There is lots of information floating around on the web and social media about heavy metal toxicity and attributing everything from arthritis to cancer on its deleterious effects. But what does the science say? Are there actually legitimate things we can do and foods we can eat to help protect our bodies from toxic metal buildup?
Heavy metals can’t be avoided. Compounds like arsenic, mercury, lead, and aluminum are naturally occurring in the earth and water. But human industrialization and subsequent pollution has concentrated the amounts to potentially toxic levels, especially in food sources like fish and seafood. Many of these metals are also used in the manufacturing of household and beauty products (like lead in paint , aluminum in deodorant, and bismuth in makeup). Your body does have natural detoxification methods in place to eliminate these substances. But if overwhelmed with high doses, organs like the liver, bones, thyroid and brain can concentrate these toxins often to harmful effects.
As for the science, there have been numerous studies on the effects of heavy metals and disease, mostly on the role that toxic levels play in the development and progression of neurological disorders such as Alzheimers Dementia, ALS, autism, Parkinsons Disease, and Multiple Sclerosis. There are also proven associations between heavy metal toxicity and leukemia, liver disease, and thyroid dysfunction. So from a health perspective, over-exposure to heavy metals is a legitimate health concern and natural methods that can limit the effects should be incorporated into your health routine.
