10 Signs You Have Heavy Metal Toxicity (And How to Detox)

Millions of people are now thought to be dealing with heavy metal toxicity, or what’s also known as heavy metal poisoning. We’re so used to the conveniences of everyday life that we don’t often notice the materials that surround us and the way they affect us. However, toxins can enter our body in many ways – through the food we eat, the water we drink and even sometimes through our dental fillings.

But what are the “heavy metals”? Well, it’s nothing to do with heavy metal music. These metals are substances that can be toxic in very low concentrations. Examples of heavy metals that we can come across in our day-to-day lives (and can poison us) are mercury, thallium, lead, arsenic and many, many more.

Lots of the symptoms of heavy metal poisoning can be mistaken for other things – such as a common cold. Take a look at some of the most common things to look out for. As these can be both acute and chronic symptoms, don’t just focus on how you’re feeling at the specific moment. Make sure to monitor yourself (and ones you may be worried about) over time.

Here Are 10 Symptoms of Heavy Metal Toxicity

“Heavy metal toxicity is more common than you think. The symptoms of heavy metal exposure range from headaches to constant fatigue. Depending on your level of exposure, you might suffer from serious diseases.” – Dr. Jay Davidson

Brain fog, which means having trouble focusing on things you were previously good at or having a poor memory.
Digestive problems such as IBS and diarrhea, heartburn and indigestion, as well as stomach acids.
Fatigue – both acute and chronic – that contributes to the aforementioned “brain fog.”
Chronic mental health problems. Those can include (but are not limited to) depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
Migraines or headaches, both acute and chronic. This is normally one of the first symptoms people start to associate with heavy metal poisoning.
Nausea and stomach cramps, often ignored because they’re attributed to something else, like food poisoning or a painful menstrual cycle with women.
A blurry vision, or an inability to see as well as you had been before, either at a close or at a faraway distance.
Numbness, tingling, and paralysis in your arms and legs. Those are known as nervous system disorders.
A general feeling of upset and tiredness, an unwillingness to do anything the way you did before.
A difficulty breathing normally or choking – this is a serious symptom that needs to be taken care of as soon as possible.

All of these sound scary but you can still stay positive by considering what you can do to detox your body from the effects of heavy metals. Scientists suggest making a few key changes to your lifestyle to throw away all offending chemicals: here are a few things you can consider incorporating into your day.

Here Are 5 Ways to Detox from Heavy Metal Toxicity

Note: Always consult your wellness advocate before starting any new regiment.

1. A change of diet

You would be surprised just how many of the heavy metals can be found in something as common as your food. In fact, one of the main sources of mercury in our bodies comes from tuna. Yes, the canned tuna that you bake in your casseroles. To avoid this, make sure to eat as many raw or natural foods as you can. Whenever you can, choose unprocessed food over processed products. That choice alone can limit the number of bad chemicals you consume through your food. Another thing you can try to do is reduce the amount of sugar you consume.

2. Read the ingredients

Another very common source of heavy metals is cosmetics. Many hand creams and face creams use aluminum bases or bismuth in their ingredients, both of which can cause heavy metal toxicity. Always read the ingredients list of any beauty product you purchase, if you want to lead a healthier life. Even better, consult with a dermatologist or look up some home treatments online. For example, you can make, at home, wonderful hair masks with some egg and an avocado. It’s cheaper and healthier for you, so why not try it?

3. Go through your kitchen cupboards

You wouldn’t think that kitchenware can be made from harmful materials, right? Well, not quite. In fact, aluminum and non-stick cookware are the main offenders, as they expose you to the carcinogenic nickel. Try replacing all your kitchen items with glass, enamel, cast iron, or titanium. Those are all-natural substances that don’t release poisonous gases when heated up – and we can guarantee that they’ll go a long way in reducing the level of heavy metals in your home.

4. Thermal products

Nowadays, it’s very popular to use a thermos or a thermal cup to bring your hot drink into work or school. While it’s not a bad idea, the stainless steel in thermoses can unleash heavy metals into your drink that can be hazardous to your health. Similar to the cookware, look for material that wouldn’t release those gases when exposed to heat. Glass is normally a good go-to, and while glass thermal products may be a bit expensive, it’s very much worth it for your health.

5. Herbal remedies

This is probably one you weren’t expecting to see on that list, as how can herbal remedies contain heavy metals? Well, it’s all about where they were purchased. Some herbal remedies can be counterfeit and laced with things such as arsenic because of the way they were mixed. Always check the source of your herbal remedies before ordering them. Better yet, consult with your doctor before you take them!

Final thoughts

Those are just a few ways you can prevent yourself and your family from developing heavy metal toxicity. Stay aware of the signs and symptoms and take preventative action as much as needed. Start integrating these healthy habits into your everyday life one by one and you’ll see a change coming soon. Some people, who have started a heavy metals detox, have said it helps with their positive thinking, too. Who knows, maybe a good detox is all you need to see the bright side of life again. Stay positive and go natural – the fewer metals, the better!