5 Ways to Stop Heavy Metals from Poisoning You
The human body contains trace amounts of metals necessary for growth, development, fluid balance and a healthy immune system. The metal concentration is too low, taking up only about two and a half percent of the body mass. However, these elements can accumulate in the body and cause heavy metal poisoning. Heavy metal poisoning results in serious health problems. Depending on the concentration of a particular metal, some cases may be fatal. In this article I’ll show you 5 ways to stop heavy metals from poisoning you by building up excessively in your body.
Effects of Heavy Metal Poisoning
Pollution is mainly the cause of heavy metal exposure and contamination. We get them from food and the utensils we use, water, air, medicine, and workplace exposure. Paints can also cause potentially fatal lead poisoning, especially in children. Other toxic heavy metals include arsenic, mercury, cadmium, and chromium. Although less common, the accumulation of copper, zinc, aluminum, and thallium may also cause toxicity. When heavy metals in the body increase, it may affect different body organs and cause:
- Nervous system damage (mood problems, memory loss, tremors, or brain damage)
Gastrointestinal problems- Reproductive issues like infertility
- Immune system diseases
- Blood and vascular problems
- Skin problems
- Kidney dysfunction
- Liver failure
- Cancer
- Birth defect
Gastrointestinal problemsSpecific heavy metal poisoning may lead to different complications and symptoms such as:
- Lead poisoning – reproductive organ damage and high blood pressure, fetal problems
- Mercury – skin disorders, gastrointestinal issues, nephrological damage and permanent brain damage
- Cadmium – lung and kidney disorders, GI disorders, bone disease, birth defect
- Arsenic – low blood pressure, neurological disorders, cardiovascular disease, liver damage, cancer, and death in high-level exposure
- Hexavalent chromium – lung diseases, dermal disease, thyroid problems, cancer
5 Ways to Stop Heavy Metal Poisoning
Heavy metals are a part of human life, and it is almost impossible to avoid them. However, there are ways to prevent their concentration from reaching a dangerously high level and avoid poisoning.
Minimize the Exposure
Wear protective equipment like respirators, masks, and gloves, especially if your work subjects you to direct exposure. Use natural cleaning products to reduce contamination in your home. If your home has lead-based paint, maintain it regularly and fix any peeling paint promptly.
Limit Seafood Intake
Some fish and shellfish contain high amounts of mercury, which can potentially pose health risks when consumed in large amounts. The level of toxic metals in seafood differs by species, and experts have identified mackerel, tuna, marlin, swordfish, shark, tilefish, and lobster as the species with the highest level of mercury.
Fish and shellfish should not be totally avoided since they are a source of essential omega-3 fatty acids not available in other food sources. It is recommended to eat about two servings of low-mercury seafood varieties in a week, such as sardines, salmon, cod, or shrimp.
Avoid Products Containing Heavy Metals
Our cleaning products, spices, cosmetics, medicines, cookware, and utensils may be contaminated with heavy metals. Presently, the FDA does not require heavy metal listing on product information. However, they require manufacturers to meet specifications to prevent contamination. Choosing FDA-approved products when buying medicines and other products ensures safety.
Protect the Food and Water
Buy organic foods to limit exposure to harmful chemicals. Even healthy food products may be laden with heavy metals due to residual pesticides during the production process. Wash fruits and vegetables or soak them in baking soda solution to eliminate some of these residual pesticides.
This will not remove 100% of the heavy metals and pesticides but will help reduce residues on the surface. Install a home filtration system with activated carbon to reduce heavy metals and other contaminants from drinking water.
Detoxify
No matter how cautious you are, you cannot prevent heavy metal intake and exposure. Once it gets into the system, the most effective way of flushing it out is through a regular detox or cleansing.
Cleansing the body of impurities involves consuming raw and organic foods, juices, smoothies, or organic herbal teas. Plants with chelating and antioxidant properties may help prevent heavy metal poisoning. Plant compounds bind and eliminate them from the system to prevent their accumulation.
Remedy for Heavy Metal Poisoning
Acute heavy metal poisoning that comes after ingestion or exposure to a very high level of heavy metal is a medical emergency. Call your doctor or poison control immediately after a possible exposure.
Doctors may administer chelation drugs, which bind and flush heavy metals through excretion. However, chelation does not work for all types of heavy metals and may, at times, be a dangerous therapy.
Gastric lavage, or gastric pumping, is a medical procedure for patients who consume life-threatening toxins. Preventing heavy metal poisoning is possible with the following plant and home remedies:
Cilantro
Cilantro, the leafy greens of coriander seeds (Coriandrum sativum), has an excellent metal-binding property. Cilantro detoxifies the body from heavy metals by removing them from the liver and flushing them through the urine.
Your liver can manage a minimal amount of heavy metals, sufficient for your body’s basic needs. However, excess exposure demands accelerated liver regeneration.
To support this, Nicole Apelian has recently developed and launched a new Liver Blend Tincture. Crafted with her expertise in true remedies, this blend is designed to aid in addressing various liver-related health concerns, such as cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, jaundice, and hepatitis.
I got this all-in-one herbal formulation that encourages healthy liver function and detox, and I’m super pleased with it! You can also check it out here!
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is effective in removing ingested toxins. It absorbs toxins and heavy metals in the GI tract to prevent systemic absorption. Activated charcoal suspension is given as first aid for heavy metal ingestion but will not work in iron and lithium because of their polarity.
Green Vegetables
Green vegetables like cucumber, spinach, cruciferous vegetables, and arugula are excellent in dispelling environmental toxins and pesticides. They contain phytochemicals and chlorophyll which act as metal chelators to eliminate toxins and prevent their absorption.
Tinctures made from nettle are full of antioxidants, which can help protect your body from oxidative stress and free radical damage.
Free radicals are molecules that can damage proteins, lipids, and even your DNA. This damage disrupts the normal functioning of your cells and may lead to the growth of cancerous mutations.
You can get your own Stinging Nettle tincture from here.
Ginger
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) prevents the accumulation of heavy metals in the liver. In a study on animal models, ginger increases liver protection against cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg). Longer administration is required for lead (Pb) protection.
Vitamin Rich Fruits
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that may also reduce the absorption of heavy metals in the system. Vitamin C especially, may increase the amount of iron, which is a very effective metal chelator. Daily consumption of Vitamin C-rich foods can also prevent the accumulation of lead.
I’ve come across this information through The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies II, and I wanted to share some of it with you here. I made a picture just to show you more.
What I like about this book is that it basically completes the first one. More plants, more remedies, more healing medicine that you need in your own home.
Heavy Metal Detox Smoothie
Removing and preventing heavy metals in the body is a gradual process. A healthy and balanced diet can do so much to prevent their systemic absorption. You may also prepare this easy-to-make smoothie, adding activated charcoal paste once in a while for general body detox.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 cucumber
- 1 apple
- 1-inch fresh ginger
- ½ cup activated charcoal (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup water
1 cup fresh cilantroSteps
- Thoroughly wash and chop cilantro, cucumber, apple, and ginger and place them in a blender.
- Add the lemon juice and water. Blend until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, make a paste with activated charcoal and a small amount of water.
- Add the charcoal paste into the blender and blend until mixed.
- Strain into a container using a fine-mesh sieve.
- Pour into a glass.
To use: Drink one to two cups of the smoothie once a week. If you want to consume it daily, remove the activated charcoal from the ingredients.
Activated charcoal is not intended for regular use and may risk an overdose. So, always follow the package instructions and use only food-grade products. Check with your doctor before using activated charcoal if you have an existing health condition.
Pesticides and chemical treatments on herbs are a hidden threat to your health. Even small traces can accumulate in your body over time, leading to hormone disruption, weakened immunity, and even long-term toxicity.
Many herbs on the market, even those labeled as “natural,” are sprayed with chemicals during cultivation and processing, leaving behind harmful residues. These toxins can undermine the very health benefits you’re seeking from herbal remedies.
It’s crucial to source your herbal remedies or supplements from trustworthy retailers to ensure you’re not unknowingly exposing yourself to these dangers.
I chose to get every remedy I needed from Nicole’s Apothecary. And I recommend the same.
