Health Matters: Metal Toxicity

Metal toxicity is when your body reaches dangerous levels of certain metals. Having an overabundance of certain metals in your system can cause health concerns and is not a routine consideration. You are exposed to elements of “heavy metals” everyday perhaps through your occupation or residential exposure.

Interestingly small amounts of elements of heavy metal are common in our environments and diet. Some of these elements are actually necessary for good health however; overexposure may prevent us from maintaining overall health.

Many people are starting to become aware that heavy metal accumulation is an often overlooked obstacle to optimal vitality. Without even realizing it, we are exposed to heavy metals that accumulate in our body. For example, the same mercury we have been warned about that is polluting our fish (i.e. tuna and salmon) is routinely used in dental fillings. Similarly, the aluminum foil that you cook with also represents a pathway to heavy metal accumulation. Also, contaminations can occur from the water we drink, food we consume or just things that we come into contact with every day. These substances can accumulate over the years, or be attained through one extreme exposure.

Am I a candidate for Metal Toxicity?

Everyone is exposed to these naturally occurring metal elements throughout their life; some more than others. Symptoms of metal toxicity can vary greatly ranging from fatigue or lack of energy, poor sleep, occasional forgetfulness, occasional food sensitivity and more.

In addition to the everyday exposure to heavy metals, some people in certain professions or circumstances incur an even greater risk of reaching detrimental toxic metal levels. If you have ever worked as a painter, hairdresser, printer, plumber, mechanic, metal worker or as a machinist or carpenter, you may have increased exposure. Also if you have worked in heating and cooling or in manufacturing of chemicals or pesticides/fungicides, you may have an augmented risk of acquiring metal toxicity.

Further exposure to mercury could have occurred if you have ever worked as a dentist, hygienist, or dental assistant, also if you have “silver” (amalgam) fillings. Perhaps you are considering getting your amalgam fillings removed. You should be aware that fleeting surges of mercury can occur during the amalgam replacement process.

How can I find my toxicity levels?

Hair analysis is currently the safest, most reliable and cost effective method commercially available to determine levels of toxicity. In the environment of a quality laboratory, heavy metal levels in the body such as, Mercury, Lead, Cadmium and Arsenic can be determined by hair analysis. This very well documented test is recommended as a method of proving evidence of accurate results and progress of applied remedies.

What are my options?The introduction of a substance (or chelating agent) into the body which bonds to toxic metal in the blood and certain tissues, is a way of protecting the body; this process is called Chelation. The bound metals are then excreted through the gastrointestinal tract, kidney, sweat glands and hair.

There are differences in chelating agents. Preferably the chelation agent chosen would be one with the least adverse side effects. Some synthetics have demonstrated a high incidence of adverse reactions. In people whose anti-oxidant defenses are depleted, synthetic agents have been known to release excessive amounts of metal toxins resulting in undesirable side effects. A naturally derived, effective chelating agent with little or no side effects is ideal. Also, ideally the chosen chelating agent should comply with cost and convenience concerns

Known natural chelators

There are many substances that have been known to assist in effective detoxification and reduce the body’s burden of expelling poisons. Vitamin E is supportive of thyroid function and serves as an antioxidant. Selenium enhances chemical detoxification and aids in reduction of toxic metals. Also Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant and supports excretion of toxic metals. Magnesium aids in chelation and supports protection from free radical damage as well as replaces lost or chelated magnesium. Zinc reduces toxicity. Alpha-Lipoic Acid is instrumental in its ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and binds to toxic metals on an intracellular level to help remove toxins while quenching free radicals. Taurine improves biliary excretion and guards white blood cells. Chlorella traps toxic metals in the GI tract while L-Glutamine preserves and restores gastro-intestinal function and enhances excretion. Cilantro has been known to mobilize toxic metals from the central nervous system and other tissues. While these elements have been known to impart benefits when used individually, when combined, they work together synergistically to help maximize chelation results.

Submitted by Fanny Ramirez