Heavy metals are a group of metals and metalloids of a relatively high density that are toxic to humans, animals, and plants. Heavy metal poisoning is caused by the accumulation of certain metals in the body due to exposure through food, water, commercial products, industrial chemicals, medications, or other sources. It occurs when soft tissues of the body absorb too much of a particular metal. Read on to learn more.
Heavy Metal Toxicity
Heavy metal toxicity and 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. While the body needs small amounts of some heavy metals to function normally — such as zinc, copper, chromium, iron, and manganese — large amounts are harmful. As such, heavy metal toxicity can have serious consequences for the human body. It can affect the central nervous system, leading to mental disorders, damage the blood components, and damage the lungs, liver, kidneys, and other vital organs, contributing to serious diseases. The heavy metals most commonly associated with poisoning in humans are lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium.
Symptoms of heavy metal poisoning
Symptoms of heavy metal poisoning can vary depending on the type of heavy metal the body is overexposed to and 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
- Paralysis
- Visual disturbances
- Brain fog
- Difficulty breathing
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Headaches
How to Reduce Exposure to Heavy Metals
We have no control over the air we breathe or the traffic pollution in our city, but 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, and non-organic and processed foods.
- Drinking filtered water – 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 some foods can help with this. These foods include: cruciferous vegetables, fibre, grains, nuts, legumes, and other foods that contain plant compounds like phytates: cilantro, black sesame seeds, garlic, tomatoes, ginger, turmeric, lemon, green tea, spirulina, and chlorella.
- Taking supplements – 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.