~Michelle Tonkin ND
Heavy metals are silent killers. They enter our bodies via the food we eat, the water
we drink, the things we touch, and the air we breathe. Heavy metals slowly accumulate in the
elimination organs such as the kidneys, liver, and pancreas, and even can invade the central
nervous system and brain. Over time, this toxicity can cause many health problems, many of
which are misdiagnosed and most often are never associated with heavy metals. Among them, mental retardation in children, dementia in adults, central nervous system (CNS) disorders, kidney (renal) diseases, liver (hepatic) diseases, insomnia, personality changes, emotional instability, depression, panic attacks, memory loss, headaches, vision disturbances including peripheral neuropathy, excess salivation, excess sweating and lack of coordination (ataxia).
Common Sources of Heavy Metals
· Amalgams
One of the primary sources of mercury toxicity can be found in dental amalgams or
‘silver’ fillings. These fillings release harmful and toxic mercury into the body every time we
take a bite of food! Mercury has been found to be highly dangerous to the brain as in time it can actually eat away the myelin sheath protecting the nerve tissue. It is also a source of food for Candida, making an overgrowth almost impossible to get rid of, unless you clear this heavy metal from the body.
If you have your fillings removed, you should consult a biological dentist who knows how to safely and effectively remove mercury fillings. Normally these dentists will suggest replacing these fillings with porcelain. To find a dentist who specializes in amalgam removal please visit: www.dentalwellness4u.com/freeservices/find_dentists.html
Vaccinations
Thimerosal is a preservative that is still found in many vaccines. The CDC claims that vaccinations no longer contain this harmful substance, but it is important to note that pharmaceutical companies were not totally prohibited from using Thimerosal. Thimerosal contains 46.9% ethyl mercury. Currently, seventeen vaccinations contain Thimerosal including the popular flu shot. The good news is that new vaccinations are being created without the use of Thimerosal. Before getting vaccinated, make sure that you are getting the least possible amount of Thimerosal or choose a vaccine that does not contain this preservative. Keeping the immune system healthy by implementing anti-microbial and immune boosting supplements in most cases, is sufficient. Studies have also been done which potentially demonstrate the connection between vaccinations, Autism, and other neurological conditions. 31
· Fish
Mercury toxicity has also been found in some species of fish, mainly shark, swordfish,
including mackerel, tile fish and tuna.
· Lead
Contamination from lead can come from old lead-based water pipes, lead-based paint,
contaminated cookware, unglazed ceramic pottery, mining industries, etc.
· Cadmium
Contamination can come from cadmium batteries, industrial processes, and mining. Most
recently it has been found in some toys from other parts of the world where rigorous
safety standards are required.
· Arsenic
Arsenic is a toxic metal that is commonly found in rodent poison and pressure treated
lumber. Arsenic-laced (or CCA) pressure-treated lumber was common before the issuing
of certain regulations halting manufacture after January 1, 2004. Utility poles and railroad
ties are also a common hazard. Contamination from cutting this wood with power saws or
touching it with the hands is common. Anything made from this toxic wood, including
play sets and patio decks, are very dangerous for children. Even touching CCA pressure-
treated lumber with bare hands or bare feet can cause toxic arsenic poisoning.
· Other Areas of Contamination
Contamination from a variety of heavy metals including the ones listed above can also
come from industrial exposure, manufacturing paints and dyes, mining, unapproved
chemicals, untested water wells, and even untested natural spring water.
Testing of Heavy Metals
Heavy metal toxicity appears in the blood, urine, stool, hair, organs and bones in
those who have an unhealthy level and exposure of these metals. Be on the lookout for
symptoms as these will give the first clue of contamination. The following tests are available
to check for the presence and levels of heavy metals.
Challenge Testing - is done by administering a chelating agent and then measuring the
amount of heavy metals found in the stool or urine.
Urine Testing - measures the excretion of 15 nutrient elements and 20 toxic metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic. This test is ideal for patients who are suspected of heavy metal toxicity as well as possible nutrient wasting.
Hair Analysis - examines the hair for toxic exposure to a variety of heavy metals. The
exposure profile can be created which assesses the level of twenty- two potentially damaging elements. Hair follicles are exposed to the body’s blood supply during their growth, so element concentrations in the hair reflect concentration in other body tissues. If levels are found to be elevated, dietary and lifestyle interventions, along with detoxification and supplement usage, are implemented to reduce the toxic burden. Retesting every few months
helps provide one with an indication of how successful they have been in removing toxic
metals
Detoxification of Heavy Metals
There are a variety of ways and methods to detoxify the body of heavy metals, some
with self- care and others under the supervision of a medical professional.
· DMSA (Dimercapto Succinic Acid)
DMSA is a popular chelator used by doctors to chelate metals such as mercury, arsenic
and lead for safe removal from the body’s tissues. It is available both in intravenous and oral
form. The oral form is known as Chemet. This chelator has been shown to cross the blood brain barrier and therefore is effective at removing heavy metals from the brain. Because of this capacity it should be considered after removal of dental amalgams. It can also be used with existing amalgams to help remove toxicity in the body and should be done periodically as fillings continue to leach mercury into the system.
· EDTA (Edetate Disodium)
This chelator is commonly used to chelate calcium from the arterial system, helping to
reduce hardening of the arteries. It has been found to be effective in the removal of aluminum and other metals as well. It is available orally, intravenously, and as rectal suppositories. EDTA suppositories have the advantage of cost effectiveness and in- home convenience. This method utilizes a suppository containing EDTA, which is administered rectally at bedtime. Since the body’s normal elimination of heavy metals is through the feces and urine, this method tends to be very effective. It is also gentler and safer for children as well as sensitive adults. Five suppositories are equal to about one IV treatment. One of the best and most effective brands for EDTA suppositories is Detoxamin.
Studies have shown that EDTA suppositories like Detoxamin are able to effectively
remove lead, mercury, nickel, cadmium, arsenic, barium, uranium and aluminum. Detoxamin is a time-released suppository that has demonstrated effectiveness up to three times longer than intravenous chelation therapy. This allows detoxification to occur at a slower and gentler pace. Because EDTA not only captures heavy metals but also can bind to minerals, it is important to supplement with adequate intake of minerals and trace minerals. Although uncommon, a disadvantage of EDTA is the possibility of redistribution of these toxic heavy metals to other areas of the body.
· Intravenous Vitamin C
This remedy has been used by dentists to detoxify mercury from the colon during
amalgam removal. It has also shown promising results in removing lead and aluminum. Oral
Vitamin C is also an effective heavy metal detoxifier, but reaching adequate dosing is difficult
due to bowel intolerances.
· Cilantro
This herb has been shown to remove mercury, cadmium, lead, and aluminum in the bones
and central nervous system. It also aids the liver in detoxification and supports organ function, including the pancreas and intestines.
· N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)
NAC is a sulfur-containing essential amino acid. This amino acid is a potent antioxidant
and aids in detoxifying many harmful chemicals such as cigarette smoke, pollution, and alcohol. Cysteine also binds to heavy metal toxins for safe removal from the body.
· Oral Chelating agents
Another alternative for removal of heavy metal toxicity is the use of oral chelating
agents. This method is convenient and safe for those who have heavy metal accumulation and are not able to tolerate intravenous chelation. The following is a list of chelating agents that can be used to help alleviate symptoms of toxicity.
· alfalfa
· apple pectin
· Coenzyme A
· Coenzyme Q10
· garlic (capsules)
· vitamin C with bioflavonoids
Bentonite Clay is also a wonderful tool for helping the body to alleviate toxin exposure to heavy metals as well as radiation, pesticides, and other toxins such as environmental.
Clay has been used for thousands of years to aid in detoxification and some even believe that this clay was used during Jesus’ time.
Clay like Bentonite helps to naturally draw toxins out of the body through the skin. I have personally used Bentonite clay in baths and foot baths to aid my body’s detox efforts.
A great brand that we suggest is here.
It is suggested that one do clay baths no more than 1x/week for a period of 10-15 minutes and to make sure to rehydrate the body with electrolytes/minerals with a green drink, electrolyte mix, herbal tea, or diluted fruit juice.
Heavy metals are all around us and can impact the quality of our health and well-being in a variety of ways. Thankfully there are ways that we can naturally support our body’s elimination of these toxins while improving the quality of our health!
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