Arsenic can also be found in the air as it is release into the environment from agricultural and industrial sources.
Arsenic poisoning can occur when a build-up of the toxin occurs in the body, due to exposure to it. Normally, the body will excrete arsenic in the urine but if the exposure is considerable and prolonged, an accumulation can occur in the body’s tissues.
Where does Arsenic come from?
Arsenic is used in various ways; as a preservative in pressure-treated lumber and animal hides, in some glass manufacturing and in pesticides. It also occurs naturally in the environment and so finds its way into food, water and the air. Because arsenic has neither taste or smell it is difficult to detect and so people with high exposure may have no idea that they are falling victim to arsenic poisoning.
Food is the primary source of arsenic, particularly rice but also mushrooms and poultry, especially if not organic. Drinking water in some parts of rural US also contains substantial levels of arsenic. Pre-1985, arsenic was produced in the US and workers in factories which manufactured and packaged items containing arsenic, would have had high exposure to it.
Symptoms and Effects
Arsenic poisoning symptoms can be both short and long-term. Short-term or immediate effects of over-exposure to arsenic may include:
- Abdominal pain and vomiting
- Dark urine and diarrhea
- Dehydration and delirium
- Cardiac problems
- Death
Long-term exposure to arsenic levels which are not considered toxic may result in a slow build-up of the toxin, until it results in arsenic poisoning. These longer-term effects can result in cancer, changes to the skin’s color or texture, dysfunction of sensory or motor nerves and disruption to kidney and liver function.
Testing for Arsenic Poisoning
Testing for arsenic poisoning can be determined by the patient undergoing a urine analysis to establish the arsenic levels present in a patient’s body. If the results of the test indicate higher than normal arsenic levels, the patient will be advised to begin chelation therapy.
Ridding the Body of Arsenic
Chelation therapy is an effective treatment for arsenic poisoning. Delivered via an intravenous drip, chelation involves an infusion of EDTA mixed with vitamin C, B complex, Magnesium and specific homeopathics. Most patients start with 10 sessions of chelation therapy, usually administered over the course of three to four weeks. After the initial 10 sessions, the patient will be re-tested to see where their arsenic levels are and if further chelation treatment is necessary.
Getting Tested for Arsenic Poisoning
LifeWorks Wellness Center is long recognized as one of the foremost natural health clinics in the US. At our Tampa Bay, Florida alternative medicine office we have been offering heavy metal detoxification for arsenic poisoning for a long time and many of our patients have benefitted from it. Our patients fly in from all over the world because they simply can’t find clinics offering solutions for arsenic poisoning where they live.
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.
