ALUMINUM

Aluminum can be found in food, cosmetics, medicines, deodorants, foil wrap, soda cans, water purification facilities, hand & face creams.

Long- Term Consequences due to Exposure can cause issues such as:

• Emotional & Behavioural Issues
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Anemia
• Kidney & Liver Disease
• Ulcers & Heartburn
• Learning Difficulties
• Impact on Nervous System & Fine Motor Skills
• Slow growth in children
• Premature birth
• Weak bones & teeth decay

Suspended particles of dust in the air contain aluminum, resulting in small amounts of it been found in lung tissue and lymph nodes. Aluminum interferes with neurotransmitters in our brain such as dopamine and norepinephrine, therefore, causing damage that can lead to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Those with pre-existing medical conditions are at greater risk. Aluminum is also present in Vaccines.

MERCURY

Mercury is found in fish, shellfish, and at the bottom of the ocean floor due to industrial pollution. It is used by dentists, hygienists, and chemical workers.

Long- Term Consequences due to Exposure can cause issues such as:

• Fatigue
• Depression
• Irritability
• Headaches
• Breathlessness & Chest Pains
• Pneumonia
• Behavioral/ Neurological Changes
• Memory Loss
• Mental Confusion
• Dehydration
• Gingivitis

Mercury toxicity may be caused by exposure to large amounts of it during the manufacturing of thermometers, mirrors, incandescent lights, x-ray machines, and vacuum pumps.

This metal affects our lungs, liver, kidneys, brain, skin and causes damage to our neurological system. Mercury is also present in Vaccines.

ARSENIC

Arsenic can be found in our drinking water, seafood, grains (rice), cigarette smoke, cosmetics, and air.

Long- Term Consequences due to Exposure can cause issues such as:

• Chronic Headaches/ Fatigue
• Brain Damage/ Nerve Disease
• Eczema
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Breakdown of the Hemoglobin
• Anemia
• Hypotension
• Heart Issues

Arsenic toxicity can be caused by medications and some face and hand creams. Occupational exposure can occur through the manufacture of paints, enamels, glass, metals, and wood preserving materials.

CADMIUM

Cadmium toxicity may be caused by ingestion of contaminated foods, exposure to old paint, cigarette smoke, vapor lamps, and can also be found in rechargeable batteries.

Long- Term Consequences due to Exposure can cause issues such as:

• Progressive loss of lung function
• Abnormal buildup of fluid within the lungs
• Breathlessness
• Increased salivation
• Yellowing of the teeth
• Rapid heartbeat
• Anemia
• Kidney Disease

CHROMIUM

Chromium is used in the manufacture of cars, glass, pottery, and linoleum.

Long- Term Consequences due to Exposure can cause issues such as:

• Lung Cancer
• Kidney & Liver Diseases
• Gastrointestinal Issues
• Circulatory Issues
• Lesions on kidneys, liver, and muscular layer of the heart
• Neurological disorders

Chromium results from burning coal and oil. Paper, leather, and rubber manufacturers use chromium.

LEAD

Lead toxicity can come from exposure to firearms, automotive repair, battery manufacturing, gasoline, glass, bridge, tunnel, and highway construction sites. Another cause of lead exposure can happen through hair dyes, fertilizers, and pesticide use.

Long- Term Consequences due to Exposure can cause issues such as:

• Abdominal Pain & Constipation
• Lack of appetite
• Anemia
• Brain Damage
• Swelling of the Optic Nerve
• Impaired Consciousness
• High Blood Pressure
• Damage to the Reproductive Organs
• Insomnia
• Kidney Disease
• Hostility, Depression, Anxiety & Irritability
• Behavioral issues in children such as less playfulness, clumsiness, irritability, and sluggishness.

 COPPER

Copper can be found in the water supply due to old copper pipes, contaminated food, rusted dishes including corroded copper cocktail shakers.

Long- Term Consequences due to Exposure can cause issues such as:

• Anxiety & Irritability
• Depression
• Mood Disorders
• Kidney / Liver Issues
• Heart Failure
• Brain Damage

Some genetic conditions can also affect your liver’s ability to filter out copper properly such as:

• Wilson’s Disease
• Hepatitis
• Anemia
• Thyroid issues
• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• Rheumatoid Arthritis & more

IRON

Iron can be found in children’s and adult’s supplements/ vitamins. Taking too many Iron supplements can have dangerous effects such as:

• Liver Failure
• Major Digestive Problems
• Circulatory System issues

Iron is an important mineral for our body to function properly and a lot of people suffer from iron deficiency but too much can lead to health issues. It is particularly important to read the label for proper pill intake. The child can simply swallow too many vitamins and the expectant mother can take too many.

NICKEL

Nickel can be found in our food, water, soil as well as cigarette smoke.

Long- Term Consequences due to Exposure can cause issues such as:

• Headaches
• Irritability
• Difficulty Sleeping
• Lung Cancer
• Reduction in cell growth
• Damage to Nervous System
• Damage to Heart & Liver

Nickel is combined with other metals, such as iron, zinc, copper, and chromium to form alloys. It is used to make stainless steel, jewelry, coins, heat exchangers, and valves.

Nickel enters our atmosphere through volcano eruptions, power plants, and trash incinerators. Once it’s airborne, it attaches to dust particles, rain, or snow, and over time it falls to the ground where it enters the soil.

1. HEAVY METALS IN FOOD

A great place to start is by evaluating your diet & everyday food choices, avoiding certain foods will help keep your body healthy. Heavy metals have been found in commercial foods in both organic and non-organic. Children are at a higher risk of metal toxicity because their smaller bodies are more susceptible to absorbing and retaining them.

3 TYPES OF FOOD THAT CONTAIN HEAVY METALS

1. Fish: Mercury is commonly discovered in large predatory fish. Most common contaminated fish include tuna, king mackerel, marlin, orange roughy, shark, swordfish, and tilefish.
2. Rice: Recent studies found that rice is one of the most arsenic-contaminated foods on the market. Brown rice is among the worst. Grains like quinoa, amaranth, bulgur, farro, polenta, and millet usually contain little arsenic.
3. Bone Broth: Bone broth can be a significant source of lead because bones store it and when we cook them, the contents will remain in the end.

2. HEAVY METALS IN DRINKING WATER

Heavy metals enter our water through soil contamination. It might be a good idea to have your water tested and invest in a high-quality water filtration system for your home.

3. HEAVY METALS IN CONSUMER PRODUCTS

Heavy metals such as iron, mercury, arsenic, lead, chromium, aluminum, and zinc have been found in personal care products like makeup, toothpaste, hand & face creams, sunscreen, eye drops, and nail polish. Heavy metals in personal care products may result from contamination but sometimes they are added as ingredients.

4. HEAVY METALS IN THE AIR( INDOORS & OUTDOORS)

Heavy metals also exist in the air. Arsenic is one of the most common metals in the atmosphere especially in and near cities. Other airborne heavy metals include cadmium, chromium, and nickel from activities such as driving cars, industrial pollution, and using aerosol products. The best advice is to get a home air purifier and consider removing shoes before walking inside.

6 FOODS THAT ASSIST WITH DETOXIFICATION

When your body is working properly, it can protect you from heavy metal accumulation.

Certain foods contain micronutrients that can assist to remove unwanted toxins within your body:

1. Cruciferous Vegetables: Your liver has enzymes that work to flush out toxins from your body. You can boost these enzymes by eating vegetables such as broccoli, bok choy, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and kale.
2. Fiber: Fiber is found in plant foods that help bind to cadmium, arsenic, mercury, lead, copper, and aluminum which makes it easier for your body to detox these metals.
3. Phytates: This plant food inhibits iron absorption and can help remove excess iron in the body. Grains like nuts and legumes all contain phytates.
4. Probiotics: Probiotics play a role in helping your body detox heavy metals. Studies showed that lactic bacteria are effective in reducing lead, mercury, and arsenic absorption in the body. Yogurt is a great source of a probiotic.
5. Cilantro: Studies found that eating cilantro can help reduce the absorption of heavy metals. Cilantros assist in elimination of mercury, lead, and aluminum.
6. Black Sesame Seeds: Black sesame seeds help remove heavy metals from the body by binding to lead, cadmium, and mercury.

OTHER FOODS THAT ARE HIGH IN ANTIOXIDANTS

These foods have the potential to remove cadmium and iron from your system and to reverse damage to various organs and tissues while improving kidney, liver, and brain function.

• Soybeans
• Onions
• Curry paste
• Grapes
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Green tea
• Tomato paste
• Algae (chlorella and spirulina)

The modern world has increased our exposure to heavy metals beyond what our bodies were designed for. Even though we cannot avoid these heavy metals entirely, we can all take steps to reduce the exposure. Making informed choices when it comes to the products we use, foods we eat, the water we drink, and daily habits, will significantly reduce the number of toxins that enter our body.