From my experience in trying to figure out what was wrong with my health, I sought out the state of my own heavy metals profile and was a little shocked by the results. Symptoms of undermethylation can mimic the symptoms of heavy metal toxicity. Symptoms of undermethylation can cause heavy metal toxicity due to poor detoxification processes. Symptoms of heavy metal toxicity can cause undermethylation due to the impedance of key metabolic processes required to efficiently methylate. So I personally found it is imperative to check out my own heavy metals profile and consider an appropriate detoxification program – one that makes sense!
Heavy metals are elements that can be toxic and very dangerous, even in low concentrations. Heavy metals that can lead to toxicity include:
- Mercury
- Lead
- Arsenic
- Cadmium
- Aluminum
- Nickel
- Uranium
- Thallium
- Other less serious metals, yet which can cause issues include; manganese, iron, lithium, copper, zinc and calcium
Very high levels of even essential minerals can become dangerous which is why is it essential to get tested for any mineral before buying supplements.
These metals are described as being heavy because they stick around in the body, particularly in fat cells. Toxins such as heavy metals are stored in body fat to protect the organs and other vital tissues. Getting rid of heavy metals is very difficult. This is one reason why fat loss is not only very difficult, but can sometimes result in heavy metal detoxifying as fat cells shrink and release dormant toxins.
Chronic exposure to heavy metals can result in experiencing adverse symptoms such as:
- Anxiety and depression
- Deteriorating eye health
- Digestive problems
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Infertility
- Memory problems
- Mental “fogginess”
- Poor heart and/or blood vessel function
- Poor immune function (recurrent infections, autoimmune diseases)
- Poor kidney function
- Tingling sensations in the hands, feet, and/or around the mouth
- Tremors
My story – I eat wholesome, unprocessed foods, I avoid food chemicals as much as possible, I do not smoke, I barely drink alcohol, I live in an environment with fresh air and relatively low pollution problems, I have been active all of my life, I look fit and healthy, I choose fresh over farmed fish as much as possible and avoid the large fish (tuna, shark etc), I have a great lifestyle.. and yet, I had a heavy metal profile in the medium to high ranges in my early thirties. There is virtually no way to entirely avoid heavy metal exposure, considering metals are natural elements found all over the world in the food supply, water and ground. Heavy metal toxicity can result in damaged or reduced mental and central nervous function, plus damage to the vital organs — such as the liver, heart, endocrine glands and kidneys. Because heavy metal poisoning symptoms mimic those related to ageing (such as loss of memory and increased fatigue), many people blame getting older as the cause of their emerging symptoms, not realising that heavy metal exposure is a major contributing factor.
Exposure to toxic heavy metals is rarely mentioned by your GP, yet is believed to be a significant contributing factor of symptoms like low energy, mood disturbances and changes in mental health. Heavy metals can enter your system from exposure to air and water pollution, farmed fish, contaminated drinking water, dental fillings and the staggering majority of household products. These metals penetrate the cells of various tissues and organs, where they can remain stored up for years and continue to build. A well designed heavy metal detox plan can help you remove these toxic substances, but beware that you may start feeling worse before you start feeling better – heavy metal detox symptoms can include fatigue, loss of appetite and digestive issues.
Benefits of doing a heavy metal detox include:
- Reduced free radical damage/oxidative stress
- Improvements in energy levels
- Enhanced immunity and gut health
- Better digestive function
- Improvements in mental performance (attention, memory, learning, etc.)
- Improved skin health
- Better protection against diseases cognitive disorders and autoimmune disease
A variety of fresh foods, herbs, minerals and targeted supplements can help you remove these substances from your body. We will look at various options.
Heavy Metal Detox Action Plan
How are toxins removed from the body? The most common way is through chelation. Chelation therapy is a medical procedure that involves the administration of chelating agents by a Doctor to remove heavy metals from the body by binding to molecules and allowing them to be dissolved and excreted in the urine. Chelation therapy is the most effective way to reduce heavy metal toxicity, yet is also the most intense and most expensive. Other ways to detox the body of heavy metals include making dietary changes and using herbs and supplements, which help to break down metals into smaller molecules so they can be removed from urine, faeces, sweat and even the breath.
A sensible detox diet is high in:
- Clean, filtered water
- Vitamin C. Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C can reduce the damage caused by heavy metal toxicity by acting as an antioxidant. Get plenty of citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruit, leafy greens like spinach, chard, tuscan cabbage and kale, all types of berries, broccoli and cruciferous veggies, kiwi fruit and papaya.
- Green leafy vegetables. Greens are some of the most powerful heavy metal detox foods. Kale, swiss chard, dandelion greens, mustard greens, arugula, spinach, beet greens and broccoli sprouts are examples.
- Sulphuric compounds such as those found in garlic and onions. Sulfur helps the liver detoxify.
- Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant herbs such as coriander (cilantro), turmeric, oregano, basil, parsley, thyme, ginger and cinnamon. Cilantro is one of the best herbs for detoxifying and can help reduce the buildup of heavy metals like mercury and lead in the body.
- Bone broths (from organic, grass-fed animals). Bone broths provide essential minerals and support liver health by providing glutathione.
- Supplements recommended below
Chorella – 1-4 grams per day
Chlorella is a type of green algae that acts as a natural chelator to remove heavy metals, especially lead and mercury. This is one of the few brands that contains 100% chorella in their tablets, no fillers and binders.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a key antioxidant, protecting cells throughout the body from free radical damage. It plays an integral role in the production of cellular energy, and is essential for the proper metabolism of carbohydrates and the synthesis of fats and proteins. Vitamin C also helps break down cholesterol, promotes wound healing, and helps maintain healthy immune function. horne’s Vitamin C with Flavonoids contains ascorbic acid and citrus flavonoids. The flavonoids are a mixture of naturally-occurring flavonoids, including rutin, hesperidin, and quercetin. And there is no corn starch contained in this supplement, as it is in many other vitamin C supplements. Although ascorbic acid will work in the body without flavonoids, it works better when accompanied by flavonoid molecules, because the bioflavonoids spare vitamin C, thus providing greater antioxidant capacity.
Coriander (cilantro) tincture – 2 times per day
Cilantro Heavy Metal Detox is designed to bind to heavy metals to clear them from the body. The combination of cilantro and chlorella elicits a potent cleansing action and provides antioxidant support for overall cellular health. This is alcohol free with the only other ingredients being vegetable glycerin and purified water.
Activated Charcoal – 2 times per day over a maximum of 3 days
The porous surface of activated charcoal has a negative electric charge that causes positive charged toxins and gas to bond with it. Charcoal is so powerful that it’s used as a emergency treatment for removing poisons from the body very fast. Look for activated charcoal made from coconut shells or identified wood species that have ultra-fine grains. Always follow directions based on the specific type you use and drink close to double the amount of water that you usually drink in a day (aim for 12-16 glasses). Warning: charcoal will chelate everything, not only heavy metals – it will also bind to essential minerals in your diet and prevent their absorption. It is therefore recommended that you only take charcoal for 2-3 days at a time.
Probiotics
Probiotics help improve detoxification of the gut and help boost immunity. These two quality brands offer differing combinations. Thorne Research Floramend contains Lactobacillus gasseri, Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium bifidum. Dr Mercola’s Complete Probiotics contain Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus brevis, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus salivarius, Streptococcus thermophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum.
Note: Avoid google doctoring yourself like we are all guilty of! Before you start a heavy metal detox, consult your open-minded or holistic doctor or if that is a challenge, investigate yourself with a DIY heavy metals test kit. Ask a professional whether you are in the “red zone” before you go crazy with detoxing. It is fairly safe to say that most people living in our modern world will greatly benefit from a detox but there are some people who will overdo it which is just as dangerous. The amount of time you will need to detox is specific to each individual so further study is warranted. Remember that certain supplements must only be taken for short periods of time and cycled to avoid systemic mineral and vitamin deficiencies, such as Activated Charcoal.
If you haven’t already taken a look, check out how to improve your diet and lifestyle first with the Basics of Health.