Are Heavy Metals Hurting Your Body?

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?