Last Updated on March 15, 2024
Worldwide, arsenic and other heavy metals have a significant impact on human health as they can lead to exposure through ingestion or skin contact with drinking water. Even in areas where levels in drinking water are under permissible limits, these standards cannot adequately assess exposure from consuming drinking water.
If you think you have been exposed to heavy metals, you probably want to find ways to reduce their possible adverse effects. One way to do this is by undergoing a heavy metal detox. However, it is critical that you complete this type of detox in a safe manner. Let’s take a look at how you can naturally and safely do so.
What Is a Heavy Metal Detox?
Your body needs some heavy metals such as iron and zinc. Small amounts are necessary for your health, but large amounts can be harmful. Some people can even develop life-threatening conditions due to heavy metal poisoning.
During a heavy metal detox, you use certain foods and medicines to purge these heavy metals. These foods and medicines have substances that bind to heavy metals. Through the process of chelation, this binding process can then transport the metals out of your body.
Related: MediClear Detoxification
Why You Need to Be Careful
Unfortunately, if done incorrectly, chelation can be dangerous and sometimes fatal. You need to be very careful to detox safely. Chelation therapy has been known to lead to the deaths of patients. If you have been exposed to large amounts of heavy metals, you should undertake detox under the supervision of a medical professional.
Using natural detoxification tactics may be the best option if you have more average heavy metal levels but would still like to reduce them. According to a 2013 review, there are certain foods and supplements that can help bind and transport heavy metals out of your body.
Just remember that you should always take care when adding supplements or lots of one type of food to your diet. Doing so could be harmful to your health. Consult a naturopathic doctor to help build the best detox plan for your body.
Foods for Heavy Metal Detox
Dietary Fiber
Dietary fiber is effective at reducing mercury levels in the blood and brain. Aim to include more fiber-rich foods in your diet, such as whole grains and fruit. On the plus side, these foods are also good for your overall health.
However, be careful with your consumption of flaxseed if you have been exposed to large amounts of cadmium. While flaxseed contains a lot of dietary fiber, the soluble fiber it contains has actually been shown to increase the retention of cadmium in a study on rats.
Related: Arsenic Detoxification: Do It Correctly (Naturally)
Sulfur
People tend to think of sulfur as a rotten-egg-smelling substance. But, it is actually a mineral that your body needs. It’s the third most abundant mineral in your body!
Studies have suggested that eating foods with sulfur may have helped reduce oxidative damage caused by lead in rats. In addition, it could help prevent kidney damage caused by cadmium. Consider adding foods rich in sulfur to your diet to reduce heavy metal levels in your body. This includes garlic and broccoli.
Cilantro
You might also want to consider adding more cilantro to your diet. In an animal trial, less lead was absorbed into the bones of animals with increased cilantro consumption.
However, these studies produced only limited evidence supporting cilantro’s chelation abilities.
Chlorella
Finally, you may want to consider adding chlorella to your diet, as it has been found to aid in mercury detoxification in mice. Chlorella is a type of freshwater algae. You may also hear it simply called seaweed.
Our naturopathic doctors can assist in your heavy metal detox. Get to know us today!
Supplements To Consider
Antioxidants
One of the problems with heavy metals is that they cause excessive oxidative damage. However, certain forms of glutathione may help protect your body’s cells from oxidative damage due to free radicals. Just remember that this is only in certain forms and not when taken orally.
This is because glutathione is an antioxidant. In fact, it is essential to build and repair tissue and to keep your immune system functioning properly.
Another antioxidant that can help chelate metals from your body is alpha-lipoic acid. This is a strong antioxidant and can even help renew other antioxidants in your body. However, it can redistribute the metals in your body. If you are considering using alpha-lipoic acid, be sure to talk to a healthcare provider first.
Related: Build a healthy diet to support a strong immune system!
Modified Citrus Pectin
You may also want to consider adding modified citrus pectin or supplements made from brown seaweeds. These substances can help reduce heavy metal toxicity by 74%. This was even corroborated in five case studies on humans.
Amino Acids Containing Sulfur
Since sulfur can reduce oxidative damage, it makes sense that supplements with it could do the same. Some amino acids, such as taurine, methionine, and cysteine, include sulfur in their makeup.
Supplementing your heavy metal detox with sulfur-containing amino acids may make it more effective.
Selenium
If you’ve been exposed to mercury, supplementing with selenium may help remove the toxin from your body. Stick with organic selenium supplements, just like in the trial suggesting its effectiveness.
Creating Your Detox Plan
It might seem a little confusing to add these foods and supplements into your life safely yet effectively. After all, you need to balance consumption so that you get enough, but not too much, and that nothing interferes negatively with another supplement.
Working with a naturopathic doctor can help you create the best plan for a safe and natural heavy metal detox. Our naturopathic team will consider your body, mind, and spirit while employing state-of-the-art lab work, science, and compassion. You’ll be able to rest easy knowing you have a doctor who can help you detox safely.
Ready to Create Your Detox Plan? Book Your Appointment with InneGate Health & Wellness!
Flush Out Heavy Metals Safely and Naturally
While chelation therapy may be an effective way of getting rid of the heavy metals in your body, it can be overkill for the average person.
A natural heavy metal detox can flush out these metals while being less harsh on your body. By adding a few supplements and food sources under the guidance of a naturopathic doctor, you’ll be well on your way to detoxifying your body.