By: Gizelle Erickson, LCMY, CRP, CHLC
Life and Death ~ Contained in the Apple
And Other Issues “Insignificant” Metal Exposure Could be Causing
While the forensic world is hard at work debating whether or not Actress Brittney Murphy and her husband were murdered with an overdose of toxic heavy metals, you may be surprised to find the concerns lying closer to home… or in your child’s playground… or drinking water. While it may not be killing you, it may be setting off a chain of events that will deteriorate your health in subtle ways and it may never be connected back to the actual source or cause.
Metal is literally what our world revolves around. It is the center of the earth and as we spin, it works its way through the various layers to eventually reach the surface. It is common in our environment and is necessary for the proper functioning of our bodies. However, too much of a good thing can cause some pretty nasty side effects.
When Volcanoes spew molten lava and ash into the air our atmosphere is deluged with metal substances… and what goes up, must come down…
We, in our vast intelligence, have figured out many ways to make metal work for us. Can’t you just feel your chest puffing up with pride? I mean after all, we could be still sitting around in a cave wondering how to eat that mammoth with our fingers – how uncivilized! However, we may have, at times, been (and continue to be) a little ignorant of the consequences of manipulating nature. Our bodies are so efficient that we only need the smallest trace of certain metals to achieve optimum function. The creative process of extracting and inventing new uses for metal can expose it to our environment in sometimes lethal doses, if not just plain old unhealthy.
For the most part, the United States does not have extremely high statistics of metal poisoning. But when it happens, it can often go misdiagnosed because the symptoms are often attributed to another cause. Often its not a highly dramatic exposure that would lead to life threatening acute issues, but more of a low-level overexposure, causing a slow breakdown of several body systems. You may receive treatments to relieve the symptoms, but unless the mysterious cause is found, you will have a difficult time restoring your health.
What are some of the signs that you may have been, or are being, overexposed to metals? Reduced mental and central nervous function, lower energy levels, issues with lungs, kidneys or liver. Eventually, the physical wear down will effect your muscle response and neurological degeneration could occur. These signs mimic diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, muscular dystrophy, and multiple sclerosis. Sometimes, you may just have a raised immune response that you would see as an allergy suddenly developing with no real cause. Some cancers have been linked to long term over-exposure to metal. The good news is that if you suspect that over-exposure to metal is contributing to your health issues, it will effect changes in your blood that our Naturopathic Doctors can see. A little consult with one of them could go a long way toward better long-term health.
How does over-exposure occur (besides the obvious, buying toys manufactured in China)? We can absorb it or ingest it through our food, our water, our air, and our skin. It amazed me, as I began this research, just how prevalent metal is, and how readily it becomes a part of us. It can be in dust, fumes and vapors, which is responsible for many of the adult exposures from the workplace. Although there is a host of metals that can prove to be harmful to our systems, I cannot take the room in this one article to list them all. Let’s just take a look at a few of the metals that we need to be aware of.
ARSENIC
Naturally found in some of our food (apple seeds, for instance), arsenic is something your body is equipped to handle on on low level basis. Some research shows that organic arsenic is a factor in the growth process, aids in the viability of a pregnancy and has a stabilizing on joints and tendons, as well as some benefit to the heart.
We can absorb arsenic through our skin, breathe it in through our lungs and ingest it through our food. Much of the arsenic we are exposed to is a by-product from the smelting of copper, zinc and lead. It is also used in the manufacturing of glass. Arsine gas is created in the use of pesticides that contain arsenic and released into the air. Arsenic is used in paint, fungicides, and to treat wood, so much of the exposure can come to children on playground or park equipment that is older.
Maybe the Queen in Snow White had it right.
Immediate symptoms of arsenic poisoning are sore throat (if you have breathed it in), red skin (if you have touched it), or severe abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea (if you have ingested it). Over time, other symptoms can build such as loss of appetite, fever, irritation of the mucus membranes, and irregular heartbeat. Continuation of exposure can lead to changes in the nervous system that feel like numbness or tingling, a burning sensation, or muscle tenderness in the hands or feet. This is usually gradual and happens over a period of years. You may see changes on the skin, such as darkening of pigmentation, or excess skin on the palms or soles of your feet. Sometimes you can see white bands of arsenic deposits across the bed of the fingernails.
LEAD
There has definitely been a lot more awareness of lead poisoning in the last couple of decades. If your home was built before 1940 there may be exposure from painted surfaces that are weathering, flaking, chalking and dust being formed; or pipes, drains and soldering materials. Today lead is used in batteries, cable covering, ammunition and fuel additives, as well as crystal glass production, PVC plastics and pesticides. Printing ink, gasoline, fertilizer, and fuel additives also contain lead. Lead poisoning is one of the top 4 types of toxic injury to the kidneys.
Children are at higher risk than adults for lead poisoning due to the tendency to chew on things that might be painted with lead based paint
You are more likely to be exposed to lead in workplaces that use lead in the manufacturing process; printers, gas stations, farming, welders. If you get your water from a municipal source, be sure to have your water tested from the tap, as much of the lead exposure from pipes within your home will not be detected at the municipal site.
Symptoms of over-exposure include abdominal pain, convulsions, hypertension, kidney dysfunction, loss of appetite, fatigue and sleeplessness. Other signs include headaches, numbness, and vertigo. Over time, you may develop arthritis, allergies, autism, hyperactivity, mood swings, nausea, lack of appetite and even seizures.
MERCURY
Mercury exists in three forms; elemental, organic and inorganic. It occurs naturally as the earth’s crust is degassed through volcanic eruptions. It is also produced through mining operations and paper industries. It has been used in paint as a fungicide and, although now banned as an ingredient, cant still be absorbed or released through things such as playground equipment that may have been painted before the ban. It is still used in thermometers and medications, including some childhood vaccines. Inhalation is the most typical type of exposure as mercury gets caught in the atmosphere, gets dispersed through wind and returns to earth in rainfall.
From there is contaminates our lakes and rivers, getting into our food supply through the fish we eat from these waters and getting readily absorbed by our gastrointestinal tract. At that point it will target our brains and our kidneys. Fish is so good for you! Especially fatty fish like salmon, cod or bass that are high in omega-3. Some studies have suggested that eating fish once a week will cut your risk of heart attack IN HALF. But what if the fish is full of mercury (which incidentally, stays stuck in fatty tissues)?? The best fish to eat are those that are wild, line caught fish. Always ask where your fish comes from and how it is caught if buying it fresh. If buying it in a can, look for “wild-caught” on the label. If you are an angler yourself, you can check that status of the contamination of fish in your area at the government web site, www.epa.gov or contact your local state department.
Another potential exposure is through dental amalgam. Although the American Dental Association states that there is no sound scientific evidence supporting the link between amalgam fillings and systemic diseases or chronic illness. However, they do acknowledge that amalgam does contain mercury and can react with other substances. If you have amalgam dental work in your mouth, the ADA recommends not having it removed as that would increase the potential exposure.
Some signs of over-exposure are cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, visual disturbances, metallic taste in the mouth. Prolonged exposure can result in permanent damage to the central nervous system and kidneys, resulting in mental retardation, brain damage, cerebral palsy, blindness, seizures and inability to speak. Mercury can also cross the placenta to the unborn child, often reaching levels double that of the mother.
Ok, so what should you do if you suspect you have been exposed to or are exhibiting some of the symptoms of over-exposure to metal? First, if your exposure is life threatening, seek medical attention immediately. If your symptoms are not life threatening but you see a deterioration of your health over time, ask your Naturopathic Doctor to do a Heavy Metal Screening to see if you are at risk and if more intensive testing needs to be done. In the meantime, there are lots of great ways to handle this naturally, provided your exposure is small and your symptoms are not severe.
ANTIOXIDANTS
Vitamin C – to improve immune function, maintaining healthy skin, lungs and blood vessels, accelerating healing and reducing allergic reactions. Your body does not make or store Vitamin C, so you must include it in your diet through citrus fruit, vegetables and quality supplements. Research has shown that Vitamin C can help reduce harmful effects of lead, aluminum, copper, silica and radiation.
Vitamin E – This helps to protect the nervous system and immune function, lowering the risk of certain cancers and protecting the lungs.
Vitamin A – essential for normal cell growth and protection. It is possible to over-dose on Vitamin A, so only take the amount recommended by your Naturopathic Physician. If you are pregnant, do not take additional Vitamin A.
Alpha-lipoic Acid – this is a potent antioxidant, with the ability to detoxify metals and regenerate other antioxidants.
HERBS
Cilantro – researchers have found that Cilantro accelerated the elimination of mercury, lead, and aluminum through the urine. In one study, dental patients who had amalgam fillings removed were tested positive for mercury in their lungs, kidneys, liver and heart. These deposits were eliminated by taking Cilantro orally 4 times a day.
Garlic – garlic has the ability to help the body inactive and eliminate cancer-causing substances without damage.
Green Tea – another potent antioxidant that protects the cell from mutation that occurs with cancer causing agents and free-radicals.
MINERALS
Calcium is important for bone density to be sure, but it is also vital for the liver to be able to process toxins. Making sure your diet is balanced with the proper amount of calcium will enable you to process through metals as well as other toxins.
Iron – ironically, (pun intended) Iron can help with lead toxicity. Only take iron under a physicians guidance, with blood tests to make sure the levels are correct for you.
CHELATING AGENTS
The process of chelation means using something that is known to bind to the molecules of various metals and carry them safely through to elimination via the urine. The word chelation comes from the Greek word meaning “claw”. This can be done chemically in a medical setting for extreme exposure or exposure that is life threatening, but it is not without risk to the kidneys and should only be done with the care of a physician. However, for the incidental exposures or chronic low-level exposure, there is much that can be done using the forces of nature that have much of the same effect.
Alfalfa – an excellent source of protein, alfalfa is also high in Vitamin A, E, D, B6, K, calcium, chlorophyll, potassium and several digestive enzymes. It is a high-fiber source which has the property of binding to material in the colon, aiding its removal. Alfalfa is a good source of iron, so if iron over-exposure is the issue, avoid this resource.
Chlorella – this is a single-cell, fresh water algae that is rich in protein, vitamins, & minerals. Chlorella appears to bind to metals in the bowels and help with the detoxification process. Some dentists recommend Chlorella to patients who are having amalgam removed as well as to their hygienists and assistants who are working with the patients.
Rutin – a plant extract found especially in buckwheat, black tea, and apple peels (hmm… maybe to counteract the arsenic found in the apple seed?), Rutin has been found to be a great cell protector, reducing tissue damage and inflammation.
So, could it be possible your allergies are actually your body being smart about alerting you to a metal imbalance of your system? Could that headache be telling you that your workplace is effecting your health in ways you will not know until you have reached chronic exposure? Perhaps. It is a good thing to be aware of and to attend to if you suspect you have been over- exposed. What’s more precious than metal? Your health!
Resources used:
You, the Owners Manual by Michael F. Riozen, M.D. & Mehmet C. Oz, M.D. Mayo Clinic Family Health Book by David E. Larson, M.D.
Reader’s Digest Guide to Drugs and Supplements
Prescription for Natural Cures by James F. Balch, M.D. & Mark Stengler, N.D. 8 Weeks to Optimum Health by Andrew Weil, M.D.
Bio – Gizelle Erickson, LCMY, CRP, CHLC
Gizelle is a licensed, certified massage therapist and a certified Reiki practioner with 6 years experience in the spa industry. Each session with her is a journey that begins with listening to you. Her goal is to create an atmosphere of comfort and rest that touches all the senses to refresh and rejuvenate, bringing your mind, body, and soul into balance and well-being.