The Hidden Dangers of Heavy Metal Toxicity: Causes, Symptoms, and Functional Medicine Detox Solutions

We live in a highly toxic world.

Sometimes it’s hard to know what’s safe to eat, drink, touch, lather on your skin, or passively inhale.

We are exposed to such a myriad of environmental toxins, many of which accumulate in our bodies over time.

Among the most concerning are heavy metals—such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic—which are prevalent in our food, water, air, and even everyday products like cosmetics and infant formulas.

Are there other elements that are dangerous? Absolutely, but we will focus on the big 4 in this blog.

The insidious nature of heavy metal toxicity is that it often goes unnoticed until symptoms become severe, affecting various bodily systems and leading to chronic health issues.

In the realm of functional medicine, the focus is on identifying and addressing the root causes of these health problems rather than merely treating symptoms.

In this blog, I explore the impact of heavy metal toxicity on health, how functional medicine approaches detoxification, and the importance of awareness and proactive measures in safeguarding our health.

What is Heavy Metal Toxicity?

Heavy metal toxicity occurs when heavy metals accumulate in the body to toxic levels. These metals, which are naturally occurring elements, can be toxic even in trace amounts. The most common heavy metals that contribute to toxicity in humans include:

Lead: Found in old paints, pipes, contaminated water (tap/refrigerator filtered water), toys, faucets, car exhaust, and certain foods, lead is a potent neurotoxin that can impair cognitive function and cause developmental issues in children. (1)

Mercury: Present in certain fish, dental amalgams, vaccines (thimerosal), and industrial emissions, mercury can damage the nervous system and kidneys (2).

Cadmium: Found in cigarette smoke, batteries, and contaminated food, cadmium is a carcinogen that affects all systems, particularly the cardiovascular and nervous systems, lung, kidneys, liver, and bones (3).

Arsenic: Present in contaminated water, pesticides, and certain foods, arsenic is associated with skin lesions, cancer, and cardiovascular disease (4).

These toxic metals and other toxic metals can enter the body through various routes, including ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption.

Once inside the body, they can disrupt biological processes by binding to proteins, interfering with enzyme function, and generating free radicals that cause oxidative stress leading to more serious diseases.

In addition, multiple toxic metals have a synergistic effect, meaning that one plus one does not equal two, but more like ten. Compound that with inflammation and endotoxins caused by dysbiosis in the gut and you’ve got even bigger issues.

The Health Impacts of Heavy Metal Toxicity

Heavy metal toxicity can have a wide range of adverse health effects, depending on the type of metal, the level of exposure, and the individual’s overall health. Some of the most common health issues associated with heavy metal toxicity include (5) :

Neurological Damage

Heavy metals like lead and mercury are neurotoxic, meaning they can damage the nervous system.

In children, lead exposure can result in developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.

In adults, chronic exposure to heavy metals can lead to cognitive decline, memory loss, and an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s (6).

Cardiovascular Issues

Research has shown that heavy metal exposure is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. (7)

For instance, lead and cadmium exposure have been associated with hypertension, atherosclerosis, and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Heavy metals can damage blood vessels, increase oxidative stress, and promote inflammation, all of which contribute to cardiovascular dysfunction.

Kidney Damage

The kidneys are responsible for filtering toxins from the blood, making them particularly vulnerable to heavy metal toxicity.

Chronic exposure to metals like cadmium and mercury can impair kidney function, leading to kidney damage or even kidney failure (8).

Symptoms of kidney damage may include fatigue, swelling, lower back pain, and changes in urine output.

Immune System Suppression

Heavy metals can disrupt the immune system by interfering with the production and function of immune cells.

This can result in an increased susceptibility to infections, allergies, autoimmune diseases, and cancer (9).

For example, mercury exposure has been linked to immune system dysfunction, including the development of autoimmune conditions such as lupus and multiple sclerosis.

Hormonal Imbalance

Heavy metals can act as endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with hormone production and regulation.

This can lead to hormonal imbalances that affect reproductive health, thyroid function, and metabolism (10).

For example, cadmium exposure has been associated with thyroid dysfunction, while lead exposure can affect reproductive hormones and fertility.

Cancer

Toxic heavy metals are cancer-inducing agents (11).

They do this through various mechanisms, including a disruption in tumor suppressor gene expression, damaged cellular repair processes and production of reactive oxygen species (RAS) that produce oxidative stress.

Sources of Heavy Metal Exposure

Heavy metals are ubiquitous in the environment, and exposure can occur through various sources. Some of the most common sources of heavy metal exposure include:

Food and Water

Heavy metals can contaminate food and water through various pathways.

These and other toxic elements are found in soil and are absorbed by crops. Sadly, organic or conventional are no different in this respect. Even grazing cattle have been found to have toxic metals in their bloodstream (12).

For instance, arsenic is commonly found in rice (13) and drinking water, especially in regions with naturally high levels of arsenic in the soil.

Mercury is present in certain fish, such as tuna and swordfish, due to bioaccumulation in the food chain.

Cadmium can be found in soil and is concentrated in crops such as vegetables, fruits, cacao, spices, beans, and grains (14,15), while lead can contaminate water through old plumbing systems (16).

A recent study highlighted the alarming presence of heavy metals in collagen powders, as well as infant formulas (17), raising concerns about the potential long-term health effects on developing children.

Similarly, studies have revealed the presence of heavy metals in popular foods like chocolate (18, 19).

Supplements

The supplement market is flooded with low-quality supplements that pose a greater health risk to the consumer rather than enhancing their health.

Heavy metal contamination is only part of the issue in unchecked supplements.

Other issues include microbial contaminants, adulteration with synthetic drugs (including drugs banned from the United States), substituting herbs, and fraudulently specifying ingredients on the label have all occurred.

High-quality supplements only make up for a small percent of the market. These are 3rd party tested by an independent laboratory which ensures products are safe, labeled correctly, and free of contaminants. (20, 21, 22, 23)

Air Pollution

Industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and cigarette smoke (direct or indirect) are significant sources of airborne heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. Inhalation of contaminated air can lead to the accumulation of these metals in the body, contributing to toxicity over time (24).

Consumer Products

Many everyday products contain heavy metals, including cosmetics, batteries, and dental amalgams (25).

For example, mercury is used in some dental amalgams. These mercury vapors ensure a constant exposure to inhaling mercury gas.

Lead may be present in certain types of paint and cosmetics.

Prolonged use of these products can result in heavy metal exposure through dermal absorption, inhalation, or ingestion.

Occupational Exposure

Certain occupations, such as mining, welding, and manufacturing, may involve exposure to heavy metals.

Workers in these industries may be at a higher risk of developing heavy metal toxicity due to prolonged exposure to contaminated materials and environments.

How to Safely Detoxify from Heavy Metals

Functional medicine offers a holistic approach to detoxification, focusing on identifying and eliminating sources of heavy metal exposure, supporting the body’s natural detoxification pathways, and restoring overall health and balance.

The functional medicine approach to heavy metal detoxification typically involves the following steps:

Identification and Assessment

The first step in addressing heavy metal toxicity is identifying the sources of exposure and assessing the levels of heavy metals in the body.

This can be done through various diagnostic tests, including blood tests, urine tests, hair analysis, and tissue mineral analysis.

These tests can provide valuable information about the types and levels of heavy metals present in the body, allowing for a personalized detoxification plan.

Other relevant labs include markers for oxidative stress, micronutrients, inflammation, thyroid and steroid hormones (cortisol and sex hormones) to assess potential adverse effects of heavy metal toxicity.

Elimination of Exposure

Once the sources of heavy metal exposure have been identified, it is crucial to eliminate or reduce exposure to prevent further accumulation.

This may involve:

making dietary changes
having mercury amalgams removed safely by a holistic dentist
using a high quality water filtration system
avoiding various consumer products
addressing environmental factors

For those with occupational exposure, it may be necessary to implement safety measures or consider alternative employment options.

Support for Detoxification Pathways

The body has natural detoxification pathways that help eliminate toxins, including heavy metals. These pathways involve the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and skin. In functional medicine, the focus is on supporting these pathways to enhance the body’s ability to detoxify effectively.

Liver Support: The liver plays a central role in detoxification by converting fat-soluble toxins into water-soluble forms that can be excreted through urine or bile. Nutrients such as glutathione, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), phosphatidylcholine and milk thistle are commonly used to support liver function and enhance detoxification.

Kidney Support: The kidneys filter toxins from the blood and excrete them through urine. Adequate hydration is essential for supporting kidney function, along with herbs and nutrients such as magnesium and antioxidants that protect kidney health.

Gastrointestinal Support: The gut plays a crucial role in detoxification by eliminating toxins through bowel movements. A combination of binders are used to capture toxins in the digestive tract so they can be safely transported out through the stool. A healthy gut microbiome, regular bowel movements, and adequate fiber intake are essential for effective detoxification.

Skin Support: The skin is a secondary detoxification organ, and sweating through exercise, saunas, dry brushing, and detox baths can help eliminate toxins through the skin.

Chelation Therapy

Chelation therapy is a medical treatment that involves the use of chelating agents, administered by IV, intramuscularly, or orally, to bind to heavy metals.

Chelating agents, such as DMSA or EDTA, are metal binding agents used in cases of heavy metal toxicity.

The problem with using chelation therapy as a stand alone, is it can have serious potential side effects including death (26, 27).

Due to various inherent risks, including the mobilization of toxic metals through the systemic circulation and into the brain, this therapy alone may not be your safest option.

In most chelation therapy cases, binders are not used with the chelator resulting in serious adverse effects. The chelator only attaches to the toxin (a necessary step). The binders escort the metal-chelator-complex out of the system via the stool eliminating the chance of reabsorption and retoxification.

At DSHM, we use a safe, proven method of detoxification which is effective and very tolerable for our patients. (Stay tuned for more info on safe and effective detoxification strategies in an upcoming blog.)

Nutritional Support

Nutrition plays a vital role in supporting the body’s detoxification processes and protecting against the harmful effects of heavy metals. A functional medicine approach emphasizes a nutrient-dense diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support detoxification and reduce oxidative stress.

Antioxidants: Antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, glutathione, alpha lipoic acid, l-ergothioneine, and hydrogen help neutralize free radicals generated by heavy metal exposure, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Minerals: Certain minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc, can compete with heavy metals for absorption in the body, reducing their toxic effects. Adequate intake of these minerals can help protect against heavy metal toxicity.

Detoxifying Foods: Foods such as garlic, cilantro, chlorella, and spirulina are known for their detoxifying properties and can help bind to heavy metals, facilitating their elimination from the body.

Lifestyle and Environmental Modifications

In addition to dietary and medical interventions, lifestyle and environmental modifications are essential for reducing heavy metal exposure and supporting detoxification. Some strategies include:

Using air purifiers to reduce indoor air pollution and minimize exposure to airborne heavy metals.

Choosing organic foods to reduce additional toxin exposure to pesticides and GMOs

Avoiding processed foods and opting for whole, unprocessed foods that facilitate inflammation. Inflammation inhibits detoxification pathways (28).

Practicing stress management techniques to reduce the burden on the body’s detoxification systems and support overall health.

Sauna

One of the most significant benefits of sauna use is detoxification.

As the body heats up and begins to sweat, it expels toxins that have accumulated over time.

This includes heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium, as well as other environmental pollutants.

Sweating is one of the body’s natural methods of detoxification, and regular sauna use can enhance this process, helping to reduce the toxic load on the body.

Take Control of your overflowing toxic bucket

Heavy metal toxicity is a significant and often overlooked health concern that can have far-reaching effects on overall health and well-being.

Now that you understand some of the sources of heavy metal exposure and the potential health impacts, you can take proactive steps to reduce your risk.

Since it is impossible to avoid all exposure, regular detoxification is your best strategy.

At Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine, we offer a comprehensive and personalized strategy for addressing heavy metal toxicity, focusing on identifying and eliminating exposure, supporting detoxification pathways, and restoring health and balance.

Request a free 15-minute consultation with Dr. Martina Sturm today.

Together we can help you navigate our toxic world so that you and your family can live healthy lives!

Resources:

Cardiovascular Health, Anti-aging, Functional medicine, Longevity, ToxinsMartina SturmAugust 26, 2024Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine Toxins, Detox