Heavy Metal Poisoning Facts

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Heavy  metals are metals that have a specific gravity five times higher than water.  Heavy metal poisoning occurs when these metals accumulate in the soft tissues of our bodies.  Arsenic, lead, mercury, cadmium, and iron are the elements most commonly associated with this kind of toxicity, but there are 19 others that can be poisonous at high levels.  Although aluminum is not considered a heavy metal it too can be toxic in large quantities.   Oddly enough some of these elements are necessary for optimum health, but only in trace amounts  Others have no physical benefits whatsoever.

Heavy  metal toxicity can occur from acute or prolonged exposure.  As we age  we repeatedly come into contact with these elements causing higher levels of the poisons in our body, and as we get older our bodies simply can’t negate the effects of toxicity anymore.  At this point a heavy metal cleanse is recommended.   Heavy metal exposure is known to be a hazard of certain occupations.  In modern industry many jobs entail daily exposure to heavy metals, but this is also an environmental problem.   As levels of heavy metals rise in our air, soil and drinking water more and more people are exposed.  The number of known cases rises every year.  Heavy metal poisoning has become a major public health concern.

These substances accumulate in our bodies and interfere with our normal physiological functions.  Heavy metals are harmful to the heart, liver, kidneys, and brain.   They also displace minerals in our body that are vital to biological function.  They disrupt our bodies at the most basic cellular level.   Symptoms associated with long term exposure will develop and worsen over time.   They mimic the progression of other chronic illnesses.  Sadly it is not common to test for metal toxicity unless there is a known acute exposure.  A patient who presents for a particular set of symptoms could have to suffer through numerous other treatments before a doctor finally checks for these toxins.  The real tragedy of this is that there are numerous options, ranging from chelation therapy to a heavy metal cleanse.

There is nothing we can do to avoid exposure.  Heavy metals are pervasive in the environment.  Leaded gasoline, lead paint, fertilizers, rat poison and lead plumbing all contribute to the problem.  Your best defense is to read the labels of products you buy .  If heavy metals are present look for a safer product.  Educate yourself about the symptoms of heavy metal poisoning.  Your doctor might not look for it. And if you’ve ever been exposed to these toxins tell your doctor.  Without a thorough history your doctor can’t find the proper treatment.