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TESTING FOR HEAVY METALS

Writer's picture: Chelsea AzarconChelsea Azarcon

There are a variety of ways one can test for heavy metals in their body. It is important to know that chronically, heavy metals accumulate in body tissues and will not be found in the blood. Elevated levels of metals in the blood reflect more of an acute poisoning and should be handled with urgency. Thus, testing for chronic exposure to heavy metals requires a test that reflects total body or tissue burden.


A very simple way to assess for this is through hair testing, which involves sending a sample of hair to be analyzed by a laboratory.

Some studies have demonstrated a relationship between levels of heavy metals, such as mercury, in the body with levels in the hair. However, other studies have demonstrated inconsistent results from hair analyses. Thus, results from hair tests should be interpreted alongside clinical history and other clinical findings. I only use hair testing when I believe a patient is too sick to tolerate a provoked test.


A provoked test is a test for heavy metals in which an agent that pulls metals out of the tissues is given before samples are collected. This agent is known as the provocation agent. It may be administered orally or intravenously and is commonly DMSA or DMPS. Over the next 6-24 hours, urine is collected, then sent to the lab.

The benefit of this test is that urine is a good sample to assess total body burden. Additionally, providing a provocation agent allows us to pull out metals that may otherwise be difficult to assess while hidden in tissues. The downside of this test is that the provocation agent may pull out large amounts of metals, which can worsen symptoms in some patients. For this reason, I prefer an oral provocation agent, which is gentler than IV. I also advise patients to take binders, such as activated charcoal, after sample collection is complete to help their bodies efficiently excrete toxins that have been stirred up. If I suspect a patient has active exposure to heavy metals, I collected both an unprovoked and provoked urine collection. The unprovoked, a simple urine collection, provides information about the patient’s current exposure while the provoked provides information about the patient’s historical exposure.


Thallium

Thallium is a sneakier heavy metal that I have become acquainted with in recent years. I first saw elevated thallium levels in myself and I had no idea where it came from. I then began seeing elevated levels in some of my more health conscious patients. Soon after, I learned that one source of thallium is Cruciferous veggies: Yep, thallium was present in high levels in vegetables like kale, brussel sprouts, and broccoli.


This was disappointing news to my brussel sprout loving self. Interestingly, my thallium levels were highest after I was on a kale kick. This is because thallium is a metal used in industrial processes. It gets released in the atmosphere as an emission and deposits in soil where sulfur groups in veggies accumulate it. The sulfur compounds that make these veggies so healthy also make them susceptible to accumulating thallium.


Thallium can be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, skin, or respiratory tract. In the body, it binds potassium, an essential mineral involved in cellular function, signaling, and energy production.


Due to this action, it can create symptoms of:

  • Fatigue

  • Heart Palpitations

  • Headaches

  • Depression

  • Disruptions in cognitive function

  • Hair Loss

  • Visual Disturbance

  • Leg Pain

  • Digestive Upset


In the body, it can also impact the liver, kidneys, nervous system and heart.

If you eat high levels of these vegetables and are experiencing any of these symptoms, testing for thallium might be helpful. Specific types of clays and silica preparations as well as dietary reductions of thallium rich veggies can make a big difference in reducing thallium levels.






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