We are exposed to heavy metals every day in our lives. In this article, we are talking about where heavy metals come from, why are we exposed to them, what they do to our bodies and how to reduce exposure to heavy metals. Continue reading to find out more.
What are Heavy Metals?
Heavy metals are a group of metals and metalloids that have a relatively high density and are toxic to humans, animals and plants. They are a natural part of the Earth’s crust. Human activity has led to an increase in heavy metals in the environment, which has consequently increased the risk of exposure to heavy metals for humans, soil and animals. Exposure to heavy metals can occur through food, water, air, commercial products and medications.
Heavy Metal Toxicity and Poisoning
- Heavy metal toxicity occurs after exposure to heavy metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, aluminium, strontium, uranium and thallium.
- Heavy metal poisoning occurs when soft tissues of your body absorb too much of a particular metal. The most common heavy metals that cause health problems are mercury, aluminium, lead and cadmium.
Health Problems Caused by Heavy Metal Toxicity
Health problems that can be caused by heavy metal toxicity include:
- Autoimmune diseases
- Anaemia
- 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 behaviours
- Suicidal tendencies
- Confusion and disorientation
- Violent thoughts and actions
- Anger, rage, aggression
The symptoms of heavy metal poisoning include:
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Dehydration
- Low body temperature
- Numbness and tingling sensations in the 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.
How to Reduce Heavy Metal Exposure?
Even if we have no control over the air we breathe or the traffic pollution in our city, we can still make healthier choices when it comes to the food we eat or the water we drink, as well as the products we use.
Ways to reduce exposure to heavy metals include:
- Avoiding foods that contain higher levels of heavy metals – Certain foods are known to contain higher levels of heavy metals. These foods include: rice, fish, bone broth, leafy greens, non-organic and processed foods.
- Filtering the water we drink – Using a high-quality filtration system for our home water includes distillation, ion exchange, reverse osmosis or an activated carbon filtration system.
- Avoiding products containing heavy metals – Products such as whitening toothpaste, nail polish, make-up, antiperspirants, sunscreens and eye drops are known to contain heavy metals.
- Using a home air purifier – To purify the air we breathe, an air purifier is the right option.
- Eating foods that help detoxify heavy metals – When our body is working properly, it can protect us from many of the heavy metals we are exposed to, but there are also foods that can help with this. These foods include: cruciferous vegetables, fibre, grains, nuts, legumes and other foods that contain plant compounds like phytates, probiotics, cilantro, black sesame seeds, garlic, tomatoes, ginger, turmeric, lemon, green tea, spirulina and chlorella.
Heavy metal toxicity and poisoning is a very serious conditions 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. 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.