that tuna, we are also eating that accumulated mercury. Heavy metals can also make their way into our bodies by absorption into the skin and inhalation.What are some of the metals considered “Heavy Metals”?
Although there are 23 elements on the periodic table that are considered heavy metals, the ones that are most frequently associated with heavy metal toxicity are mercury, lead, aluminum, cadmium, and arsenic.What are the common symptoms of heavy metal toxicity?
Though there are many symptoms of heavy metal toxicity, some of the more common symptoms associated with long-term exposure are fatigue, brain fog, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, allergies, rashes and skin lesions. Heavy metal toxicity may be also be associated with neurological disorders, circulatory disorders, kidney and thyroid problems, cardiovascular disease, anemia, stroke, diabetes, respiratory illness, osteoporosis and cancer.How do you test for heavy metals?
One of the best ways to test for heavy metals is with a urine test. These tests are relatively inexpensive, easy to use, and can be completed at home. A urine sample is sent to a lab to be analyzed and each metal tested receives a score to see if it is within safe range. Testing is done for a total of 20 heavy metals.What can be done to reduce the amount of heavy metals in the body?
There are holistic programs to reduce the amount of heavy metals in the body. These programs are specific to each person and also depend on which metals show up in problem amounts. The programs may consist of a combination of dietary modifications, nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies and detoxification practices. All programs are clearly written out and designed to be easy to follow.
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