This week, we want to talk about heavy metals. What are their detrimental effects on the body, and how can we test for toxicity levels? We've also shared some safe and effective methods for clearing them from the system. As always, check out this week's tasty holiday-themed recipes and current office happenings. 
 

High levels of exposure to environmental metals considered “heavy metals” such as lead, mercury, aluminum and arsenic can cause acute or chronic toxicity.  This can result in damaged or reduced mental and central nervous function and damage to vital organs. Heavy metals are suspected to be triggers for dangerous conditions like heart disease, thyroid problems, dementia, neurological conditions, autism, infertility and birth defects.
 

Where do Heavy Metal Toxins Come From? 

Air

It is no secret that our air is heavily polluted. Motor vehicle emissions are a major source of airborne contaminants including arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, nickel, lead etc. Many industries release thousands of toxins into the environment every day. The biggest culprits are the mining, the chemical, the paper and the transport industry. 
 

Vaccines

Thimerosol, which contains 50% mercury used to be added as a preservative to many vaccines. The use of thimerosol has been linked to the sharp increase in autism cases in children.
 

Skin Products

How many beauty and personal care products are you using every day? Most of these contain substances whose long-term effect on humans has not been sufficiently tested or researched. Antiperspirants are a strong example. Many brands contain aluminum, which can accumulate in our bodies over time. Always read the product label. 
 

Amalgam Fillings

Silver-colored amalgam fillings contain 50% mercury. This mercury breaks down over time and is released as a gas. Every time you chew you release toxic heavy metals into your body. Be cautious when selecting a dentist to remove your amalgam fillings. Select a holistic dentist who uses the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART).
 

Food Sources

Plants are exposed to heavy metals through the uptake of water. Of course, animals eat these plants. Ingestion of both plant- and animal-based foods are the largest sources of heavy metals in humans. Conventionally grown fruit and vegetables are sprayed with pesticides and herbicides. Vehicle pollution can also increase levels of accumulated lead and other petrochemicals in produce if they are grown near major roads. Many fish, especially the larger kind contain mercury and in the US chicken are often fed arsenic, in order to promote growth. While it is not possible to eliminate our intake of heavy metals from our food sources, we can strive to limit our exposure. Whenever possible, buy organic produce, organic, free-range chicken, grass-fed beef, and opt for smaller, wild-caught fish. 
 

Water

The drinking water in many parts of the country contains lead, aluminum, pesticides and other chemicals. Opt for filtered water whenever possible. 
 

Paint 

Lead is a toxic metal that can cause serious health problems if it's ingested or if dust containing lead is inhaled. Lead was a common component in exterior and interior paints in the US until 1978. If you live or work in an older structure, there’s a good chance that there is lead-based paint somewhere beneath the most recent layer. Be mindful of places where paint may be chipping, and keep small children from putting paint chips in their mouths.
 

How Do I know if I have Heavy Metal Poisoning? 

There are a number of symptoms that will present if you are struggling with clearing heavy metals from your system. You may experience brain fog, depression, anxiety, autoimmune disease, insomnia, etc. If you have experienced long-term exposure to heavy metals and have not been treated, it may lead to physical, muscular, and neurological degenerative processes that mimic Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Multiple Sclerosis.

Ultimately, if you suspect that you have excess heavy metals in your system, you should be tested. There are a variety of methods for testing heavy metals including urine, blood, and hair analysis. We most often perform a urinary analysis. If you are interested in being tested for heavy metals, speak with Dr. Petropulos or Dr. Grable at your next appointment. 
 

How to Clear Heavy Metals:

You have to be cautious when detoxing heavy metals from your body, especially if your system is sensitive. If you detox too quickly, there can be negative side effects. It is human nature to want to see quick changes. For example, it may have taken 10 years to gain 20 pounds, but we want to figure out how to lose that weight in 2 weeks. The same concept applies to detoxifying the body. Slow and steady wins the race. This process of removing heavy metals is called chelation. Here are a few things that you can do to help to naturally and gently flush excess heavy metals from your system.
 

Vitamin C

Opt for foods rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C can reduce the damage caused by heavy metal toxicity by acting as an antioxidant. Kale, brussels sprouts, broccoli, and red bell peppers are all excellent sources of vitamin C. 
 

Selenium

Selenium is an essential trace mineral that functions as an antioxidant and promotes a healthy immune system. Required in remarkably small amounts, selenium can be toxic when taken in excess. Selenium is known to help detoxify the body and remove heavy metals including mercury. Brazil nuts, mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, and chia seeds are all sources of selenium. 
 

Cilantro

Cilantro, parsley, and dandilion greens are all detoxifying and can help to clear the buildup of heavy metals in the body.
 

Sulfur

Garlic and onions contain sulfur which helps your liver detoxify itself of heavy metals such as lead and arsenic. *Note: Check with Dr. Petropulos to make sure that your methylation pathway can support extra sulfur before boosting these foods in your diet.
 

Takesumi

This activated charcoal binds to heavy metals and helps to remove them from your system through the intestines to be purged form the body. Make sure to drink plenty of water while taking takesumi. 
 

Flush the System

Drink 8 ounces of filtered water roughly every two hours each day. Simply drinking filtered water is one of the easiest ways to flush your system. 
 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fats and fiber can help with detoxification of the colon and reduce inflammation. Flaxseed oil, walnuts, and chia seeds are great options to add extra omega 3's and fiber to your diet.
 

Chlorella

Chlorella acts as a natural chelator to remove heavy metals. *Note: If your system is sensitive, start with a micro dose to prevent adverse reactions from detoxifying too quickly.
 

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle has long been used to support liver function. It strengthens the liver cell walls, buffering them from invading toxins, and supports liver regeneration. Silymarin is the active ingredient in milk thistle. It helps increase levels of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant. 
 

Exercise

Working up a sweat is a great way to detoxify your system. Increase your water intake after your workout. 
 

Sauna

Spending time in the sauna is helpful in removing toxins from the body. Be sure to increase your water intake after your session to facilitate the removal of toxins.