Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, are
natural metallic elements (with high atomic weight) but over the
years, multiple and intense use of these metals in agriculture,
medical, cosmetics and other industries have caused high
concentrations of these in immediate human surroundings. This
accumulated environmental pollution is now part of our everyday life
and raises concerns over its pernicious effects on human well being.
Research suggest that these heavy metals are systemic toxicants for
human body and can induce adverse health effects such as leaky gut,
neurologic disorders, chronic fatigue, cardiovascular diseases,
diabetes, hematologic and immunologic disorders, developmental
abnormalities and cancer.
Besides, depending on chemical species, its dose, route and period
(acute or chronic) of exposure, the effect of heavy metal poisoning
is greatly influenced by personal characteristics of the exposed
individuals such as age, gender, genetics, individual
susceptibilities and nutritional status. Developing children and
foetus (inside pregnant women) are more susceptible to the
detrimental effects, as their bodies absorb more percentage of
ingested compounds (compared to adults) and development of their
brains can get effected by even brief exposures of these metals.
Causes of Heavy Metal Poisoning from Your Environment
Chronic heavy metal exposure mainly occurs through ingestion,
inhalation, and dermal contact. Once inside human body, these toxic
elements start interfering with metabolic, nutritional and
immunologic functions of other essential metals such as iron,
calcium, copper, and zinc, which leads to poor digestion,
ineffective absorption of nutrients and lowered immunity. This
biochemical imbalance also induces production of auto-antibodies and
free radicals resulting in increased oxidative stress, inflammation
and multiple organ damage. Interaction of heavy metals with cell
components can even cause DNA damage and trigger carcinogenesis by
both activating oncogenesis and inhibiting innate tumor suppression
mechanism.
Is your body suffering from toxic burden?
Lead:
High concentration of lead is released in the environment through
fossil fuels burning, mining, production of lead-acid batteries,
ammunitions, metal products, and other manufacturing applications
(paints, ceramic and glass). Though, efforts have been made to limit
its use in gasoline, residential paints, food, drink cans and
plumbing systems, still it is a serious health problem, as lead is
the most systemic toxicant that affects almost all organs in the
body. Lead exposure during pregnancy can cause preterm delivery,
reduced birth weight and neuro-developmental abnormalities in
offspring. Chronic lead exposure causes detrimental effects on
central nervous system, cardiovascular system, kidneys, and cancer.
Aluminium:
This metal is most common in our immediate environment, as it is
used to make: i) cook wares and food containers i.e. aluminum foil,
cans, ceramics; ii) food items such as baking powder, milk products,
beer, bleached flour, cheese, color additives, vanilla powder,
drinking water; iii) pharmaceutical products such as nasal spray,
medicines (antacids, aspirin), dental amalgams; iv) personal care
products i.e. deodorants, toothpaste; and v) insulated wiring, auto
exhaust, cigarette filters and fireworks. Chronic aluminium exposure
disrupts functioning of kidney, liver and digestive system; reduces
immunity; impairs mental functions; induces behavioral problems; and
causes muscle weakness.
Mercury:
Mercury is ubiquitous in the environment, as it is released into the
air whenever anything burns. It is widely used in making switches,
thermostats, batteries; preservatives by pharma industry; antifungal
agents by wood processing industry; precious metal processing and
dental amalgams. Dental amalgams and contaminated fish are the main
source of exposure. Dental amalgam contains elemental mercury, which
is absorbed through lungs and tissues lining the mouth. Being lipid
soluble, it easily crosses cell membranes (even placental and
blood-brain barriers) and produces highly reactive oxygen species (ROS),
which cause oxidative damage and interfere with vital processes like
nerve transmission and cell division. Mercury has a very low
excretion rate, so once absorbed, it starts accumulating in the
liver, neurological tissue and kidneys, which leads to
gastrointestinal toxicity, neuro-toxicity, and nephro-toxicity.
Arsenic:
It is used in agricultural products such as pesticides, herbicide
and insect sprays. Arsenic toxicity occurs through contaminated
ground water, soil and seafood from coastal waters. Arsenic can
cause digestive issues (anorexia, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting,
abdominal pain); respiratory tract infection; skin, nail and hair
problems; muscle weakness and increased risk of cancers.
Cadmium:
Various industrial applications i.e. production of alloys, pigments,
and batteries, use Cadmium. The main source of its exposure is
inhalation of emissions from industrial activities and cigarette
smoke; eating contaminated food; and working in cadmium-contaminated
work places. Chronic cadmium exposure is associated with decreased
pulmonary, olfactory and gastrointestinal functions; lower bone
mineral density and osteoporosis; and depressive symptoms.
Is this why you have mineral deficiencies?
How to reduce effects of heavy metal poisoning
Chronic exposure to
heavy metals leads to toxic accumulation of these in the soft
tissues of human body. Often, medical diagnosis overlooks heavy
metal toxicity, resulting in significant amount of morbidity and
mortality. A simple analysis of blood, hair, urine and feces
determines the extent of accumulated heavy metals in the body. Here
are some simple steps that can help in reducing the burden and
detoxifying your body:
1. Exposure to these metals occurs mainly through diet, medications
and immediate family and work environment, so taking into account
the dietary and lifestyle history is the first step to identify the
hidden sources of metal exposure and reducing overall body burden.
2. Human body has strong detoxifying system (liver, kidney, lung and
skin) that continuously work to eliminate toxins and wastes.
Antioxidant mechanism (vitamins C, vitamin E, glutathione,
superoxide dismutase and melatonin) also scavenges the free radicals
created by heavy metals and reduces build-up of oxidative stress.
Toxicity happens when heavy metal accumulation overrides and
exhausts this buffering capacity. Thus, to support body’s
elimination system focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle by
eating nutrient-rich, organic, whole food, plant based diet;
exercising regularly and taking adequate rest; and limiting
consumption of inflammatory causing substances such as alcohol,
cigarettes, refined sugars and grains.
3. Detoxification, or ridding the body of these poisonous metals
requires a concerted effort. Chlorella and cilantro and useful at
chelating (or binding the metal into a molecular “cage”).
Chelation therapy involves oral, topical, rectal, or intravenous
substances (like EDTA) to carry heavy metals out of the body in the
urine. Sweating, especially far infra red saunas, help eliminate
heavy metals through the skin. Regular bowel movements encourage
elimination of heavy metals through the stools.
Enhance body’s detoxification process, by intermittent fasting,
alternate hot and cold baths, spending time outdoor, soaking in
sunshine, doing yoga and breathing exercises.
Also, use good water and air purifiers; and natural household and
personal care products to limit exposure.