Also Referred to as Toxic Metal Poisoning
Heavy Metal poisoning and Chelation Therapy is the approved treatment for removing toxic metals from the body. It can be hard for a Doctor to diagnose simply because most of the symptoms can generally be associated with other causes. The problem is we live in such a toxic world it’s hard to escape metal toxicity, the risk also increases for long term smokers.
Heavy Metal Poisoning and Chelation Therapy
We need many of these heavy metals in our system, such as zinc, copper, chromium, iron and manganese, these are essential for bodily function but only in very small trace amounts. As soon as the metals from these substances build up our system they get stored in the heart, brain and the liver which can cause many problems. The heavy metals commonly associated with toxic metal poisoning are namely lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium.
Symptoms of Heavy Metal Poisoning
There can be many symptoms, as you now realise it’s hard to diagnose but the most common symptoms of heavy metal poisoning are tiredness, fatigue and high blood pressure, there can also be a metallic taste in the mouth.
Other symptoms can be impaired cognitive, motor, nausea, language skills, learning difficulties, nervousness and emotional instability. Did you know that the expression “as mad as a hatter” came from mercury poisoning in people that was prevalent in 17th century in France? It was actually hat makers who used to soak animal hides in a solution of mercuric nitrate to soften the hair. In males it can also be a contributor to low testosterone levels.
EDTA Chelation – approved treatment for Heavy Metal Poisoning
EDTA is approved by the FDA and other organisations as the treatment for heavy metal poisoning. The IV method has the greatest absorption but it is not available everywhere and the costs can be prohibitive.
Oral EDTA Chelation is best taken in liquid form as it has greater absorption qualities (up to 95%) than pills or capsules. EDTA is an Amino Acid that pulls the stored metals out of the tissue into the blood stream which are then expelled through the urine.
Chinese herbal remedies contain a potent amount of heavy metals, this is because heavy metals are easily absorbed by plants and in recent years China has had widespread problems with heavy metal contamination. Thousands of people have been poisoned because they live near battery factories or metal smelters. Most of the problem is in the South being a heavy industrialised part of the country. If you need to take Chinese remedies try to take them in moderation.
Pots Pans and Cookware. Can be a source of heavy metal poisoning as during cooking metals leach from pans and end up in the food. Invest in some high quality pans to avoid any excess aluminium, copper or iron entering your system.
Cigarettes and Smoking. We all know by now they are bad, however cigarettes are the number one cause of heavy metal poisoning as they have high traces of cadmium and nickel, most long term smokers who get their heavy metal levels tested have high amounts of these in their system.
Sample of Metals and Effects
Mercury – What can it affect?
Found in the brain, kidneys, liver, lungs, central nervous system, red blood cells, muscle tissue, and the bladder.
Where does it come from? Glues, air conditioning filters, antiseptic creams, batteries, talcum powder, damaged thermometers, cosmetics, amalgam fillings, dairy products, electrical wiring and switches, fabric softeners, flourescent lights, polishes, laxatives, paints, pesticides, pharmaceutical drugs and creams, processed grains, seafood, sewage disposal, skin lightening cream, tanning leathers, tattoos and more.
Arsenic – What can it affect?
The main areas of distribution are the liver, aorta, kidneys, lungs, spleen, skin, hair and nails.
Where does it come from? Animal feeds, antibiotics, industrial dust, car exhaust systems, coloured chalk, fungicides, pesticides, detergents, fish and shellfish, rat poison, wine, tap water and more.
Aluminium – What can it affect?
Aluminium accumulates in the brain, nerves, muscles, lungs, liver, bones, skin, reproductive organs, kidneys and the stomach.
Where does it come from? aluminium foil, cooking ware, animal feeds, aluminium cans, beer, aspirin, ceramic ware, cocoa, construction materials, cosmetics, zeolite, baking powder, dental amalgam fillings and dentures, deodorants, lipsticks, nasal sprays, medical compounds and some prescription drugs, milk products, cigarette filters, pesticides, processed flour, table salt, cigarette smoke, toothpaste, vanilla powder, tap water and more.
Cadmium – What can it affect?
Cadmium is found in the kidneys as well as the liver and other organs. It is considered to be more toxic than lead or mercury.
Where does it come from? batteries, ceramics, cereals, cigarette smoke, tea and coffee cola drinks, electroplating, fertilisers, fungicides, burning tyres or rubber, plastics, marijuana, milk, sea fish, oysters, pesticides, processed food, silver polish, solder on canned food, soft drinks, welding materials, tap water and more.
Lead – What can it affect?
Lead is a toxin that is stored in the central nervous system as well as the brain, kidneys, hair, muscle, and the bones.
Where does it come from? car batteries and exhaust systems, tinned fruit, cigarette smoke, leaded petrol, hair dyes, insecticides, lead crystal glass, refineries, old lead water pipes and the water they carry, lipstick and mascara, ceramics, evaporated milk, bone meal, offal, lead based paint, pesticides, vegetable products grown near the roadside, PVC , solder, tobacco, toothpaste and more.
Since leaded petrol has been discontinued in most places the problem of heavy metal poisoning has been reduced however the risk factors from other sources still remain.