Over the past few months we have been discussing specific vitamins and minerals, explaining what each does, how each are best absorbed and foods that each are found in. We have completed our discussion of each specific vitamin and mineral however it does not stop there. For the next 2-3 months we will be discussing the effects of heavy metal toxicity that include sources they are found in, toxicity symptoms and counteracting nutrients that include the vitamins and minerals we previously discussed.  As always we hope you enjoy and if you have any questions please feel free to contact us.  If you suspect heavy metal toxicity for yourself or are just curious call our offices and we will would be more than happy to assist you in running a heavy metal test.

Heavy metals include and are not limited to mercury, lead, aluminum, copper and fluoride.  These items are found in our environment including our food, cleaning supplies, air & water.   Completely avoiding heavy metals is near to impossible however there are several preventative steps that one can take in order to keep your body in a healthier state, therefore, making it easier to fight off exposure.  These steps include and are not limited to:

• Eating organic when possible
• Thoroughly washing fruits and veggies after purchasing
• Drink plenty of clean water (filtered water is best)
• Avoid processed foods, sugar & caffiene
• Breathe fresh air – live in the city? Consider taking a ride to the country side or ocean
• Stress reduction – do something that helps you to manage & reduce stress such as exercising, meditation, listening to music that soothes you etc

For our first heavy metal blog entry we will be discussing Aluminum.  Aluminum has just recently been recognized as a heavy metal.  It unfortunately is still used as a food additive, in antacids, over the counter drugs, pots and pans.  It can also be found in gardening products, animal foods, salt shakers as an additive to prevent caking and the most common culprit tin cans.

Aluminum increases in its concentration over time and therefore has cumulative effects on the human body.  Below you will see a list of common sources, toxicity symptoms and finally counteracting nutrients that you can ingest to help with detoxification of this heavy metal.

Common Sources of Aluminum:

• Cans & foil
• Antacids, buffered aspirin & deodorants
• Pots & pans
• Baking soda, some cheeses & refined junk food
• Tap water & bleached white flour
• Cooking utensils
• Plant foods & gardening

Toxic Symptoms:

• Alzheimer’s dz
• Colitis
• Constipation & headaches
• Hyperactivity & irritability
• Learning disorders & memory loss
• Loss of appetite, energy or hair
• Neurological disorders
• Numbness, skin aliments & thyroid disorders

Counteracting Nutrients

• Calcium
• Fiber
• Lecithin
• Magnesium
• Vitamin C
• Zinc

Resource:  Fighting radiation & chemical pollutants by:  Steven Schechter, N.D.

 Picture by: http://toxicbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/deodorant1.jpg