A heavy metal is any metallic element that has a relatively high density. Some of the 23 known heavy metals like selenium, copper, manganese and zinc, are are nutritional minerals needed in small quantities to maintain health but in large amounts can be toxic.
Other heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, mercury, arsenic and lead are toxic even in small amounts. Once toxic metals have accumulated in the body they are not easily flushed or removed from the body. These toxic metals store themselves in the tissues of the body contributing to nutritional deficiencies and can cause serious health issues.
Toxic heavy metals affect the nervous system, immune system, the brain, kidneys and reproductive system where they can disrupt normal functioning.
Heavy metal toxicity can produce a wide range of symptoms such as:
Depression
Numbness, tingling in the hands and feet
Irritability
Chronic fatigue
Insomnia
Frequent urination
Poor memory
Kidney/Liver damage
Constipation
Joint pain
Skin rashes
Tinnitus
Impaired immunity
Metallic taste in mouth
Leg cramps
Toxic Metals Damage Our Bodies in the following ways:
Take the place of nutritive minerals and interfere with our mineral balance in the body
Destroy beneficial bacteria leading to lowered immunity
Disrupt normal metabolic processes
Heavy metals can bind to the bodys protein and may trigger an autoimmune response when the body is unable to recognise its own protein
Block detoxification pathways
Initiate free radical damage to cells
Affect the genetic material RNA and can lead to cell mutations, birth defects and cancer
Mercury fillings can create a “battery effect” with saliva in the mouth causing corrosion and damaging the body
We are exposed to heavy metals every day as they are used in industry, food processing and agriculture. Some of the places where they are found is in personal care products, auto exhaust fumes, batteries, cooking utensils, insecticides, toys, carpets and some pharmaceutical drugs.
Therefore we can see there is no escaping heavy metals in the current world we live in. Heavy metal testing can be done through your naturopath or doctor and there is many treatments available according to the level of toxicity. Treatments may include starting from a gentler approach of chlorella, coriander, zeolite and to a more intense method of chelation therapy.
However with any heavy metal detox it is important to incorporate this in a detoxification protocol where all organs of elimination are supported to minimise any adverse effects or symptoms as the heavy metals are released for excretion. Our Byron Bay Detox Health Retreat assists many clients through heavy metal detoxification in a safe environment with expertise knowledge and experience.