What are some of the most common warning signs that you might be struggling with heavy metal toxicity?

• Chronic fatigue
• Tinnitus/ringing in the ears
• Headaches
• Autoimmune diseases, including Lyme disease
• Poor recovery from exercise and weakness
• Skin irritation
• Neurological disorders
• Brain fog, trouble concentrating, difficulty learning and poor memory
• Depression, manic depression and/or anxiety
• Dementia
• Insomnia
• Digestive issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome
• Chronic aches and pains, such as those associated with fibromyalgia
• Tremors
• Impaired motor control, hearing, speech, vision and gait
• Anaemia
• Higher risk for heart attacks

A heavy metal detox involves reducing the levels of toxic metals like mercury, lead, arsenic, and cadmium from the body. It’s important to approach detoxing safely and thoughtfully, as improper detoxification can have negative side effects. Here are some general guidelines for conducting a heavy metal detox:

1. Consult a Healthcare Professional
Before attempting any detox, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you have a preexisting medical condition. A healthcare provider can recommend appropriate testing and guide you on the best approach.

2. Identify the Source of Exposure
Determine the sources of heavy metal exposure (e.g., contaminated food, water, or environmental factors). Reducing or eliminating exposure is a critical first step.

3. Increase Nutrient-Rich Foods
Certain foods are known to support detoxification. These foods may help your body naturally eliminate heavy metals:

• Cilantro: Known for its ability to bind to heavy metals like mercury and lead.
• Garlic: Contains sulfur compounds that support detoxification and may help remove heavy metals.
• Chlorella: A type of algae that may help remove toxins, including heavy metals.
• Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, kale, and cauliflower can help support the liver’s detox pathways.
• Fiber-Rich Foods: High-fiber foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) help the body eliminate toxins through the digestive system.

4. Hydration
Drinking plenty of clean water is crucial during a detox to help flush toxins from the body. Consider using water with added electrolytes to stay hydrated and support cellular function.

5. Chelation Therapy
Chelation therapy is a medical procedure where a chelating agent is administered (usually through IV or orally) to bind to heavy metals and help remove them from the body. This should only be done under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional because it can have side effects, especially if done incorrectly. See below for further detail.

6. Saunas and Sweating
Saunas, especially infrared saunas, can support detoxification by promoting sweating, which can help release heavy metals from the body through the skin. Make sure to stay hydrated when using saunas to prevent dehydration.

7. Supplements
Several supplements may support the detox process:

• Activated Charcoal: Can absorb toxins and prevent them from being reabsorbed into the body.
• N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC): Supports liver function and glutathione production, an important antioxidant for detox.
• Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA): Known for its antioxidant properties and its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, helping to detoxify brain cells.
• Zeolite: A natural mineral that may help bind to heavy metals and remove them from the body.

8. Support Liver and Kidney Health
Your liver and kidneys are essential organs in detoxification. Supporting their function can enhance the process:

• Milk Thistle: Supports liver detoxification.
• Dandelion Root: Supports liver and kidney function.
• Turmeric: Contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties and supports liver health.

9. Exercise
Physical activity, especially sweating through exercise, can help eliminate toxins from the body. Incorporating cardiovascular activities like running or cycling can support detoxification.

10. Avoid Toxic Chemicals
While detoxing, avoid adding more heavy metals or toxins into your body. This includes avoiding processed foods, non-organic produce, and using natural, non-toxic cleaning and personal care products.

11. Consider Heavy Metal Testing
Testing for heavy metals in the body through urine, blood, or hair analysis can help determine your levels and guide the detox process. It’s a good idea to monitor progress through testing to ensure that detoxification is effective.

Important Note:
Heavy metal detox should be approached carefully, and overzealous detox methods can lead to problems like the redistribution of metals into the body, rather than their elimination. Always prioritize professional guidance when undergoing detoxification treatments.

Chelation therapy is a medical treatment designed to remove heavy metals and other toxins from the body. The term “chelation” comes from the Greek word “chēlē”, which means “claw” because the chelating agents bind to the toxic metals in a way that resembles a claw grasping them. Chelation therapy is primarily used for cases of heavy metal poisoning (such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium) and can help reduce the levels of these metals in the body.

How Chelation Therapy Works:

1. Chelating Agents: The therapy involves the use of chelating agents—substances that bind to metal ions. Once the agent binds to the metal, the resulting complex can be safely eliminated from the body, typically through urine.

Common chelating agents include:

1. EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid): Used for lead poisoning and other heavy metals.
2. DMSA (Dimercaptosuccinic acid): Often used for lead, mercury, and arsenic.
3. DMPS (Dimercapto-propane sulfonate): Used for mercury and arsenic.
4. Penicillamine: Used for copper, mercury, and lead.
5. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA): An antioxidant that may have chelating properties for metals like mercury.
6. Mechanism of Action: The chelating agent binds to the metal ions in the bloodstream, forming a stable, water-soluble complex. The body then excretes the complex through the kidneys and urine. The chelating agent is essentially a “scavenger,” attaching to the metals and escorting them out of the body.

Types of Chelation Therapy:

• Intravenous (IV) Chelation: The chelating agent is administered through an IV drip directly into the bloodstream. This is typically done in a medical setting and is common for severe cases of poisoning.
• Oral Chelation: Involves taking chelating agents in pill or liquid form. This is generally used for less severe cases and is available for home use with proper guidance.
• Rectal Chelation: Some practitioners use rectal suppositories that deliver chelating agents into the bloodstream via the rectal lining. This method is less common but can be used for certain conditions.

Benefits of Chelation Therapy:

• Heavy Metal Poisoning: Chelation therapy is an effective treatment for serious cases of heavy metal poisoning, such as lead, mercury, and arsenic poisoning. It can help reduce symptoms and prevent further organ damage.
• Detoxification: Some people use chelation as a means of general detoxification to lower body burden from environmental toxins. However, this use is more controversial and less supported by clinical evidence.
• Chronic Conditions: In certain alternative medicine circles, chelation therapy is used for conditions like cardiovascular disease, where it’s believed that it may help remove calcium deposits from arteries. However, this use remains controversial and isn’t widely accepted in conventional medicine.

Risks and Side Effects:

While chelation therapy can be beneficial, it carries some risks and potential side effects:

• Mineral Deficiency: Chelating agents can bind to not only toxic metals but also essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and zinc. This can lead to imbalances or deficiencies in these minerals if chelation is overdone or not properly managed.
• Kidney Stress: The process of excreting heavy metals through the kidneys can place a strain on the kidneys, especially if kidney function is already compromised. This is why kidney function is often monitored during therapy.
• Dehydration: The increased urine output during the excretion of the metals can cause dehydration, so it’s essential to stay well-hydrated during treatment.
• Side Effects: Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headache, dizziness, and chills. In rare cases, more severe reactions like heart arrhythmias or severe allergic reactions can occur.

Who Should Consider Chelation Therapy?

Chelation therapy is generally reserved for individuals who have significant heavy metal toxicity and is typically prescribed after medical testing confirms high levels of metals in the body. It is important to follow a healthcare provider’s guidance on when and how to use chelation therapy. If you have or have had amalgam fillings, we recommend chelation therapy ONLY AFTER YOU HAVE HAD THEM SAFELY REMOVED BY AN ACCREDITED BIOLOGICAL DENTIST. Chelation therapy with amalgams still in place will just increase the release of mercury into the body and cause further toxicity. In an optimal functioning body, 60% of mercury released by amalgam fillings is excreted, but the rest is stored in the cells, especially those of the nervous system. Hence, chelation is the only way that these toxic heavy metals can be escorted out of the body.

Summary:

Chelation therapy is an effective treatment for heavy metal poisoning, using chelating agents to bind to toxic metals and help eliminate them from the body. While it can be highly beneficial for cases of poisoning, it must be carefully administered under medical supervision to avoid potential risks, including mineral deficiencies, kidney damage, and dehydration.

If you’re considering chelation therapy, it’s critical to work closely with an experienced functional medicine doctor or accredited biological dentist to monitor your health and ensure proper treatment.

What foods should I eat while doing a heavy metal detox?

• Herbs and spices — Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant herbs and spices like basil, parsley, oregano, rosemary, thyme, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon and cilantro can help remove heavy metals. Cilantro (along with other green herbs and plants) is one of the best herbs for detoxifying and can help reduce the buildup of heavy metals like mercury and lead in the body. Try adding herbs like cilantro and parsley to fresh-squeezed green juices.
• Foods rich in vitamin C – Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C can reduce the damage caused by heavy metal toxicity by acting as antioxidants, as shown in animal studies. High-vitamin C foods include citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruit, leafy greens like spinach and kale, all types of berries, broccoli and cruciferous veggies, kiwi, papaya, guava, and bell pepper.
• Garlic and onions – These vegetables contain sulfur, which helps your liver detoxify itself of heavy metals like lead and arsenic.
• Water – Drink eight ounces of water or vegetable juice every two hours to stay hydrated and help flush out toxins.
• Flax and chia seeds – These provide omega-3 fats and fiber that can help with detoxification of the colon and reduce inflammation.
• Bone broth — Bone broth helps keep you hydrated, provides important mineral and supports liver health by providing glutathione. It also provides amino acids that help strengthen the organs. Consume bone broth by either making your own and sipping on several cups daily, or by using protein powder made from bone broth.

What foods should I avoid while doing a heavy metal detox?

• Farmed fish – Farmed fish, especially those from foreign countries where the quality is not monitored, can contain heavy metals, dioxins and PCBs, which are highly toxic. The worst offenders are tilefish, swordfish, shark, king mackerel and bigeye tuna. You can continue to eat fish up to several times per week — just make better choices that are low in mercury, and purchase wild-caught fish, ideally from a local fisherman that you trust.
• Food allergens – If your body is fighting against common allergens and dealing with high levels of inflammation, it will not be able to detoxify from heavy metal poisoning as well.
• Non-organic foods – These foods increase exposure to chemicals that make symptoms worse. Some of the worst offenders include conventional apple juice and brown rice products. For a list of other foods that you should always try to buy organic, see this list of the Dirty Dozen, detailing the most pesticide-contaminated produce as tested by the Environmental Working Group.
• Foods with additives – Additives may aggravate toxicity symptoms and decrease your body’s ability to detoxify.
• Alcohol – Too much alcohol is toxic to the body and can make it more difficult for your liver to process other toxins.

What Supplements can I  take that may help me overcome heavy metal poisoning?

• Chlorella (1–4 grams per day or about 4–8 caps daily) — Chlorella is a type of green algae that acts as a natural chelator to remove heavy metals, especially lead and mercury. It’s a great source of chlorophyll and is “hungry” to absorb other metals. You can take it in powder or tablet form.
• Vitamin C (3,000 milligrams daily) — Acts as an antioxidant to help reduce free radicals.
• Cilantro (preferably taken as a tincture 2x per day)
• Shilajit (between 100–500 milligrams daily, typically in powder form) — Shilajit is an adaptogenic plant that has certain things in common with activated charcoal, especially that it contains a lot of carbon. It’s a natural chelator because it contains fulvic acid and humic acid that bind to toxic molecules.
• Milk Thistle (150 milligrams taken 2x daily, or milk thistle tea 1–3 times daily) — This is one of the most popular herbs for detoxifying the liver. Silybin is a component with the greatest degree of biological activity that has strong antioxidant properties. It may act as a toxin blockade agent by inhibiting binding of toxins to cell membrane receptors. Silymarin has been shown to reduce liver injury and is used to treat alcoholic liver disease, acute and chronic viral hepatitis, and toxin-induced liver diseases.
• Probiotics (soil-based, 50 billion units one time daily) — Can help improve detoxification of the gut and help boost immunity.