If you’re struggling with fatigue, brain fog, digestive troubles or anxiety, it may be time to lower your exposure to heavy metals through heavy metal detox.
If you suspect heavy metal toxicity, consider being tested for metals by your health care professional. At PrimeHealth, we help patients to lower their heavy metal load and decrease toxicities.
Benefits of Lowering Your Body’s Heavy Metal Load
Almost everyone has heavy metals accumulating in their bodies from the food, water, environment and products we use.
Lowering your heavy metal load supports bodily systems and cellular function. Making changes to support natural detox pathways often results in more energy, better sleep, smoother digestion, weight loss, clearer skin and lower inflammation. Lowering heavy metals also lowers free radicals, which can improve your gut health and mean a stronger immune system. Further, you mental abilities will likely sharpen.
The more quickly or aggressively you jump into a detox plan, the more likely you are to experience significant side effects, including nausea, headaches, diarrhea or a metallic, sour taste in the mouth.
To support your body through the process, it’s best to detox slowly and gradually. More aggressive tactics that involve chelation therapy or specific supplements should be conducted by your doctor.
Natural Ways to Lower Your Body’s Heavy Metal Load
If you’re ready to detox and are seeking a low-intensity approach to support overall health and wellness, here are our four favorite ways to naturally lower your heavy metal load:
1. Eat the right foods to Lower Your Body’s Heavy Metal Load
What you put in your mouth matters, but what you don’t put in your mouth matters, too. When you’re ready to lower your exposure to heavy metals, avoid processed foods. Your body will need extra hydration to flush out the toxins you release, so lower caffeinated beverages, and steer clear of sugar heavy drinks. Instead, aim to consume eight ounces of water or vegetable juice every two hours.
In terms of what you should put on your plate, there are plenty of detox-friendly foods. Given that pesticides contribute to heavy metal toxicity, choose organic foods whenever possible. With their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, leafy greens like kale, swiss chard, spinach, parsley, cilantro and beet greens are top choices. Herbs and spices including basil, oregano, thyme, turmeric and ginger are also excellent. Foods high in vitamin C―citrus fruits, berries, cruciferous veggies and bell peppers―can help heal the damage caused by heavy metals.
2. Clean up your environment to Lower Your Body’s Heavy Metal Load
Because it is so difficult to purge the body of heavy metals, the best approach to long-term health is to avoid exposure whenever possible. This means starting at home. Here are three easy swaps to make:
- Replace toxic air fresheners with essential oil diffusers.
- Swap out toxic personal care products—makeup, soap, deodorant, lotions—with items made from organic ingredients that are heavy metal-free.
- Buy a trio of wool dryer balls, an easy and cost-effective swap for chemically scented dryer sheets.
In addition, Dr. Bronner’s line of soaps can be used for just about every household need from laundry detergent to toothpaste. Filling your space with safer, cleaner, eco-friendly products is a strong step toward supporting good health.
3. Work it off to Lower Your Body’s Heavy Metal Load
While eating the right foods will encourage your body to let go of heavy metals, you still have to flush out accumulated toxins. Regular exercise is an excellent way to sweat them out while reducing body fat—this is especially beneficial, because many heavy metals are stored in fat cells.
4. Sweat it out Lower Your Body’s Heavy Metal Load
Speaking of sweating, you can enjoy the same detoxing benefits with an infrared sauna. Be sure to shower immediately afterward so toxins aren’t reabsorbed through your skin.
Your body will thank you for taking steps to reduce your heavy metal load and restore homeostasis. If you have questions or would like guidance in supporting healthy detoxifying strategies, please schedule a free phone consult with Dr. Rafatjah.
