Heavy Metal Toxicity

What is Heavy Metal Poisoning?

Heavy metal poisoning

In today’s world we are constantly bombarded by heavy metals and this can ultimately lead to heavy metal poisoning. This form of poisoning can result in a number of serious health conditions developing; from joint pain to chronic fatigue to hypothyroidism and many more.

Heavy metal poisoning occurs when the detoxification pathways in the body are not functioning well and so an excess of heavy metals builds up in the body. Metal poisoning can result from any number of heavy metals such as lead, mercury, aluminum and arsenic and these can come from various sources such as eating fish, soda cans, aluminum foil and many more.

Heavy metal poisoning can be tested for by a urine analysis, which indicates the different levels of heavy metals in the body. Chelation therapy is considered the best treatment for heavy metal poisoning and is safe and FDA approved.

Symptoms of Heavy Metal Poisoning

Symptoms of heavy metal poisoning are many and varied and include:

  • Lack of energy
  • Poor circulation
  • Weight-gain
  • High blood pressure
  • Unexplained aches and pains
  • Allergies
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Digestive problems
  • Frequent colds and flus
  • Loss of memory
  • Metallic taste in mouth
  • Mood swings
  • Night sweats
  • Parasites
  • Skin problems
  • Sore or receding gums

How Do You Get Heavy Metal Poisoning?

People get heavy metal poisoning when they are continually exposed to one or more heavy metals and their bodies cannot eliminate them quickly enough. This accumulation of heavy metals in organs and tissues leads to heavy metal poisoning. Heavy metal poisoning begins with metals entering our bodies in a number of different ways; through the skin, through food and drink and by inhaling them.

Heavy metal poisoning can be triggered by exposure to heavy metals such as mercury from amalgams and fish consumption, lead from some toys and freeway dust and aluminum from cookware and deodorants. Children are also at risk of heavy metal poisoning from mercury in vaccines.

Common Types of Heavy Metal Poisoning

The health effects of heavy metal poisoning are many and varied. Usually if a patient tests high to one metal, there will probably be other metals present in their body. Here are some health effects of the most common types of metal poisoning:

Aluminum: Aluminum damages the brain and is closely linked to neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Aluminum poisoning can also lead to many conditions from anorexia to abnormal heart rhythm to gastrointestinal disorders and more.

Arsenic: The most common effect of arsenic poisoning is change to the skin in the form of darkening, discoloration, swelling or bumps. The organs most affected by arsenic poisoning are the liver and kidneys and sensory and nerve defects can develop.

Cadmium: Cadmium poisoning can increases the permeability of cells, which in turn can allow other heavy metals to enter the cell. and allows other heavy metals to penetrate the cells. Cadmium poisoning can also cause demineralization in bones which can increase the risk of osteoporosis.

Copper: Copper poisoning affects many parts of the body and can lead to a variety of symptoms including metallic taste in mouth, depression, learning disabilities, anxiety and fatigue.

Lead: Lead poisoning can damages the kidneys, brain, muscles and bones and can lead to chronic conditions developing in these areas such as ADD, memory loss, kidney disease, fatigue and gout.

Mercury: Mercury poisoning is one of the most common of the heavy metal poisons and can lead to conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, headache, impaired judgment, emotional instability, hypothyroidism and chronic fungal infection.

Testing for Heavy Metal Poisoning

Testing for heavy metal poisoning is a very important step on the path to regaining health. At LifeWorks Wellness Center, testing for metal poisoning involves a urine test, the results of which will indicate the levels of heavy metals in the patient’s body.

We have helped many patients regain their health and we would love to help you, too. To become a patient, or for more information, feel free to call our New Patient Coordinator at (727) 466-6789 or simply submit an online web inquiry with your request.