Heavy Metal Toxicity

Symptoms

You May Have Heavy Metal Toxicity If You Are Experiencing Any Of These Symptoms:

• Chronic pain throughout the muscles and tendons or any soft tissues of the body
• Chronic malaise – general feeling of discomfort, fatigue, and illness
• Brain fog – state of forgetfulness and confusion
• Chronic infections such as Candida
• Gastrointestinal complaints, such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, heartburn, and indigestion.  This indicates your gallbladder is being affected.
• Food allergies
• Dizziness
• Migraines and/or headaches
• Visual disturbances
• Mood swings, depression, and/or anxiety
• Nervous system malfunctions – burning extremities, numbness, tingling, paralysis, and/or an electrifying feeling throughout the body

Note: Heavy metal toxicity can produce vague symptoms that sometimes are mistaken for other chronic conditions such as Autism, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, depression, Multiple Sclerosis, and a host of other serious disorders.  Discuss heavy metal toxicity with your healthcare professional before receiving any diagnosis or treatment for a serious chronic condition.

Causes

Heavy Metal Toxicity Can Result From Either Acute or Chronic Exposure to Heavy Metals.

Acute Exposure can occur as a result of:

• Vaccines that use mercury and aluminum as part of the adjuvants within the vaccines
• Chemical and heavy metal spills–even from a broken mercury thermometer
• Having mercury amalgams (“silver fillings”) in teeth
• Living in a home built prior to 1978 that has lead-based paint
• Smoking and/or inhaling second-hand smoke
• Eating foods (such as contaminated fish) that contain high levels of heavy metals
• Living near a landfill
• Working in an environment where exposure is prevalent, such as at a dentist’s office where amalgam is used to fill cavities

Chronic Exposure can occur as a result of not addressing the acute exposure reasons.

Traditional Medical Treatment Options and Diagnosis

Medical Diagnosis

The following tests and procedures may be helpful in diagnosing Heavy Metal Toxicity and/or other chronic conditions:

• Online Self-assessments – Self-assessments, such as the Candidiasis Self-assessment and the Magnesium Assessment, can help you determine some of the root cause(s) of your chronic conditions.  Learn more about Self-assessments.
• DMPS Provocation Test – A blood test that measures the amount of heavy metals being removed through the urine after a provoking agent (DMPS) has been used. The key to this test is that it does NOT show the amount of mercury and other heavy metals that are in the body; it only shows what is being removed.  Therefore, this test must be taken numerous times over the course of the detoxification protocol.  Once excretion levels begin to drop within normal ranges, this means that there is only a small amount of metals left to excrete.  This is the best test for accurate measurement.  For more information, contact your healthcare practitioner about DMPS.
• Hair Analysis – A tablespoon of hair collected from the nape of the neck is analyzed for its mineral content.  Hair holds a history of the past 3 months, but there is much speculation concerning the effectiveness of this type of testing and many believe that the test is useless.
• Fecal Testing and Urine Analysis – Fecal testing and urine analysis reveal the effectiveness of chelation therapy in excreting heavy metals from the body.  During chelation therapy, a chelating agent “provokes” excretion of heavy metals.  These tests then measure the amounts of heavy metals that are being excreted during chelation therapy.
• Receiving vaccinations that contain thimerosal (mercury preservative)
• Mishandled metals at a job site

Medical Treatment

DMSA (Succimer) – Brand name Chemet^®.  An oral drug used for patients with lead poisoning.  This medication will bond with lead and then be dissolved and passed through the urine.  It is used for chelating mercury, but many believe it is not the best specific chelator of mercury.  Adverse side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and possible liver dysfunction.⁹

Calcium EDTA (Edetate calcium disodium, ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid) – A chelating agent used mostly for lead. Mildly effective against mercury, arsenic, and gold.¹⁰

DMPS – DMPS is the strongest and most specific chelator of mercury. It is 10 times stronger than DMSA.  It can be given intravenously or orally, but the newest and best method is transdermally, or through the skin.  Trans-dermal DMPS (TD-DMPS) is a cream that is rubbed onto the underside of the arms and absorbed into the bloodstream. Dr. Rashid A. Buttar’s TD-DMPS protocol has cured Autistic patients.¹¹ One significant aspect of Dr. Buttar’s protocol is that TD-DMPS can be applied every other day.  IV and oral-use DMPS do not allow for such frequent treatments, and therefore do not as effectively promote the constant flushing of mercury and other heavy metals.

Top 10 Common Causes Of Chronic Illness: #6 – Heavy Metal Toxicity

What You Don’t Know About Inflammation Can Kill You

Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids: The Essentials

Exercise.  Exercise that really makes you sweat helps your body release toxins.  If you’re sedentary, a good start would be a brisk walk in sunlight to boost your immune system and jumpstart your exercise program.

Conventional and Prescription Medications

Detoxification therapy for heavy metal toxicity may take a great deal of time (think months or even years) for the complete removal of all heavy metals from the body.  In addition, some detoxification methods may have numerous adverse side effects as the metals are stirred up and flushed out of the body.

The most popular method is chelation therapy, which uses agents—either intravenously, transdermally, or orally—to draw out heavy metals by binding to them and eliminating them in fecal waste or urine.  Chelation therapy is used by both conventional and alternative healthcare professionals.

Conventional medicines can be prescribed in order to assist the body in heavy metal detoxification.  These medicines may cause depletion of certain nutrients.  Following is a list of common conventional medicines that may be used for heavy metal toxicity:

Note: Because TD-DMPS diminishes the necessary minerals and trace minerals from the body, our Essential Blend Multi Mineral was specially designed to be used on the TD-DMPS “off-days.”

Medicines Two Choices for You

Dr. Huntoon's Alternative Medical Treatment Options

Over the past 27 years, Dr. Huntoon has developed a specific treatment designed to get the body to recognize the toxic heavy metals and then sets the body on a course of excreting them from the system. 

Appreciate the Following

The body cannot excrete something that is too heavy for the system, nor if the body does not recognize the problem to begin with.  This a Unique 3 Step Process that includes the following:

1. Getting the body to recognize that is has heavy metals is the first and most vital way towards helping a body recover from their toxic effects. 
2. Setting the body in motion to excrete them, while supporting the body with the necessary nutritional ingredients to bind to the heavy metals is absolutely necessary.
3. Finally you will need to locate the Reservior where heavy metals will be stored within the body that hide from the Immune Recognition System. 

If this 3 step process for each heavy metal is not followed, they will simply find another area in the body to accumulate.  When addressing these 3 steps, heavy metal toxicity is eliminated and the person can fully recover. 

Having this condition is not fun at all. Being motivated to look for non-conventional forms of treatment is warranted. Working with a Holistic Chiropractor does offer benefits, as using a well-rounded, multifaceted approach to address all the causes and imbalances within the person is necessary. This has demonstrated positive results when sticking to a specific treatment plan. Discussing what is involved and the time commitment necessary to having a full recovery is warranted.

Others have benefited by using Acupuncture, Homeopathy or Naturopathy when following the treatment guidelines set up by your practitioner and you. Discussing what is involved and the time commitment necessary to having a full recovery is warranted.

The following are helpful in the course of treating the heavy metals specifically:

• Multi Mineral Supplements – Replenishes valuable minerals, especially critical trace minerals no longer found in many diets.
• EDTA w/ Malic Acid – Helps reduce lead, aluminum, and other toxins that can lead to more serious chronic conditions.
• Probiotic Supplements
• Digestive Enzyme Supplements
• Complete Daily Mineral Vitamin Supplements 

Chronic Exposure happens over a period of time, and includes:

• Vaccines that use mercury and aluminum as part of the adjuvants within the vaccines
• Chemical and heavy metal spills–even from a broken mercury thermometer
• Having mercury amalgams (“silver fillings”) in teeth
• Living in a home built prior to 1978 that has lead-based paint
• Smoking and/or inhaling second-hand smoke
• Eating foods (such as contaminated fish) that contain high levels of heavy metals
• Living near a landfill
• Working in an environment where exposure is prevalent, such as at a dentist’s office where amalgam is used to fill cavities

Natural and Alternative Treatments, Recommendations

As part of the comprehensive program of nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle modification, you may want to consider some of the products listed below to help support the health of your immune and detoxification systems.

Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations to improve symptoms

The quality of your health depends upon many pieces that not only include the health of your bodily systems, but also include a healthy diet, exercise, and spirituality.

Diet.  Treatment of heavy metal toxicity may center on developing general healthy diet guidelines, in addition to making some key adjustments in your relationship with food.

Dietary Recommendations for Heavy Metal Toxicity include:

• Eat foods that are rich in antioxidants like selenium, vitamin C, E, and beta carotene, since these antioxidants defend against heavy metals:
  
  • Vitamin C: Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit, tangerines)
  • Vitamin E: Sprouted nuts and seeds, fish oil
  • Beta carotene: Carrots, sweet potatoes, peaches, apricots²
• Eat foods rich in such as red meat, beans, and dairy products (if you’re not allergic to dairy).
• Eat foods rich in magnesium such as broccoli, spinach, swiss chard, and pumpkin seeds.
• Eat foods that can increase your level of glutathione (GSH) such as asparagus, broccoli, and spinach. Glutathione is an important antioxidant in the body and a master detoxifier that helps rid the body of heavy metals.
• Eat lots of fiber. A high-fiber diet can prevent heavy metals from being absorbed. Add ground flax meal to your diet to promote digestive regularity.
• Add saturated fats to your diet that have antimicrobial properties such as extra virgin organic coconut oil.
• Eat foods that are rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids such as ground flax meal, wild-caught salmon, minimal-mercury albacore tuna, avocados, fish oil, and sprouted walnuts.
• Eat organic unpasteurized plain yogurt with no added sugar twice a day (unless you are allergic to dairy). Yogurt is highly beneficial because it contains probiotics (“friendly” bacteria). Check the label for “live, active cultures.”
• Eat at least one crushed garlic clove per day, or take a quality supplement that contains stabilized allicin. The act of crushing garlic releases allicin, a substance that has antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
• Add cilantro to your diet. Anecdotal evidence suggests that cilantro may help mobilize mercury and other neurotoxic metals, pulling them out of the brain to more superficial structures where they can be more easily grabbed and excreted by chelating agents.^1,12,13
• Drink spring water throughout the day.

What To Avoid:

• All simple or refined carbohydrates (white bread, pasta, cookies, cakes, crackers, etc.)
• All foods containing refined sugar or synthetic sugar-substitutes such as aspartame, Splenda^®, etc.
• Alcoholic beverages in excess since they hinder the functioning of the immune and detoxification systems
• Fermented foods such as cheese and wine
• Excessive caffeine intake – While moderate amounts of caffeine may be beneficial, excessive consumption can disrupt the body’s systems, causing insomnia and digestive irregularity (constipation or diarrhea).
• Carbonated soft drinks, which alter the pH level in your blood, making it more acidic
• Sweetened fruit juices that spike blood sugar levels too rapidly
• Fungi such as mushrooms
• Pickled foods
• Bottom crawlers such as oysters, clams, and lobster that may contain toxic levels of mercury
• Deep-sea fish such as tuna, mackerel, and swordfish that may contain toxic levels of mercury. Choose minimal-mercury albacore tuna instead.
• Farm-raised fish that contain PCBs and not enough omega-3 essential fatty acids, due to their land-based diets. Choose wild-caught salmon instead.
• Yeast and wheat products (breads, crackers, pasta, etc.) that contain gluten
• Sodium nitrite found in processed foods such as hot dogs, lunch meats, and bacon
• Monosodium glutamate (MSG) found in many foods as a flavor enhancer
• Hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils (trans fats) found in many processed foods, deep-fried foods, fast food, and junk food – Read more about good fats and bad fats.
• Tap water – To reduce your exposure to many heavy metals found in tap water, drink Artesian/Mineral/Spring water instead.

Aluminum Precautions:

• Avoid aluminum based vaccines altogether
• Cook with aluminum-free pots and pans.  Choose stainless steel instead.
• Avoid using aluminum foil and drinking from aluminum soda cans.
• Avoid foods, products, and over-the-counter drugs that contain aluminum, such as baking powder, antacids, and deodorants/antiperspirants.  Check product labels before purchasing.
• Minimize your exposure to several metals at one time. Studies that have shown that the presence of mercury and aluminum have a “synergistic” toxicity, meaning that they become even more toxic to the body when they are present together.⁸
• Try melatonin.  A study in Spain revealed that melatonin has a protective effect against aluminum toxicity.³

Other tips for Heavy Metal Toxicity:

Arsenic Precautions:

• Maintain a high-fiber diet.  Fiber binds with arsenic to eliminate it from the body.
• Eat foods high in sulfur such as eggs, onions, beans, legumes, and garlic. Sulfur helps rid the body of arsenic.⁴

Cadmium Precautions:

• Keep nickel-cadmium batteries properly stored and out of reach of young children.
• Stop smoking.  Smoking, and breathing second-hand smoke, are primary sources of cadmium exposure.
• Keep a healthy diet.  A diet low in calcium, protein, or iron, OR high in fat, increases cadmium absorption.⁵

Lead Precautions:

• Children are particularly susceptible to lead poisoning, particularly from homes built before 1978 that have lead-based paints.  Test your older home for lead. If your home tests positive, look for reputable companies that will safely remove lead from your home.
• Stay away from Latin American folk remedies called arzacon and greta, which are used for upset stomach or indigestion; and pay-loo-ah, which is used for rash or fever.  These are dangerous lead-based remedies.⁶
• Use extreme caution in certain hobbies that require contact with lead, such as stain-glass window work.
• Do not drink or eat from ceramic ware that contains lead-based paints and glazes.  If you’re unsure about your dishes and cups, choose glassware instead.

Mercury Precautions:

• Avoid mercury based vaccines altogether
• Avoid amalgam (silver) fillings altogether and request safer alternatives from your dentist.  Find a biologic or holistic dentist that practices mercury-free dentistry.
• If you have “silver” fillings, get an evaluation from a mercury-free dentist who specializes in the safe removal of mercury amalgams.  Improper removal can be more dangerous than leaving your fillings in place.  Find a mercury-free dentist in your area now.
• Consult with your healthcare professional about the use of vaccines.  Some vaccines contain thimerosal, a mercury preservative that is potentially associated with Autism, behavioral, and learning disorders in children.  Read more in “A User Friendly Vaccine Schedule”.
• Choose thermometers that do not contain mercury, to avoid toxic spills as a result of breakage.
• Avoid consuming bottom crawlers (seafood, such as oysters, clams, and lobster that may contain toxic levels of mercury).
• Avoid deep-sea fish such as tuna, mackerel, and swordfish that contain the highest levels of mercury of all fish.  Choose safer alternatives such as wild-caught salmon or minimal-mercury tuna.

Your Solution

Over the past 27 years, Dr. Huntoon has developed a specific treatment designed to get the body to recognize the toxic heavy metals and then sets the body on a course of excreting them from the system.

The body cannot excrete something that is too heavy for the system, nor if the body does not recognize the problem to begin with.  This a Unique 3 Step Process that includes the following:

1. Getting the body to recognize that is has heavy metals is the first and most vital way towards helping a body recover from their toxic effects. 
2. Setting the body in motion to excrete them, while supporting the body with the necessary nutritional ingredients to bind to the heavy metals is absolutely necessary.
3. Finally you will need to locate the Reservoir where heavy metals will be stored within the body that hide from the Immune Recognition System. 

If this 3 step process for each heavy metal is not followed, they will simply find another area in the body to accumulate.  When addressing these 3 steps, heavy metal toxicity is eliminated and the person can fully recover. 

"I came to Dr. Huntoon for treatments with heavy metal problems with cobalt and nickle toxicity. I was not able to feel the palms of my hands and the soles of my feet after having an allergic reaction to an antibiotic. Dr. Huntoon evaluated me and found the heavy metals and put me on a treatment plan to pull the nickle and cobalt out of my system. Since starting with him and taking my supplements, I can tell you I can now feel the soles and palms of my feet and hands. Thank You Dr. Rick!!"

Having this condition is not fun at all. Being motivated to look for non-conventional forms of treatment is warranted. Working with a Holistic Chiropractor does offer benefits, as using a well-rounded, multifaceted approach to address all the causes and imbalances within the person is necessary. This has demonstrated positive results when sticking to a specific treatment plan. Discussing what is involved and the time commitment necessary to having a full recovery is warranted.

Others have benefited by using Acupuncture, Homeopathy or Naturopathy when following the treatment guidelines set up by your practitioner and you. Discussing what is involved and the time commitment necessary to having a full recovery is warranted.

Consider the following:

     - Benefits of Functional Testing

     - Testing for Candida

     - Not For Women Only: Yeast Matters

     - Probiotics: The New Antibiotics