The Effects of Heavy Metals on the Body
Heavy metals are abundantly present in the environment. Some of them are found naturally but others are as a result of pollution. The term heavy metals is generally used to refer to some metals in the periodic table which have similar properties. Although there is still a lot of debate on the exact metals that should be classified as heavy metals, most scientists agree that they are those with a relative density of more than 5.0. Another widely accepted classification is all those metals that are toxic to human beings and the environment.
Examples of these metals would include zinc, lead, copper and iron. Some of these metals have some good health benefits to our bodies while other have no benefit to our bodies and are known to cause only harm.
However, most if not all the metals can cause health problems if they are present in our body at very high quantities. This includes even the ones that the body needs. When the term heavy metals is mentioned the first thing that comes to many people’s mind is the literal meaning of the words. This may not be what the term refers to but the effects that this metals can have on your body are exactly that.
How people are exposed to the heavy metals?
- Food. Some of these heavy metals can be found in the soil in their natural state and so they may find their way into the plants that we consume. Being in the soil means that they will get into plants and regardless of whether you buy organic or inorganic food you may still be exposed to the heavy metal. Some fertilizers and pesticides used in agriculture also contain these metals. Arsenic is found in some animal feeds especially chicken feed and so if you eat a chicken that has consumed this food then you will transfer the metal into your body.
- Air. Due to increased pollution the heavy metals are now roaming freely in the air that we breathe. Some industries release the metals into the environment putting us at risk every time we breathe the air. You may never notice when you are breathing in heavy metals but once they are in your system you will feel the effects if they surpass the safety level.
- Water. Water is one of the richest sources of heavy metals regardless of where it is from. For example as the river flows it cuts across many places where some of these metals occur naturally and hence dragging them with it. No matter how properly the water is purified some of this metals may not be completely eliminated. As we consume this water we slowly increase the amount of the metals in our system
- Commercial products. These commercial products would include the industrially processed foods that we eat and also the products that we use on our body. Besides from inhalation and swallowing the other way that the metals can get into our body is through our skins. If you use a product with a heavy metal in it on your skin then it is possible for the metal to find its way into your body.
- Chronic and acute heavy metal poisoning. Acute and chronic poisoning are the two major problems associated with heavy metals. Acute heavy metal poisoning is when you are exposed to a large dose of heavy metal at once. For example if you were to swallow a toy made out of lead you are likely to experience acute heavy metal poisoning. This is because your body will be faced with a very high concentration of that heavy metal and it will not be able to deal with it. An acute exposure is extremely dangerous and can cause you serious health effects and death in some instances. Immediate intestinal cleansing would be necessary to get rid of the metal.
Chronic heavy metal on the other hand will involve the accumulation of small doses of the heavy metal over time. It is the result of long-term exposure to small doses of heavy metals. Unlike acute heavy metal poisoning the symptoms of chronic heavy metal poisoning are less severe. However, this is not to say that there is no real danger to your health. Although it happens slower it is important to have a look out for some of the symptoms in order to seek medical attention in good time. Some of the symptoms of chronic heavy metal poisoning may include headache, constipation, muscle and joint pain and feeling tired all the time
Common heavy metals that bring us problems
Mercury. Mercury is a notorious heavy metal that is known for damaging the nervous system and tampering with your brain functions. Insomnia and headache are some of the symptoms of mercury poisoning.
Lead. Besides from being a powerful neurotoxin lead easily passes through the brain and blood barrier into the fetus in pregnant mothers. It is known to cause learning disabilities and cerebral palsy.
Nickel. Although not us highly present in the body like lead it is capable of causing the same effects as lead on a person. It is also a neurotoxin. Headaches and abdominal aches are some of the symptoms of poisoning by this metal.
How to eliminate heavy metals from the body
The best way to eliminate heavy metals poisoning is to identify the source if you have one in mind and get rid of it. If that is not possible the following should also come in handy.
Limit the amount of dust that enters your home as it brings with it some of these heavy metals.
A good natural healthcare to prevent exposure to heavy metals is to buy organic food. They may not be 100% heavy metal free but they contain way less metals than inorganic food.
Detox diets are a good way to get rid of toxins from the body. In the process you will also get rid of the heavy metals.
Digestive cleansing and colon cleanse would also be a good way to eliminate heavy metals. Cleansing means washing away all foreign things. This can be achieved using various natural techniques.