Toxic Metal Poisoning

Along with many other toxic compounds in the environment, a lot of heavy metals, or the metals with a very high density, are present in our immediate environment. These heavy metals may contaminate our water supplies, they are components in the clothes we wear, and they are also found in the paints used on houses and in the machines we use at workplaces and in all modern office environments-in short, these metals are components in many simple things we see around in the modern world. Metals like lead, the ubiquitous aluminum, poisonous arsenic, and metals like mercury and cadmium are present in large quantities in the domestic environment and these are in general some of the most commonly utilized toxic metals in the world today. The build up of toxicity in the human body may however be very gradual, and the physical effects of poisoning from the heavy metals tends to be a very slow process and occurs over a long period of continued exposure to the source of the toxic metal. The physical symptoms which are typically induced by the presence of toxic metals in the body tends to be very vague and can include physical symptoms such as persistent fatigue, the appearance of splitting and blinding headaches, the presence of an upset stomach, disorders such as colics and even anemia in some cases. The central nervous system is the main part of the human body likely to be extremely affected by the presence of toxic metals in the body, and the first symptoms of many accumulated metals in the body is in generating a very significant effect on the functioning of the central nervous system. Symptoms generated by a disrupted central nervous system include the appearance of muscular tremors, the development of spells of dizziness, the presence of insomnia, the poor concentration abilities in the person and a sudden lack of muscular coordination in the body. Mercury for example has been linked to the debilitating disease of multiple sclerosis as a possible causative factor, in much the same way, the toxic effects of accumulated aluminum has also been linked to the appearance of Alzheimer's disease in many cases.

Many developmental problems and disorders in new born babies have been directly linked to early exposure to toxic metals and pregnant women must be especially careful in handling any substances which have a high concentration of known heavy metals, developmental problems in children can have both mental and physical aspects. For example, even a slight exposure to high levels of mercury is known to play a lead role in inducing hyperactivity and learning disabilities in a child.

Gums lined with a blue tinge or hue are the strongest indicators of a manifestation of lead poisoning in the body of a person, in addition, such individuals will also suffer from acute muscle weakness and different kinds of mental disturbances or disorders. The accumulation of lead to toxic lead levels in the body will finally induce the paralysis of the tissues marking the extremities of the body, and other symptoms such as blindness, and mental disturbances also tend to affect patients. Lead poisoning also tends to cause memory loss in all patients, the continued presence of lead in extremely large amounts within the body can lead to eventual mental retardation for the affected individual, lead poisoning can also cause insanity, it can give rise to impotence in men, and cause different types of reproductive disorders in affected individuals. Toxic effects of lead in the body often induce infertility in man and woman regardless of gender. The poisoning by lead is also known to induce anemia in affected patients. The milder and much more subtle physical symptoms of lead poisoning are the presence of a metallic taste within the mouth, disorders such as persistent indigestion, the development of complete appetite loss, the presence of disorders such as constipation, and problems like nausea and vomiting are also very easily apparent due to lead poisoning.

The presence of large amounts of the toxic metal arsenic in the body on the other hand, brings about severe vomiting; patients are affected by constant diarrhea and cramping in the abdominal region. On the other hand the accumulation of high levels of the metal cadmium is known to bring about recurring instances of kidney stones in the patient; this mineral is also known to be capable of replacing the stores of the mineral zinc in the human body. Liver damages is one typical symptom of the presence of high cadmium, this mineral may be the least known heavy metal among all the others, but it can also cause high blood pressure and damage the liver. The best scientific way of recognizing the presence of these toxic minerals in the body is through chemical analysis of hair samples-most of these toxic metals end up accumulating in the dead tissues of the hair. At the same time, post mortem chemical analysis usually check for the presence of heavy metals in vital areas of the patients body-these include samples of the tissues in the brain, the kidneys, and liver and bone samples-all of which tend to have a fair amount of toxic metal accumulation.

The recognition of the toxic effects of heavy metals and the regulation of their use in industrial and domestic processes is a fairly new phenomenon of the modern world-all of these toxic metals have seen widely use through the history of man. As more of the extreme toxicity of some of these metals has become clear to us, we have made more attempts to curb and restrict their uses to processes which will not directly threaten human life. The Roman civilization is said to have been destroyed because Roman nobles preferred their food cooked only in lead vessel. As pollution and the entry of pollutants into the natural environment have increased-it is normal to find that contaminated shellfish and organ meats which have much higher heavy metals concentrations. Shellfish absorb heavy metals from the polluted water they live in, while organs meats of cattle and pigs usually also contains high metals content due to the detoxifying function of the liver, spleen kidneys etc. the presence of high amounts of toxic chemicals has also been detected in drinking water sources. At the present time, most scientist are still unsure about the physiological effects of drinking polluted water over the long term, with particular reference to polluted water that is soft and very corrosive. Another very good source for heavy metals is the highly toxic pesticides and insecticides used on farms and domestic houses around the farm-agricultural farms treated using such chemicals also retain some of the heavy metals and can be said to be polluted in some war due to this factor. The high metal content of cigarette smoke is one reason that tobacco is considered so unhealthy. Among the thousands of chemicals traced in cigarette smoke, the content of toxic metals such as arsenic, lead and cadmium is very prominent-it is the presence of such chemicals which causes damage to the body, the nicotine itself being quite harmless. Many domestically used compounds such as dental filings, gasoline, dyes and insect repellents tend to have high concentrations of many of the heavy metals.

In the United States, very high levels of the toxic metal lead is generally to be found in the chemicals making up older style house paints, the metal is also normally used for water pipes and is found in high amounts in leaded gasoline. High amounts of the metal lead are also to be found in some kinds of foods and nutritional supplements, which include bone meal and the mineral dolomite. Heavy contamination of the soil with the metal lead is also a fact, the automobile has been massed produced and used for decades now and till recently all vehicles ran on leaded gasoline. The packing industry also used a lot of lead before, and such cans can easily leach the toxic metal lead due to the leaching effects of many acidic fruits and vegetables, in particular tomatoes, drinks like wine and cider, and colas and many types of juices can quite readily cause the heavy metals to leach from cans meant for storing them. Though not in use in North America anymore, the metal lead was used as a sealant in seam tin cans, this sealing lead is still to be seen in the tins or cans of certain imported goods from other countries. Ceramic is also another source for the toxic metal lead and usually has good amounts of the metal in the glaze.

The toxicity of the heavy metal mercury is far greater than that of the lead. Mercury content of polluted water is quite high in many places; in addition, this poisonous metal finds its way into the flesh of many fishes and shellfishes which live in such waters. Another probable source for the contamination of mercury may be the silver-colored amalgam of the metal which is used in dental fillings; these have generated a great deal of attention in recent years as sources of toxic mercury contamination. It is believed that mercury leaks into chewed food when people who have such filling eat a meal, approximately half of the filling consists of the metal mercury-this is a very direct source of possible mercury toxicity. Mercury is also found in different agricultural weed killers, it is a constituent of printing ink, it is also used in some paints and the processed latex also has high mercury content. Poisonous metal arsenic is also found in many of the insecticides used at present, high levels of this toxic metal have been detected in some animal feeds and in many ceramic products.

The amount of aluminum in households is the greatest compared to the other metals mentioned here, this is because the real effects of aluminum on the human body over the long term is still an area that needs careful examination-this metal is used in many domestic environments. Aluminum alloys go into the manufacturing of different types of pots and pans and the metal is ubiquitous in distribution. Aluminum may leach into food when cooking is done with pots or pans made from the metal aluminum or its alloys, this situation may particularly prevail when the food being cooked has great acidity such as the cooking of foods like the tomatoes and other high acid content vegetables and fruits. In addition, the active ingredient in many marketed antacids and anti-perspirants have a high aluminum content in addition to the universal use of aluminum foil is in processes like baking and other household cooking tasks. Aluminum is also found in chemical form in many different types of prescription medications, it is widely used in skin creams and in products like vaginal douches. The major industrial regions and areas have high levels of the metal cadmium-which is another extremely toxic metal. Cadmium has been detected in large amounts in different tobacco products; it has found its way into the drinking water of municipalities and is also a component in many different pesticides. Cadmium contamination of shellfish, and animal organs such as the accumulation in the livers and kidneys of farm animals is a concern. When such foods are consumed by humans, the metal may slowly accumulate in the kidneys, the lungs, and in the heart and bones over a period of time.

The therapeutic use of the metal arsenic was known to the Greeks and Romans twenty four hundred yeas in the past, they also identified its potential as an effective poison for the human body. The metal can damage the mitochondria in human cells and this is its main toxic effect, these tiny organelles within each cell of the human body are responsible for the production of energy in the human body-any interference in the action of mitochondria usually results in the death of the cell and if done on a large scale then it can lead to the death of the individual. The metal arsenic finds many uses in the world today; it is an active component in many insecticides and takes part in the treatment of some of the rarer protozoan infections that can affect the human body. The toxic metal arsenic released in industrial processes as a by product during the smelting of copper, zinc and lead, the content of this heavy metals is also quite high in coal. Arsenic content has been found to be high in some of the mineral waters. Compounds which contain arsenic have been used in the poultry industry and in the feeds of other livestock as a growth promoter of the reared animal. The metal has also found use as a preservative agent for wood and wood products.

Supplements and herbs

All of the herbal remedies and supplements given below can be very natural means to eliminate the toxic materials accumulating in the body. These supplemental compounds can also be used in the treatment of aluminum toxicity and the toxic effects of radiation exposure. The toxic metals are eliminated by these supplements from the body as they act like extremely powerful chemical oral chelators; elimination of the toxicity is though the urinary system. Detoxification is carried out by using wheat and barley grass; these green foods contain large amounts of the helpful organic substances chlorophyll which aids in the cleansing of the human body. The other supplemental herbs which can be used in the treatment of heavy metal toxicity include the kelp-seaweed, the green alfalfa grass and the widely available green food spirulina. These green food supplements can help prevent the body from absorbing too much of the radioactive materials such as the metals mercury, cadmium and manganese, and other common heavy metals like barium, tin and strontium-90 which are found in domestic environments around industrial regions of the world.

Supplemental use of the vitamin C is also strongly suggested for all patients, this nutrient helps protect the body from the deleterious effects of accumulated toxins and aids in the complete elimination of the toxic substances from the body-it is also very useful against heavy metals in the human body. People suffering from a case of poisoning from heavy metals tend to have very little vitamin C levels in their bodies-supplementation of the vitamin is important to correct this imbalance in the levels of the nutrient within the body of the individual. As the tolerance levels for the metal varies from one individual to another, dosage levels must be reduced immediately when the stools lose consistency and a diarrhea like state exists. Supplemental use of the mineral selenium and the vitamin E which have excellent antioxidant properties must also be done along with the supplements of vitamin C, all of these nutrients taken together will serve to combat the worst effects of toxicity and the deleterious damage done inside the organs. The use of supplemental zinc is suggested if the metal cadmium is the cause for the toxicity, the presence of high levels of the metal cadmium in the body often leaches zinc away form the body-supplements of this essential mineral should work to correct the imbalance.

These herbal remedies can be used to fight toxicity from heavy metal poisoning in the human body. The absorbing powers of these herbal remedies will aid in the rapid elimination of accumulated toxins-a factor which is essential for the full recovery of the affected person. All of the herbs given here have been proven to be very valuable in engineering this recovery process in the human body.

The heavy radioactive metal known as strontium-90 often accumulates in many edible green and leafy plants, which also have a high calcium content. Calcium in such plants is responsible for the transportation of the strontium-90 towards the bones where it may induce biochemical damages in the marrow of the bones. The toxic metals accumulating in the body are also removed by the herbal garlic remedy, this antibacterial herb can aid in the elimination of all toxic metals from the body. The use of odorless capsules of the herbal garlic remedy may be preferable to the raw clove by the majority of patients. Dosage of this herbal remedy can be three capsules of garlic taken thrice every day for as long as necessary. The healthy and proper functioning of the liver is assured by the supplements of herbal dandelion root, which actively stimulates liver function in the body. This herbal remedy can be extremely vital to the complete elimination of accumulated toxins present in the blood of the affected individual. The action of the herbal dandelion inside the body is stimulated by the burdock and yellow dock root herbal remedies-these two herbs must be used in conjunction to the dandelion as treatment. The absorption of lead in the body can be reduced by the high calcium content of the stinging nettle herb-supplements of this herb can also be taken on a daily basis by all individual affected by lead poisoning.

Homeopathy

All of the following homeopathic remedies can be used in the treatment of individuals affected by different types of metal toxicity. Each individual remedy must be given at a potency of 6, 12 or 30c on a daily basis for a treatment period lasting seven to fourteen days at a stretch. Monthly repetition of this dosage regimen will induce results over several months and speed the rate of recovery.

Aluminum

The toxic effect of aluminum poisoning can be cured by the homeopathic remedy Bryonia-this remedy acts as an acute antidote to the damaging effects of the metal inside the body. Physical symptoms induced by poisoning with aluminum which can be treated using Bryonia can include the presence of a persistent constipation along with dryness in the internal areas of the body. The homeopathic remedy Plumbum can be used as the main antidote, to treat aluminum toxicity which induces sudden abdominal cramps and the atrophy of muscle tissues in the affected individual. If the symptoms induced by the toxic metal include mental symptoms such as confusion about identity and time distortions, then the homeopathic remedy known as Alumina must be used to treat the patient. This remedy can also be used to treat the symptoms such as chronic constipation and the giving out of frequent vaginal discharge in women-these are symptoms often observable in many patients afflicted by toxic aluminum contamination. The presence of one or more symptoms must be treated using the appropriate remedy.

Arsenic

Arsenic poisoning cases can be treated by using the homeopathic remedy Phosphorus as the main antidote, the remedy known as Arsenicum can also be used if phosphorus is not available. The physical symptoms in acute and chronic cases of arsenic toxicity treatable by both these remedies can include the presence of persistent burning pains in the body, a great thirst and desire for cold drinks. Physical symptoms such as sudden vomiting, mental symptoms like persistent anxiety and the specific fear of diseases, the fear of death, the fear of the dark and of being robbed-none of the psychological symptoms induced by the toxicity are rational, but they seem very real to the individual. Physical symptoms also generally seen in such patients include the tendency to bleed very easily, the presence of constant diarrheas and the passing out of acrid discharges from the pores in the body. The presence of one or more of these symptoms must be treated using one of these remedies.

Cadmium

The main antidote for cases of toxicity due to the accumulation of cadmium in the body is the homeopathic remedy known as Zincum. This remedy can be used in the treatment of both mental and physical weakness often seen in the patient. Physical symptoms can also include the presence of extreme restlessness combined with many other neurological sensations, some of which can include a feeling of constant numbness, the presence of a crawling sensation on the skin, great sensitivity or the presence of pain in definite spots on the skin. Another toxic compound allied to the metal known as the cadmium sulph. induces similar symptoms, such as physical weakness, the presence of odd sensations in the body and the lowering of the immunity to allow for frequent viral infections. The presence of these symptoms indicates the toxic effects of cadmium and the appropriate homeopathic remedy must be used to treat particular symptoms in the affected individual.

Lead

Lead poisoning can be treated using the homeopathic remedy known as Alumina. This effective antidote aids in the complete elimination of the accumulated lead from the body, it also stimulates the functioning of the brain and corrects other neurological symptoms generated by the presence of high amounts of lead in the body. Lead poisoning can induce specific physical symptoms such as lethargy and physical dullness, it also induces mental confusion, and the person may suffer from loss of memory and other identity issues. Elevation in blood pressure or high blood pressure and disease of the kidneys are other symptoms often seen in individuals suffering from the toxic effects of lead in the body. As a general antidote for lead poisoning, the homeopathic remedy known as the Causticum can also be used to correct symptoms in affected patients. This homeopathic is very helpful in correcting nerve paralysis and urinary weakness induced by the toxic effects of lead.

Mercury

Toxic effects of mercury poisoning can be treated using the homeopathic remedy known as Mercurius, symptoms induced by dental fillings of amalgam include many sorts of gum disease and gum bleeding, the toxic effects of the mercury can also lead to the formation of abscesses in the mouth, it can cause mouth ulcers. Patients often complain of recurring and persistent sore throat, such patients also tend to suffer from colitis and women may suffer frequent miscarriages. Another excellent homeopathic antidote to treat mercury toxicity is the remedy known as Hepar sulph., this remedy can be used in the treatment of frequently developing abscesses in the mouth, it can also be used in the treatment of bronchitis and other pulmonary infections induced by the presence of high levels of mercury, such infections typically lead to the giving off of thick and yellow pus. Each symptom must be studied and treatment should use the appropriate homeopathic remedy.

Silver

The toxic effect of silver poisoning can be treated using the homeopathic remedy known as Nat mur. This remedy is very useful in the complete elimination of toxic silver from the body. The physical symptoms induced by the presence of high levels of silver in the body include "argentism" a condition common to people who take high amounts of colloidal silver. The remedy can also help in suppressing the toxicity induced by the presence of silver nitrate in the body, if silver nitrate affects infant, then this remedy must be put into the affected infant's eyes, treatments with the remedy must be carried out immediately and as soon as the first physical symptoms appear. If the toxic metal is not eliminated from the body, then the eyes may give off a lot of tears and become bloodshot. The appropriate homeopathic remedy must be used in the treatment of specific symptoms.

General Metal Toxicity

The homeopathic remedy known as Sulphur can be used in the treatment of general toxicity to different metals. This remedy has effective and very wide ranging effect on the toxicity induced by metals in the body. The remedy is effective in aiding the body’s elimination of accumulated toxic metals in the deep tissues; it can help clear the metals accumulating in the lymphatics and in such organs like the liver or kidneys. The remedy can also be used as an antidote type treatment for cases of metal poisoning, it may be considered a preliminary treatment remedy and in some cases, it can also be utilized in cleaning up the body as more of a specific remedy to treat a particular symptom. The remedial actions of the Sulphur is in the treatment of physical fatigue, it can be used in the treatment of eruptions on the skin and it can also be used in the treatment of poorly healing skin in patients afflicted by metal toxicity. This homeopathic remedy must be used as a general purpose preliminary cure for all cases of metal poisoning.

Additional things you may do

To prevent the risk of metal toxicity to you, try to avoid the following commonly found metals in your day to day life. Stay aware of the potential risk concerned with their utilization.

Aluminum

Be aware that many of the aluminum salts are often added to the common table salt. This is done for its affects on the appearance of table salt; the addition prevents table salt from clogging to clumping up. The salts of the metal are also found in many commonly available antacids used in the treatment of indigestion and it is also found in products such as deodorants and antiperspirants-and in many other toiletry items.

Cadmium

To prevent cadmium poisoning over the long term, make sure that you flush out the pipes in the house before drinking water early in the mornings as accumulation of the metal occurs over night. The best option is to drink only filtered or spring water-though it may not be a cheap option. Try to avoid cigarette smoke and quit smoking. Cadmium is present in very high levels in the smoke of cigarettes-it enters the smoker's lungs directly and causes many adverse reactions. The levels of vitamin C in the body are also lowered by smoking, the vitamin is a very effective agent against this toxic metal and sufficient levels of vitamin C must always be present in the body.

Copper

The accumulation of copper in the human body occurs as there is an excessive amount of copper going into the water, from the domestic water pipes made from copper or it is ionized into food from the use of copper cookware. The presence of high levels of this mineral in the body can induce irritability and the affected person also shows symptoms such as the illogical and sudden outbursts of anger and displays of violent behavior. The disorders such as arthritis and scleroderma are also known to be induced by high levels of copper in the body in some individuals.

Lead

Lead must also be actively avoided and major sources for lead are the gases seen in petrol exhaust from automobiles, the gases from the burning of coal in the industrial and domestic arena, the dust and dirt of streets also contains lead. Lead is also found as a component in many leaded house paints, it can also infuse into the drinking water from lead pipes, it has been detected in some canned foods, and vegetables grown by the side of roads may also have lead. Lead has also been found in the milk from cows that are grazed on polluted pastures near industrial areas. The main action of lead toxicity is in the inhibition of the zinc-dependent enzymes within the body. Try to avoid eating any fruits and vegetables which are on display cases lying outside greengrocers' shops-particularly when heavy traffic runs through the area.

Usual dosage

• Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg thrice a day.
• Vitamin E, 400 IU.
• Green food supplements, one tbsp.
• Selenium, 200 mcg.
• Zinc, 3 mg, with 6 mg of copper.

Comments