What are the dangers of heavy metals and how can heavy metals be eliminated?

The symptoms and even chronic diseases associated with heavy metal poisoning are now considered a problem that affects millions of people. This makes it all the more important to include a heavy metal detox in your routine from time to time.

Exposure to toxic heavy metals is thought to contribute to, if not be the main cause of, symptoms such as lack of energy, mood swings and cognitive changes.

Heavy metals first enter the bloodstream via food fish, contaminated water, dental fillings and household products. From there, they migrate through the body and penetrate the cells of various tissues and organs, where they can remain for years!

How to combat heavy metal poisoning? Undergoing a heavy metal detox is one of the best ways to reverse the symptoms.

However, you should be aware that some symptoms may worsen and then improve as you work to manage heavy metal toxicity. Possible detoxification symptoms of heavy metals can include fatigue, loss of appetite and digestive problems.

Want to know how to detox your body from heavy metals and other chemicals? Follow the heavy metal detox diet below to rid your body of toxins.

Contents

• The hidden risks of heavy metals and how you can protect yourself
• Signs and symptoms of heavy metal poisoning
• How do heavy metals get into the body?
• What a heavy metal detox really means and how it can improve your health
• The best nutritional tips to support heavy metal detoxification
• Mastering the healing crisis: recognizing and treating symptoms of heavy metal detoxification
• How long does a heavy metal detox take?
• Precautions and adverse effects

The hidden risks of heavy metals and how you can protect yourself

What exactly are heavy metals? Heavy metals are substances that can be toxic and very dangerous even in low concentrations.

Heavy metals that can lead to toxicity (or "poisoning") include:

• Mercury
• Lead
• Arsenic
• Cadmium
• Aluminum
• Nickel
• Uranium
• Thallium

Other definitions include manganese, iron, lithium, zinc and calcium. (Yes, under certain conditions even very high concentrations of essential minerals can be dangerous).

The term heavy metal toxicity describes a range of health problems caused by exposure to environmental metals that accumulate in the body. According to a report in the Scientific World Journal, "Toxic metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury are ubiquitous, do not play a positive role in human homeostasis and contribute to chronic, non-communicable diseases".

Researchers have found that significant exposure to at least 23 different environmental metals (called heavy metals) can contribute to acute or chronic toxicity. These metals are called heavy metals because they persist in the body and are deposited particularly in adipose tissue (fat cells). As they are difficult to excrete, they are fat-soluble toxins.

Body fat tries to protect the organs by trapping certain substances, including some metals, and keeping them in place. For this reason, weight loss can sometimes also lead to detoxification of heavy metals as the fat cells shrink and release the toxins.

It is practically impossible to completely avoid heavy metal exposure, as heavy metals occur naturally in food, water and soil all over the world. Environmental metals are problematic because they can accumulate in body tissues over time, often without the affected person realizing it. Heavy metal poisoning can lead to impaired mental and central nervous functions as well as damage to vital organs such as the liver, heart, endocrine glands and kidneys.

Long-term exposure to heavy metals can lead to physical, muscular and neurological degradation processes. In severe cases, the symptoms of heavy metal poisoning can even mimic the symptoms of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis.

Because the symptoms of heavy metal toxicity are similar to those of aging (e.g., memory loss and increasing fatigue), many people blame the onset of their symptoms on aging without realizing that heavy metal exposure is an important factor.

In addition, heavy metals such as arsenic, lead and cadmium in food have been linked in several studies to various types of cancer, including lung, kidney, bladder, stomach, brain, skin, liver, prostate, breast, pancreatic and uterine cancers.

They have also been associated with risk factors for reproductive, neurological, renal, respiratory, hematologic, skin, cardiovascular, immunologic and developmental problems.

Signs and symptoms of heavy metal poisoning

Some of the most common symptoms of heavy metal poisoning are:

• Chronic fatigue
• Autoimmune diseases, including Lyme disease
• Difficult recovery after physical exertion and feeling of weakness
• Skin irritation
• Neurological disorders
• Brain fog, concentration problems, learning difficulties and declining memory
• Depression, manic depression and/or anxiety
• Dementia
• Insomnia
• Digestive complaints, e.g. irritable bowel syndrome
• Chronic pain, e.g. with fibromyalgia
• Trembling
• Impairment of motor skills, hearing, speech, vision and walking
• Anemia
• Increased risk of heart attack

How do heavy metals get into the body?

Mercury poisoning is one of the most common forms of heavy metal poisoning.

Almost everyone in the world has at least traces of mercury in their bodies. Why is that? Some of the factors that can cause mercury poisoning (and other types of heavy metal poisoning) are:

• Contact with environmental pollutants such as traffic exhaust fumes, air pollution, food pollutants, cigarette smoke or radiation
• Dental fillings made from amalgam (silver fillings slowly release mercury into the body)
• Eating low-quality or processed food (e.g. fish from farms containing high levels of mercury)
• Drinking water that is contaminated with metal residues (e.g. aluminum)
• At birth (heavy metals can be transferred from the mother to the child in the womb)
• Exposure to or use of household products containing mercury such as adhesives, air conditioning filters, cosmetics or fabric softeners
• Tattoos
• Contact with lead-containing substances such as chocolate, canned food, toothpaste, old paints, insecticides, ceramics and some pottery and soldered pipes
• Use of or contact with other household items such as antiperspirants, baking soda, certain baby foods, plastic toys, certain medications to neutralize stomach acid, aluminum foil, some types of metal pots and pans, stainless steel cutlery, coins and some cosmetic products.

In large quantities, mercury is one of the deadliest metals of all. Some studies have shown that the myelin sheath (the fatty substance that surrounds the axon of some nerve cells and supports electrical signal transmission) can be seriously damaged when nerves are exposed to mercury, disrupting communication between nerves.

What are the warning signs and side effects of mercury poisoning? These include changes in the central nervous system, irritability, fatigue, behavioral changes, tremors, headaches, hearing problems, skin damage and cognitive impairment.

Can you die from heavy metal poisoning? In some severe cases, metal poisoning has led to hallucinations and even death.

What a heavy metal detox really means and how it can improve your health

If you suspect that you have been exposed to excessive amounts of metal, you should have your doctor or naturopath test you for metal poisoning. Heavy metal tests in the form of hair analyses or blood samples are now widely available and useful for confirming suspected poisoning.

Even if you don't want to be tested for toxicity, many of the diet and lifestyle changes described below are beneficial for immune system function, gut health, liver function and more.

The main aim of a heavy metal detox is to remove accumulated heavy metals from the brain and nervous system. The kidneys, liver, heart, lymphatic system and respiratory system also benefit from detoxification, e.g. a liver cleanse or brain detox.

How are toxins eliminated from the body? The most common method is chelation therapy.

Chelation therapy is a medical procedure (which can also be carried out at home) in which chelating agents are administered to remove heavy metals from the body by binding to molecules so that they can be dissolved and excreted in the urine.

Chelation is crucial for the natural detoxification of heavy metals as it works with glutathione and other small molecules to promote elimination. It is recommended that this treatment is carried out by a doctor as serious side effects such as withdrawal of essential minerals and cognitive impairment are possible.

Other ways to detoxify the body of heavy metals include changing your diet and taking herbs and supplements that help break down the metals into smaller molecules so that they can be excreted through urine, stool, sweat and even the air we breathe.

The benefits of heavy metal detoxification include

• Reduction of damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress
• Increasing the energy level
• Improved immune defense and intestinal health
• Better digestive function
• Increased mental performance (attention, memory, learning, etc.)
• Healthier skin
• Greater resistance to cognitive disorders and autoimmune diseases

 

The best nutritional tips to support heavy metal detoxification

Changing your diet should be the first step towards improving your overall health. Which foods can help to remove heavy metals from the body?

The following foods should be consumed during a heavy metal detox:

• Herbs and spices - Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant herbs and spices such as basil, parsley, oregano, rosemary, thyme, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon and coriander can assist with heavy metal elimination. Coriander is one of the best detoxifying herbs and can help reduce the accumulation of heavy metals such as mercury and lead in the body. Try adding herbs like cilantro and parsley to freshly squeezed green juices.
• Foods high in vitamin C can reduce the damage caused by heavy metals because they act as antioxidants. Foods high in vitamin C include citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits, leafy greens such as spinach and kale, all types of berries, broccoli and cruciferous vegetables, kiwi, papaya, guava and peppers.
• Garlic and onions - These vegetables contain sulphur, which helps the liver to detoxify heavy metals such as lead and arsenic.
• Water - Drink half a liter of water or vegetable juice every two hours to maintain fluid balance and help eliminate toxins.
• Flax and chia seeds - They provide omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, which can help detoxify the colon and reduce inflammation.
• Bone broth - Bone broth contributes to hydration, provides important minerals and supports liver health by supplying glutathione. It also provides amino acids that help to strengthen the organs. Consume bone broth by either making it yourself and drinking several cups a day, or by using protein powder made from bone broth.

You should avoid the following foods during detoxification:

• Farmed fish - Especially fish from countries where quality is not controlled can contain heavy metals, dioxins and PCBs, which are highly toxic. The worst culprits are shad curls, swordfish, shark, king mackerel and bigeye tuna. You can still eat fish several times a week - just choose fish that contains less mercury and buy wild-caught fish, preferably from a local dealer you trust.
• Food allergens - If your body is fighting common allergens and has high levels of inflammation, it will not be able to detoxify a heavy metal load.
• Non-organic foods - These foods increase exposure to chemicals that aggravate symptoms. Some of the worst offenders include conventional apple juice and brown rice products. For a list of other foods you should always try to buy organic, check out the Dirty Dozen's list of the most pesticide-laden products tested by the Environmental Working Group.
• Foods with additives - Additives can increase symptoms of intoxication and impair the body's ability to detoxify.
• Alcohol - Too much alcohol is toxic to the body and can make it harder for the liver to process other toxins.

The following food supplements are effective in the treatment of heavy metal poisoning:

• Chlorella (1-4 grams per day or about 4-8 capsules per day) - Chlorella is a type of green algae that is a natural chelating agent that removes heavy metals, especially lead and mercury, from the body. It is an excellent source of chlorophyll and "hungry" for metals.
• Vitamin C (3,000 mg daily) - Acts as an antioxidant and helps to reduce free radicals.
• Coriander (preferably twice a day as a tincture)
• Shilajit (between 100 and 500 milligrams daily, usually in powder form) - Shilajit is an adaptogenic herb that shares some similarities with activated charcoal, mainly the high carbon content. It is a natural chelating agent as it contains fulvic acid and humic acid, which bind toxic molecules.
• Milk thistle (150 mg 2 times daily or milk thistle tea 1-3 times daily) - One of the most popular herbs for liver detoxification. Silybin is the component with the highest biological activity and has strong antioxidant properties. It can act as a toxin blocker by inhibiting the binding of toxins to cell membrane receptors. Silymarin has been shown to reduce liver damage and is used to treat alcoholic liver disease, acute and chronic viral hepatitis and toxin-induced liver disease.
• Probiotics (20 billion units once a day) - can improve intestinal detoxification and strengthen the immune system.

 

Possible treatment methods are

• Chelation therapy - Of all the detoxification methods for heavy metals, chelation therapy is probably one of the most effective ways to reduce high levels of heavy metal exposure, especially metals such as lead, mercury, aluminum and arsenic. Chelation therapy involves administering a chemical solution called ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to the body - usually by injecting it directly into the bloodstream - so that it binds with excess minerals. EDTA chelation therapy helps excrete metals by binding salts to molecules. After EDTA binds the heavy metals, the two travel together to the kidneys where they are excreted in the urine. Most people require between 5 and 30 chelation therapy sessions to achieve the best results. Although the treatment is generally considered safe, side effects can occur.
  What side effects can chelation therapy have? These include burning at the injection site, vomiting, dizziness, fever, headaches, nausea, symptoms of hypoglycemia and changes in blood pressure.
• Activated carbon - Activated carbon is a treatment in which metals and toxins are removed by adsorption. Adsorption is a chemical reaction in which elements are bound to a surface. The porous surface of activated carbon has a negative electrical charge, which causes positively charged toxins and gases to bind to it. The effectiveness of activated charcoal is so high that it is even used as an emergency treatment to remove toxins from the body very quickly. Make sure that the activated charcoal is made from coconut shells or certain types of wood and is very fine-grained. When taking activated charcoal, it is important that you drink 12-16 glasses of water a day.
• Bentonite Clay - Clay is used to absorb toxins as it acts like a sponge or magnet for chemicals and metals in the body. Due to its polycationic nature, bentonite clay absorbs negatively charged toxins. Most clays are for external use only. However, some high-quality organic clays can also be used internally, although caution is advised. Check with the manufacturer to ensure that the clay is safe to consume. Historically, many cultures have ingested clays to absorb minerals and cleanse the body of parasites and other microbes. If you want to use clay internally, mix half a teaspoon with water, shake it and take it once a day.
• Triphala - Triphala is a traditional Ayurvedic herbal preparation made from the dried powder of three different fruits that contain powerful antioxidants: Gallic acid, ellagic acid and chebulic acid. Triphala has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antidiarrheal properties. Consuming triphala can help cleanse the digestive tract, relieve constipation and promote regular bowel movements, which are important for removing metals, bacteria and excess fatty acids from the body. Triphala can be taken as a tea, powder, liquid tincture or capsules. It should be taken on an empty stomach, preferably about two hours before bedtime.
• Homemade itch cream - If you suffer from skin irritation or itching before or during heavy metal detoxification, you can apply an itch cream to soothe the inflammation. Such a cream contains coconut oil and shea butter to increase the skin's moisture content, essential oils to fight infection and aid healing, and ingredients such as apple cider vinegar and bentonite clay to cleanse and detoxify the skin. Apply the cream 2-3 times to itchy skin areas. (Do not use if you are allergic to any of the ingredients).

 

Mastering the healing crisis: recognizing and treating symptoms of heavy metal detoxification

When you start the detox, you may experience some symptoms as your body needs to acclimatize. Before you feel better and notice an improvement in your health, you may initially feel worse for a short time during a heavy metal detox. This is a sign that your body is going through changes that you may not find pleasant, but which will ultimately make you healthier.

You should remember that your body is healing itself and that you will have to go through a transition phase that may feel uncomfortable.

What symptoms can detoxification have?

Possible detoxification symptoms of heavy metals that may occur temporarily during detoxification are:

• Flatulence and bloating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Headache
• Skin rash
• Changes in appetite
• Low energy
• Metallic or sour taste in the mouth
• Some people find that they struggle with significant side effects/symptoms if they approach detoxification too "aggressively" and too quickly. It is advisable to detox slowly and gradually. Start with a change in diet and then add herbs, supplements and treatments over a period of at least a few weeks or months.

Try to stick to the detox plan described above and be patient - it will be worth it! To alleviate symptoms, drink plenty of fluids, get enough sleep, eat a nutritious diet, avoid stress and exercise moderately until you have more energy.

How long does a heavy metal detox take?

This depends on how high your heavy metal load is, from what source it originates and how hard you are trying to rid yourself of these metals.

Remember that heavy metal exposure builds up slowly over many years, so the elimination of metals doesn't happen overnight. It may take months or longer to get a handle on the problem, but it's important to stay on track as toxicity can have lifelong negative effects on your health.

Precautions and adverse effects

As heavy metal poisoning can cause numerous health problems, it is often possible for the poisoning to be mistaken for another underlying condition. If you are concerned about your heavy metal levels, you should consult a doctor who can make a diagnosis.

It is particularly important for women who want to become pregnant in the near future to determine their heavy metal exposure, as toxicity can contribute to developmental problems in newborns. If a woman is found to have elevated levels of heavy metals, e.g. mercury, it is recommended, if possible, to postpone pregnancy for at least a few months to bring heavy metal levels back to normal.