Could You Have Heavy Metal Poisoning and Not Know It?
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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.
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 babies with autism don't detox the mercury so it stays 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, stillbirth, 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 my 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 could 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 release 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 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/die-off (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.
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 in excreting heavy metals including:
- 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. 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 meds. 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 to basically 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.
TRS is one very popular brand, but that one is synthetic.
Think about that. In what situation would you prefer to use something synthetic rather than natural in your body?
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).
In addition, I have heard about and personally communicated with people whose kids have regressed and even gotten much worse after using TRS zeolite.
I've heard recently that another zeolite on the market is synthetic as well. So it's important to do your research!
What I'm Doing Now
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. I needed other answers.
I have looked at many zeolite companies and products and have spent many hours on the phone with CEOs, owners, and other officers of zeolite companies. It's been exhausting but also very eye-opening.
I've even encountered massive lies, lack of ethics about products, concentrations, educational background (seriously, who lies about this?), and more. It's not an easy industry to navigate.
Where to Get Zeolite
Omica
Omica's liquid zeolite is great 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 (which is basically a clay-like substance) can there really be in there?
Omica also has capsules with a similar formulation.
Using my link gets a 10% discount.
Anovite
This product has clinoptilolite zeolite along with other ingredients that work synergistically with the zeolite to help your body remove toxins. I really like this product. The combination of active ingredients is unique and highly beneficial.
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.
Another Option for Detoxing Heavy Metals
Chlorella is another substance that's used by many to address heavy metals.
This is the brand that we use and trust. Code WNM gets 10% off your order and most of the time they have discounts if you purchase 3 or more and those deals are stackable.
I plan to make a list of all the therapies and supplements that have helped us and are supporting us going forward. You can read more about our health journey and stay in touch by signing up for updates here or subscribe here.
So–have you thought about heavy metal toxicity before?
What are your thoughts?
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3654245/
https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/MMG/MMGDetails.aspx?mmgid=1203&toxid=22#:~:text=Chelation%20therapy%20should%20be%20considered,or%20during%20ongoing%20lead%20exposure.
I can’t find which zeolite you are using. Can you recommend one?
Hi there.
I actually have quite a bit of it on hand if you would like to try it. I removed my online store for now due to it slowing my site down. Just email me at adrienne {at} wholenewmom {dot} com. thanks!
I read the article by the Health Ranger, which was disconcerting. I see that you link to ACZ Nano Zeolite, but I cannot find it on your site to purchase it. I remember that you used to carry a zeolite in your store; now I cannot find your store???
Also, did you consider following Andy Cutler’s protocol and decide against it for some reason? I am currently trying to decide between the two options, AC and zeolite. Zeolite would be easier than getting up during the night to take the DMSA every 4 hours.
Thank you for all the work you do to help us understand our health challenges.
Hi Kris! Sorry about that – we were trying out removing the store from my site but I can help you with it. I’ll email you. I had heard questionable results from Cutler. I might do something else in the future but I am working w/ a practitioner to get myself ready. I’ve been dragging w/ that and am overdue for blood work. I’m actually feeling really good now but think it would be good to do more. I should write more about what I’ve done.
I cannot find the zeolite on your site either, can you please help me with it?
Thank you
Yes, sure. I removed my store b/c it was dragging my site speed down. I still have plenty. It is outdated but the manufacturer told me it doesn’t expire. Happy to give you a deal on it if you like. Just email adrienne {at} wholenewmom {dot} com. Thanks for reading.
Hi there. Oh I read that by Health Ranger too. I don’t know what to think about that but I talked w/ others in the industry who thought it wasn’t accurate.
Health Ranger…LOL. Mike Adams is a quack.
I would be interested in hearing your thoughts. I have some myself.
Nowadays, many natural products are available in the market for health treatment. Zeolite products are useful to remove heavy metals and toxic material from body. Few months ago, I am suffering from allergic reaction and my friend suggested me to use zeolite products. After using zeolite products I am free from allergic reaction. Thanks for sharing!
Hi i really find your post very interesting but why they are so short and they seem to be incomplete, ? also you don´t mention any brands of the things you take and that would be so helpful to readers, well thank you for sharing
Hi there. Sorry for the delay in responding. It’s a super complicated topic and I didn’t want to steer anyone wrong. I just have one item in the post now. I really like the company–very reasonable and ethical. Hope that helps.
Can you list the symptoms of heavy metal toxicity? I have been suffering from a rash since consuming bread in February of 2016. (I had been gluten free for 8 years prior). Other symptoms I’ve developed over the past year are joint pain, extreme fatigue and mental fog/ forgetfulness. My nutritionist thinks I have glyphosate and Mercury toxicity and she’s had me on Standard Process whole food supplements for about 8 months. My rash is a little better but not gone and I’m still suffering from extreme joint and leg pain.
Hi there. I’m sorry for the late response. I think they can be varied. I would recommend doing an internet search and seeing if your symptoms match. Typically I do several searches b/c one site might miss what another has. I hope you feel better!
Patty it sounds to me like you might have Lyme disease. I had a lot of the same symptoms you describe and I was finally diagnosed with Lyme in Sept 2015 and STILL in treatment. It is NOT fun
Wow! Coincidentally, I randomly came across your post and it reminded me that last week my chiropractor told me I was showing signs of heavy metal toxicity. She suggested I consult a naturopath. Honestly, I blew it off at the time. I really don’t know how I would be accumulating heavy metals. But after reading your post, I exhibit almost all the symptoms you mentioned. I am going to look into it. I believe the makeup I use daily contains titanium dioxide. In fact, I just checked it now and it says the active ingredient is titanium dioxide at 5.8%. It also contains 7.75% zinc oxide.
Hi there and thanks for commenting. So zinc oxide isn’t typically an issue but it can be drying as it’s an astringent. What brand are you using? This post might be of interest: https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/heavy-metals-in-cosmetics/
I have actually been really digging into personal care companies and had to remove several off of my blog due to unethical labeling issues and more. I have since found out that there are others that I will not have on here so be careful. There are other sources of metals too. Happy to answer any other questions.
If you read the book “Medical Medium” by Anthony William, he talks a lot about Lyne disease, autism, and heavy metal toxicity. He says the root of all of it is the Epstein Barr virus. A very interesting read–he is a spiritual medium and if you google him you will find his website, plus he’s on facebook. He also has a detox 30-day programme in the book which consists mainly of fruits and veggies–raw. He also says to stay away from dairy and eggs.
I have been looking into this. I have conflicting thoughts and after reading the Amazon reviews and hearing what some others said in a group that I am in, I will not be reading this book. Additionally, I have concerns with someone who calls himself a Medium. Did you read the Amazon reviews? Seems that he has a habit of blocking negative reviews and such. I know that some things aren’t to be believed, but that, backed up w/ the things I heard in the group, seemed very disconcerting to me. I do think EBV is a problems, but…..
Also, many of the supplements that the “Medical Medium” recommends…he is affiliated with the companies and does not disclose that they are employees or that he is making a profit by recommending specific brands. There is proof of this in Amazon reviews, where people are angry, and also on Facebook, where people ask outright if he is affiliated in any way, there is never a response.
medical medium recommends zeolite
I have a lot of concerns about “Medical Medium”. First of all – he is apparently consulting with the dead. Secondly, if you read the negative reviews on Amazon he appears to delete anything negative put out there when he has control over it. I do like zeolite, however. https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/could-you-have-heavy-metal-poisoning-and-not-know-it-part-one/
MEDICAL MEDIUM CONSULTS EVIL SPIRITS. STAY AWAY. THESE ARE POWERS OF DARKNESS!!!
JESUS CHRIST IS THE TRUE LIGHT n HIS IS TRUTH n LOVE!!
Jesus Christ Comes Soon!!!!
Thanks. I don’t care for him and I keep my distance.
I’m with you Pamela. I’m all about God’s goodness his mercy and his grace praise be the Lord Jesus amen
Zeolites put to the test by the “Health Ranger.”
https://www.naturalnews.com/051761_zeolites_heavy_metals_lab_tests_aluminum.html
Yep. I have looked at this. There are other test that debunk this an apparently the aluminum is bound to the zeolite if it’s in there.
You might be interested in poking around on this site. https://www.resultsrna.com/acz-extra-strength/
Where/how did you do the hair test anc is that only necessary during taking the zeolite to see if your body is excreting it ?
I had it done by a Nutritional Balancing practitioner. I’m not sure how valid they are but I do think that we all are suffering from an overburden of toxins.
Have you all ever been tested for Lyme Disease? Candida, heavy metal toxicity and autism can all be caused from Lyme as the underlying disease. Just a thought for you! Check out http://www.lymestop.com.
I was diagnosed with Lyme a year ago, and since then my husband and two of my four children. We all have candid overgrowth, one heavy metal toxicity, and a whole myriad of other things. I have received treatment from Dr. Smith in Idaho and my family is receiving treatment from a Dr. in December who has been trained by Dr. Smith.
Actually we have not. I don’t think my issues are bad enough but I’m willing to consider this. Can you tell me what test you think is the best and do any of these doctors work long distance? Thanks!
Also, I have heard that many tests are not accurate so I would love any recommendations that you have to that end as well. Thank you!
I would recommend a kinesiologist/chiropractor for the testing. There is one in Wisconsin whom I would trust for accurate testing and also the Dr. I mentioned in Idaho and one in Kansas City. You are correct that conventional testing is not accurate, therefore, I would pursue a kinesiologist who actually tests for Lyme. Lyme is an extremely complicated he and the only treatment that I trust at this point to be effective is the one you can read about at Lyme Stop . This treatment gets your own immune system to fight the disease and the co-infections that go along with it. I’d be happy to discuss with you via phone or e-mail if there is a way I can give my contact information to you privately.
Lyme stop treatment consists of one trip to Idaho, for a three day treatment–two days in a row, skip a day and then one more day. Then a follow-up appointment 3 months later. If you live in Wisconsin, Minnesota or Iowa, treatment is available in Wisconsin by a doctor who was trained by Dr. Smith for those living in those 3 states.
Actually many people that suffer from Lyme have Mercury toxicity that is because Mercury’s #1 goal is to hinder your immune system, therefore you cannot keep illnesses away especially lyme. I was diagnosed with Mercury Toxicity and have met several people along the way that also have Lyme. My doctor thinks that many people have been bitten by ticks and get Lyme but their immune systems are strong enough to keep it at bay so that you never actually know that you have it, its the ones that have Mercury toxicity that are unable to get better and why they are sick from it. If you read “Why Can’t I get better” by Richard Horowitz(The pioneer Lyme doctor from Lymes, Connecticut ) their is an entire chapter on Heavy Metals keeping you from getting better. Mercury hogs your cells so that nutrients cannot get into the cells and keep you nourished, therefore your immune system reaches its breaking point and crashes. Then start the food allergies, anxiety, brain fog, memory loss, lethargy, and if you keep obtaining more metals (dental amalgums, seafood, tatoos, makeup and cosmetics) then comes autoimmune disease, MS, mental illness, etc, etc….Mercury is typically the root of all evil when it comes to health.
Mercury is terrible. For sure. Thanks for sharing!
Michele…
You are SPOT ON sister!!!!!