Fatigue, depression, dermatitis, hair loss, poor wound healing, impaired immune function, impaired glucose tolerance, hypertension, inflammation, mental fog, digestive irregularities… Have you ever suffered from any of these symptoms? Have you been able to determine the root cause? There is a likely chance that some of these symptoms could be linked to “heavy metals,” or how others may refer to it “toxic metals.”  We may be familiar with these terms but where do they originally derive from?

We Have all heard the terms “heavy metal and ” toxic metals” used interchangeably. However, “heavy metals” is actually a chemistry term that is used to describe metals found in the periodic table that have high density. Heavy metals are elements that occur naturally in the soil. Not all are always toxic, but all are toxic at certain doses.  A good example is the case of Iron, which is beneficial and essential in small doses, but can become toxic when levels are too high. 

Toxic heavy metals, however, such as lead, arsenic, mercury and cadmium, are not essential for bodily function. They are considered to be systemic toxicants that can cause multiple organ damage, even at low levels of exposure. 

According to the World Health organization, cadmium, mercury, lead and arsenic appear on the top 10 list of chemicals that are of major public concern. They are also classified as carcinogens, according to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). 

Exposure to toxic heavy metals can occur from food intake, water supply, cosmetics, creams, lotions, toys for children, dental amalgams, jewelry, industrial solvents, environmental pollution, cigarette smoke, insecticides, herbicides, wood preservatives, dyes, and fungicides amongst many others. In addition to acquiring heavy metals from the environment, toxic heavy metals are passed down to our offspring through their placenta as well as through breastfeeding, Humans breast milk  is fundamental for providing immunological support, non-inflammatory properties, probiotics. and essential nutrients to our wonderful babies. However, through heavy metal exposure, it unfortunately can also transfer these harmful metals to our newborns whose immunological systems and detoxification pathways are not well-developed. Heavy metals have been linked to developmental issues, as well as autism in children. 

Common Toxic Heavy Metals:

* Arsenic – Famous for its use as a “murder tool”. Arsenic exposure can come from rice (both organic and non-organic rice sources), apples, chicken (arsenic is used to give chicken a “nice” coloring), fertilizer, water, pressure treated lumber, glass manufacture, batteries and tobacco. Arsenic is correlated with skin rashes, cardiovascular issues, diabetes, neurological conditions and cancers. 

* Mercury- Exposure occurs via digestion, skin absorption or inhalation. Common sources are mercury amalgams dental fillings, vaccines, cosmetics, and contaminated seafood. Dental amalgams are 50% liquid mercury. This mercury is constantly being released and absorbed into the body bu the simple action of chewing. Mercury has the ability to cross the blood brain barrier and tightly binds to nerves and fats, making it easily absorbed by the brain and thus causing damage to the central nervous system. Mercury also affects the endocrine glands at the base of the brain which are in charge of our hormone systems. Mercury can produce a range of mental, emotional, behavioral and psychiatric disorders by interfering with endocrine functions and causing destruction of nervous pathways. 

* Cadmium- Most common form of exposure is through inhalation of tobacco cigarette smoke. Shockingly, a typical E-cigarette contains higher amount than the regular cigarette. Cadmium is found in air pollution that settles and contaminates our water and soil systems. In food, the highest levels of contamination are found in shellfish, liver, and kidney meats. Cadmium is also found in jewelry (cadmium is used to replace lead), soil fertilizers, grains, ceramics and burning coal. Cadmium is linked to multiple conditions ranging from osteoporosis cardiovascular disease, and lung, breast and pancreatic cancers. 

* Lead- Common sources of toxic exposure include lead-based paints, which can be ingested or inhaled, contaminated water from water pipes, and air pollution. Cosmetics, particularly red or darkly colored lipsticks, may contain lead, as well as chocolate, ceramic dishes and toys. Symptoms of lead toxicity include developmental delay, learning difficulties, fatigue., mood disorders, high blood pressure, and reduced sperm count amongst many others. 

Toxic heavy metals can interfere with multiple cellular organelle function such as mitochondrial function, cell membrane and nuclei function. In addition, they can affect multiple enzyme functions that are essential; for metabolism, detoxification and repair. Toxic heavy metals can even interfere with nutrient absorption. 

Due to the state of our environment and years of exposure, most of us have some degree of heavy metal toxicity. Our amazing bodies have innate mechanism that support and help detoxify these metals. However, when under chronic exposure and stress, these mechanism can become strained and extra support in required.

Heavy metal toxicity testing can look for specific metals in urine, fecal, blood and hair analysis to evaluate levels within the body.  Depending on the findings of the heavy metal toxicity, the treatment can be individualized to help support proper detoxification. Treatment options consist of avoiding further exposure to eliminate new toxins, and introducing nutritional therapies that air in the elimination process.  

Part of our job as Naturopathic Doctors, who practice individualized holistic medicine, is to find the right approach for you. Thus means utilizing different methods for heavy metal elimination such as using heavy metal chelators such as EDTA or DNSA, or using natural substances such as glutathione, activated charcoal, bentonite clay, chlorella, zeolites which all have chelating properties. All of this is done while keeping in mind that the body works as a whole and heavy metal toxicity is only part of the disease picture.

I hope this information was useful to you!

– If you are struggling with toxicity and environmental exposures consider seeing a doctor that is trained to address these issues and provide a holistic approach to your health! 

– Dr. Anayibe, ND