How To Get Rid Of Heavy Metals In Your Body?

Exposure to heavy metals may be more common than you think. Traces of toxins like lead, arsenic, and mercury are floating around in the air we breathe, hiding in the water we drink, and can even be found in some skincare products and household items we use every day. Continuous exposure to these metals can prove to be lethal for our health.

A study, published in the journal Cell Biochemistry in 2018, stated that heavy metal contamination in drinking water remains a serious global health issue, despite technological advancements. The most common contaminants include arsenic, cadmium, nickel, mercury, chromium, zinc, and lead, which often exceed safe levels set by regulatory authorities. The primary source of exposure is the consumption of contaminated water, though occupational exposure also occurs in industries using these metals.

Health Risks Of Exposure To Heavy Metals

Health risks associated with heavy metal exposure can range from cardiovascular disorders, nerve damage, kidney injuries, cancer, and diabetes. The toxicity primarily stems from the production of reactive oxygen species, leading to oxidative damage to the cells of the body.

As a result, the idea of heavy metal detoxing has captured widespread attention. Around 2020, a host of influencers, and health and wellness gurus began toying with the idea of heavy metal detox. Smoothies, baths, and even supplements became popular with the aim of pulling heavy metals out of the body to improve energy, fight brain fog, and perhaps lead to clearer skin and slimmer waistlines.

What Is Heavy Metal Poisoning?

Arsenic, aluminium, cadmium, lead, and mercury are the most commonly present heavy metals in our environment. While our body is prepared to detox or expel these metals from our body, their excess can overwhelm our system. This leads to the storage of these metals in the body overtime, disrupting the body's essential processes like digestion, respiration, memory, and even cell production.

Symptoms of heavy metal detox include

• headaches

• skin rashes
• constipation
• diarrhoea
• fatigue
• irritability
• brain fog
• a low immune system

It is pertinent to note that heavy metal toxicity can look different in each person, depending on what type of metals they are exposed to and how many heavy metals are in their system.

How To Detox From Heavy Metals?

Reducing exposure to heavy metals can be achieved through simple lifestyle and dietary changes. This includes switching to greener diets and replacing household products. High-quality fish can help minimize mercury ingestion, while cilantro, seaweed, and leafy greens are known to trap and remove toxins from the body. Aluminium-free deodorants and titanium-free makeup and toothpaste are also recommended.

For a more intensive detox, using high-quality supplements alongside drinking at least two litres of water daily can help flush heavy metals. Armistead explains that these supplements aid the body in moving heavy metals from cells to the lymphatic system, which then transports them into the bloodstream for filtration by the liver and kidneys. The toxins are ultimately excreted via urine or bowels.

Role Of Zeolite In Heavy Metal Detox

One effective method for heavy metal detoxification involves zeolite clinoptilolite, a natural mineral formed from volcanic ash and seawater. Zeolite's porous structure and negative charge enable it to attract and trap positively charged toxins, like heavy metals, which are then eliminated through the body's natural processes. Interestingly, liquid zeolite is often considered the most effective form, offering micrometre and nanometer particles to support detoxing at gut, body, and cellular levels.