Heavy Metals Are All Around Us

We take in heavy metals through the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink. Ideally, our bodies are able to process and dispose of them, but if we take them in faster than they can be eliminated, they can accumulate in our tissues.

But not all metals are bad for our health.

Some metals are essential to core functions of the human body, and we can’t produce them, which means we need to consume appropriate amounts of minerals like zinc, copper, chromium, iron and manganese through our diet or supplementation.

However when metals have no beneficial role in human body, even small amounts can be considered toxic and contribute chronic diseases. Once these heavy metals are in our bloodstream they can be stored in our tissues and organs for years, predisposing us to chronic health issues until addressed.

Removing heavy metals reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, and may improve neurological, digestive, cardiovascular, and immune system functioning.

How do we know if you’re able to properly eliminate the metals you’re exposed to or whether you are experiencing accumulation of metals that may be contributing to your health concerns? Testing! 

If you are suffering with diseases of the mitochondria (chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia), cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurological disease (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, MS), or inflammatory skin conditions, you may benefit from investigating the role that heavy metals may be playing. 

Heavy metal screening may also be a part of your cancer prevention strategy with metals like cadmium, arsenic, and lead being known carcinogens. 

Since different metals respond to different chelators (the agents that will bind and help to eliminate the metals), we must first establish which metals are most relevant to the individual person to optimize treatment outcomes. Testing not only helps to establish the burden of toxic metals, but also serves to guide treatment decisions.

Questions? Drop them below or call 604-888-8325 to set up a visit with your naturopathic provider or to become at patient of the clinic.

Dr. Alanna Rinas ND