Heavy metal poisoning happens when harmful metals accumulate in your body due to exposure to contaminated food, polluted water, or industrial chemicals.
To stay healthy, your body needs small amounts of certain metals—such as zinc, copper, chromium, iron, and manganese. However, too much metal in the blood can become toxic. When excess metals build up in your body's soft tissues, they can lead to serious health issues.
Understanding how heavy metals enter your system and recognizing the signs of metal poisoning is key to maintaining your health and preventing potential problems.
Signs and Heavy Metal Poisoning Symptoms
Heavy metals toxicity symptoms vary based on the type of metal and how long you've been exposed. For instance, if you've been exposed to arsenic or lead, symptoms might not appear for two to eight weeks. On the other hand, symptoms from cadmium poisoning can show up just a few hours after exposure.
If you experience acute heavy metal poisoning, it means you've been exposed to a large amount of metal all at once, like from swallowing a metal object. Symptoms of this type of poisoning can include:
Confusion
Numbness
Nausea
Vomiting
Falling into a coma
Exposure to low levels of heavy metals over a long period can lead to symptoms that appear gradually. These symptoms can develop slowly and might include:
Headache
Weakness
Tiredness
Muscle pain
Joint pain
Constipation
Heavy metal poisoning is quite common and can be tricky to diagnose. This is because symptoms of heavy metal toxicity often overlap with those of other health issues.
How do you get heavy metals in your body?
Heavy metals can find their way into your body in several ways. You might consume them through contaminated food, breathe them in from polluted air, or even absorb them through your skin.
It's important to note that heavy metal poisoning typically results from frequent or prolonged exposure. Simply coming into contact with these metals occasionally is unlikely to cause poisoning.
Arsenic
Working close to a hazardous waste site
Living in an area with high levels of heavy metals in the rocks, water, or soil
Consuming insecticides, pesticides, or herbicides
Eating seafood or algae that's contaminated
Drinking water that's been polluted
Cadmium
Working in industries that process or smelt ores
Welding with alloys containing cadmium or using silver solders
Breathing in cigarette smoke
Lead
Living in a home with old lead-based paint
Working in industries like construction, radiator repair, or smelting
Spending time at firing ranges
Using contaminated cosmetics
Applying certain hair dyes, especially those not regulated by the FDA
Using foreign remedies or products like calcium supplements, kohl, surma, kajal, or progressive hair dyes
Mercury
Mining, producing, or transporting mercury
Extracting and processing gold and silver ores
Eating fish or drinking water that is heavy metal toxic
Making mirrors, X-ray machines, incandescent lights, or vacuum pumps
Anyone can experience heavy metals toxicity, but children are particularly at risk, especially when it comes to lead poisoning. Older homes may have lead-based paint, and if a child touches a wall with this paint and then puts their hands in their mouth, they can be exposed to lead. Since children's brains are still developing, lead poisoning can cause serious damage to their brains.
According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, while many children show signs of lead exposure, it's important to stay vigilant about potential sources and take preventive measures.
How Is Heavy Metal Poisoning Diagnosed?
Doctors can often detect heavy metal in blood with a straightforward blood test called a heavy metals panel or heavy metal toxicity test. During this test, a small blood sample is taken and analyzed for signs of heavy metals. If you have symptoms of heavy metal poisoning but the test shows only low levels, your doctor may recommend further testing to get a clearer picture.
Dr. Collins has worked with Doctors Data Labs for years administering EDTA IV, collecting and analyzing the heavy metals that are released to the urine.
These may include:
kidney function tests
liver function studies
urine analysis
hair analysis
fingernail analysis
electrocardiograms
X-rays
Treatment for heavy metal toxicity
If you have heavy metal poisoning, you first need to cut down on your exposure to the harmful metals. Doctors often use chelating agents for severe cases to help remove the metals from your body. These agents bind to the metals and leave your body through your urine. They can be taken as pills or given as injections.
Here are some common chelating agents used in treatment
dimercaprol (Bal In Oil)
edetate calcium disodium (Calcium Disodium Versenate)
penicillamine (Cuprimine)
Chelating drugs are used mainly in serious cases of poisoning because they can also remove essential minerals, like iron, that your body needs. There's a risk that these drugs might send the metals into your bloodstream, where they could then reach sensitive organs, such as the brain.
Read this also: Chelation Therapy: How it Works and Affects Your Body
Other Treatment Options May Include
Stomach Pumping: Removing metals from the stomach if ingested.
Activated Charcoal: Taken by mouth to help absorb metals.
Hemodialysis: Special treatment for kidney failure caused by metal poisoning.
IV Fluids: Administered through an IV to help flush out toxins.
Tips to Prevent Heavy Metal Poisoning
Use Protective Gear: Wear masks and protective clothing if you work with heavy metals.
Keep Dust and Dirt Out: Metals can collect in dust and dirt. Remove your shoes before entering your home to prevent bringing them in.
Follow Fish Advisories: Pay attention to local warnings about mercury levels in fish.
Be Cautious with Lead: Be aware of potential sources of lead exposure, like old paint or plumbing.
Check Product Labels: Look for any heavy metals listed on the labels of products you buy.
What are the heavy metals in the body and Their Health Risks
In the U.S., lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium are the most common metals linked to heavy metal poisoning. Here's what you need to know about each:
Lead Poisoning: Too much lead can raise your blood pressure and harm your reproductive organs.
Mercury Poisoning: Exposure can lead to lung and brain damage, vision issues, skin changes, and stomach problems.
Arsenic Poisoning: Overexposure may cause neurological issues, stomach problems, cancer, and low blood pressure.
Cadmium Poisoning: It can reduce how well your lungs and kidneys function.
Conditions Linked to Heavy Metal Poisoning
Heavy metal poisoning can be linked to several health issues:
Metal Fume Fever: This occurs from inhaling metal fumes, such as when welding galvanized steel in poorly ventilated spaces.
Fanconi's Anemia: This blood disorder can result from sudden lead poisoning.
Wilson's Disease: This inherited condition causes excess copper to build up in the body and settle in your organs.
Chelation Therapy at Proactive Choice
At Proactive Choice, Dr. Collins tailors the treatment protocol based on results from EDTA provoked urine heavy metal tests. Typically, treatments are given once a week for about 20 weeks. Follow-up tests help Dr. Collins determine how effectively the toxic metals have been reduced.
Chelating agents can be administered via intravenous (IV) drip, suppositories, or prescription capsules. The therapy begins with a consultation to review your medical history and symptoms. Tests are performed to assess metal levels, what are the causes of heavy metal toxicity and overall health, and your vital signs are closely monitored throughout the session to ensure safety.
To explore solutions for heavy metal poisoning, get a 10-minute free consultation with Dr.Collins. Call (858) 333-5196 for specialized assistance tailored to your needs.
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