A heavy metal cleanse is a gentle way to help your body clear out metals that build up over time. Heavy metals can interfere with many functions of the body and cause a long list of symptoms. We can be exposed through things like cooking with aluminum foil and some cookware, old dental work with mercury (amalgam) fillings, some canned foods, certain deodorants, and many other everyday things.
It is important to get these out of our system so they do not build up. Women can be exposed even more, since metals and other toxins can be found in some makeup, hair color, nail products and personal care products. For a non-toxic nail polish solution check out post for Non Toxic Nails. There are also several other posts on switching out your cosmetics.
Signs of Heavy Metal Buildup
Symptoms of slow, long-term metal buildup are often subtle, because they are so common. They can include:
- Fatigue
- Digestive distress, and reduced ability to properly assimilate and utilize fats
- Aching joints
- Depression
- Seizures
- Impaired blood sugar regulation
- Female reproductive problems such as menstrual difficulties, infertility, miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, pregnancy-induced hypertension and premature birth
There are solutions to this and they include things like epsom salt baths, saunas, and cilantro. This one is not too strict on the food part and since heavy metal poisoning has an array of symptoms this is a good cleanse to do to make sure your problems are not linked to this.
Detoxing with epsom salt baths and the other things on this protocol is safe for children and adults. See the protocol for amounts of epsom salts to add to the bath and how to take bentonite clay.
For amounts and directions, you can follow along in the video by downloading/printing off the protocol.
Foods That Support a Heavy Metal Cleanse
- Cilantro, which many people use to support the body in clearing metals
- Chlorella and spirulina, green algae that are part of my protocol
- Garlic and onions, rich in sulfur compounds
- Fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables and seeds to keep things moving out of the body
- Plenty of water to help your kidneys flush
Heavy Metal Cleanse Safety
- Get tested if you are worried. True heavy metal poisoning, like lead or mercury poisoning, is serious and needs a doctor. Symptoms like seizures, confusion, severe belly pain, or developmental delays in children need medical care right away. A simple blood or urine test can check your levels. Learn more about lead poisoning and mercury on MedlinePlus.
- Children: Epsom salt baths are gentle, but check with your pediatrician before giving any clay, algae or supplement to a child. Some clay products have been found to contain lead themselves, so choose a brand that tests for purity.
- Mercury fillings: Do not try to remove amalgam fillings yourself. If you want them replaced, find a dentist trained in safe removal.
- Pregnancy: Do not do a detox while pregnant or nursing.
Simple Ways to Lower Your Exposure
- Cook with glass, stainless steel or cast iron, and use parchment paper instead of foil.
- Choose fresh or frozen foods over canned when you can.
- Switch to a non toxic nail and makeup routine and an aluminum-free deodorant.
- Filter your drinking water.
This post shares my own experience and is not medical advice. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
