Sources and signs of heavy metal toxicity - and the solution

Heavy metal toxicity is a modern day problem. 

Not all metals are toxic, but the ones that cause cellular damage, interfere with biological function, and induce premature cell death are, even at micro amounts. Remember, it’s the dose that makes the poison.   

You may think as long as your home is clean, toxins are not a concern to you. The truth is, even in developed cities like Hong Kong, heavy metals are unavoidable - they’re found in waters (old pipes with lead coating), food and commercial products. For example, rice and grains are a common source of arsenic exposure as a result of pesticides, insecticides and herbicides usage during the farming process. 

Aside from grains, seafood is a major source of toxic heavy metals like mercury. This is from accumulated food chains - big fish eat small fish, which eat organisms like algae that absorb mercury from their environment, accumulating more toxins. If you tend to consume large fish (tuna, king mackerel, swordfish), more than 3 times per week, you might be at risk of high levels of mercury in your body, especially if the seafood comes from farmed sources (vs wild caught, which has less toxins). Alloy dental fillings are another source of inorganic mercury, especially if you had those fillings done before the 1990’s.

The good news is, heavy metal toxicity is treatable and preventable.

The problem and signs of heavy metal toxicity 

Toxic heavy metals like lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic are tasteless and odorless. At small amounts, they often go undetected. We can absorb them through our skin, by breathing them in or by eating or drinking contaminated food or drink. Over time, they can accumulate in your body and result in 

• memory problems, brain fog, headaches, behavioral problems and aggression.
• cardiovascular issues, including high blood pressure. 
• poor immune function, autoimmune conditions and chronic fatigue.
• digestive problems, like constipation, nausea and abdominal pain.
• hormone imbalances and thyroid problems.
• poor respiratory health. 
• feeling weak, or having achy muscles or joints.

The next step - are you a candidate for detox?

If you have any of the symptoms listed above, we recommend you arrange an appointment with a trained healthcare provider or a naturopath who has experience in treating toxic metals. During your appointment, they will provide a thorough assessment and evaluation. 

Some of the assessments include a blood test, urine test or a hair analysis. Along with that, basic biomarkers to check the health status of your liver and kidney function are recommended since these are the primary detox organs. Based on the findings, your practitioner will determine whether you will be a good candidate for detox and personalise your plan to your needs.  

Undertaking a naturopathic detox removes heavy metals from your body safely. Many who have gone through the detox reported feeling: 

• more energetic, and less of a crash after eating food.
• increased mental clarity, focus and memory recalls.
• stronger immune system. 
• clearer skin.
• better mood and overall wellbeing.
• less dependent on pharmaceutical medications.
• more resilience to day to day stress.

The treatment 

Effective detox from heavy metals requires professional intervention. Using data from your tests, your naturopath will personalise your treatment plan to your unique needs. 

However, while undergoing detox with specific agents that bind to the toxins, you can undertake these extra steps to support your body as it processes toxins. 

1. Poop it out

Consuming fiber. It is important to ensure daily bowel movements and prevent toxins from reabsorbing during the detox process. Foods rich in fibers include legumes, cruciferous vegetables, oats, leafy greens and brown rice. The goal is to have at least one bowel movement per day. 

1. Pee it out

Dilute the toxins. Drinking at least 1.5 L of water per day is essential. While it helps to flush out the toxins in your body, it also prevents constipation that may occur during your detox. 

1. Sweat it out

Your skin is a great secondary detox organ. You’d be surprised by the amount of toxins found in sweat. Sweating helps reduce the amount of toxins passing through your liver and kidney. If you don’t sweat much during exercise, an infra-red sauna is a great alternative to support the removal of toxins. 

In summary

Detoxifying heavy metals from your system is a process. This requires careful planning and professional oversight. It may take a few months for your body to clear the toxins. 

It’s common to experience a period of heightened symptoms during a detox, including fatigue, headaches, or gastrointestinal issues. It’s important that you let your naturopath know about any symptoms that arise so they can adjust your treatment plan as needed and ease your symptoms.

At the end of the day, you can’t live in a bubble free of all toxins. By prioritizing and being mindful of exposure, you can support your body’s natural detox processes and minimize the risks associated with heavy metal accumulation. Your naturopath will give guidance on how to minimise toxic exposure as part of your detox programme.

And remember, before starting on any detox regimen, always consult with a naturopath with specialist experience in detox, for the best approach suited to your individual needs.