How to detox from heavy metals?

Detox is a very familiar word nowadays. People who are avid social media users, take a digital detox once in a while. Health-conscious individuals often take a detox to flush out toxins from their system.

Heavy metal detox

is another trend, which is on the rise. Exposure to heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, and mercury is more common than we realize. The traces of these metals are often present in the air, water, food, and even personal care products. Over time, the accumulation of these heavy metals can result in health concerns.
Back in 2020, heavy metal detox became a trend, with many influencers and wellness gurus advocating detox smoothies, bath bars, and even supplements, which were said to take away toxins and improve energy, fight brain fog, and also lead to clearer skin and slimmer waistlines. But is flushing out heavy metals from the system that simple?

What are heavy metals?

Toxic metals, commonly known as ‘heavy metals,’ are a group of metalloids, transition metals, and basic metals, with high atomic weight, and high density, and are toxic to humans and other living species.

Though these occur naturally in the earth’s crust, past and present commercial and industrial activities have disrupted their geochemical cycles and biochemical balance. As a result, their presence in environmental levels has increased. These heavy metals are nonbiodegradable, persistent in nature, and can accumulate in living organisms.
Arsenic, mercury, and lead have a long history of public health challenges. Other heavy metals include cadmium, cobalt, and nickel.

What is heavy metal poisoning?

Heavy metal poisoning is the accumulation of various heavy metals in our bodies. Environmental and industrial factors expose us to high levels of heavy metals daily, including foods and air.
According to the CDC, lead and other heavy metals can alter the hormones in men affect sperm health, and reduce fertility. In women, exposure to heavy metals before or during pregnancy might increase risks of miscarriage, stillbirth, and birth defects. If the heavy metals enter breast milk it can harm the child’s brain development. Heavy metals can also affect vital body processes such as digestion, respiration, memory, and even cell production.

Who is at high risk?

Construction or home renovation workers, miners, firing range employees or those who do target shooting, smelters, stained glass makers or other artists, battery or electronics recycling workers, and welders are at more risk of heavy metal poisoning.

Symptoms of heavy metal poisoning

The symptoms of heavy metal toxicity vary depending on the type of metal you’re overexposed to. Long-term exposure can be toxic and cause health concerns ranging from headaches to organ damage.
Some of the common acute symptoms are:

In severe cases of chronic poisoning, the symptoms include:

How to detox?
Dietary and lifestyle changes can reduce the exposure to heavy metals found in the food.

Some experts also suggest Zeolite detox to flush out heavy metals. The natural mineral zeolite clinoptilolite formed from volcanic ash and seawater is found to support the removal of heavy metals. However, consulting your physician or healthcare provider is recommended before using the Zeolite detox method.

Side effects of heavy metal detox
Though serious side effects are uncommon, if the liver or kidneys are not detoxing them, or the intestines are not getting rid of them, toxins can just keep recirculating in the blood, causing headaches, skin rashes, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, irritability, and brain fog.