Heavy Metals - Health Risks and Detoxification Solutions, an Overview

Mercury, lead, arsenic and cadmium are some of the more common metals individual may become exposed to. We encounter heavy metals in the workplace, through water supplies, cosmetics, pesticides and herbicides, dental fillings, fire retardants on furniture, carpets, mattresses. A new car is a constant source of exposure to heavy metals via the off gasses of chemical and contact with vinyl. Many pharmaceutical drugs and over the counter medications contain heavy metals used as binding agents. Antacids, for example contain significant amounts of aluminum! Vaccines use a mercury based preservative thimerosal. YIKES!!
​As innocuous as it may seem, your household keys are a source of constant exposure to lead through the brass they are made from, which contains lead. Don't give your keys to a small child to keep them occupied, they put everything into their mouths. Oil based paints made and applied before 1978 contained lead. Many contractors continued to use supplies of lead based paint still in stock with many paint companies that continued to sell products after the ban was in place well into the 80's. Historic and older homes most certainly have lead based paints in them. Applications of newer layers of paint do not protect one from the lead contamination of the older layers. The lead migrates to the surface. Contact with hands or mouths will cause contamination. 
A current trend is vaping and e-cigarettes. The solutions of these delivery devices often contains cadmium. Bringing us to air pollution which is a constant exposure to heavy metals from vehicle exhaust.

Acute symptoms associated with these metals include:

• headaches
• abdominal pain and cramping
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• fatigue
• difficulty breathing

With chronic heavy metal poisoning, you may experience symptoms including:

• burning and tingling sensations
• chronic infections
• brain fog
• visual disturbances
• insomnia
• paralysis

Okay that's the bad news! The good news is nature gives us many powerful ways to rid the body of accumulated toxins, including heavy metals.
Methods of eliminating heavy metals include:

• Lymphatic drainage a specialized form of massage that specifically targets the lymphatic system. When seeking this therapy be certain your therapist is certified, check their credentials and be certain that you do not have contraindications for this modality. This therapy requires a Doctors Rx in most cases.
• Sauna's, steam rooms and sweating of any kind. Activities such as hiking strenuously, hot yoga, running, or a heavy game of tennis or anything that  get's you to work up a sweat is beneficial.
• Salt baths, clay baths, mud baths are delightful ways to draw heavy metals from the body. Particularly bentonite clay which absorbs 1,000's of times it weight in toxins and has a powerful magnetic attraction to heavy metals.
• Having mercury amalgam fillings removed. It is crucial that your teeth be relatively strong to avoid cracking of the teethe during the removal process. Find a dentist whose specializes in this procedure and ask a lot of questions, get referrals for other patients before committing to this expensive option.
• Homeopathic heavy metal detox formulas will aid the the elimination of heavy metals and have been used in Europe for many decades. My formula of choice is METOX, by Desbio
• Zeolite are microporous, aluminosilicate minerals commonly used as commercial adsorbents and catalysts.

Taken orally Zeolite can be used to pull heavy metals from the body by the nature of it's sieve like structure which traps heavy metals within it's structure. As the zeolite passes through the digestive system it will be carried out through elimination taking heavy metals with it. For those suffering from active symptoms of heavy metal poisoning who have been tested to clearly demonstrate their exposure levels this is a good choice. Also for anyone who has not undertaken a healthy natural lifestyle, reducing exposure actively and eating the foods that naturally detox heavy metals from the body. For more information on this subject read the following informative articles.
          Dr. Cousens’ Chemtrail Protection Protocol and this Blog The Zeolite Story
Zeolite has been controversial for many years often debunked by the American Medical Industry. Do your own  research and education before trying this method. I prefer the less is more solution of altering lifestyle and food consumption, reducing exposure before resorting to a more intense detox. However for those who have testing  dangerously  high in heavy metal exposure this protocol is decidedly worth undertaking.

• Many food we commonly eat are excellent for removing or detoxing heavy metals from the body. When eaten regularly in combination with an active sweat producing lifestyle and seasonal detoxification via fasting or elimination diets these foods will assist to keep heavy metals from overloading in your body.

It's a delightful list

• cilantro
• garlic
• wild blueberries
• lemon water
• spirulina
• chlorella
• barley grass juice powder
• Atlantic dulse
• curry
• green tea
• tomatoes
• probiotics

I addition to adding ample amounts of these foods to your diet on an ongoing basis it is equally  important that you reduce exposure by adding a chemical air filter to your home if you live in a high pollution environment. Avoid eating large amounts of fish, avoid alcohol, limit brown rice which naturally contains arsenic (only applicable to those who are suffering active symptoms and have been tested). 

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Bridge to Health Wellness Support offers individualized protocols for detoxing heavy metals. For more information about this options schedule a Free 15 Minute Wellness Consult with Vanessa Goldeen CWC, CHT, CNT Practitioner

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Various "binders" are a necessary component to support the body in detoxification from heavy metals. This Blog Post from Vibrant Blue Oils is a wonderful overview of key binders.  I recommend supporting the liver and kidneys with a detox before actively working on elimination of heavy metals. It's important that all elimination channels be active and strong during the process, liver/gallbladder, kidneys, skin. Symptoms of heavy metal detox can include headaches, nausea, acne, boils, malaise, cramping in muscles and stomach. Clay and salt baths several times per week, along with vigorous stimulation of the skin will help minimize symptoms. 

 The illustration below comes from a website Safer Chemicals, Happier Families! This organizations site is a great source of information on ways to educate and protect yourself from harmful chemical and heavy metal exposure.