Heavy metals are a group of metals and metalloids that have a relatively high density and are toxic to humans, animals and plants. Heavy metals toxicity occurs after exposure to heavy metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, aluminum, strontium, uranium and thallium. However, poisoning occurs when soft tissues of your body absorb too much of a particular metal.
Heavy metals toxicity can be the underlaying cause of a wide range of health problems such as:
- Autoimmune diseases
- Anemia
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Kidney disfunction
- Skin problems
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Digestive disorders
- Food intolerance
- Histamine intolerance
- Liver disfunction
- Depression
- Loss of coordination
- Low enzyme activity
- Fatigue and low energy
- Candida infections
- Cognitive impairment
- Low memory retention
- Anti-social behaviors
- Suicidal tendencies
- Confusion and disorientation
- Violent thoughts and actions
- Anger, rage, aggression
The most common heavy metals that cause these problems are mercury, aluminum, lead, and, cadmium. It is difficult to avoid exposure to these heavy metals because they are naturally found in the air, water, and soil. Other common sources of heavy metals include food, cigarettes, exhaust fumes, and fire smoke.
Mercury is absorbed through the skin, by inhalation and ingestion. It is stored in the kidneys, blood, spleen, brain, liver, hair, bones, breast milk, and fat tissue. Mercury is excreted through the pancreas, kidneys, saliva, bile, skin, fingernails, and toenails.
Lead is absorbed by ingestion and inhalation. It is stored in the kidneys, liver, brain, bone marrow, teeth, bones, and hair. Lead is excreted in urine, faeces and breast milk.
Aluminium is absorbed by inhalation and ingestion. It is stored in the lungs, thyroid, brain, liver and bones. Aluminium is excreted through the urine, faeces and breast milk.
Cadmium is absorbed through ingestion and inhalation. It is stored in the kidneys, pancreas, liver, bones, blood, and salivary glands. Cadmium is excreted through the kidneys and liver.
The symptoms of heavy metals poisoning include:
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Dehydration
- Low body temperature
- Numbness and tingling sensation in hands and feet
- A scratchy feeling in the throat
- Feeling weak
- Chronic infections
- Burning and tingling sensations
- Insomnia
- Paralysis
- Visual disturbances
- Brain fog
- Difficulty breathing
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Headaches
Symptoms may vary depending on the type of metal you are overexposed to.
Heavy metals detox foods to eat include:
- Garlic
- Spirulina
- Chlorella
- Tomatoes
- Wild blueberries
- Cilantro
- Lemon
- Barley grass powder
- Green tea
- Probiotics
A diet rich in minerals and vitamins has protective effects for those exposed to heavy metals. You can prevent the accumulation of heavy metals in your body by avoiding or limiting your intake of foods that contains high levels of heavy metals.
Foods to avoid:
The most common foods that contain heavy metals include:
- Fish – All fish contain some level of mercury. According to food specialists, smaller fish like sardines have the lowest level of mercury
- Brown rice – According to research brown rice contains 80% more arsenic than white rice
- Leafy greens – Some leafy vegetables contain more heavy metals, so they should be eaten in moderate quantities
- Alcohol
- Non-organic foods
- Processed foods
Heavy metal poisoning is a very serious condition and can cause a number of harmful side effects and conditions. If left untreated, it can be life-threatening. If you have any of the symptoms listed above, see your doctor and get tested. Take measures to prevent heavy metal poisoning. Taking supplements such as Zeolites can help safely remove heavy metals from your body; however before choosing a detoxification method, talk to your doctor about your options.
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➥ DISCLAIMER: This post is not intended to replace medical treatment. The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.