What is a Heavy Metal?


Heavy metals are chemical elements with a specific gravity greater than 5, thus they have a rather high density and are considered toxic.  There are 35 metals to be concerned with from occupational and residential exposure; 23 are classified as heavy metals.  The most common ones we are concerned about more often are mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic, and nickel.  The others are gold, tin, iron, zinc, silver, cobalt, chromium, antimony, bismuth, cerium, manganese, uranium, thallium, vanadium, platinum, gallium, tellurium, and copper.

 

Toxic Heavy Metals


We have been and are being exposed to heavy metals and chemicals every day.  The industrialization of the planet has led to an enormous increase of these contaminates being used to make products, act as catalyst, etc. Our economy has become reliant on using theses harsh contaminates. As the compounds enter our body, they spread throughout the entire system.  Our bodies were not designed to handle the removal of these products on a continual basis.  The constant exposure leads to a backing up and storing of these compounds in our soft tissues, thus leading to disease.  According to the EPA, 99% of our population contains chemicals that are linked to the development of cancer.  These chemicals start to breakdown the bodies ability to detoxify, putting great stress on the liver, kidneys, brain, the nervous system, circulatory system, digestive system, cause DNA damage, mitochondria dysfunction (powerhouse of your cells), short circuits enzyme pathways, and helps the proliferation of pathogenic bugs.

 

Heavy metals can enter the human body through food, water, air, or absorption through the skin.

 

We find these compounds in: 

 

The air we breathe                            The food we eat

The water we drink                            The soil

Cosmetics                                         Cookware

Fuel sources                                      Solvents

Medicines                                          Construction material

Appliances                                         Personal care products

Dental filings                                      Vaccinations

Processed foods                              Wood preservatives

 

 

 Signs and Symptoms of Heavy Metal Toxicity

 

Metallic taste in mouth                                  Irritability

Loss of memory                                            Muscle weakness

Loss of coordination                                     Tremors (eyes, hand, feet, etc.)

Ulcers in mouth                                              Stomach problems

Food sensitivities                                          Skin rashes

Allergies                                                         Insomnia

High / low blood pressure                            Frequent leg cramps

Anxiety / mood swings                                  Chronic headaches

Loosening of teeth                                        Difficulty walking / talking / swallowing

Muscle twitching                                            Numbness and tingling hands, feet, etc.

Hearing problems (loss, ringing)                 Sensitivity to light

Blurred vision                                                 Fatigue

Depression                                                    Slow reaction time

Neurological disorders                                 Mental / emotional problems

Burning sensations                                       Excessive perspiration / night sweats

Hair loss                                                         Foul breath


Symptoms that manifest depend on the type of metal toxicity, the age of the individual, and the extent of the exposure (time and quantity).

 

Occupations At A Higher Risk For Heavy Metal Contamination

 

Auto / truck/ aircraft mechanic            Dental lab workers

Dentist                                                   Cosmetologist

Plumbers                                               Pharmaceutical workers

Glass manufacturing                            Miners

Printers                                                 Waste handlers

Construction workers                          Jewelers

Tattoo artist                                          Welders

Painters                                                Plant workers

Hairdressers                                        Paint manufactures

Lumber processors                             Haz mat workers

Fireman                                                Landscapers

Metal workers                                      Nail technicians

Fiberglass workers                             Landfill workers

Electroplaters                                      Carpenters

Plastic manufactures                          Farmers

Fertilizer manufactures                       Munitions / firearm handlers

Battery manufactures                          Electronic workers


Possible Side Effects Of The Most Common Toxic Metals 

 

Mercury (Hg):  neurological problems (memory, movement, cognitive), irritability, fatigue, insomnia, gastrointestinal disorders, decreased immune response and function, irrational behavior, insomnia, shyness, memory loss, depression, anorexia, numbness and tingling, muscle tremors and or  weakness, vision and hearing impairments, allergic reactions, asthma, foul breath, gingival irritation, loose teeth

 

Arsenic (As):  Pens and needle sensations in the hands and feet, hair loss, headaches, visual disturbances, nausea, excessive salivation and tearing, fluid retention, skin and nail changes, garlicky order of the breath, fatigue, diarrhea

 

Lead (Pb):  tremors, poor bone growth and development, learning disabilities, fatigue, constipation, poor task performance, decrease in concentration, irritability, headaches, anxiety, high blood pressure, weight loss, increased susceptibility to infection, ringing in the ears, vertigo, dizziness, seizures and delirium, decreased cognitive functions, gastrointestinal problems, muscle and joint pain, peripheral neuropathy (wrist drop), gingival lead lines in the gums

 

Cadmium (Cdr):  fatigue, irritability, headaches, high blood pressure, hair loss, learning disabilities, kidney and liver disorders, chest pain, skin disorders, bone and joint pain, and kidney stones.

 

Aluminum (Al): Headaches, ataxia problems (neurological disorder (walking)), poor bone density, ringing in the ears, learning disorders, gastro intestinal disorders, decrease liver and kidney function, anemia, memory loss, colic, nervousness 

 

Nickel (Ni):  fatigue, respiratory illnesses, chronic asthma, heart conditions, skin rashes, sore gums / tongue, psoriasis, dizziness, fatigue, chest pain and headaches.

 

The best way to find out if you have heavy metal contamination is to do a 24 hour urine test using a pushing agent. 

 

When you get the test results back and if they are elevated, you can use homeopaths, clatherating agents, IV therapy, suppositories, or certain nutrients to help the body elimanate these metals.  Contact us for the testing or protocols for heavy metal removal.

 

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