Heavy metals are all around us. Our modern world exposes us to heavy metals on a daily basis, many of which our body was not designed to process. High amounts of heavy metal exposure can cause health problems and even lead to heavy metal poisoning or heavy metal toxicity. Heavy metal toxicity can cause irreversible damage and in some cases, be life-threatening.
Heavy metals are substances that are naturally formed in the earth’s crust. Due to modern industrialization, there are many heavy metals, including arsenic, cadmium, copper, iron, lead, mercury, and zinc. Not all heavy metals are toxins, and some, like iron and copper, are needed to keep the body healthy.
Symptoms of heavy metal toxicity can vary depending on the amount of exposure. Acute toxicity happens when you get a high dose at once, such as a chemical spill or a child swallowing a toy containing heavy metals. Acute toxicity is a medical emergency and you should seek urgent care or call your local poison control center immediately. Symptoms of acute toxicity typically present quickly and may include:
Chronic toxicity is when you have low-dose exposure over a long period of time, which allows the heavy metals to gradually build up in your body. Symptoms present slowly over time and can include:
Although it is important to be aware of the symptoms of heavy metal toxicity, tissue levels are usually quite high before symptoms are experienced. In the early stages, many people have no symptoms at all.
Heavy metals enter the body typically through three routes: absorption through the skin, inhaling tiny molecules, or eating or drinking contaminated substances. The most common toxic metals are:
Some common sources of heavy metal exposure that can lead to toxicity include:
Heavy metals can affect anyone who has had exposure. Those at higher risk include people who work with metals, live in an environment with high air or water pollution, live in buildings with pipes made from older metals, and regularly eat food that contains metals. Children are at a higher risk for heavy metal toxicity since their bodies are still developing and they are more sensitive to the negative effects of exposure.
Toxic heavy metals are a trigger for widespread health issues and chronic disease. The rise in environmental pollution of air, food, water, and cosmetics with toxic heavy metals is a significant contributing factor to many chronic inflammation-based diseases.
Heavy metals accumulate in tissues like the brain, liver, kidneys, nervous system, and parts of the immune system. This contributes to the aging of tissues and increases the risk for chronic diseases and cancer. The metals also deplete antioxidants in the body, which results in free radical damage to organs and tissues. For example, glutathione, one of the most important antioxidants in the body, becomes depleted by the oxidative stress of heavy metals, making the body even more vulnerable to harmful compounds.
The accumulation of heavy metals and decrease of antioxidants has been shown to cause autoimmune disease, thyroid disorders, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegeneration. Recent studies have shown a strong connection between heavy metals, like lead and mercury, and Alzheimer's disease. An elevated amount of these metals in the body trigger the brain to increase amyloid production to reduce inflammation created by the metals. Unfortunately, increased amyloid production often leads to dementia.
Additionally, specific heavy metals have been linked to various diseases and cancers:
Although heavy metals are hard to avoid completely, reducing exposure as much as possible is the first step in the prevention and recovery of heavy metal toxicity. To limit your exposure to heavy metals:
For those with heavy metal toxicity or a high toxic load, it is essential to take steps for detoxification and support liver function with nutrition. Dietary changes can help those with elevated toxicant exposures, specifically, a diet that supports the biotransformation of toxins can help to alleviate toxic burdens like heavy metal accumulation. This includes cruciferous vegetables, berries, garlic, and turmeric3.
Other nutritional considerations include:
Research suggests increased toxins contribute to sleep disorders and circadian rhythm dysfunction, but sleep also plays a vital role in detoxification. For many people, supporting strong sleep habits may not only increase overall health but also help them to eliminate the toxins contributing to their sleep disturbances5.
Sleep essentially “cleans up the brain.” The space between brain cells increases during sleep, allowing the brain to flush out toxins. Using the paravascular pathways (a combination of glial and lymphatic cells), the brain can rid itself of waste by pushing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through the widened brain spaces and into the paravascular pathways allowing harmful toxins and proteins to be transported out of the brain2.
Studies have shown the space between brain cells changes dramatically during an awake state, proving the critical need for sleep to reduce the burden of toxins, specifically those affecting the brain and cognitive disorders2,5.
The best way to support quality sleep is by committing to a sleep hygiene practice. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night, stick to a consistent bedtime and wake schedule, keep your room free from electronics or other distractions, ensure your sleep environment is cool and dark, and limit meals 2 hours before bedtime.
Sleep and nutrition are two major ways to support biotransformation and detoxification of heavy metals, but there are many other ways to support your detox pathways including:
Although we’ve discussed the dangers of heavy metal toxicity, our body does contain small amounts of metals, like copper and zinc, that are essential for optimal health. These metals help keep your organs functioning well, but as we’ve seen, too much can lead to damaged tissues and organs, and chronic disease.
Because we are exposed to heavy metals on a daily basis, the best way to protect your health is to reduce exposure where you can and incorporate supportive detoxification practices. If you suspect you are suffering from heavy metal toxicity, speak to your functional medicine provider as soon as possible. Together you can evaluate which blood tests, additional labs, and protocols are most appropriate for you. If you do not have access to a functional medicine provider, schedule a 15-minute call with our new patient coordinator to see if we are the best fit for you and your health.