Modern life is saturated with toxic heavy metals. And no, we’re not talking about the music genre. We’re talking about elemental compounds that find their way into our drinking water, foods, and household products.
Chances are good that you’re experiencing adverse side effects from these toxins. But the real question is whether you even realize your symptoms are rooted in heavy metal toxicity. Fatigue, hormone issues, brain fog, nausea, and numbness are all symptoms of metal toxicity.
Before we get to our recommended detox for metals, it may be helpful to hear a bit about Dr. Wendie Trubow, one of our functional medicine doctors, and her experience with toxins. For years, she felt like she was tired all the time and couldn’t get past her chronic symptoms. Was it just part of aging? No way! Did she need expensive medications and surgeries? Again, no way! Instead, by detoxifying her body and embracing holistic health, Dr. Trubow has been able to reclaim her energy and live her fullest life. She captures this entire journey in her book Dirty Girl: Ditch the Toxins, Look Great, and Feel Freaking Amazing!
Now let’s take a look at our recommended detox for metals in particular.
What is Heavy Metal Toxicity?
Heavy metal toxicity occurs when certain elements bind to your cells and prevent your organs from doing their job. Without a detox, these metals can stay in your body for years, causing long-term damage.
Heavy metal toxicity can have serious health consequences too, including damage to the brain and nervous system, kidney damage, and cancer. Some common heavy metals that can be toxic to the body include lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic.
Start Your Detox for Metals with a Diet Change
Detoxing from heavy metals involves a combination of dietary changes, supplements, and lifestyle changes. A diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables can help the body excrete heavy metals, as can drinking plenty of water. Certain supplements, such as cilantro, chlorella, and zeolite, can also help remove heavy metals from the body.
Limit Exposure to Heavy Metals
In addition to dietary changes, it is also important to avoid further exposure to heavy metals. This can include avoiding certain fish that may contain high levels of mercury, such as tuna and swordfish, as well as avoiding products that may contain heavy metals, such as certain types of makeup and cookware.
Exercise (and sweat)
It is also important to support the body’s natural metal detoxification process through regular exercise and sweating. If your gym has a sauna, use it. If not, pick up high-intensity interval training in order to get that sweat dripping. For people who have never done high-intensity interval training before, please consult a doctor before starting a new exercise program.
Not only will sweating help rid your body of heavy metals, but it will also help your skin and weight.
Reduce Stress and Get Good Sleep
At Five Journeys, we believe that the body often has the power to heal itself. It’s why we prioritize natural healing methods instead of prescriptions or surgeries. If we can realign and rebalance the body, then in most cases, it will begin fixing itself.
One of the most fundamental pieces to the overall health puzzle is sleep. Sleep kickstarts the body’s healing process, and conversely, a lack of sleep will hinder any natural healing power your body might be capable of. So, if you’re trying to do a detox for metals (or any other toxin), you must prioritize your sleep.
Find a Personalized Detox for Metals at Five Journeys
If you suspect that you have been exposed to heavy metals, it is important to meet with a doctor to discuss your detox options. The Five Journeys team can run tests to determine your levels of heavy metals and recommend a treatment plan that is right for you.
Going through a metal detox doesn’t have to be a scary proposition. It doesn’t have to be painful, and it doesn’t have to put you in a state of constant discomfort. When some people think of detoxes, they think of restrictive diets and strange machines. They associate detoxes with severe dieting and other suspect methods of getting healthy fast.
But that’s not what we do here at Five Journeys. As we mentioned earlier, Dr. Trubow has gone through the process. Not only did she detox from toxins, but she now embraces a sustainable lifestyle that keeps her feeling alert and energized. She wants to help you experience the same story of healing.
Through personalized treatment plans and encouraging health coaching, we will walk with you on every step of your metal detox journey.
Reach out today to schedule a free consultation.