Where do heavy metals come from?
Heavy metal exposure is a growing concern today. Over exposure has been linked to multiple health conditions. But where exactly do these heavy metals come from, and how do they find their way into our lives? Let's explore the origins of heavy metals and understand their presence in our environment.
Heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic, are naturally occurring elements found in the Earth's crust. However, human activities have significantly increased their presence in our environment. One of the primary sources of heavy metals is industrial pollution. Factories and manufacturing plants release these metals into the air, water, and soil through emissions and waste disposal. This pollution can travel long distances, affecting areas far from the original source.
Another significant contributor to heavy metal exposure is agriculture. Pesticides and fertilizers often contain trace amounts of heavy metals, which can accumulate in the soil and eventually enter our food chain. This is why it's crucial to be mindful of the sources of our food and opt for organic produce whenever possible.
Mining activities also play a significant role in the release of heavy metals. The extraction and processing of minerals can lead to the contamination of nearby water sources and soil. This is particularly concerning in regions where mining regulations are lax, leading to unchecked pollution.
Additionally, heavy metals can be found in everyday products. For instance, lead was once commonly used in paints and gasoline, and although regulations have reduced its use, older homes and buildings may still pose a risk. Similarly, mercury is present in some dental fillings and certain types of fish, making it essential to be aware of our consumption choices.
Understanding the sources of heavy metals is the first step in mitigating their impact on our health. The next step is learning how they accumulate.
Did you know heavy metals have a relationship with trace minerals in the body? This means if you are depleted in certain minerals, your body, in it’s wisdom, will store up heavy metals in their place. This is why jumping to a heavy metal detox while you are depleted is not only counter productive, but in many cases will lead to worsening symptoms.
Here are a few examples of the relationships between metals and minerals.
Lead and calcium. Lead is one of the most common (and toxic) heavy metals. It used to be used to create water pipes, paint in houses, and in gasoline. Overuse of lead resulted in many health conditions over the years. Lead displaces calcium in the body and likes to accumulate in the bones. Calcium deficiency has been linked to lead toxicity. Supplementing calcium has been shown to lower lead in the body. This does not mean I am recommending supplementing with calcium. See my post on calcium supplements for more! Calcium requires other cofactors like magnesium and vitamin K2 to be used properly in the body. Chronic stress can cause you to burn through calcium and magnesium, and can lead to your body storing lead in it’s place. It does this to protect you. This is also why using a good binder when you are replacing minerals or on a mineral balancing journey is so important because as your body is repleted, it will excrete the metals it has accumulated.
Arsenic and sulfur selenium. Arsenic antagonizes sulfur and selenium in the body and create a greater need for vitamin E in the body. Arsenic is not bad in and of itself (it can be found in foods like oysters and mussels, which have many health benefits) but problems occur with an over accumulation. Other sources of arsenic can be found in things like bug spray, air exposure from burning materials in fireplaces, opium, and coal combustion.
An over accumulation of arsenic can lead to:
Nausea
Respiratory infections
Muscle aches
Hyperpigmentation of the skin
Increased risk of skin, lung, and liver cancers
Anemiua
Pigmentation of nails
Neuropathy
Thyroid problems (selenium is a mineral required for optimal function of the thyroid and arsenic can antagonize selenium).
Cadmium and Zinc. Cadmium exposure can occur from the burning plastic and tires. It also used to be used in root canals and tobacco. Due to the use of cadmium in fertilizer, the cadmium content in food is rising. A major antagonist to cadmium is zinc. Our body needs optimal levels of zinc for things like hormone balance, gut health, and more. You can see how over exposure and accumulation of cadmium can be a problem!
There are many other connections between minerals and metals, but the key thing to remember is that it is crucial to replace minerals before attempting to detox metals because of body, in it’s wisdom, accumulates them for a reason. A helpful test to get a baseline of your mineral function is a Hair Mineral Analysis Test. You can request one inside our Tier 2 option!
Sources:
Trace Elements and Other Essential Nutrients by David Watts.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2566736/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278691501000485#:~:text=Exposure%20to%20Cd%20leads%20to,to%20development%20of%20Cd%20toxicity.
