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Are Heavy Metals Hurting Your Body?

Do you need a heavy metal detox?My dad is currently recovering from his second hip replacement surgery in the last two years. He was in a motorcycle accident when he was younger and the combination of the accident and natural aging meant it was time for a new hip. His initial surgery was in 2012. His recovery was not quick and while he slowly saw improvements he never felt 100% better.

To make a long story short my dad found out that the hip he had in him was releasing unnecessary metals into his body. His chromium and cobalt levels were through the roof! After some discussion he went back into surgery early this year to have his hip replaced…again. This time a ceramic hip was used so there was no “metal-on-metal” in the joint. When the doctor went in he found black, dead muscle that was completely destroyed from the metal in his system. The doctor had to remove this and other tissues that had been damaged by the heavy metals.

It has been quite a few weeks since his most recent surgery and he is feeling much better but I can’t help but wonder what other damage this metal would have done were it left in his body. The more I research the effects of these heavy metals, the happier I am they are out of his system!

Heavy Metals 101

A heavy metal is defined as:

A metal with a specific gravity greater than 5, especially one that is poisonous.

According to Life Extension, there are 23 heavy metals that we should be concerned about. These include arsenic, chromium, cobalt (as seen in my dad), lead, mercury and uranium just to name a few. It’s important to note that some of these heavy metals are common in the environment and are actually required, in low doses, to stay healthy. It’s large amounts of these metals that cause problems. Heavy metal poisoning or toxicity can cause multiple problems:

  • Reduced mental and central nervous function
  • Lower energy levels
  • Damage to blood composition
  • Lung damage
  • Kidney damage
  • Liver damage

Even worse, long term heavy metal exposure can cause:

  • Physical degeneration 
  • Muscular degeneration
  • Neurological degeneration

Many of these degenerative processes will mimic diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis. Yikes!

Acute vs. Chronic

Heavy metal poisoning can be acute or chronic. Acute metal poisoning occurs when a person is exposed to large amounts of a certain metal at once. Acute metal poisoning typically does not occur from exposures you are unaware of. For example, a child who swallows a lead toy may experience acute metal poisoning.

Chronic metal poisoning is slightly different. This occurs when a person has long-term, low level exposure to heavy metals. Symptoms develop slowly over a long period of time but can result in severe problems.

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Like I said some heavy metals in small amounts are good, even healthy! Metals such as iron, copper, manganese and zinc are commonly found in fruits and vegetables. We also sell a variety of high quality supplements with these ingredients. These elements can all be beneficial in proper doses. Heavy metals are common in industrial appliances and are found in batteries and pesticides. These metals can also enter the body through food, water and air.

Heavy metals become toxic when the body is unable to get rid of them. When the body does not metabolize these metals they start to accumulate in body tissues. Lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium are most commonly associated with toxicity in people.

Thorne Research has a great list of these metals, their sources, target organs, and symptoms and conditions that may be found with toxic levels of these metals.

 Lead

  • Commonly found in pipes, drains, soldering materials, old paint, batteries, cable coverings and crystal glass production.
  • Targets the bones, brain, blood, musculoskeletal system, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, thyroid and reproductive systems.
  • Those with toxic levels may experience fatigue/weakness, neurological disorders, circulatory disorder, GI and kidney dysfunction, thyroid problems and developmental disorders.

Mercury

  • Found in thermometers, amalgam fillings, vaccines, shellfish, fish, old paint, mining operations, paper industry.
  • Targets the brain, kidneys, heart, gastrointestinal tract, lungs.
  • Toxicity may cause neurological disorders, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, GI dysfunction and respiratory illness.

Arsenic

  • Found in chemical and glass manufacturing, pesticides, paints and wood preservatives.
  • Targets the blood, heart, kidneys, central nervous system, digestive system and skin.
  • Toxicity may cause anemia, cardiovascular disease, kidney dysfunction, stroke, diabetes, dermal lesions and eruptions.

Heavy Metal Testing

  1. The first step to detoxing yourself from heavy metals is to determine what metals you have in you and at what levels. Have your blood, hair and urine tested as metals can quickly pass into your tissues and cause long-term damage. Your healthcare provider can run these tests and give you the information you need to determine how to treat your metal levels.
  2. Once you know what you’re up against it’s time to start planning your “attack” on these heavy metals. The most widely used option for heavy metals is chelation therapy. Chelation therapy is used for both chronic and acute metal poisoning. The world chelation comes from the Greek word “chele” which mean’s “to claw.” Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is the main element used in chelation therapy. EDTA binds to the metals and toxins in your body to naturally get rid of them.
  3. EDTA is extremely effective at removing metals and minerals from your body. it easily binds to heavy metals and helps your body eliminate them. However, EDTA also binds to and rids your body of essential minerals. Remineralization is often recommended to help your body restore its mineral levels following chelation therapy.

Detox ND Liquid by Premier Research Labs is one of our best selling detox products. We have a variety of heavy metal detoxification products that can help get rid of toxic metals accumulating in your body! Also check out our natural vitamins and minerals when looking to start your remineralization.

Have you tried any metal detox products? What has worked for you?

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14 Responses to Are Heavy Metals Hurting Your Body?

  1. Patricia Taylor June 13, 2013 at 11:56 am #

    What an interesting article! Thanks for the information.

    • Laura Miller June 13, 2013 at 11:57 am #

      Thanks, Patricia for the comment! It’s amazing how much damage toxic metal levels can do to your body. Thanks for reading 🙂

  2. marsha October 8, 2013 at 2:08 am #

    How can I get some detox ND? Think my mom hip replacement may hve caused lung nodules so want to get the detox
    while I talk to her Dr.

    • Laura Miller October 8, 2013 at 8:14 am #

      Hi Marsha,

      We sell Detox ND if you’re interested in purchasing. Please call our customer service department toll free at 866-505-7501 and they can help you order. Thanks!

  3. Mary trupkovic December 15, 2013 at 1:17 am #

    Hi I have just read your story very interesting. I had a hip replacement 6 years ago, I have never felt 100%. I am going in for another hip replacement in February this one that I have is metal on metal. Got my bloods back all my heavy metal are 2000 plus the doctor said this is not good. So my question is after I get my new hip will the metals in my system go down. Or do I need to detox. And s this something the dr should do Thanks Mary

    • Laura Miller December 16, 2013 at 8:34 am #

      Thanks for reading, Mary. Sorry to hear you need to have an additional hip replacement. My dad’s was also metal on metal when he went in for the 2nd replacement. I did mention a few detox supplements that may help with ridding your body of heavy metals but I would also check with your doctor before you start a detox, especially since you will be having surgery again soon. Best of luck to you!

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  5. Cyndi April 14, 2014 at 11:31 pm #

    My husbànd has been getting sicker and sicker for the last ten years. He has had both hips replaced. One in 2004 and the other in 2005 and the a revision in 2010. He was diagnosed with high levels of arsenic at Huntsman Cancer Institute but when we tutu rend to our regular to terms they say that can’t be the problem. He has multiple health problems such as congestive heart disease asthma silicosis stomach problems eosinophils myoperliferative leukemia neuropathy. He is so weak he can hardly get out of bed. He is on Diladid Morphine and Gabapentin for pain. Could you send me any information on Arsenic related to the hips. Any help would be appreciated. I have been trying to find help for several years but have not been able to get any. God. Less you writing this article. Cyndi for John Bell

    • Laura Miller April 15, 2014 at 10:37 am #

      Hi Cyndi,

      So sorry to hear about your husband. I am not a practitioner so am not allowed to recommend specific products but would definitely check out any of the links in this post as those may be helpful. I’m not sure what blood tests your husband has all had but perhaps you’d want to get him checked for other heavy metals as well to see what his levels are. Best of luck!

  6. Janice schwartz August 14, 2014 at 6:18 pm #

    Because of metal in my hip replacement, I had to have it done again. Cobalt and chromium – one was over 200 and the other was over 100. A pulmonary nodule has grown. Could it be from the metal?
    Thank You

    • Laura Miller August 15, 2014 at 8:06 am #

      Hi Janice–your story sounds similar to my dad. High levels of cobalt and chromium and a second operation to replace the hip again. Frustrating, isn’t it? I am not a medical professional so am not the best person to answer your question. I’d suggest talking to your physician and getting his/her opinion on this. Best of luck to you!

  7. Marie December 8, 2014 at 12:27 pm #

    Hi! I was wondering if maybe you think or might know if your Detox ND would help with my son’s autism?

    • Theresa Groskopp, CN December 8, 2014 at 5:19 pm #

      Hi Marie,
      It is hard to say whether the Detox-ND might help without having more in-depth knowledge about your son. My thoughts would be that it probably wouldn’t hurt since the primary ingredients are chlorella and probiotics which are pretty benign ingredients. His health and age are factors to consider. Have you consulted with a natural health practitioner in your area?

      As the post mentioned, heavy metal toxicity can have a widespread effect on the body. Should you decide to do a detox of sorts, make sure to start very gradually to minimize herxheimer reactions. Good luck Marie!

  8. jennifer widener May 24, 2015 at 10:56 pm #

    I have been exposed to coal ash and have all kind of issues and we know that our well water has heavy metals by coal ash.

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