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Heavy metal toxicity occurs when there is an excessive accumulation of heavy metals in the body’s soft tissues. Small amounts of heavy metals – including copper, chromium, zinc, manganese and iron – are essential, but only in very small amounts.

Too great a heavy metal load can cause toxicity, where heavy metals bind to parts of the body’s cells and prevent the organs from functioning effectively.

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In this article we’ll look at what causes heavy metal toxicity, some of the symptoms that can present, and strategies for health improvement to reduce your risk and help you boost your health.

What causes heavy metal toxicity?

Lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury are the most common metals associated with heavy metal poisoning.

Many factors can contribute to a toxic accumulation of heavy metals, including breathing polluted air or drinking polluted water, certain types of food and medicine, industrial occupational exposure, and ingesting lead-based paints.

Some health conditions can also contribute to heavy metal toxicity, including kidney disease and certain blood disorders.

What are the symptoms of heavy metal toxicity?

Brain fog, fatigue, digestive problems, headaches and muscle weakness can be signs of a heavy metal overload.

Seek advice from a healthcare professional if you are concerned as testing can be arranged to assess heavy metal toxicity.

Strategies for health improvement

Let’s take a look at some steps you can take to reduce your risk of heavy metal toxicity and improve your overall health.

Chelation therapy

This is purported to be an effective way of removing heavy metals from the blood when heavy metal toxicity has been identified, but it should be noted that research is limited into its efficacy and this therapy is only to be used under medical supervision as it carries a number of potentially serious health risks.

Chelation is a type of bonding of molecules and ions to metal ions. Chelation therapy is a medical procedure that involves the administration of chelating agents to bind to metals and so remove heavy metals from the body.

One study showed that chelation therapy increased lead excretion by a factor of 5 and reduced neurological and gastrointestinal lead related symptoms.

Chelation therapy has a history of use in clinical toxicology and has to be administered under careful medical supervision due to several inherent risks, including mobilisation of mercury and other metals through the brain and other parts of the body by the use of weak chelating agents that unbind with metals before elimination, exacerbating existing damage.

Foods to eat to aid heavy metal detoxification

Making positive lifestyle choices in terms of the food you eat can help you to reduce your risk of excessive heavy metals, as well as boost and protect your health.

Focusing on foods that naturally aid the body’s own detoxification processes can be beneficial by providing essential nutrients to mitigate the effects of heavy metals.

Certain foods contain compounds that can bind to heavy metals, thus encouraging excretion.

Plants are excellent sources of vitamins and essential metals, as well as other nutrients including phytochemicals and dietary protein, all of which can help reduce risks of metal toxicity.

  • Cruciferous vegetables: broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and kale contain compounds called glucosinolates, which support the liver’s detoxification processes. The sulphur-containing compounds in these vegetables can also help the body to eliminate heavy metals.

  • Garlic and onions: both rich in beneficial sulphur-containing compounds such as allicin, which have been shown to have chelating properties and may help in reducing heavy metal toxicity.

  • Coriander: research suggests that consuming coriander may help reduce the levels of heavy metals like mercury in the body.

  • Chlorella and spirulina: these algae are known for their detoxifying properties and may help in reducing heavy metal load. They contain chlorophyll and other compounds that can bind to heavy metals and facilitate their elimination from the body.

  • Citrus fruits: oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruits  are rich in vitamin C, which supports the production of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that plays a key role in supporting the detoxification processes in the liver.

Foods to avoid to minimise the effects of heavy metal poisoning

  • High-mercury fish: some types of fish, including tuna, swordfish, shark, and king mackerel, are known to contain high levels of mercury. Limiting consumption of these fish to help reduce the risk of mercury toxicity.

  • Contaminated water and seafood: avoid water and seafood from contaminated sources, such as areas with industrial pollution or mining activities, to help prevent exposure to heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic.

  • Processed foods: processed foods contain additives and preservatives that can contribute to heavy metal exposure. Opting for whole, unprocessed foods can help minimise this risk of exposure.

  • Rice: arsenic can be absorbed through the soil when rice is growing. Rinsing rice before cooking, ensuring it is cooked with plenty of clean water can reduce this load. One study showed a potential reduction of 57% of arsenic through washing and rinsing rice.

  • Non-organic produce: conventionally grown fruits and vegetables typically contain residues of pesticides and herbicides that can contain heavy metals. Choosing organic produce can reduce exposure to such contaminants. Washing and peeling fruit and vegetables can also help minimise potential exposure.

Environmental factors

As well as making the above positive changes to the food you eat (and the food you don’t), there are other measures you can take to reduce your exposure to heavy metals and protect your health.

  • Water filtration: some home filtration systems are specifically designed to remove heavy metals from your drinking water.

  • Lead: avoiding items such as lead-glazed pottery, lead-based paints, and certain cosmetics and household products can help reduce exposure to lead.

  • Smoke: tobacco contains cadmium, a toxic heavy metal so avoid smoking and avoid exposure to second hand smoke.

  • Dusting: as dust can contain heavy metals from sources such as contaminated soil or lead-based paints, regular cleaning and dusting in your home can reduce your exposure to these contaminants.

  • Detoxification: you can help support your body’s natural detoxification processes by regularly exercising, making sure you are well hydrated, and consuming a varied and healthy diet that is nutritious, containing plenty of antioxidants and fibre.

Takeaway

If you would like support on your journey to optimal health, then why not come to Amchara?

On an Amchara health retreat you will be immersed in a supportive and nurturing environment that enables you to switch off, relax and kickstart your health journey, with tailored advice from our Personalised Health practitioners, taking into account your individual health circumstances and goals, and including physical activities and empowering, educational talks.

Our retreats are designed to help you detoxify both physically and mentally, and our Personalised Health practitioners will support you and empower you to ‘Change for Good’.

If it is hard to find time to get away, why not try Amchara Juicery – cold-pressed, nutritious juices delivered to your door to help you boost your health, naturally. Created by Amchara’s expert in-house health team, you can enjoy a range of fresh, organic juice cleanses (and super soups) at home.

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