All of us need heavy metals like iron and zinc in our bodies to stay healthy. But other heavy metals like mercury and cadmium are dangerous to our health. Heavy metal poisoning occurs when our bodies absorb large amounts of these toxic elements.

A heavy metal detox helps get rid of those toxins. Learn more about the basics and benefits of a heavy metal detox below.

The basics of a heavy metal detox

Heavy metal detox is also known as “chelation therapy.” Certain substances found in food bind to heavy metals and transport them out of your body. These substances are known as “chelators” and the process that rids your body of toxins is called “chelation.”

Physicians prescribe certain medications to treat heavy metal poisoning, but certain foods such as garlic and cruciferous vegetables also help chelate heavy metals.

Heavy metal toxicity affects the function of your organs, such as the brain, liver and lungs. High levels of heavy metals in the body also reduce your energy levels and affect blood composition.

Poisoning from heavy metals typically occurs after heavy or frequent exposure over a long stretch of time. This can cause symptoms seen in degenerative conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, and may even cause cancer.

Examples of toxic heavy metals include lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, nickel and chromium. These toxins can enter your body through food and the environment. Sources of heavy metals are mining, industrial waste, pesticides, wastewater, tobacco, soil erosion and fossil fuel emissions, among other things.

Foods and supplements for a heavy metal detox

Certain foods and supplements help remove heavy metals from your body. Check out the following:

1. Dietary fiber – Studies show that fiber reduces mercury levels in the brain and blood. Fiber-rich foods include fruits and grains with bran.
2. Chlorella – Chlorella is a type of algae that grows in fresh water and is popularly known for its detoxifying effects. Mice studies show that chlorella boosts the detoxification of mercury.
3. Foods with sulfur – Experts say that heavy metals are inclined to bind to sulfur compounds. Sulfur-rich foods include garlic, broccoli, eggs and nuts.
4. Cilantro – Cilantro decreases lead absorption in the bone.
5. Glutathione – Glutathione is an antioxidant naturally produced by your body. When taken intravenously, it may protect your cells from oxidative damage caused by heavy metals.
6. Modified citrus pectin – This is a form of the fiber pectin that is altered to be better absorbed by your body. Studies show that modified citrus pectin lowers heavy metal toxicity by nearly 75 percent in humans.
7. Amino acids with sulfur – Examples of these are methionine and taurine supplements.
8. Alpha-lipoic acid – This compound is a naturally occurring antioxidant that can renew other antioxidants in the body and flush out heavy metals.
9. Selenium – Selenium is an essential mineral with potent antioxidant and detoxifying properties. Taking organic selenium supplements is found to increase mercury detoxification.

6 Benefits of a heavy metal detox

Detoxing is a helpful way to ward off diseases and maintain good health. Take a look at some of the health benefits of a heavy metal detox:

1. Boosts heart health. A study involving more than 1,700 people links chelation therapy to a modest reduction in cardiovascular events among diabetics.
2. Keeps your brain healthy. Minerals play an important role in the cellular processes that regulate brain health, but having too much of these may be bad for the brain. In fact, many studies show that heavy metals are associated with the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. As such, some experts recommend targeting metals in the brain to slow down or halt the development of Alzheimer’s.
3. Protects your organ. Heavy metals are extremely toxic to your organs. They can cause acute or permanent damage that can severely affect your health.
4. Wards off cancer. Many studies show that high-level exposure to heavy metals may lead to the development of cancer. In a study, researchers concluded that heavy metals stimulate the progression of breast cancer and reduce its sensitivity to treatment.
5. Fights inflammation. Heavy metals are known to trigger inflammation. One study, for instance, shows that the metal concentrations in tobacco smoke can increase the amounts of free radicals in the body, which can lead to inflammation.
6. Boosts your energy. High levels of heavy metals in your body can make you feel sluggish and tired all the time.
7. Counters the side effects of vaccines. Some vaccines, like those for hepatitis B, contain the mercury-based preservative thimerosal. A heavy metal detox can help counter the side effects of such vaccines.

A heavy metal detox can flush out toxins in your body and ward off the effects of heavy metal poisoning. Detox with foods like chlorella and garlic to rid your body of heavy metals naturally.

Sources:

MedicalNewsToday.com

Hindawi.com

LinkingHub.Elsevier.com