Every day, our bodies are exposed to toxic heavy metals like lead, mercury, cadmium, and nickel. These toxic metals can be found in food, water, and our environment. Furthermore, they can also negatively affect the delicate hormone balance in our bodies and lead to serious health issues.
Similar to plastic and pesticides, these toxic heavy metals can cause damage by acting as estrogen mimics (endocrine disruptors). Estrogen, a hormone responsible for growth and reproduction in cells, needs to bind to a receptor on a cell’s surface. Estrogen mimics, like heavy metals, can bind to the same receptors and essentially trick the cell into allowing entry, bypassing the body’s natural protective processes and causing a highly stimulating hormonal effect.
Toxic Metals Found in Unexpected Places
Toxic heavy metals can be found in some unexpected places. A 2003 study found that metals like cobalt, nickel, lead, mercury, tin, and chromium could stimulate cell growth and alter DNA expression when applied to human breast cancer cells.
Cadmium, a common heavy metal used in industrial applications and makeup pigments, has been linked to breast cancer, uterine cancer, and pregnancy complications due to its ability to bind to estrogen receptors.
Seafood can also be a significant source of exposure to organic mercury, which accumulates in larger fish (although wild-caught Alaskan salmon and smaller fish like sardines are generally lower in mercury content).
Tobacco smoke is laden with cadmium, which can be inhaled by smokers or via secondhand smoke. Produce can also serve as a common source of heavy metals if grown in contaminated soil. Even organically grown produce may not be entirely free of heavy metals due to potential soil contamination.
Tips for Detoxifying Heavy Metals
Even though toxic heavy metals are a concern, there are effective ways to protect yourself and detoxify from these harmful compounds. The following tips can help you minimize your exposure to heavy metals and support your body’s natural ability to detoxify:
- Practice a health-supporting lifestyle focusing on natural products, nutrient-dense whole foods, healthy stress relief, and good hydration through drinking filtered water.
- Consider using supplementation with modified citrus pectin, or a combination of modified citrus pectin and alginates (from kelp seaweed), which has been shown through clinical studies to effectively remove harmful heavy metals.
- Pay special attention to avoiding redistribution of heavy metals during the detoxification process, which can be done by using a supplement that traps these toxins in the bloodstream and removes them completely, such as modified citrus pectin and alginates mentioned above.
- Remember that detoxification is an ongoing process, and consistent use of these detoxifying supplements can help protect against the potential dangers of heavy metal exposure and buildup.
- Advocate for a cleaner environment through supporting eco-friendly practices, buying safer products, and replacing toxic chemicals in your home and garden.
By incorporating these strategies into your everyday life, you can help reduce your exposure to toxic heavy metals and support your body’s natural ability to protect against and detoxify from these harmful compounds. A cleaner environment and healthier lifestyle are essential for maintaining optimal health and wellness.