ContaminationDetoxImmune SupportIngredient Concerns

Detoxing your Body

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Detoxification from heavy metals requires careful understanding and care. We are all exposed to heavy metals and other types of toxins, such as PFAS, chemicals and microplastics on a daily basis. Heavy metals are found in testing and it only appears to be getting worse.

Have you decided to try a detox program? Are there any precautions you should take? What are the costs and concerns? What are safe, effective and inexpensive programs or products available for detoxification?

Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic, can accumulate in the body over time and may pose health risks. Here are some general considerations for detox:

Research the Subject: Before starting any detoxification program, research the subject. This subject is usually found in the alternative health area, unless you are dealing with exposure to some type of ‘medically established’ toxin that is widely accepted in main stream medicine, like the heavy metals mercury or lead poisoning where observable symptoms are present and/or series of tests confirm it.

Heavy Metals:

  • Arsenic: diminishes cognition and increases mood disorders in human populations[i] Can be harmful to the eyes, skin, liver, kidneys, lungs, and lymphatic system[ii]. Exposure to arsenic can also cause cancer.
  • Chromium: Health effects include; irritation the lining of nose and runny nose. Breathing problems such as asthma, cough, shortness of breath, wheezing[iii].
  • Lead: Associated with cardiovascular effects, nerve disorders, decreased kidney function, and fertility problems, including delayed conception and adverse effects on sperm and semen, such as lower sperm counts, motility[iv], Fatigue, problems with sleep, headaches, stupor, slurred speech, anemia[v], moderate to severe deficits in learning, cognition, and behavior[vi],
  • Manganese: Can cause tremors, muscle spasms, hearing problems, mania, insomnia, depression, loss of appetite, headaches, irritability, weakness, and mood changes[vii].
  • Mercury: Exposure can harm the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and immune system of people of all ages[viii].

Heavy metals occur in nature, and are also found in residential as well as industrial settings. They are essential to life but can become toxic through accumulation in organisms[ix]. This is called “bioaccumulation”. The amount that is in your system when you are considering can cause unwanted side-effects when you start to detox.

Micro-Nano plastics, and Forever Chemicals:

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “Forever Chemicals,” are a group of synthetic chemicals known for their persistence in the environment and resistance to degradation. These chemicals have been used in various industrial and consumer products, leading to concerns about their potential health effects. While the body can naturally eliminate some PFAS over time, complete detoxification may be challenging due to their persistent nature. However, certain strategies may help reduce PFAS exposure and support the body’s natural detoxification processes.

Graphene Oxide:

Graphene oxide potential health effects have been raised, particularly in the context of certain medical applications and research.

It’s important to note that the specific health effects and potential detoxification strategies related to graphene oxide exposure are still areas of active research, and the information available may evolve over time. If you believe you have been exposed to graphene oxide or are concerned about its potential effects, it is crucial to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice.

Contamination Vectors:

Air; Heavy metals attached to [Particulate matter] in ambient air and road dust have become a significant concern and pose a higher risk to human health[x].

Water; If you use well water, depending where you live, the heavy metal contamination can be worse they urban drinking water[xi]–[xii]. City water can be just as bad, if not worse. Remember Flint Michigan? You also have bottled water, which one liter of water on average contains, a quarter million invisible pieces of nano-plastic particles[xiii].

Food: Heavy metals in the major food groups is also a prevalent problem[xiv]. Cereals, Milk and dairy, Meat and meat products, fish, vegetables and fruits.

Each of these vectors can have the same common contamination problems; heavy metals, PAFS and nano-plastics, not to mention chemical contamination such as glyphosate which is found in 80% of Americans[xv] and other contaminates, including puberty blockers in cereals, which has been found in four out of every five Americans.

It is a good idea that you commit to and stay on a safe, effective and low-cost detox program constantly. Below are some of the actions you can take to start the process of detoxing your body.  Online videos from people who have provided their personal experiences on the subject can be very beneficial. You can also consult with a healthcare professional. They can assess your health status, order relevant tests, and provide guidance based on your individual needs. Below are some tips that can help you get started;

  1. Minimize Your Exposure: When applicable identify potential sources of exposure and take steps to minimize contact with graphene oxide. This may include using protective equipment if you work with graphene-related materials or avoiding products that may contain graphene oxide.
  2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): When applicable when working in environments where exposure to graphene oxide is possible, use appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, and protective clothing to reduce skin contact and inhalation.
  3. Testing for Heavy Metals: Laboratory tests, such as blood, urine, or hair analysis, can help identify the presence and levels of heavy metals in your body. This information is crucial for tailoring a detoxification plan.
  4. Chelation Therapy: Chelation therapy is a medical procedure that involves the administration of chelating agents, which bind to heavy metals in the body, facilitating their excretion. This should only be done under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
  5. Nutritional Support: Certain nutrients can support the body’s natural detoxification processes. These may include antioxidants like zeolite, vitamin C, selenium, and glutathione precursors.
  6. Hydration and Saunas: Adequate hydration supports the elimination of toxins through urine and sweat. Drinking plenty of good, clean water is very important. Some people also use saunas to promote sweating and the release of toxins. Again, these approaches should be tailored to individual health conditions.
  7. Dietary Changes: Adopting a diet rich in nutrients and antioxidants can support overall health. Some foods, like cilantro and chlorella, are believed by some to have potential detoxifying effects, but scientific evidence may vary.
  8. Avoiding Exposure: Identify and minimize exposure to sources of heavy metals in your environment. This may include addressing issues like lead-based paint, contaminated water, or certain occupational exposures.
  9. Choose Safe Cookware: Use cookware made from materials other than non-stick coatings containing PFAS. Opt for stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic cookware as alternatives.
  10. Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity, as exercise can support overall health and stimulate the body’s natural detoxification processes. Sweating through physical activity is one way the body eliminates certain toxins.
  11. Sauna Therapy: Saunas, particularly infrared saunas, are believed by some to help with detoxification by promoting sweating. This can potentially aid in the elimination of certain toxins, although more research is needed in this area.
  12. Liver Support:  Focus on supporting liver health, as the liver plays a crucial role in detoxification. Foods and supplements that support liver function include cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts), milk thistle, and turmeric.

It’s crucial to approach heavy metal detoxification with caution and under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Self-prescribing detox methods without proper guidance can lead to unintended consequences. Always discuss your concerns and plans with a qualified healthcare provider who can provide personalized advice based on your health status and specific needs.

Citations

[i] Tyler CR, Allan AM. The Effects of Arsenic Exposure on Neurological and Cognitive Dysfunction in Human and Rodent Studies: A Review. Curr Environ Health Rep. 2014 Mar 21;1(2):132-147. doi: 10.1007/s40572-014-0012-1. PMID: 24860722; PMCID: PMC4026128.
[ii] https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/arsenic/default.html
[iii] Wilbur S, Abadin H, Fay M, et al. Toxicological Profile for Chromium. Atlanta (GA): Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (US); 2012 Sep. 1, PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK158857/
[iv] https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/lead
[v] Wani AL, Ara A, Usmani JA. Lead toxicity: a review. Interdiscip Toxicol. 2015 Jun;8(2):55-64. doi: 10.1515/intox-2015-0009. PMID: 27486361; PMCID: PMC4961898.
[vi] Halmo L, Nappe TM. Lead Toxicity. [Updated 2023 Jul 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-.
[vii] https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Manganese-Consumer/
[viii] https://health.ri.gov/healthrisks/poisoning/mercury/
[ix] Ahmed ASS, Sultana S, Habib A, Ullah H, Musa N, Hossain MB, Rahman MM, Sarker MSI. Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in some commercially important fishes from a tropical river estuary suggests higher potential health risk in children than adults. PLoS One. 2019 Oct 17;14(10):e0219336. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219336. PMID: 31622361; PMCID: PMC6797209.
[x] Kumari S, Jain MK, Elumalai SP. Assessment of Pollution and Health Risks of Heavy Metals in Particulate Matter and Road Dust Along the Road Network of Dhanbad, India. J Health Pollut. 2021 Mar 2;11(29):210305. doi: 10.5696/2156-9614-11.29.210305. PMID: 33815903; PMCID: PMC8009640.
[xi] Thompson AK, Monti MM, Gribble MO. Co-Occurrence of Metal Contaminants in United States Public Water Systems in 2013-2015. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Jul 26;18(15):7884. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18157884. PMID: 34360177; PMCID: PMC8345721.
[xii] Bai M, Zhang C, Bai Y, Wang T, Qu S, Qi H, Zhang M, Tan C, Zhang C. Occurrence and Health Risks of Heavy Metals in Drinking Water of Self-Supplied Wells in Northern China. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Sep 30;19(19):12517. doi: 10.3390/ijerph191912517. PMID: 36231814; PMCID: PMC9566312.
[xiii] https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/scientists-find-about-a-quarter-million-invisible-microplastic-particles-in-a-liter-of-bottled-water
[xiv] Koch W, Czop M, Iłowiecka K, Nawrocka A, Wiącek D. Dietary Intake of Toxic Heavy Metals with Major Groups of Food Products-Results of Analytical Determinations. Nutrients. 2022 Apr 13;14(8):1626. doi: 10.3390/nu14081626. PMID: 35458187; PMCID: PMC9029343.
[xv] https://www.thenewlede.org/2022/07/cdc-finds-weed-killer-tied-to-cancer-in-over-80-pct-of-us-urine-samples/