We are exposed to heavy metals on a daily basis depending on our jobs, where we live, where we exercise, and what we eat or drink. However, we may be exposing ourselves to higher amounts than we think. Heavy metals have been shown to contribute to problems in the brain, nerves, liver, and kidneys along with other areas in the body. In healthy individuals, the heavy metals are caught and eliminated through our stool or urine. However, some people have trouble getting rid of the metals and that is where the health related problems start.

One of the problems with metals is that they can interfere with the enzymes that do many things throughout our bodies. These enzymes make neurotransmitters for memory and learning, energy to help us get through our day, as well as to help keep our detoxification systems running smoothly. When these enzymes are disrupted by the metals the processes start to slow down and the brain becomes less effective at recalling memories, fatigue sets in, and our detoxification system becomes gummed up.

For instance, aluminum which can be found in water, food, dyes, antacids, antiperspirants, and vaccines has been shown to contribute to such problems as dementia, Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s or Parkinson’s. It is most often found in water, as it is used in water treatment in some areas. Studies suggest levels of aluminum above 0.1mg/liter in drinking water could be a risk factor in developing dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Another metal commonly found in drinking water is arsenic. Arsenic has been associated with increased risk of several cancers including lung, bladder, liver, and skin. It has also been shown to contribute to heart disease, Type II Diabetes, and gestational diabetes which happens during pregnancy and can cause problems throughout the pregnancy. High levels of arsenic in children have been found to contribute to learning problems. It is used in pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, and was used extensively to treat wood for construction until 2004. This wood, still in circulation, can release the arsenic into the ground when the wood gets wet. Exposure to this treated wood can increase amounts of arsenic absorbed by the body, whether the exposure is from the wood, smoke, or ash.

Mercury has been in the news lately because of its use in vaccines. However, it is also found in certain seafood, fillings in teeth, mascara, toothpastes, lens solutions, and contraceptives. It has been shown to cause problems in the brain, nerves, kidneys, and digestive system. Many of these problems mirror problems of those diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, which has many researchers and parents looking at mercury as a cause. A survey conducted in 1999 by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that about 10 percent of US women of childbearing age (16-49 yr old) had total blood mercury levels higher than the safety limit set by the EPA.

Lead, found in some ceramic glazes, PVC plastic, and drinking water has been shown to cause problems in many areas of the body including the heart, nerves, kidneys, liver, and the reproductive organs. High levels of lead can contribute to behavioral problems, memory loss, muscle weakness, and slower detoxification. Lead has also beenshown to replace zinc and selenium so that our immune and detoxification systems are slowed even further.

In our office, we test for these heavy metals and more using a urine test that shows whether the patient has high levels of metals and if they are having trouble getting rid of them. If they have high level, but they are getting rid of the metals, then we know to look for a source that they may be exposed to daily. If they have trouble getting rid of them, then we can help speed that process through chelation and detoxification. The company we use is Doctor’s Data. To see all of the metals they test for and a sample report click here.

Many of these metals are found in drinking water. If you are interested to get your water tested or would like more information, please visit the EPA’s website by clicking here.