Did you know that your daily environment might be silently exposing you to heavy metals that could impact your health? Heavy metals like mercury, lead, and arsenic can sneak into your body through food, water, air, and even everyday household items. Recently, I took an OligoScan at McDonald Murrmann and was shocked to learn that I tested very high in many of the heavy metals that are so dangerous to our bodies. While small amounts are natural, excessive exposure can lead to toxic buildups, potentially causing serious health issues. In this post, we’ll dive into what heavy metal toxins are, how they find their way into your system, the symptoms to watch for, why a heavy metal detox might be your solution to better health, and my personal experience with DMSA Chelation Detox.
Before I share my detox journal, let me answer some of the basic questions everyone has when it comes to heavy metals detox or chelation detox.
What is a Heavy Metal Detox?
A heavy metal detox is the process of eliminating toxic metals like lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium from the body. These metals can accumulate over time, leading to various health issues if not addressed. Detoxing involves using natural methods, such as dietary changes, or medical interventions like chelation therapy, which binds metals in the bloodstream for removal. The goal of a heavy metal detox is to reduce the toxic load on the body, improve overall health, and restore balance to essential systems. Detoxing safely and effectively often requires guidance from a healthcare professional.
How Do You Get Heavy Metals in Your Body?
Heavy metals can enter your body through various sources in your daily life. Contaminated water, industrial emissions, smoking, and polluted air are common environmental contributors. Food can also be a source, particularly fish with high mercury levels, vegetables grown in contaminated soil, and processed foods containing additives. Household products like certain cookware, cosmetics, and medications may also expose you to heavy metals. Understanding these sources is the first step to reducing exposure and protecting your health.
Before I began my chelation detox, I changed my diet and hygiene routine to reduce my heavy metals load. For example, I swapped my deodorant to a Native Deodorant, a more nature option.
What Are the Symptoms of Heavy Metals in the Body?
The symptoms of heavy metal toxicity can vary widely, making it challenging to pinpoint the cause without proper testing. Common signs include persistent fatigue, brain fog, digestive disturbances, and skin conditions like rashes or discoloration. Neurological symptoms such as memory loss, mood swings, and numbness in extremities are also prevalent. Over time, heavy metal toxicity can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections and chronic illnesses. If you experience these symptoms and suspect heavy metal exposure, you should consult your healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. As I mentioned before, I took the OligoScan at McDonald Murrmann which not only revealed my heavy metals toxin levels, but also my levels for core minerals and vitamins.
What is the Oligoscan?
The Oligoscan is a cutting-edge tool used to measure the levels of heavy metals, minerals, and trace elements in the body. It provides a non-invasive and immediate analysis using spectrophotometry, a method that evaluates light absorption through the skin. This quick and painless procedure allows healthcare providers to assess toxic metal exposure and mineral imbalances accurately. By offering real-time results, the Oligoscan helps guide personalized detoxification and nutritional strategies, making it a valuable resource for those looking to optimize their health.
Which Diseases Are Caused by Heavy Metals?
Prolonged exposure to heavy metals has been linked to several chronic diseases. Mercury toxicity, for instance, is associated with neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Lead exposure can result in kidney damage, hypertension, and developmental issues in children. Arsenic is a known carcinogen linked to skin, lung, and bladder cancers, while cadmium exposure is connected to bone diseases and respiratory issues. Understanding the link between heavy metals and these conditions underscores the importance of minimizing exposure and seeking early intervention.
What Risks Do Heavy Metals Present for Humans?
The risks of heavy metal toxicity depend on the type, level, and duration of exposure. Short-term exposure to high levels can cause acute symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, and difficulty breathing. Long-term exposure, even at lower levels, can disrupt critical bodily functions, leading to chronic illnesses and organ damage. Children, pregnant women, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable due to their developing or weakened systems. For example, heavy metal toxicity in children can impair brain development, leading to learning difficulties and behavioral issues.
How to Safely Detox from Heavy Metals
Detoxing from heavy metals involves a combination of dietary, lifestyle, and medical approaches. Foods rich in antioxidants, like leafy greens, berries, and citrus fruits, can support the body’s natural detox processes. Supplements such as activated charcoal, chlorella, and cilantro may aid in binding and eliminating toxins. Drinking plenty of water and maintaining a diet high in fiber helps flush out metals through natural elimination pathways. For severe cases, medical treatments like chelation therapy are recommended under professional supervision. Reducing exposure by using filtered water, avoiding certain products, and eating organic foods can also prevent further accumulation of heavy metals.
DMSA Chelation
Dr. Murrmann prescribed me the DMSA for a chelation detox regimen. DMSA (Dimercaptosuccinic Acid) chelation is a medical treatment used to remove heavy metals from the body. DMSA is an FDA-approved chelating agent that binds to metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic, forming a water-soluble compound that can be excreted through urine. This oral or intravenous therapy is particularly effective for individuals with significant heavy metal toxicity. During treatment, DMSA circulates in the bloodstream, capturing toxic metals and reducing their harmful effects. It is crucial to undergo DMSA chelation under medical supervision, as improper use can deplete essential minerals and cause side effects. Supplementing with minerals and closely monitoring the process ensures a safe and effective detoxification experience.
My Chelation Detox Journal
Day 1 – 3 (one 500 mg DMSA pill/day)
- Discontinued my normal supplements (Chelation pulls out toxic and friendly minerals alike so no need to waste expensive supplements)
- Urine smelled like eggs
- Sweaty feet
- High odor in sweat
- Very tired at night, but slept incredibly well.
- I drank more water than normal so that I would urinate more (i have to admit, drinking lots of water is hard for me but it is essential for this process) I plan on upping my water intake as I go.
- Ate high protein diet
- Day 3: My Psoriasis started flaring and I got a cold sore. I did some research and this can happen through the process. I am not concerned at this point. Trying to use natural remedies to manage symptoms.
DAY 4-5 (48 hours with no DMSA Pill)
- Drank a Mineral Boost and Electrolyte Supplement
- Took my normal supplements
- Worked out for the first time on a bike with a sweat band to expel more toxin
- 30 minutes of Aerial Yoga
- Ate clean and healthy
- Continue to drink water. Trying to up my intake.
- Old rash under arm pit is coming back and getting worse (Maybe because of toxic sweat?)
THINGS I USE WHILE DETOXING
Click Image to Learn More
WAIST TRIMMER
Help you to sweat more of the toxins out while you workout
LMNT Hydration
Hydration without all the extra sugar
BEAM MICROBOOST DUO
Put minerals and hydration back into your body. REPLENISH.
STAY TUNED AS I WILL UPDATE THIS POST WITH MY PROGRESS EACH WEEK.
Heavy metal exposure might be more common than you think, but the good news is that there are effective ways to detox and protect yourself. By understanding where these toxins come from, recognizing the symptoms, and taking proactive measures, you can reduce your risk and improve your overall health.
Videos of my progress:
Introduction to the Detox Video
Please Note: I always strive to provide accurate and helpful information, but just a quick heads-up—I’m a blogger, not a doctor, lawyer, CPA, or any other kind of certified professional. I’m here to share my experiences and insights, but please make sure to use your own judgment and consult the right professionals when needed.
Also, I accept monetary compensation through affiliate links, advertising, guest posts, and sponsored partnerships on this site, however I am very particular about the products I endorse and only do so when I am truly a fan of the quality and result of the product.
