The Madness of Metals

With the recent rise in heavy metal exposure, it's no wonder that chronic diseases and illnesses are also on the rise. The most common metals that are currently affecting the general population are mercury, aluminium, lead and copper. There are a number of ways that these metals can be present in a person and it is well noted that these metals do more harm than good for you!

Mercury used to be the most common one, but in recent years aluminium has also been on the rise. Chemtrails has been the biggest way that aluminium is affecting the general population. In an article by Siobhan McFadyen in the Daily Express, it is claimed that Chemtrails could wipe out the human race (1). Chemtrails are reportedly contributing to killing bees and could also potentially affect humans too. They certainly seem to contribute to affecting humans and the soil with excessive aluminium exposure according to US eco expert, Michael Tamez (1).

Aluminum is also present in many everyday products such as kitchen foil, soda cans, deodorant sprays and is even found in vaccinations, aspirin and foods! As Dr. Edward Group mentioned in his dangers of aluminium article: “unlike vitamins, minerals and other trace elements, the body does not need aluminium. And aluminum is no innocent or benign participant. Aluminum accumulates in the kidneys, brain, lungs, liver and thyroid where it competes with calcium for absorption and can affect skeletal mineralization. In infants, this can slow growth. Animal models have linked aluminum exposure to mental impairments. (2)”

Aluminium attacks the central nervous system and studies show that aluminum is linked to degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Not all aluminium that a person is exposed to is absorbed (3). Absorption depends on factors such as the levels of competing minerals and parathyroid hormone levels. It is virtually impossible to avoid exposure to aluminum, however measures can be taken to reduce your exposure to this metal. Simple measures such as using glass cookware instead of aluminium foil, avoiding processed foods and foods stored in aluminium as well as using alternative options to aluminium deodorants will all reduce your exposure to this metal. Eat fresh organic vegetables and foods that have sensible and sustainable packaging (4). 

Mercury is a natural occurring element found in air, water and soil. A highly toxic form called methylmercury builds up in fish and animals that eat fish (including humans). Fish that have higher levels of mercury include tuna, king mackerel, shark and swordfish. Evidently these are some of the most common fish found in sushi. Mercury toxicity can also be present mainly with mercury amalgam dental fillings in your teeth. These fillings can contain up to 50% mercury by weight and release mercury vapour (5).

The reason some people are affected more than others is due to a number of factors. The level of good minerals, fats, electrolytes, electromagnetic exposure and how good your body can detoxify will all determine how much mercury toxicity you hold onto. Of course if you have more mercury amalgam fillings and have a diet high in fish that contain high levels of mercury then you will have a greater presence of mercury and your body will have to use more energy, vitamins and minerals to detoxify mercury. These essential vitamins and minerals would otherwise be used for other processes the body requires, hence this is where a potential disease state could take place.

Signs and symptoms of mercury poisoning could be mood swings, nervousness, irritability, and other emotional changes, insomnia, headaches, muscle twitching, tremors, weakness, peripheral vision impairment, loss of coordination and decreased cognitive functions. Inorganic mercury toxicity often causes skin rashes and inflammation (dermatitis). If ingested, it can dissolve tissues and some may be absorbed by the intestinal tissue. Large amounts of ingested inorganic mercury may cause bloody diarrhea. Absorbed mercury can spread to other organ systems resulting in mental changes including mood swings and memory loss or renal damage. (6). 

So what can be done to detoxify the body from mercury? Dr. Mercola as well as Dr. Klinghardt both recommend the following steps. Increase Glutathione, have agents that can mobilise the mercury out of the cells and then have intestinal binders that can bind to the mercury so it can be safely transported out of the body (7, 8). You should also have a diet that is high in B vitamins, lots of coriander/cilantro, lots of fresh pure water and a high quality vitamin C supplement which is a powerful detoxing agent.

Whilst lead and copper poisoning are not as common as aluminium and mercury, they are also on the rise mainly due to environmental factors. Copper can be found in birth control pills, copper IUDs, copper cookware, copper pipes, dental alloys, foods, fungicides and insecticides. Excessive copper wrecks havoc on our metabolism, especially for those suffering from allergies, chronic inflammation, immune disorders such as autism, ADD, ADHD, Aspergers, OCD, arthritis, thyroid disorders, skin disorders such as eczema, and adrenal insufficiency. Where excessive copper may not be the sole causative agent in disorders, it certainly does play a significant part in delaying the progress of any therapeutic program as well as aggravating and complicating symptoms (9).

Lead is found in wall paints of old houses, old childrens toys, art supplies, contaminated dust and gasoline (10). A heavy metal, lead is ubiquitous in our environment but has no physiologic role in biological systems. Lead toxicity is a particularly insidious hazard with the potential of causing irreversible health effects. It interferes with a number of body functions primarily affecting the central nervous, hematopoietic, hepatic and renal system producing serious disorders (11).

So what can be done to avoid and detoxify these heavy metals from the body?

Firstly, taking sensible measures such as avoiding heavy metal exposure to start with will go a long way. So avoid unnecessary time in chemical plants, around ‘raw’ metals and avoid toxic smells such as paint smells and excessive time around industrial fumes. If employment in these environments cannot be avoided then protective measures such as masks and clothing should be worn every time exposure to these environments is taking place.

Secondly, avoid dental fillings that have mercury, aluminium and other metals in them. Ask for plastic fillings that are much safer and better for you long term. If your dentist won’t provide this then seek alternative dentists that will. You may have to look in other countries if the dentists in your own country are heavily regulated.

Foods and cookware that are lined with these metals should also be avoided. Avoid aluminium foils and store food in glassware jars and tubs. Ensure that the water you are drinking is filtered and ensure that your diet is rich in vitamins, minerals, electrolytes and protein. Taking a multi-mineral supplement is required is also a good idea. Metals usually use the same channels as minerals to be stored in the body. So where the body say stores calcium, if the body is weak and deficient in any trace minerals or vitamins, it could store metals as it feels it needs to hold onto as much as it can to remain healthy (12).

Your diet should be rich in vitamins, minerals and you should always stay hydrated. Processed foods should be avoided as much as possible. The plate you eat should be rich in colours, such as greens, reds, oranges and whites. Complex carbohydrates such as sweet potato, quinoa and brown rice as well as organic proteins if your diet/lifestyle/beliefs allow this should be consumed on a daily basis. Nuts and seeds are also rich in essential fats and minerals, so these should be consumed in moderation and daily too.

If you think you may have exposure to heavy metals and require a safe detoxifying protocol or require general guidance on nutritional support and how to live a balanced lifestyle please contact me at habs@urbanplatehealth.com or visit my website by going to www.urbanplatehealth.com 




References:


1. Chemtrails 'will wipe out humans' causing biblical-style floods, says expert - http://www.express.co.uk/news/weird/731823/Chemtrails-will-wipe-out-humans-causing-biblical-style-floods

2. Dr. Edward Group, Why I’m Concerned About the Dangers of Aluminum - http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/concerned-about-aluminum-dangers/

3. Kumar V, Gill KD. Aluminium neurotoxicity: neurobehavioural and oxidative aspects. Arch Toxicol. 2009 Nov;83(11):965-78. doi: 10.1007/s00204-009-0455-6. Epub 2009 Jul 1. Review.

4. Analytics Research Lab on Aluminium Toxicity - http://www.arltma.com/Articles/AlumToxDoc.htm

5. Mercury poisoning facts by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP - http://www.medicinenet.com/mercury_poisoning/article.htm

6. Mercury poisoning signs and symptoms - http://www.emedicinehealth.com/mercury_poisoning/article_em.htm

7. Revised Protocol for Detoxifying Your Body from Mercury Exposure - http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/01/13/mercury-detoxification-protocol.aspx

8. Klinghardt Detox Support Protocol - http://klinghardtinstitute.com/protocols/klinghardt-detox-support-protocol/

9. Chronic Fatigue & Nutrition, Excessive copper, iron & lead - http://chronicfatigueandnutrition.com/heavy-metals/excessive-copper-iron-lead/

10. Lead Poisoning: Causes, Symptoms and Diagnosis - http://www.healthline.com/health/lead-poisoning#Overview1 

11. Lead Toxicity: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology - http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1174752-overview 

12. Absorption of Minerals and Metals - http://www.vivo.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/digestion/smallgut/absorb_minerals.html 

---