Toxic metals and ill health

Minerals play an essential role in our health as they are needed for many metabolic functions. However some metals are more likely to be associated with illness than wellness These include mercury, lead, aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, and copper excess. Mercury has seen many uses in science and medicine including: a treatment for syphilis; a preservative in vaccines; part of dental amalgams; to shaping felt hats – from whence comes the term “mad as a hatter” as the fumes of mercury are highly toxic.

Mercury can easily find its way into our food or the air we breath from sources such as amalgam tooth fillings, fungicides, pesticides, soil water; large fish due to chlorine bleaches leaking into our waters; fabric softeners, inks, cosmetics, plastics, solvents and polishes. In the body mercury displaces other minerals such as Zinc, Selenium, Iron and sulphur. This means that reactions that rely on these minerals will be disrupted by mercury and is the reason for the subsequent symptoms. Symptoms of mercury exposure include: lowered immunity, reproductive problems, arthritis, depression, dermatitis, dizziness, hair loss, insomnia, memory loss, gum disease, fatigue, muscle weakness, hyperactivity, mood changes, irritability, excessive saliva, menstrual problems and miscarriage. More severely, blindness and paralysis. 

Lead is another commonly seen toxic metal. Until a few years ago it was a common additive to fuel. Due to its known toxic effects it has been replaced, however lead once released in to the environment is quite persistent and so air, soil, food and water are all likely to contain some lead. Sources of lead include: rainwater, lead-based paints, ceramic glazes, leaded petrol, tobacco, liver, water from lead piping, lead contaminated dirt, canned fruit absorbs lead from lead-soldered cans, insecticides, porcelain sinks and bathtubs, foil wrappers around the cork of wine bottles.

Lead displaces Iron, Calcium, Molybdenum, and Chromium from cellular reactions. Symptoms of lead poisoning: lowered immunity, reproductive problems, kidney, liver, heart and nervous system damage; gastrointestinal colic, gout, insomnia, confusion, vertigo, learning disabilities, blue gums, muscle weakness, anxiety, poor appetite, arthritis and a metallic taste in the mouth. In more severe cases, infertility and impotence.

Toxic metal burden may be the reason naturopathic or medical treatments fail to work. The body can not heal if essential vitamins and minerals are being blocked or displaced by toxic metals. These metals may also be playing a significant role in mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, autism etc. A hair mineral analysis is a good start to identifying possible toxicity. A blood test will only indicate very recent exposure as the body quickly tries to hide away the toxic metals to minimise damage.

Some helpful foods and nutrients for detoxifying or preventing accumulation or harm from toxic metals include: Sulphur-rich foods like eggs, garlic, beans, legumes and onions seaweed, alfalfa, miso, wheat or barley grass, corriander, fibre, such as oat bran and apple pectin, Selenium, vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin C. Eat large fish in moderation. If there is mercury present, it will primarily be stored in the fat. Broiling it and then draining its juices will rid it of any mercury, but retain alkylglycerols, which help to remove any mercury present. Eat organic, drink filtered water and avoid chemicals in the home.

The information presented on this site is presented as a information guide and reference only, and is not intended as a substitute for competent advice and guidance by a qualified practitioner.

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