Heavy Metal Exposure and the Effects On People with a Chronic Illness

Heavy metals are everywhere, but most of the time we don't notice them even though they're usually hidden in plain sight. Although our bodies have ways to handle and get rid of small amounts of these metals, being exposed to heavy metals on a regular basis can be very damaging to people's health. 

This in-depth article will explore the ways heavy metal exposure can sneak into our life and the strong links it has to a variety of chronic illnesses. In addition, we'll also discuss the harmful effects that exposure to heavy metals can have on those who are already dealing with long-term health issues, and we'll provide helpful advice on how to reduce and avoid these exposures.

The Different Types of Metal and How We’re Exposed to Them

To put it simply, heavy metals are naturally found elements that have a high density and atomic weight. The following are some of the most common heavy metals that we encounter on a daily basis:

• Lead: Lead can be found in old paint, dirt or soil, water pipes, some makeup, and some ancient medicines.
• Mercury: Mercury can be found in some foods (particularly fish), tooth fillings, and some industrial processes.
• Arsenic: Arsenic is often found in rice, drinking water, and herbicides used on farms.
• Cadmium: Cadmium is found in tobacco smoke, some foods, and air pollution from factories.
• Aluminum: Aluminum is used to make cooking pans, deodorants, and food additives.
• Nickel: Nickel can be found in rings, coins, and stainless steel.
  

As you can see, these different types of metals can be found in a variety of common sources, and exposure to them can happen via several different channels. It's critical to understand the long-term impacts of heavy metal exposure and to put preventive measures in place to limit exposure and lower associated health risks.

The Effects of Long-Term Heavy Metal Exposure

Being exposed to heavy metals for an extended period can cause many health issues, especially if the body's natural detox systems are harmed or overworked– this is especially true for those who have chronic illnesses. Heavy metals can affect our health in the following ways:

• Effects on the Nervous System: Heavy metals like lead and mercury are known neurotoxins that can damage cognitive abilities, and they can also make conditions like Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease worse.
• Cardiovascular Problems: Being exposed to cadmium has been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and a higher chance of having a heart attack.
• Kidney Problems: The accumulation of cadmium in the kidneys can lead to progressive kidney damage and impaired functionality over time. Furthermore, this occurrence may potentially result in exacerbated health complications in the future.
• Bone Health: The accumulation of cadmium and lead inside the skeletal system can disrupt bone chemistry and increase the susceptibility to osteoporosis.
• Immune System Dysfunction: Heavy metals can weaken the immune system, making people more likely to get infections and making it harder for the body to fight off long-term diseases.
• Disruption of Endocrine Systems: Heavy metals like mercury can throw off the balance of hormones, which could make conditions like diabetes and thyroid problems worse.
• Gastrointestinal Distress: Heavy metals that are accidentally eaten can upset the digestive system, which can cause symptoms like sickness, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Skin Problems: The presence of nickel and other heavy metals in jewelry and personal care products has the potential to cause a range of skin issues, varying in severity.
  

Although these are just a few of the impacts of heavy metal intake on individuals in good health, those who already suffer from chronic illnesses may find that their symptoms worsen with time due to the severity of these effects.

The Link Between Heavy Metal Exposure and Chronic Illness

The link between extended exposure to heavy metals and chronic illnesses is complex and involves multiple variables. Heavy metals can worsen pre-existing conditions or cause previously undiagnosed symptoms to appear. In the context of chronic illness, the following symptoms are linked to exposure to heavy metals:

• Inflammation: A prevalent aspect of many chronic illnesses, such as autoimmune diseases, cardiac issues, and neurological disorders, is inflammation, which can be brought on and worsened by heavy metals.
• Oxidative Stress: Exposure to heavy metals can hasten the progression of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by inducing oxidative stress, which in turn damages cells. This can be extremely damaging to the body long term.
• Immune System Dysregulation: Heavy metals can impair immunological function, which may exacerbate conditions like autoimmune illness.
• Hormone Disruption: The presence of heavy metals has the potential to interfere with the delicate equilibrium of hormones, giving rise to disturbances in both hormonal and metabolic processes, which have been associated with the development and worsening of chronic illnesses.
• Weaker System: Due to an already weakened detoxification system, those with chronic conditions may be more vulnerable to heavy metal toxicity which can lead to more severe symptoms. 
  

To summarize, when exposed to heavy metals, there is an increased chance that symptoms will worsen in people with chronic illnesses. Therefore, people with chronic illnesses must take precautions to reduce their exposure to heavy metals and become especially aware of their surroundings. 

Seeking medical advice from Dr. Mel and doing routine screenings can also help people with chronic diseases address heavy metal-related problems early on. By engaging in this practice, individuals can ultimately enhance their general well-being and quality of life, while also mitigating the progression of symptoms.

How to Diagnose Heavy Metal Exposure

Now that we’ve looked over the causes and symptoms, let’s quickly go over some of the ways that we can diagnose this condition. In order to determine if someone has heavy metal exposure, there are several steps medical professionals such as Dr. Mel can take, such as:

Step 1- Medical Tests: Heavy metal amounts in the body can be found through specialized tests like analyzing hair, blood, or urine samples. These tests allow healthcare practitioners to evaluate the degree of exposure and make well-informed judgments regarding suitable treatment options.

Step 2- Supportive Therapies: Following the completion of essential medical examinations, a customized plan for supportive therapies can be established for the individual. This may include oral or intravenous chelation to bind the metals. Antioxidants, nutritional assistance, and lifestyle modifications may also be part of this plan to help the body's natural detoxification processes and lessen the negative effects of heavy metal exposure on chronic conditions.

Simple Ways to Help Prevent Heavy Metal Exposure

If you are looking for strategies to protect yourself from being exposed to heavy metals, there are a few preventative measures that you may take on your own, such as:

• Food Choices: Pay attention to the foods you eat and how much heavy metals they might contain. Pick a healthy diet full of fruits, veggies, and whole grains, and eat less seafood, rice, and other high-risk foods that might be compromised.
• Ensure Water Quality: Make sure that the water you drink comes from a safe, well-kept source. If you need to, you might want to use a water filter device.
• Occupational Safety: If you work in a field where heavy metals could be present, you should follow safety rules at work and wear the right gear to protect yourself.
• Know Your Products: Be aware of makeup, jewelry, and cooking items, among other objects, that may contain heavy metals. Be smart about the goods you buy and look for choices when you can.
• Get Regular Check-Ups: Make an appointment with Dr. Mel for regular medical check-ups to keep an eye on your health and find out if you might be exposed to heavy metals.

Get Help from Dr. Mel at Mitogenesis 

Individuals who are dealing with chronic health illnesses are more vulnerable to the dangers associated with heavy metal exposure. This exposure has the potential to worsen symptoms, alter normal physiological processes, and hinder the recovery process from medical ailments.

If you have a chronic condition and believe that heavy metal exposure is impacting your health, contact Dr. Mel Schottenstein at Mitogenesis for assistance and to receive your very own individualized treatment plan. 

Dr. Schottenstein can provide you with unique medical solutions thanks to our complete set of services, which includes precise diagnosis and tailored treatment plans to meet all your needs.

To learn more about heavy metal exposure and the link to chronic illness, or to book a personal consultation with Dr. Mel, simply give us a call. We are happy to help.