Table of Contents[Hide][Show]What are Heavy Metals?+ -Heavy Metal SourcesWhat Problem Are Heavy Metals a Problem? Do We Need to Detox Heavy Metals?+ – Sign of Heavy Metal Toxicity How to Test for Heavy Metal Toxicity Is Heavy Metal Detoxification Dangerous?+ -Step 1: MobilizeStep 2: Bind and Eliminate Natural Ways to Detox Heavy Metals (You Can Do It Yourself)The Bottom Line “Detox” is one of the most popular buzzwords in the health world these days.
I have tried many ways to detox but have never considered more serious regimens designed to detoxify heavy metals.
What is Heavy Metal?
First, scientists discuss the exact definition of a heavy metal, which depends on several factors such as density, atomic weight, and chemical composition.
Some heavy metals are not a problem in small doses and are even necessary for the body, but the harmful ones like lead, mercury, and the lesser known (but equally problematic) cadmium can bioaccumulate in the body faster than as our bodies can detoxify. with them.
Sources of Heavy Metals
Here are some of the heavy metals that cause toxicity in our modern environment and their common sources:
It’s all about limiting exposure to heavy metals, eating meat and seafood from good sources, using holistic dentistry, using natural deodorants and beauty products, and avoiding hydrogenated oils.
Why is Heavy Metal a Problem?
So why are some heavy metals so bad for the body?
There are about 23 heavy metals in total that can be very toxic.
These substances “interfere” and interfere with normal cellular processes by binding to protein sites and replacing naturally occurring metals in the cell.
This affects the functioning of mitochondria, or the energy makers of our cells, leading to symptoms like fatigue (and much worse with long-term exposure).
Everything we can do to limit exposure is half the battle, but there are certain steps we can take to help our bodies process and eliminate heavy metals.
Do We Need to Detox Heavy Metals?
Unfortunately, heavy metal toxicity is not isolated in some acute cases.
Take this great quote from my podcast interview with Wendy Myers, detox expert and founder of Liveto110.com, on the subject of heavy metals:
I definitely believe that toxic metals are the main driver of disease today.
We are seeing health problems and diseases that we did not see 30 years ago, and this is due to the increase in these toxins entering our environment.
Heavy metal poisoning clearly goes beyond the Erin Brockovich case!
Of course, our bodies have amazing detoxification mechanisms that allow us to take a certain amount without harm.
I’m not suggesting we invent health problems that don’t exist.
I certainly don’t believe at all that our bodies detoxify just fine on their own.
…Some people have compromised liver function, a genetically impaired ability to detoxify, and many other mitigating factors that cause them to accumulate toxic metals and chemicals that require them to take a more aggressive approach to detoxification .
How can we tell if we have a problem with heavy metals?
Signs of Heavy Metal Toxicity
While it’s easier to spot the symptoms of acute toxicity (severe cramping, vertigo, vomiting, breathing difficulties, impaired motor and cognitive skills, etc.), the more subtle symptoms you need to detoxify heavy metals are:
fatigueheadachesacnepoor digestion/bloating/gascompromised ability to digest fat female problems (hormones, infertility, preeclampsia) excessive sweating weight gain just around the waistsevere food cravings in the middle of the night insomniaaching joints swings and the list goes on…
Heavy metal toxicity left unchecked can cause not only misery but serious diseases including Alzheimers, dementia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and cancer.
Heavy metal toxicity can lower energy levels and damage the functioning of the brain, lungs, kidneys, liver, blood composition and other vital organs.
Long-term exposure can lead to progressive physical, muscular and neurological degenerative processes that mimic diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and muscular dystrophy.
Repeated long-term exposure to some metals and their compounds can lead to cancer (Jarup, 2003). The level of toxicity of a few heavy metals can be just above the background concentrations naturally present in the environment.
Therefore, a thorough knowledge of heavy metals is quite important so that correct protective measures can be provided against their excessive exposure (Ferner, 2001).
Not much good news here, but don’t despair…there are ways to detoxify heavy metals that enter the bloodstream and help flush them out before they become chronic disease.
How to Test for Heavy Metal Toxicity
Testing is needed to determine if heavy metals are the actual culprits.
A hair mineral analysis test is a great place to start.
In addition to toxic metal levels, this test can provide clues to overall health factors such as metabolic rate, inflammation, blood sugar levels, and more.
Wendy Myers covers the ins and outs of testing for heavy metals in this informative post.
Is Heavy Metal Detox Dangerous?
Yes, detoxing heavy metals from the body requires special care, but there are safe ways to help our bodies’ natural detoxification processes.
However, since different heavy metals require different methods to get them out of the body, professional testing and supervision is definitely recommended for the safest and most effective detox.
Basically, you don’t want to get heavy metals moving around in your body unless you also have a way to get them out or they could cause more serious problems.
There are two important steps in the process of ridding the body of heavy metals:
Certain supplements and detoxification methods “unlock” heavy metals where they are accumulating and move them forward.
However, releasing heavy metals without Step 2 can lead to even worse problems:
This second stage captures heavy metals and ensures that they are supposed to leave the body as quickly as possible!
Natural Ways to Detox Heavy Metals (You Can Do It Away)
There are a few things we can do safely at home to improve our body’s detoxification mechanisms and reduce our chances of developing a more serious problem:
Get hair minerals and another test (EverlyWell is a lab test you can use at home) Drink plenty of filtered water Exercise to stimulate sweating and improve elimination Use a binding/mobilizing supplement.
Here are two safe supplements that Wendy recommends for anyone concerned about heavy metal accumulation:
BioSil – Take 5-10 drops or 1 capsule daily to mobilize heavy metals. PectaSol-C – Take 5 grams per day or more, depending on tolerance.
Ultimately, while testing and supplements aren’t cheap, these supplements could be lifesavers and prevent some serious (and even more expensive) health issues down the road.
Heavy metal exposure is unavoidable, so I think it’s best to remember why we want health in the first place (and not worry too much!).
Education is the first step to knowing what to do if problems arise for you or a loved one.
For other ways to detox heavy metals and other detox supplements recommended by Wendy Myers, listen to her Wellness Mama podcast episode about toxic metals or check out her Mineral Power Metals Program.
I might do a hair mineral analysis just out of curiosity and I’ll be sure to share the results if I do!