HEAVY METALS 101: sources, chelation, & nutritional support
WHAT ARE HEAVY METALS? (not the music)
Lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium, and aluminum are the heavy metals of most concern to human health.
Even very small amounts can cause serious consequences.
They compete with other essential minerals, leading to nutrient deficiencies, gut dysbiosis, decreased bone density, anemia, enzyme & hormone dysfunction, DNA & mitochondria damage, impaired nerve signaling, and cell death.
SOURCES OF HEAVY METALS
FOOD*, WATER, AIR
*Fish, seafood, & crops grown in contaminated soil are primary dietary sources of heavy metals.
industrial waste
fertilizers
metal pipes
old paint
IUDs
dental fillings
vaccines
deodorant
supplements
cookware
occupational exposure
NOTE: Most exposure from these sources is "below the tolerable limit", meaning it will not result in acute toxicity. However, each can contribute to cumulative levels in the body OR have low-dose effects on hormone receptors.
SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT HEAVY METALS?
Chronic exposure or impaired detoxification of heavy metals can result in a build-up in the liver, heart, and brain.
Each individual has a different capacity to store and detoxify these minerals before they become problematic.
At that point, toxicity can manifest as nausea, headaches, gut issues, joint pain, muscle weakness, or conditions like dementia, diabetes, autoimmunity, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
SUPPORTING MINERAL BALANCE
You can support healthy mineral balance by decreasing heavy metal exposure, supporting regular detoxification, and maximizing your dietary intake of antioxidants & minerals.
SUPPORT METAL DETOX
KEEP THINGS MOVING
EAT A DETOXIFYING DIET
full of colorful plant foods, fiber, and quality protein
NUTRITIONAL CHELATION
with activated charcoal, Lactobacillus probiotics, and botanicals like parsley, spirulina, chlorella, garlic, turmeric, black cumin, & coriander
What about chelation therapy?
Chelation involves administration of a chemical agent to bind heavy metal ions, which "deactivates" and allows them to be eliminated.
This procedure is best used to treat acute toxicity. Some use chemical chelation for chronic toxicity, but it has risks.
Chelation therapy should be used with caution, as it can displace other minerals and/or aggravate symptoms, especially if the liver & gut cannot handle the flood of released metals.
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References
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