Could You Have Heavy Metal Poisoning and Not Know It?
With all of the toxins in our world today, heavy metal toxicity seems to be an epidemic. This post is our story about how we learned that we seemed to have heavy metal poisoning and what we did about it.
One thing I never really thought I would deal with is Heavy Metal Poisoning.
We've dealt with a bunch of health issues in our family from autism to candida to thyroid disease to adrenal fatigue.
Just the concept of heavy metal toxicity sounds alarmist, doesn't it?
I almost can't believe myself that I am writing that title.
But then--life has a way of teaching us lessons that we really didn't want to learn.
Metal poisoning is one of them for me.
I Was Wrong
In my younger, more naive days, I used to think things like:
- life threatening food allergies were all in someone's head
- autism and Asperger's were just being over-diagnosed
- heavy metal poisoning or chronic fatigue was an excuse for someone who just was feeling tired and didn't eat well or something and really had something else wrong with them
It's hard for me to admit that, but it's true.
There's something about those younger, full of energy years that makes one think that these things just aren't real.
But they are.
I found out the hard way when they hit our home.
But heavy metal toxicity? That's just a little too weird to be true, right?
Well, I'm going to share with you just a little bit today about our path with heavy metals, with more to come.
When my oldest son was born, we knew he was very sensitive. His poor little body was covered (literally) with horrible eczema at 3 months.
I went to great lengths to continue to breastfeed, including doing trials to figure out what he was allergic to and adjusting my diet accordingly.
But when his health took another big downturn at age 6, we knew our work with him needed to go beyond food elimination.
Heavy Metal Toxicity in Our Family--the Beginning
My son was super anxious and had obsessive behaviors that were almost impossible to handle.
Basically, we were trapped in our home for a year. And mom went into overdrive trying to figure out what was wrong with him.
Finally, we arrived at a diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome (a form of autism) for my son, and I ended up with candida and adrenal burnout (see my post on a test for adrenal fatigue).
That's when the visits with alternative practitioners and the heavy metal questions began.
There's a lot of info about heavy metals and health issues on the internet.
Some of them are fascinating.
Did you know, for example, that:
- Babies with autism have less mercury in their hair than neuro-typical babies. This seems to be due to the fact that the babies with autism don't detox the mercury so it is staying in their bodies. Source
- Aluminum is used in medicine in many ways, typically as a preservative
Anyway, we worked with a number of practitioners and over and over, the issue of mercury and metal toxicity came up.
Possible Results of Heavy Metal Toxicity
According to the CDC and WHO, there are many reasons to be concerned about exposure to heavy metals. Following are some possible health concerns that can result:
- reproductive issues like miscarriage, still birth, etc. (source)
- learning disabilities (source)
- decreased birth height and weight (source and source)
- and more
Honestly, I really didn't want to talk about metals, mostly because I didn't know what to do about it and I wasn't too keen on the chelation protocols that I'd read about and the risk factors involved with them. I never felt good about using an IV or suppositories to yank the metals out of mine or my son's bodies.
Well, something really bizarre happened to me that changed my mind completely about metal toxicity and made me realize that I really needed to do something about it.
Our Heavy Metal Poisoning Evidence
When I was starting my health path, I started talking with a man who had overcome mercury poisoning. I considered doing chelation therapy, but was concerned about the health problems that I had heard can be connected to this.
He recommended several immune-boosting supplements as well as liquid zeolite (a supplement that makes a small cage to trap toxins and heavy metals and releases them in your urine) to remove toxins and metals from my body.
So, on his recommendation, I tried some of these things in addition to purified liquid zeolite drops in my water as a detox supplement.
What happened to me was, well -- very interesting.
This might qualify as the current expression "TMI" for "too much information", but in the interest of sharing what I think is important health information with my readers, here goes.
I first tried a normal dose of zeolite in each glass of water, but it was too much for me, apparently. I had fatigue that was like a cloud in my brain.
So, assuming I was having a herxheimer reaction (detox symptoms such as flu-like symptoms, fatigue, headache, or uneasiness, that occur when toxins are flooding your body faster than you can deal with them), I cut back to 1 drop per glass of water. If you'd like more information on what a herxheimer reaction is, or how to manage one, you can see this post on candida die off.
I tolerated that dose. And my urine smelled.
Like metal. For over 2 months.
Now I had to rethink what I originally thought about heavy metal poisoning.
My husband started taking the liquid zeolite as well.
As for his urine--well--he now describes it as "glow-in-the-dark Mountain Dew" (not that we ever drink that stuff, mind you :-)).
At that point, I was introduced to a Nutritional Balancing practitioner whom I mentioned in my post on Adrenal Fatigue.
We didn't get much progress with this method or this practitioner, but this particular situation was very interesting.
I mentioned my husband's urine color to her and she replied that cadmium is bright yellow, but she said that it was uncommon for cadmium to be released this easily.
However, months later when we had my whole family's hair tested, guess what came up on my husband's hair test?
That's right----CADMIUM!
I was a believer. The metals were there and they needed to come out. We literally had heavy metal toxicity. I was shocked!
I'll share more later about zeolite, what it is and how I use it now. Also, I'll share about other metals that have impacted our family.
Metal toxicity, along with many other toxic concerns, is a huge problem in today's world.
Detoxing from Heavy Metals
The CDC discusses the chelation of heavy metals if there is a toxicity issue. (source) However, this should be done with caution as there can be a removal of minerals as well that can lead to health complications. (source)
There are many things that have been used to support the body to excrete heavy metals includes:
- antioxidants
- taurine
- NAC
- lipoic acid
- liposomal glutathione
- EDTA
- DMSA
- sweating (source)
Current Thoughts on Heavy Metal Detox
There are so many different thoughts on how to detox from Heavy Metals--and some sources think that it's not important to do so--that your liver, etc just naturally do this for you.
Some natural practitioners do IV chelation (I have a lot of concerns about that) and others use prescription means.
Most mainstream sources would say that one doesn't need to do this unless facing a very serious situation.
Personally, I have tried a variety of zeolites on and off--kind of as an ongoing basis as an "insurance plan" to continue to keep toxins out of my body. Some say that Diatomaceous Earth can be used for this.
There are other ways that one might consider addressing heavy metals in the body including some food sources. (source)
Natural vs Synthetic / Man-made Zeolite
I get questions now and then about what brand of zeolite to use. Please do your own research about safety, etc.
I personally prefer to use natural zeolite. Think about it--in what situation would you prefer to use something synthetic rather than natural in your body?
From my limited research into zeolite, there are some companies marketing synthetic zeolites and saying that they are superior, but I have a concern about that. There is a study using synthetic zeolite on chickens and the results were not encouraging–reduced chicken weight and reduced bone ash, egg weight, egg production and more. We aren’t chickens, but natural is typically better. (source)
What I'm Doing Now / Where to Get Zeolite
Since publishing this post I have continued to work on my health.
I didn't do a follow-up post to this since things changed and I didn't feel my practitioner at the time could handle other issues that showed up and I needed other answers.
The road has been a very long one. I have looked at many zeolite companies and products--literally spent HOURS and hours on the phone w/ CEOs, owners, and VPs. It's been exhausting but also very eye-opening.
I've even encountered massive lies and a lack of ethics about products, concentrations, educational background and more.
Omica
I'm thankful however that I found a fantastic source of pure zeolite powder that is very reasonable.
AND it's very reasonable. Much more than those overpriced MLM sprays and drops.
The powder is a great way to go. If you really want a liquid, then that's fine too, and they have one, but the powder is much more affordable.
Their liquid zeolite is great, however, and much higher quality than the others on the market since they have ingredients in it that work synergistically and there is a lot of zeolite in there, as you can see by the color of the product. Think about it--if a liquid zeolite is clear, how much zeolite can there really be in there?
Coupon Code
I have a coupon code as well for this and for other products on their site--reach out here or via email at adrienne@wholenewmom.com for that.
Purium
Purium has a really nice fulvic / zeolite blend. Fulvic is known for quality mineral content, helping to support and detoxify the body, so it works synergistically with zeolite in this product.
This product has clinoptilolite zeolite along with other ingredients that work synergistically with the zeolite. A lot of people have great results with it.
Purium's fulvic / zeolite is a great product and I've toured the company and met the owners. Code wholenewmom gets $50 off your purchase of $75 or more.
It's free to sign up to get wholesale pricing and there's no monthly autoship required. We use their colostrum daily and love it.
I will have more out about zeolite in the near future, so stay tuned. You can read more about our health journey and sign up for updates here.
So--have you thought about heavy metal toxicity before?
What are your thoughts?
Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3654245/
Hi Adrienne. I just had my Dr. appt., (Naturopathic Physician) and she said that zeolites don't really remove much. (I have some, but haven't taken it for awhile) I'm getting two home tests for heavy metals and for mycotoxins..(Rx's) This because the metformin is doing nothing for my blood sugar, and she says there is something else going on.
Now I just need info on herbs that help protect against UTI's (new Rx for blood sugar, which causes them...yay!!!)
I'll let you know how things come out.
Hi Carol - I'm sorry to hear that you are having struggles. Most of the time we all have "something else going on" because our bodies are complex and everything is connected.
Here are some studies that might be of help: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7395894/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8944421/
Can you tell me what the hair test is called? My primary and surgeon can't find it. I have my implant removed and tissues were black. I've been sick for a long time. Any help would be appreciated.
HTMA testing - I have mixed feelings about it, but it can be helpful. I've done so many things since the writing of this post and am doing a lot better now. You can read more here: wholenewmom.com/about-me/
I hope to share more of all the things that have helped us, but we did way more than address metals and minerals. Hang in there. If you'd like more info you can email. Thanks.
Hey Steve,
Sorry to hear how sick you are. Hair tests work if your body is able to detox but if not then a hair test will show a false negative.
Finding a practitioner that uses an avatar computerized muscle testing system or similar will help to see what’s going on.
Once you do that, you can then formulate a plan to detox. I have managed to stop the progression of ALS and have even had some increase in strength in my ankles. I was diagnosed 2 years ago and they gave me 2-5 years to live. I am still walking and have lost very little functionality.
Once you find a practitioner, the best way that I have found to detox heavy metals is using an infrared sauna with niacin (very specific protocol). I did chelation for 8 months which was working but it went sooooo very slow and cost me $8000. Then I eliminated 80% of my metals in just 3 weeks on the niacin sauna protocol (hubbard’s protocol that they used to detox firefighters after 9/11). The only thing is you need your liver/gallbladder functioning well and you need to be having 3-4 bowel movements a day plus you need your lymph drainage clear.
If you get all those things working, you can detox %80 heavy metals in just 3-4 weeks.
You can contact me direct for help if your interested.
Hi Karl - I have heard about that protocol - how did your practitioner determine how well your liver / gall bladder were working as well as they lymph drainage issue?
He used his computer muscle testing system. Before each protocol I do I get myself checked to make sure my organs are functioning properly. If they are off a little, my practitioner (with his machine) can determine if glutathione will help to restore the liver (for example). This last time he determined that both glutathione and R-ALA woul restore it as both the liver and gallbladder were overwhelmed with processing toxins.
He also uses his machine to check lymph drainage. To keep lymph drainage open especially during a heavy detox program you should avoid gluten grains and all forms of dairy (not just cow). To keep my lymph clear I use a machine by action lymphatics based in Illinois. It is expensive but it works well (about 5kUSD).
The niacin sauna protocol is awesome!!
Thanks for sharing that. What is the computer system? I have experience with quite a few of those and have mixed feelings about their efficacy but I sure am glad to hear you are doing better.
My thinking is that some of the things they "reveal" already make sense and some of them have made really poor recommendations to me (like recommending things that I'm highly allergic to) - glut and R ALA would help anyone's liver in my understanding is another example. I guess what I mean is isn't that like saying that a computer told someone that milk thistle, beet, and artichoke will help someone's liver --does that make sense?
I just looked up the AL system--Interesting. I might reach out - I know that PEMF helps w/ lymph action and so does an infrared sauna and so does dry brushing and jumping up and down....so I'm curious about the supposed advantages of what you are referring to. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Hi Adrienne,
The computer muscle testing system that my naturopath uses is an Avatar system and works well IMO. The problem is that you have to be a pretty skilled/experienced practitioner to use it effectively. The system can be used to check your liver (for example). If your liver is not in the ideal range, the practitioner can then add supplements and check how those supplements will affect your liver all while you are sitting there. I have been a patient at his clinic for over 2 years and although I was very skeptical at first, I have become a believer. Another comment is that there are many reasons why the liver goes down. It could be stress, unforgiveness of others and self, toxin overload due to mobilizing to many toxins, diet issues etc. Milk thistle R-ALA or glutathione are not the answer to all liver issues. A lot of people struggling with chronic illness take so many supplements and a lot of the time they are just throwing their money away.
As far as a practitioner recommending things based on a system like the avatar that are allergic to you. I believe that you then need to find a new practitioner. The avatar system can be used to check any supplement or food to see if you are allergic. There should be no reason why a practitioner using a similar system would do that (unless they run out of time or do not have the experience...or maybe they don't care enough).
The Action Lymphatics system works very well to keep the lymph clear. I have one and I tie the heads to the specific areas on my body while I sleep a couple nights a week. I also use it when reading or watching a movie. Exercise (including rebounding) is definitely the most cost effective way to clear the lymph (dry brushing and infrared sauna work pretty well) but diet is also key (avoid dairy and gluten grains). Doing something like the niacin sauna protocol (Hubbard's protocol) will release so many toxins from fat cells and that will clog your lymph system very quickly. IF you have the AL system, you can keep your lymph clear no matter how many toxins are being released. I am not advocating for the AL system because I think it is very expensive and thankfully my neighbours own one and they lend it to me.
The last thing I'll say is that if you have a chronic illness like ALS or another one with neurological issues you will lose the ability to exercise pretty quickly. There are many who recover from ALS (you have to ignore what the neurologists say) and they need to find ways to clear the lymph without exercise.
Sorry for the long winded monologue. Have a great day!!
Thanks so much for the info - what exactly is an Avatar system?
This particular practitioner was using Zyto - I don't know what to think but I think this happens w/ others as well so I don't have much faith in it.
Would love to try to zeolite
Many think it's a good thing for everyone to take - you can try the ones in the post - do you need help?
Is is safe to use zeolite if u still have mercury fillings in some teeth?
Hi there! I have heard over and over that it's not a problem but please do speak with a practitioner if you are concerned. I think that trying to think about it...if it removes bad stuff from you, then it should do that and if you are concerned about it removing things from a filling then it should remove them from your body too - does that make sense?
Hi Adrienne, this was a great post! I’m a lil behind the game and just finding out about zeolite! I have been researching a lot of info and companies as well. Pretty overwhelming!
What I’m wondering about the Omica brand is if you need to take both the powder and the liquid? From what I’ve read…..the different particle sizes go to different places in the body. The larger particles can work in the gut and the smaller work on more of a cellular level.
I’ve had eczema off and on my whole life. Stomach hasn’t been amazing since my 20’s. Now, I think I’ve discovered I’ve had a palm oil sensitivity which affects my skin and stomach.
I don’t feel horrible…..but just tired of not feeling amazing! ? I heard about zeolite from my niece who now no longer has gluten intolerance since taking it. I figured I try it with the palm oil since that is in almost everything!
The brand she used was $95/bottle….so I thought I’d research other brands.
I’ve only recently tried one brand, but have already had side effects. I’m thinking my detox pathways are not 100%.?
I’ve done a candida cleanse with a supplement that is supposed to get ALL the candida out so it doesn’t come back, but still have not passed the spit test. That’s where I’m thinking I may need to address the metals first. And….. now I am on this journey.
Thank you! ??
Hi there.
I'm with you -- soooo overwhelming.
So I'm not an expert, but I have spoken with quite a few people in the industry including company owners, etc.
I don't proclaim to have a corner on the truth, but here are some thoughts that I hope to expand upon in a post soon--so stay tuned! (You can subscribe on this page if you'd like wholenewmom.com/about-me/.)
I personally don't think that you need to take both. I'm not sure what to make about the particle size. I have heard reasoning on both sides of that. I'm still sorting it out, but I have felt that the marketing in the industry contradicts itself and that a lot of the products out there are overpriced. I also wonder about some brand(s)? that have no preservatives but they are water based....doesn't seem safe to me.
My current philosophy about overall health is that there is not one thing that you can do to address these issues. It's important to support the body in many ways. As you mentioned, pathways are important which mean liver health. Also gut / brain and vagus nerve.
It doesn't all have to be expensive, but it does cost something. People who sell these products are often making claims such as "this is the one thing that did it for me" but when you dig into it, most people need many things to support their body. We didn't get problems overnight.
I would choose one product unless you want to try both to see what you think. But a reaction could be something else entirely.
I would be happy to talk about other things we are doing to support our health, which, as you can see on my About Page is much improved. My son and I aren't even doing the same things entirely, but I hope that it gives others hope.
Oh in fact, a friend told me that she is now able to eat some gluten (from Europe) again by taking a colostrum that we are using. Again, it's about overall health. Colostrum has lots of evidence based benefits. Worth checking into as well. I wil write more about this but you can see it on my Facebook page by searching or check it out here: wholenewmom.com/colostrum. I will share more in the future. It's just one more tool and it's a reasonable one :). (Hint - use the Join button b/c you can get wholesale prices so inexpensively that way).
Hope that helps some. There are answers....
Thank you so much!??
You are so welcome!