Welcome to More Than Healthy as we continue to share our weekly health tips. This is Tip #92: What to do if you have toxic metals on your hair analysis report. To watch our weekly Video Tip, click this link. To listen to the audio podcast, click on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Most of my clients seem to know something about metal toxicity, but they are still confused about how we come to have metals in our systems. When I tell them we eat foods all the time that expose them to toxic metals, they are surprised.
I really think that until we overload our systems with too much exposure, our immune system is able to deal with the toxic metals. Then, one day, it’s simply too much, and our bodies start showing signs of overload in the form of the various health consequences we struggle with.
David’s experience with metal toxicity
David first found out he had metal toxicity when he went to a holistic dentist. She explained that the metal in his mouth was leaching mercury into his system daily. He had removed his silver fillings – technically dental amalgams that have a mixture of mercury, silver, copper, tin, and zinc –years ago. But she explained that some of the mercury was still in his teeth.
David also had a metal retainer installed behind his bottom front teeth that was leaching metal into his bloodstream. We were blown away when the dentist said it could have contributed to his bladder cancer. He immediately made arrangements to have that retainer removed.
What is heavy metal poisoning?
An overload of toxic metals is also referred to as heavy metal poisoning. This occurs when microscopic molecules of metals accumulate within your body after exposure. Most poisonous metals are microscopic when they enter your body – too small for you to be able to see them.
Metals can absorb into your skin, and you can breathe or inhale tiny metal molecules in addition to ingesting the metal from food or water. Once they’re inside, heavy metals attach to your cells and prevent them from performing their functions. If you have too much metal accumulation in your body, it can damage vital organs like your brain and liver.
How do I get exposed to toxic metals?
You may be wondering how you get exposed to toxic metals. You may be surprised to learn about common sources of metal toxicity.
Heavy metals in the beverages we drink
Besides the dental appliances mentioned above, the number one source of toxic metals I see is from soft drinks, mixed fruit juices, and plant-based milk.
This actually makes sense when you think about the containers these beverages usually come in. Lead and other toxins leach into the soft drinks from the plastic bottles. They can also come from the soil of the sugar beet or other ingredients in soft drinks and fruit juices.
In one study of 60 different fruit juices and soft drinks, nearly all the drinks tested contained some lead. Two mixed juices contained levels of arsenic higher than the ten microgram/liter standard. In addition, they detected levels of cadmium exceeding the three parts per billion standard in some fruit juices and oat milk.
Other metals found in the beverages included boron, selenium, strontium, manganese, and nickel. We need some of these minerals, but, as you can see, if we’re drinking a lot of these beverages, our systems are getting overloaded, and that’s what causes problems.
You can also get lead from contaminated water from lead pipes (we talk about that in Tip #47, The Health Benefits of Quality Water).
Other sources of toxic metals:
Toxic metals are everywhere. Here are some common sources of various metals:
Lead
Lead is found in common household items like batteries, paint, gasoline, and construction materials.
Mercury
Besides dental amalgams, you can get mercury from liquid thermometers, lightbulbs, batteries, some types of seafood, and topical antiseptics.
Arsenic
Arsenic is in topical creams, herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, fungicides, paints, enamels, glass, contaminated water, seafood, and algae.
Cadmium
Cadmium is in cigarette smoke, metal plating, and batteries.
Thallium
Thallium is in rodenticides, pesticides, and fireworks.
As you can see, we’re being exposed to heavy metals everywhere! We eat contaminated foods and drink water or other beverages that contain these poisons. Some of us work with metals on the job, or we take medications or supplements with high amounts of metallic elements.
All of this affects our health.
What are symptoms of heavy metal toxicity?
Heavy metal toxicity symptoms could show up as abdominal pain, chills or low body temperature, dehydration, diarrhea, feeling weak, nausea or vomiting, a scratch feeling in your throat, or a numbness or prickly sensation in your hands and feet.
If it becomes severe, you might have an abnormal heartbeat, anemia, brain damage and memory loss, difficulty breathing, kidney or liver damage, and even a risk of cancer.
How can I protect myself from toxic metals?
So you’re probably wondering if heavy metals are everywhere, how can I protect myself? The body has sophisticated systems that are designed to help it cleanse itself of accumulated waste. The main detoxification organs are the liver and kidneys. Additionally, the lymphatic system, digestive tract, skin, and lungs all play a part in helping the body to detox naturally.
Keeping these organs and systems healthy and strong is your best defense against heavy metals. Certain foods can support the systems that carry out these functions and ensure they are not overburdened.
Foods that support this process include:
- Beets
- Green leafy vegetables
- Sweet potatoes
- Lemon
- Apples
- Garlic
- Onions
- Nuts & seeds (flax, hemp, & chia seeds)
- Chaga mushrooms
- Blueberries
Good probiotics are also helpful in keeping your detox systems intact.
An important note: Your hair analysis report will give you specific foods that will help your body to maintain optimal health. Be sure to refer to it and take advantage of the wealth of information it offers that is highly individualized for you.
Are there supplements that help with toxic metals?
If you struggle with these foods or can’t eat enough of them to help remove the toxic load, then there are some good supplements we recommend from OHS. We like Opti-Metals Detox, which supplies nutrients that improve toxin drainage through your organs and detoxifies your liver, kidneys, blood, lung, and lymph system.
Another good supplement is Optimal Liver Kidney. It contains ingredients proven to ensure normal clearance of toxins, helps protect the liver, and aids in the process of detoxification.
How does hair analysis help with toxic metals?
If you don’t know if you have a toxic metal build-up, then a More Than Healthy Hair Analysis is an easy way to find out. If you haven’t got one yet, go to our website and schedule your hair analysis today. With just a few strands of your hair, you’ll receive a full report that looks at the information we discussed today and so much more.
Any questions about toxic metals and your health? We always enjoy hearing from you. Reach out to us on our social media pages on Facebook or Instagram. We try to respond to all questions and feedback.
We’d love to become your health coaches as you work to become “more than healthy” and achieve optimal health. Thanks for joining us, and we’ll see you next week.
Note: Remember, we’re not doctors. We’re sharing what’s worked for us on our health journey. You will want to consult your doctor before significantly changing your diet and supplementation.
