Are heavy metals dangerous?

Heavy metals, and particularly mercury, can pose a threat to health. Early symptoms are often unspecific and can manifest as headaches, tiredness, fatigue or a weak immune response. Heavy metal toxicity is often found to be an underlying cause of chronic disease or it may impede the healing process.

Thorough testing is indicated if heavy metal toxicity is suspected.

How does the body respond to the presence of heavy metals?

Heavy-metals interfere with the proper function of various metabolic processes, especially those involving the Mitochondria. Cell function is severely disrupted. As a result cells switch to a kind of ‘emergency mode’ to ensure their continued survival. However, this emergency mode does not enable the cell/organ/organism to perform at full capacity. As a consequence degenerative processes may ensue, which can even result in malignant diseases.

Testing for heavy metals

To begin with, a chelator is introduced into the body via an infusion. Chelators are substances that can bind heavy metals in the body, which can then be eliminated safely. Chelators bind metals in all tissues of the body and eliminate them via the kidneys through the urine. A urine sample is collected and submitted to laboratory analysis. Results are usually ready after about one week.

Other types of testing, such as hair analysis, blood tests, giving capsules or suppositories (with 24h urine collection) have not proven reliable, as they often produce inaccurate results.