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
This 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?
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.
What Zeolite product do you now recommend? I seem to remember you having a post awhile back about changing your mind on a zeolite that you used to recommend? Or am I thinking of something else??? I want to detox from heavy metals and am interested in trying zeolite or anything else you may recommend. Thx!
I’d also love a coupon, if they’re still available. THX!
Yes sure! Emailed you :).
Hi there! I just updated the post a bit…is it more clear now? Hope that helps!
I have other ideas for sure. I just put two more in the post and I will reach out to you as well.
Hi There,
I came across your post because I was researching zeolites and found your post very interesting.
I was diagnosed with ALS in January 2021. They do not know what causes ALS, but there are some indications that heavy metals in the brain and spinal chord could be part of the problem. Because of that, I have been doing the following as heavy metal detox for 6 months:
1) Chelation IV EDTA
2) FAR IR Sauna for sweating toxins out (skin is the largest detox organ)
3) Chlorella (binds to heavy metals and doesn’t release them). Also highly nutritious. I suggest “Prime Chlorella” or “Nature Balance” brands. Zeolites work similarly but seem to push toxins out through the urinary tract whereas Chlorella is more through the bowels.
4) Lymphatic Drainage I.R. lights and soundwaves to clear the lymph system (sleep with these every night) so toxins can move into the blood circulation system and then be processed by your liver
5) I just started using Zeolites and I believe they are working too as my urine has gone yellow.
6) Lots of supplements but that is not really for detox but to counteract how Chelation draws minerals out of your system.
7) I use Liposomal Glutathion (brand designs for health), NAC (used by liver to produce glutathion) and Emulsi Formula (for liver support). During detox you need to support your liver.
8) Exercise. I hike 4km a week with walking sticks for balance. I used to run in the mountains but my legs won’t let me run anymore due to the muscle degradation from the ALS.
All of this (except #5) is by direct supervision from a naturopath. The naturopath tests me every 3 weeks to see what my numbers are at. The last two most stubborn heavy metals in my nervous system are mercury and cadmium. Since taking Zeolites my urine has become bright yellow which seems to be Cadmium per your post above. I am really looking forward to my next appointment to see if the Cadmium numbers will be near zero.
I am not sure if all the detox will help with my ALS. When you get diagnosed with ALS, they basically tell you that there is nothing they can do for you and that you should get your affairs in order while you can. They gave me 2-5 years to live.
Oh my goodness. I’m so sorry to hear that you have this. It’s a terrible disease. Have you made any progress?
Hi Adrienne,
I think the disease’s progression has slowed down since late Spring/early Summer. I believe the detox and heavy supplements are working. Only time will truly tell.
Have a wonderful day,
Karl
I am soooo glad to hear. Blessings on you during your journey.
Hi!
I would like to coupon as I would like to pass on to my MIL but also just signed up for your newsletter and really excited to try zeolites.
There are a few other reputable brands out there, and you mentioned you have tried a few. In another post this week can you possibly address some of the pros/cons with brands or types out there? Ie: powders, capsules, tinctures.
We really need to start this kind of detox and I have been dragging my feet- guess there’s not much of a reason too wait now!
Thank you! -J
Hi Jenny! So if you are on the newsletter, that deal is better than the coupon so I would go w/ that one. But it’s your choice–let me know! Just make sure to put my email (adrienne {at} wholenewmom {dot} com) in your contacts so you are sure to get the email tomorrow.
So it’s hard to address everything here but the company has two products. One for the gut mainly (drops) and the other for the whole body (spray) – so we are using both. https://wholenewmom.thegoodinside.com/shop/product/zeolite-detox-pack/
The testing behind these products is impeccable as is the value.
Also there’s an MLM brand out there that is manufactured and I have concerns about that, some of which are outlined in this study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1659693/
There is an FAQ tab on the products where you can read about synthetic vs natural and powder vs liquid.
Another brand that I have done comparisons with is Navan, which is more comparable to the Pure Body Spray – 60 mg zeolite for about $80 compared to the PB which is 3000 for $64 if you get on autoship.
I used to sell one on Ebay – not a good value at all by comparison but I have some left if you’d like to try both and compare. The owner treated me incredibly unethically so I walked away.
The size of the particles is really key here. Hope that’s helpful and happy to answer more questions if you’d like!
I would like to get. A 50 dollars off coupon so i can try the zeolite. I have fibromyalfia and chronic fatigue as well as other health challenges. Thanks for addressing this.
Hi Patsy. For sure. If you join my newsletter there’s an even better deal going on this week. Here is one option: https://wholenewmom.com/newsletter-signup/
and you can also drop your email here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/171490083677560
If you’d rather the gift code I can do that but this is a better offer. There’s a great group on Facebook too that I can add you to if you’d like to connect there as friends.
Please send me the coupon for zeolite
Hi Allene – I just sent you an email. Look forward to connecting. I would drop it here but they expire and I need to reissue them.
Interesting. I have some powdered zeolite, but stopped taking it due to some contamination issues….not sure if they were true, but you know: caution!
I’d be interested to know the company and product, and get a coupon.
Anyone ever say what could have caused such metal contamination in your bodies??
There are all kinds of ways that one gets heavy metals in the body—cigarette smoke, water (think Flint, Mi), cosmetics, seafood, medications…my husband lived in China for 2 years, so there’s that. Also, if one doesn’t detox well, that causes many issues. Sending you an email about the coupon code–look forward to hearing from you :). This company does extensive testing, which is, I think, unheard of. Mass spectrometry and X-ray defraction.
I would like to get a coupon code to help with cost. Thanks so much.
Sure I just sent you an email!
Hello. I’m autistic and I find what you say very offensive and inaccurate. Autism is not a “health issue”. Its a neurological disorder. It’s not like diabetes. Saying it’s a health issue is very offensive and untrue. Second, does not need a cure. You cannot get rid of the way someone’s brain is structured. Third, calling autistic children “gifts from god” is wrong, because they should be treated just like every other child, no more special or less. Please do more research next time you make an article on autism becuase you are spreading lies. I am autistic, once again. Good day.
Hi there. Sorry you feel this way.
Here are some quick thoughts.
1. The CDC claims that autism is a health concern: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html Wikipedia has its flaws, but here they have disorders lumped under Medical Conditions. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disease
2. Yes, medical issues don’t need a cure but many try to do this.
3. Yes, you can address how brains are structured. In fact, I’m doing a lot of research into this. You might be interested in looking into neuroplasticity,
I’m not saying that that will address autism but I think it addresses your claim.
4. I think all people are gifts from God–do you disagree
I hope that helps. Thanks for reading and for commenting.
I ask Autistic, as are are my two children & I found your article to be helpful & informative. I believe there are both genetic predispositions to our neurochemistry, but I also believe that the environmental factors exacerbate the more undesirable affects of Autism. As time goes on, our commercial food/ water sources because increasingly contaminated as does our breathing environment.
You never said “cure”… however, a better diet/lifestyle & detox protocol does lessen the more undesirable aspects of any physical or mental/ cognitive disorder. I appreciated this article. ??????
I just commented, the last thing I had put were some emoji’s that appear to look like question marks on my end. Lol
Yes, there’s something not working at the moment. Sorry about that and thanks again for reading and commenting!
Thank you so much! Hope to see you around again and hope you are well!
I would like a coupon so I can try the detox. I found this article very interesting! Thank you for posting it. I will be looking your FB group up also, look forward to reading more about your journey and advice you give on ways to become healthier!
Hello Natasha! Thanks for reading!
I am happy to send you a coupon of course, but right now there’s a better deal going on – you can get it this week by subscribing to my email newsletter.
There are 2 options to sign up – go here and drop your email in my Healthy Living Group on FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/171490083677560
or go here to sign up without the group. (we’d love to have you though!). https://wholenewmom.com/newsletter-signup/
Take care and hope to see you around. Feel free to email for the coupon if you’d still like that – adrienne {at} wholenewmom {dot} com.
Hi MS adrienne…
Are you still using the zeolite mentioned in the above link?
I heard there were concerns with the company and/or product?
As I am doing more research I am realizing that heavy metals are playing a major role in my suffering…
A few months ago I took a tiny bit of MT oil and have been horribly ill since…
It stirred up my candida and adrenal fatigue and I’ve been miserable since…
Hi there. Sorry for the delay. The one that I linked to in the post has a great reputation. I had concerns about another company that I used to use. Not sure that there was anything wrong with the product, but the manufacturer was not behaving professionally. It’s the first one that I used. If you would like to try it you are welcome–I still have quite a bit of it.
I’m so sorry you are having that issue–was that MCT oil?
Yes…MCT Oil…
(Sorry for that typo)
My theory is that it stirred up the candida which stirred up the metals which then made me feel like I was dying…
It was terrifying!
I notice now that if I chelate in some way whether it’s Diatomaceous Earth or what have you…
I begin to feel normal again…
I so appreciate your offer! Thank you!
I have plenty of MCT Oil left…
IF you like that we could trade? LOL
I have not studied the proper way / order to address these things but I know it depends on what you are doing and gut / liver support is crucial. I hope to learn more going forward. I think trading would be tough! You can reach out via email if you’d like to talk about ordering though :). I used to have it on my site but removed it due to it being a bother. Might bring it back…..once I have more things to sell like ebooks, etc.
I have learned a lot just trying to get myself out of this pit…
It’s been a journey to say the least…
Do you have an email address for the Zeolyte?
Many thanks…
Yes, sure – wholenewmom {at} gmail {dot} com is fine or adrienne {at} wholenewmom {dot} com.
From my personal experience, your candida could also be contributed to type 2 diabetes. I had NEVER suffered from candida issues, but then got a horrible one, which 3 years later I THOUGHT I was finally getting ahead of it using herbs vitamins, enzymes, etc. . I then went to a doctor, one of my FEW visits as I don’t care for them. (Nothing against them, but they just treat SYMPTOMS with drugs which MANAGE the SYMPTOMS) for an unrelated issue where he told me I had type 2 diabetes with a blood glucose of over 500. This, I determined later, was caused by high stress levels on a regular basis.I asked if the candida could have caused the diabetes, and he said the opposite: the diabetes had triggered the candida.
Wow…thank you for sharing that…
I am pre-diabetic…and have been hypoglycemic since my teens…
Thanks for sharing your work! This helps me narrow down how I approach treating my young children. 🙂 The comments have been most enlightening as well. I agree that the marketing hype on products is super frustrating!