What are Heavy Metals and How Do I Get Rid of Them?

Heavy metals are one of the sneakiest environmental elements that we frequently encounter without realizing it. However, what are heavy metals, and how do we even get exposed to them? We'll dive into the realm of heavy metals in this educational article, examining their characteristics, exposure sources, and possible health consequences. More significantly, we will walk you through the necessary measures to lower your exposure and successfully remove them from your body. That said, let’s get right into it…

What Are Heavy Metals?

Heavy metals are a group of naturally occurring elements with a high atomic weight and a density at least five times larger than water. Prominent examples of heavy metals include lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and chromium. These substances are naturally occurring on Earth, but when they are in large enough amounts, they can be harmful to people’s health.

To put it simply, heavy metals are harmful since they interfere with normal physiological functions. They can attach to and interfere with the operation of crucial enzymes and cellular constituents. Exposure to elevated concentrations of heavy metals can result in a variety of health problems, ranging from immediate symptoms of acute poisoning such as nausea and stomach discomfort to long-term illnesses such as neurological disorders, renal impairment, and heightened susceptibility to cancer.

Gaining a comprehensive understanding of these metallic elements and their potential ramifications is crucial to minimizing exposure and protecting one's health. On that note, let’s now move on to how someone may get exposed to such heavy metals.

How Would I Have Gotten Exposed to Heavy Metals?

Heavy metals may enter people's bodies in a lot of different ways, and most of the time, people don't even know it. Individuals often come into contact with heavy metals in the following ways:

• Pollution: Heavy metals can get into the air, water, and soil during industrial operations like mining, product development, and burning fossil fuels. Living close to these types of commercial areas can make you more vulnerable to heavy metal exposure.
• Workplace: Some jobs require working with heavy metals or a combination of them. Higher amounts of these metals may be present in the workplaces of people who make batteries, weld, and paint, among others.
• Food Chain: The food chain is a significant pathway for the accumulation of heavy metals in our bodies. Fish, especially bigger species, are recognized for their substantial mercury content. Likewise, when crops are cultivated in soil that is polluted, they can take in toxic substances such as heavy metals. Consequently, when we eat these plant-based foods, these harmful elements enter our bodies.
• Drinking Water: Lead and other heavy metals can enter the water system we consume through outdated wiring and pipes.
• Home Products: Heavy metals may be present in certain jewelry, toys, and cosmetics. Furthermore, older homes with lead paint are another potential source of heavy metal contamination.
• Medical Treatments: Heavy metals can be found in some medications and medical treatments such as tooth amalgams.
• Cigarette Smoke: Cigarette smoke is a major way that people are exposed to heavy metals such as cadmium.

What Are Symptoms of Heavy Metal Exposure?

Now that we’ve gone over some of the ways you can be exposed, let’s now move on to the potential symptoms of heavy metal exposure. Depending on the type of metal, exposure intensity, and individual sensitivity, symptoms of heavy metal exposure might differ greatly. Nonetheless, several typical indications and symptoms of heavy metal toxicity include:

• Neurological Concerns: Headaches, vertigo, tremors, and, in more extreme situations, memory loss, cognitive decline, and numbness or tingling in the extremities are examples of neurological symptoms.
• Digestive Problems: Typical symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramping in the abdomen, and appetite loss.
• Fatigue and Weakness: Prolonged exhaustion, especially in the absence of intense physical exertion, and overall weakness may indicate exposure to heavy metals.
• Mood Shifts: Heavy metal poisoning has been connected to anxiety, despair, and unexplained mood swings.
• Skin Changes: Skin irritations such as rashes or dermatitis can be brought on by exposure to heavy metals.
• Cardiovascular Issues: Elevations or decreases in blood pressure may be brought on by certain heavy metals.
• Respiratory Symptoms: Breathing difficulties, a chronic cough, and inflammation of the lungs can be brought on by inhaling specific heavy metals.
• Immune System Concerns: Prolonged exposure to heavy metals can lead to an increased risk of infections and autoimmune illnesses.
• Altered Kidney Function: The health of the kidneys can be negatively impacted by heavy metals, which can cause symptoms including altered urine color or decreased urine production.
• Affected Reproductive Health: Exposure to heavy metals can have an impact on reproductive health in both men and women, perhaps resulting in irregular menstruation or infertility.

It's crucial to remember that these symptoms may potentially point to other medical issues as well. For an accurate diagnosis, it is imperative that you get an expert medical examination from a professional such as Dr. Mel Schottenstein if you suspect heavy metal exposure.

How Do I Get Rid of Heavy Metals?

Eliminating heavy metals from the body entails the utilization of chelation, a process that may be executed by several techniques. Below are few efficient methods for getting rid of heavy metals within the body:

IV Chelation Therapy

IV Chelation Therapy is a medical therapy where a chelating substance, often EDTA – also known as Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid– is administered intravenously. EDTA binds to heavy metals in the bloodstream, leading to the creation of compounds that are later excreted through urine.

Oral DMSA

DMSA, also known as Dimercaptosuccinic Acid, is an orally administered chelating agent. It is highly efficient for the process of lead and mercury detoxification, functioning in a manner akin to EDTA by attaching to heavy metals and aiding in their removal.

Natural Detoxifying Agents

There are two natural detoxifying agents for heavy metal exposure:

1. Cilantro: This plant is said to possess inherent chelation capabilities. It can attach to heavy metals, namely mercury, and assist in their elimination from bodily tissues.
2. Zeolite: Zeolite, a naturally occurring mineral, is renowned for its purifying abilities. It possesses the ability to sequester heavy metals and other toxins, facilitating their elimination from the body.

How Can Mitogenesis Help?

At Mitogenesis, our proficient team, under the guidance of Dr. Mel Schottenstein, is well-prepared to aid you in dealing with and controlling heavy metal toxicity. If you think you could have been impacted by heavy metals, here are some of the several ways we can help:

• Professional Medical Assessment: Our process starts with a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms and medical background, followed by targeted testing to precisely ascertain the quantities of heavy metals present in your body. This makes it easier to identify specific toxins and gauge the level of exposure.
• Individualized Treatment Plans: Dr. Schottenstein will create a customized treatment plan after evaluating the assessment and test outcomes. This strategy may encompass Chelation Therapy, dietary counseling, and other detoxification measures tailored to your individual requirements.
• IV Chelation Therapy: Our facility provides intravenous Chelation Therapy using EDTA, which is provided in a secure and regulated setting. This treatment is efficacious in sequestering and eliminating heavy metals from the circulatory system.
• Oral Chelation and Natural Detoxification Support: In place of IV treatment, we can suggest the use of oral chelating agents like DMSA and natural detoxifiers such as cilantro and zeolite, based on the most suitable option for your specific circumstances.
• Nutritional and Lifestyle Guidance: Our methodology encompasses recommendations for dietary modifications and lifestyle adjustments that can facilitate the detoxification process and minimize further contact with heavy metals.
• Continual Assistance and Surveillance: Throughout your therapy, we offer uninterrupted aid and frequent surveillance to check your advancement and modify your treatment strategy as needed.

At Mitogenesis, our objective is to assist you with the secure and efficient removal of heavy metals, while simultaneously promoting your general health and well-being.

Learn More About the Ways to Diagnose and Treat Heavy Metal Exposure at Mitogenesis in Scottsdale AZ

At Mitogenesis in Scottsdale, AZ, we possess a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in the diagnosis and treatment of heavy metal exposure. Dr. Mel Schottenstein leads our complete approach, which emphasizes precise diagnosis, individualized treatment regimens, and holistic care. Our objective is to properly treat heavy metal poisoning and assist in your recovery by utilizing modern diagnostic procedures, customized IV Chelation Therapy, oral detoxification agents, and dietary and lifestyle adjustments.

If you have apprehensions regarding heavy metal exposure and its effects on your overall health, we are available to provide all-encompassing assistance. Our team of highly skilled professionals is committed to delivering the necessary care and assistance required for detoxifying your body and restoring your health to its best state. Reach out to us now by giving us a call or by filling out a contact form to acquire further information on our services and begin the initial phase towards a healthy and toxin-free lifestyle.