Long-term exposure to metals can be toxic, causing harmful side effects that range from headaches to organ damage. It is important that you seek medical treatment if you have heavy metal toxicity.
Heavy metal poisoning is the accumulation of various heavy metals in your body. Environmental and industrial factors expose you to high levels of heavy metals every day, including the foods we eat and air we breathe.
When metals like lead, mercury, iron, and arsenic build up in our body, they can be toxic. Chelation is the standard therapy in removing heavy metals from the blood. This therapy consists of intravenous injections of an amino acid whose generic name is EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid) .
EDTA is administered to bond the toxins in the body, which are then flushed out with urine. The Greek word for “claw,” lends its name to the word “chelation” and fittingly so, in that EDTA acts as a chemical claw that grabs heavy metals and removes them from the body.
Although chelation was originally used to treat conditions like lead poisoning, it is now claimed to protect against heart diseases. Arterial plaques are made of fibrous tissues, calcium and cholesterol while their formation is initiated by free radical damage. This free radical damage is increased with the presence of toxic metals. The removal of metallic irritants allows the leaking and damaged cell walls to heal.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
A. Why are heavy metals toxic?
The main mechanism of heavy metal toxicity include the generation of free radicals to cause oxidative stress, damage of biological molecules such as enzymes, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, damage of DNA which is key to carcinogenesis as well as neurotoxicity.
B. How are heavy metals eliminated from the body?
A substance that binds to heavy metals is known as a chelator, and the process that transports them out of the body is called chelation. People may also refer to a heavy metal detox as chelation therapy. Doctors use specific chelator medications to treat heavy metal poisoning.
C. How long does heavy metal poisoning last?
Affected individuals may have excessive thirst and a metallic taste in their mouth. Symptoms may usually subside spontaneously in 6 to 12 hours.
D. How does heavy metals affect human health?
Several acute and chronic toxic effects of heavy metals affect different body organs. Gastrointestinal and kidney dysfunction, nervous system disorders, skin lesions, vascular damage, immune system dysfunction, birth defects, and cancer are examples of the complications of heavy metal toxic effects.
E. What are the side effects of heavy metal detox?
Acute symptoms associated with these metals include:
headaches. abdominal pain and cramping. nausea. vomiting. diarrhea. fatigue. difficulty of breathing.
F. What are the common symptoms of heavy metal contamination in the body?
Symptoms Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (the hallmark symptoms with most cases of acute metal ingestion) Dehydration. Heart abnormalities such as cardiomyopathy or abnormal heart beat (dysrhythmia) Nervous system symptoms (e.g. numbness, tingling of hands and feet, and weakness)
G. How long does it take to complete a single HMD session?
An HMD intravenous session usually lasts for at least an hour and may be given on a weekly basis.
H. How many sessions would it take before you see some results?
You may notice some good results after undergoing at least 8 – 10 sessions.
I. Are there any preparations and/or precautions when undergoing HMD sessions?
There are no special preparations before the sessions. We only require kidney function tests (blood examination of BUN/creatinine levels) before the start of a series of sessions and repeated after 3-4 succeeding sessions. We make sure that the kidneys are properly and adequately functioning. Bear in mind that most detoxification procedures would require low protein intake and lots of veggies and organic juices that would generally bring about more effective removal of endogenous toxins including heavy metal toxicity.
J. What to expect during the actual IV session?
One noticeable observation among some patients is the mild pain experienced on the injection site during the actual IV session which usually disappears spontaneously in subsequent sessions.
K. How do heavy metals affect the brain?
Exposure to high levels of metallic, inorganic, or organic mercury can damage the brain, kidneys, and developing fetus. Effects on brain functioning may result in irritability, tremors, changes in vision or hearing, and memory problems.
L. Where do heavy metals get stored in the body?
Once in the body, heavy metals can accumulate over time in your bones, liver, brain, kidneys and heart. Having excess heavy metals in the body can damage vital organs, cause behavioral changes and difficulties with thinking and memory.
M. Can heavy metal poisoning be cured?
Heavy metal poisoning is quite rare, but if you do develop it, chelation therapy is usually an effective treatment.
N. How can heavy metals be prevented?
How can you reduce your risk of exposure to such heavy metals?
Avoid cosmetics containing aluminium, such as deodorants. …
Avoid beverages in aluminium cans. …
Ceramic dental fillings instead of amalgam. …
Give preference to organic foods. …
Avoid excessive amounts of seafood. …
Use water filters.
O. How do heavy metals affect hormones?
The accumulation of heavy metals such as mercury cause hormonal problems in both men and women, of all ages. Mercury can interfere with the production or action of hormones and fertility. This means it can influence your health through every life stage; from puberty, fertility and menopause.
