Heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, and aluminum, accumulate in the
body over time and are suspected of triggering dangerous conditions
like heart disease, thyroid problems, dementia, neurological
conditions, autism, infertility and birth defects. The good news is
that a heavy metal detox can remove these contaminants from your
body and minimize their impact on your health.
Chelation, a controversial metal detox procedure in which metals are
purged from the body, usually by way of an intravenous
administration of certain drugs, has been touted as a miracle cure
for many ailments. Its effectiveness as a treatment, however, has
come under much scrutiny. It may be harmful, so it's a good idea to
talk with your doctor if you're considering it.
In the meantime, there are some less extreme steps you can take to
reduce the amount of these heavy metals in your body.
Be Finicky About Fish
Fish, especially ones that live for a long time, absorb mercury from
the water. Larger fish, such as tuna and swordfish, tend to have
higher levels of mercury. Since an important step in mercury
detoxification is reducing the amount you take in, it's a good idea
to limit your consumption of certain fish.
Removing Heavy Metals
Consider Your Dental Work
Silver-colored fillings are usually made with a mercury amalgam,
which may break down over time. If you have a lot of these fillings,
you may want to talk with your dentist about a mercury detox
replacing them with tooth-colored resin fillings.
Ask For Mercury-free Vaccines
While the mercury-based preservative thimerosal has been removed
from most vaccines, there are still some that contain the
controversial chemical, such as flu shots. But there are usually
thimerosal-free alternatives available; you just have to ask for
them.
Look Out For Pollution
Pollution in our water and air can be a major source of harmful
heavy metals. Steer clear of industrial areas when possible, and
drink filtered water.
Beware Of Old Paint
As recently as the 1970s, paint was made with lead. If you live or
work in an older structure, there's a good chance of lead-based
paint somewhere beneath the most recent layer. Be mindful of places
where paint may be chipping, and definitely keep small children from
putting paint chips in their mouths.
If you're worried about lead exposure, see your doctor for a lead
test. He or she can guide you to more specific metal detox
treatments, if warranted.
Order A Side Of Cilantro
The herb cilantro, also known as coriander, has been found to be a
natural chelating agent and one that doesn't have to be administered
intravenously. "Cilantro chelation" typically calls for a small
amount of fresh cilantro, which can be made into a pesto sauce and
eaten over pasta or toast, consumed each day for a few weeks. But
you may want to discuss it with your doctor first, especially if you
take medications or have a health condition.
Chelation And Heavy Metal Detoxification
Detox Diets
There are more dietary steps you can take to rid yourself not only
of heavy metals but other toxins, as well. Detox diets and detox
recipes are more popular than ever, thanks to celebrities such as
Gwyneth Paltrow and Beyonce. Sure, most detox recipes lead to
drastic weight loss, but healthy detox focuses on the long-lasting
benefits, both mental and physical, of cleansing your body. If you
are looking to pair your detoxifying diet with physical exercises,
activities such as yoga, Pilates and hot yoga are all great for
detoxifying.
But with so many detox diets out there, how do you know which is
best for you? Here are some basic ways to naturally detox your diet.
Step 1: Eliminate Toxins
Whether your reason for beginning a detox diet has to do with bad
eating habits or a condition such as arthritis, you should always
consult your doctor if you plan to make drastic changes to your
diet. That said, the best way to begin a natural detox is to simply
stop consuming toxins such as alcohol and tobacco. According to the
National Institutes of Health, both are extremely harmful to your
health and cause cancers and other diseases. Also consume less
caffeine and less non-organic produce.
Step 2: Cleanse Your Body
Many natural body cleanses include one to three days of fasting to
remove any undigested food from your system. Before making the
decision to fast, consult your physician or a medical professional.
Fasting can be dangerous, especially for certain groups of people.
The Mayo Clinic warns that if your body receives too few calories,
you may develop life-threatening conditions, such as an irregular
heartbeat.
Even with a medical professional's go-ahead, fasting should not be
considered a permanent weight-loss solution. Think of it as a
natural way to cleanse the body before beginning a healthier
lifestyle.
Step 3: Drink Water
Water is a natural body cleanser. Ask your doctor how much water you
should drink and how you can maintain a healthy electrolyte balance
while fasting. You don't want to become dehydrated, but you also
don't want to drink too much water, as that can be life threatening,
as well. Our 32 oz. Stainless Steel Wide Mouth Water Bottle is the
perfect bottle to carry with you all day to ensure your consuming a
healthy level of water.
If you get tired of drinking plain water, add a few drops of
fresh-squeezed lemon or a couple of slices of cucumber. Another
great source of water is tea, especially antioxidant-rich green tea.
Step 4: Change Your Diet
For natural detox, you don't have to be limited to raw fruits and
veggies. It may be easier to simply cut out specific foods that
aren't healthy for you. A good way to start is to cut out dairy
foods, grains with gluten, meat, and shellfish. Also avoid
artificial sweeteners, sugars, and processed foods that are high in
saturated fats. Eat as much organic food as possible because it's
more likely to be pesticide-free.
Step 5: Get The Right Amount Of Vitamins And Minerals
Natural detox is not just about eliminating toxins and harmful
foods; you also want to focus on getting the vitamins and minerals
your body needs to function at its best. According to the USDA,
these fruits and vegetables are great sources of vitamins and
minerals: carrots, broccoli, avocado, orange-colored fruits, citrus,
bananas and leafy greens. If you're worried that you may not be
getting the vitamins you need in your detox recipes, consider taking
a multivitamin supplement.
Step 6: Don't Forget About Herbs And Spices
Herbs and spices can help your body remove toxins and digest food
properly. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has shown
that certain herbs and spices, such as milk thistle (Silybum
marianum), cloves (Eugenia aromatica), garlic (Allium sativum) and
turmeric (Curcuma longa), have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
properties. Garlic may help reduce blood pressure and alleviate
ulcers, for example, while turmeric may protect against some
cancers.
Step 7: Make It Permanent
Your liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal system are designed to
remove toxins, but pollution, pesticides, and other harmful
chemicals can eventually overwhelm the body. A natural detox nothing
drastic! will go a long way toward giving you more energy and making
you feel better about yourself.
Make your detox diet your permanent diet, and your body will thank
you. That does not go without saying that you will not need any sort
of exercise. As with any exercise and meditation, tools and
accessories are not required, although, they do help. Do not be
afraid to check out our bestselling restorative accessories so that
you can get the most out of your detox process.
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