If I mention heavy metals, those words likely conjure up Big Hair Bands like Bon Jovi and Aerosmith. In this case, I am referring to elements that get in your body and cause you harm.

Heavy metals are a loosely defined group of metallic elements including lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic. They have no known role in the health or function of the human body. In medical terms we refer to them as part of a loosely defined group known as “toxins.”  Read my blog post for more information about toxins.

Heavy metals are atoms that occur naturally in the earth’s crust.  Because of man-made pollution and products, they have invaded our ecosystem. Some of the most common ways heavy metals enter your body are through:

• Pollution
• Coal and fuel burning
• Dental fillings
• Vaccinations
• Fertilizers
• Food Processing
• Antiperspirants
• Tobacco
• Cosmetics
• Fragrances
• Canned goods
• Much, much more

Heavy metals are not part of any natural process in any organ or structure. As I stated earlier, they have no known role in the health or function of the human body. The results of excess heavy metals in the body include the blockage of enzymes, the impairment of antioxidants, and increasing oxidative stress.

Basically, heavy metals impact the body the way putting a crowbar into the spokes would impact a wheel. In this case, the wheel is pathways in the body where protein A is converted to Protein B. The heavy metal lead, for example, blocks the ability of magnesium in the body to do its job.

Heavy metals also lead to the formation of free radicals which can damage DNA, lipids such as LDL, and destroy glutathione, the main antioxidant of the body. Every person has a different level of tolerance to all toxins including heavy metals based on nutritional status, the total body burden of other chemicals and genetics.

The four most common ways for testing of heavy metals in the body include serum, hair, urine and intracellular. Each method has its pro’s and con’s.

Schedule an appointment with my office to see if heavy metals are affecting your health!