Heavy metal toxicity is one of the oldest problems humans have had to deal with. As makers of things we often work with solder which may contain lead, tin and flux. At temperatures over 400F these solder fumes can be very toxic when inhaled. Even if you don’t solder eating specific types of seafood (large fish) or air exposure from a coal burning facility can lead to an internal build up heavy metals. Fortunately, there are several types of supplements, vitamins,
plants, probiotics and even some nootropics that can be used to reverse heavy metal build up.
I did two blood tests this year and both flagged me for heavy metals. It concerned me that the levels were consistently maxed out for lead. How can I get this heavy metal out of my system?
Essential Minerals
Heavy metals bind to proteins and interfere with normal cellular functioning. However, when we are topped off on our essential minerals such zinc, calcium, magnesium and iron it reduces opportunities and transport options for the toxic heavy metals. Zinc is by far the most well studied and has been most effective at reducing cadmium and lead levels.
Vitamins
Several common vitamins have shown promise in reducing heavy metal toxicity.
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Vitamin B1 – Increases lead excretion
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Vitamin B6 – Reduces accumulation of lead
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Vitamin C & E – Both are non-enzymatic antioxidants that are able to scavange free radicals and decrease lipid peroxidation. Vitamin C can protect against lead toxicity.
Algae
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Chlorella – Contains difficult to digest cell walls which bind toxins as they exit our system.
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Spirulina – Has some of the cell wall binding ability, but not as much as chlorella. Spirulina is loaded with B-vitamins, selenium and iron which are helpful in reducing heavy metal levels.
Probiotics
Probiotics capable of binding to heavy metals.
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bifidobacterium
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bacillus
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lactobacillus
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yeast: saccharomyces boulardii
Foods
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cilantro – decreases bone lead absorption
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ginger – offers some protection in the liver from cadmium
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increase fiber – reduce mercury in brain and blood
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sulfur rich foods – onion, garlic, leeks (alliums) and caufliflower, brussels sprouts (brassicas)
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selenium rich foods – brazil nuts
Sweat
Usage of saunas, exercise and general high temperatures were effective and safe way to go about reducing heavy metals through sweat excretion.
Nootropics
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NAC – arsenic from organs, might due particuarly well with the presence of vitamin C and E – boosts glutathione
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Taurine – helps with arsenic lead – sulfur-containing
Studies
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Chelation: Harnessing and Enhancing Heavy Metal Detoxification https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3654245/
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Dietary Strategies for the Treatment of Cadmium and Lead Toxcity – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4303853/
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Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead and Mercury in Sweat – A systematic Review https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jeph/2012/184745/