Description

Primary heavy metals responsible for toxicity include mercury, lead, aluminum, antimony, arsenic, and cadmium, as well as excessive levels of essential minerals such as copper and manganese.

Chronic heavy metal toxicity (versus acute occupational exposure, which is more traditionally understood to be a problem) is much more common than widely believed and a significant contributor to chronic illness.  Conservative estimates suggest that up to twenty-five percent of the U.S. population may suffer from heavy metal poisoning to some degree.

Symptoms can include:

- Difficulty thinking/concentrating/remembering

- Fatigue

- Indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, etc.

- Muscle pain

- Anemia, pallor

- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

- Poor coordination, dizziness

- Increased susceptibility to infection (fungal, bacterial, viral)

- Loss of sensation (touch, smell, taste, hearing)

- And more...

Since heavy metals disrupt the transport and utilization of essential minerals that are critical to chemical processes throughout the body, the metals often affect several of the body's systems.  The signs are often vague and may be attributed incorrectly to other conditions, such as:

- Allergies, asthma

- Autism, ADD/ADHD, OCD

- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, fibromyalgia

- Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, ALS

- Anxiety, depression, eating disorders, schizophrenia

- Autoimmune diseases - rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis

- Digestive disorders - Crohn's, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Heart disease

- Hormonal imbalances - thyroid, adrenal, sex hormones

Causes

Toxicity results from environmental exposures to heavy metals.  Potential sources of exposure are numerous, including:

- Dental amalgams

- Seafood

- Drinking water

- Vaccines

- Old paint

- Industrial emissions - e.g., coal and cement plants

- Cigarettes

- Personal care products - e.g., deodorants

- Cosmetics

- Fire retardants - e.g., children's clothing, bedding

- Etc.

Treatment Approach

- Identify and eliminate potential sources of heavy metal exposure in the individual's environment.

- Test for heavy metals and disordered mineral transport - e.g., hair, urine porphyrins, red blood cell elements.

- Supplement to support the body's natural metal detoxification pathways and to restore normal levels of essential nutrients:

            - Antioxidants

            - B vitamins

            - Minerals - e.g., magnesium, zinc, selenium

            - Essential fatty acids

            - Herbals - e.g., milk thistle

            - Enzymes

            - Probiotics

- Safely reduce existing heavy metal levels in the body using low/frequent-dose chelation.

- Reduce/avoid foods that the body may not be capable of digesting properly and/or may be contributing to poor cognitive and immune function (e.g., allergens, food additives, trans fats, sugar).  A diet higher in protein and vegetables, lower in sugar and refined grains, and organic whenever possible, will tend to be helpful.

- Address existing chronic infections (bacterial, viral, fungal).