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heavy Metal toxicity

Heavy metals tend to accumulate in the body due to repeated exposure and poor metabolic processing and limited excretory pathways. Metals such as mercury, cadmium, and lead exhibit a high affinity for sulfur groups on proteins. Many of these bonds are stable, so the metals remain trapped in tissues, particularly the bones, brain, liver and kidneys. 

 

The heavy metals most frequently associated with bioaccumulation in human tissues include:

 

  • Cadmium 

  • Lead

  • Mercury

  • Arsenic 

  • Aluminium

 

Accumulation of these metals has wide-ranging and serious health implications, depending on the metal type, route and exposure level. Mercury as an example crosses the blood–brain barrier and accumulates in the brain. Once inside, these metals bind to neuronal proteins, disrupt cellular function, generate oxidative stress, and impair neurotransmission, contributing to neurodevelopmental disorders, mood disturbances and memory deficits. 

 

Whereas a metal such as Cadmium accumulates in the liver and kidneys, with prolonged retention leading to renal dysfunction, bone demineralisation, hypertension, and increased risks for cancers and neurodegenerative conditions. 

 

Lead in contrast is predominantly stored in bones and teeth, where it can be re-released into circulation during periods of bone turnover, leading to systemic re-exposure. It is particularly harmful to the developing brain, contributing to intellectual disability, ADHD, and behavioural disorders.

 

Therefore, detoxification of heavy metals is critical to prevent the risk and continued pathogenesis of wide-spread disorders. Supporting the body’s natural heavy metal detoxification means enhancing the systems responsible for binding, neutralizing, and eliminating toxic metals.

 

The liver plays a central role in the detoxification of the metals mentioned above, with the exception of aluminium, which is primarily eliminated via the kidneys, aided by proteins such as transferrin and substances like citrate. For most toxic metals, effective elimination depends on their conversion into more water-soluble or bile-compatible complexes, allowing safe excretion through urine or feces. This process relies on proper metal binding, transport to detox organs, and well functioning liver and kidney pathways.  

 

  • Glutathionation

  • Methylation 

 

The glutathionation pathway relies on the master antioxidant glutathione, once bound to glutathione, the metal is transported out of the liver and eliminated primarily through bile or urine.

 

The methylation pathway helps detoxify certain metals by attaching a small chemical group, called a methyl group, from a compound known as SAMe. This makes the metals easier to remove from the body. Methylation is especially important for clearing arsenic and mercury.

 

For the liver to carry this detoxification role, heavy metals must first be delivered to it in a bound form. This transport is mediated by various ‘chelators’, which are molecules that bind to metals and escort them through the bloodstream. Without proper binding, toxic metals such as cadmium, mercury, arsenic, and lead stay accumulated in tissues like the brain, liver, and kidneys where they cause significant damage.

 

One of the body’s primary natural chelators is metallothionein (MT), a protein produced in response to metal exposure and oxidative stress. MT securely binds metals and helps shuttle them into the liver, where they can be exchanged for essential minerals like zinc and directed into excretion pathways via bile or urine. In addition to MT, the body relies on other botanical agents that act as chelating compounds, supporting this process of metal mobilisation and clearance from the body. 

 

The entire process of metal detoxification can be supported naturally, and it is an important focus of healing and health. Detoxifying these metals can help restore cellular energy production, improve immune resilience, allow repair of neurological, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems damaged from metal accumulation, and reduce symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, hormonal imbalance, and immune dysregulation. [1][3][5]

signs + symptoms

Heavy metal toxicity is associated with a large variety of pathologies. The toxic effects depend on the type and form of metal and the route and duration of exposure. [5][19] Here we detail the most common metal toxicities separately and their associated health risks. 

 

Mercury 

 

Mercury exists in elemental, inorganic, and organic (methylmercury) forms, and each distributes differently. Methylmercury, the form most commonly absorbed from food, easily crosses the blood-brain barrier and accumulates in the brain, where it binds tightly to thiol groups on proteins and enzymes, disrupting nerve cell function. 

 

Inorganic mercury tends to collect in the kidneys, where it binds to metallothionein and enzymes in the renal tubules, leading to long-term renal storage and potential toxicity.

 

Cognitive + Neurological 

 

  • Memory impairments

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder - ASD

  • Attention deficit Hyperactive Disorder - ADHD

  • Scattered Mind

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Irritability

  • Tremors

  • Numbness or Tingling

  • Sleep disturbances

  • Headaches

  • Visual and auditory changes


Cardiovascular 

 

  • High Blood Pressure

  • Coronary artery disease

  • Myocardial infarction

  • Cardiac arrhythmias

  • Generalised atherosclerosis
     

Systemic 

 

  • Autoimmunity 

  • Immune Suppression 

  • Kidney impairments

  • Hair loss

  • Hearing loss

  • Visual disturbances (including peripheral vision loss or blurred vision)

 

[7] [19] [21 - 23] [58] [99]

 

Cadmium 

 

Primarily accumulates in the kidneys and liver. It binds strongly to metallothionein and other cysteine-rich proteins, and because the cadmium–protein complexes are filtered and reabsorbed in the kidneys, cadmium can remain there for decades, damaging the kidneys over time.

 

Cognitive + Neurological 

 

  • Memory impairments

  • Attention deficit Hyperactive Disorder - ADHD

  • Scattered Mind

  • Bipolar Disorder

  • Neuropathy / Neuralgia 

  • Motor neuron disease

  • Alzheimer’s Disease

  • Parkinson’s Disease


Systemic  

 

  • Autoimmunity 

  • Hashimoto's Thyroiditis 

  • Immune Suppression 

  • Liver Damage and Impairment

  • Kidney Damage and impairment

  • Kidney Stones

  • Bone demineralisation

  • Type 2 diabetes

  • GI inflammation

  • Cardiovascular disease

  • High Blood Pressure

  • Cancer - Breast, prostate + kidney

 

Pregnancy

 

  • Preeclampsia

  • Decreased head circumference

  • Decreased performance IQ in infants
     

[9] [24 - 30] [58] [88] [108] 

 

Lead 

 

Lead is absorbed through the gut or lungs and can distribute widely, but over 90% of the body’s burden in adults ends up stored in the bones and teeth. It replaces calcium in the hydroxyapatite crystals of bone, becoming an inert reservoir that can later leach into the blood during times of bone loss, such as pregnancy, menopause, or aging, leading to re-exposure.

 

Cognitive + Neurological 

 

  • Intellectual disability

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

  • Dyslexia

  • Attention deficit Hyperactive Disorder - ADHD

  • Scattered Mind

  • Bipolar Disorder

  • Psychosis

  • Muscular weakness

  • Peripheral neuropathy

 

Systemic 

 

  • Autoimmunity

  • Hashimoto's Thyroiditis 

  • Immune Suppression 

  • Allergies

  • Haemolytic anaemia: red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be produced

  • Reproductive hormonal dysruptions and infertility

  • Vitamin D deficiency

  • High Blood Pressure

  • Cancer - lung, bladder

 

Pregnancy

 

  • Miscarriage

  • Preterm birth

  • Small for gestational-age births

  • Congenital heart defects

  • Reduced cognitive development in the infant
     

[11] [12] [19] [29] [31 - 36] [108]

 

Arsenic

 

Arsenic is absorbed primarily through the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, and, to a lesser extent, the skin, depending on its chemical form and route of exposure. Once absorbed, arsenic is widely distributed throughout the body.

 

Cognitive + Neurological 

 

  • Memory impairments

  • Poor mental performance

  • Attention deficit Hyperactive Disorder - ADHD

  • Scattered Mind

  • Irritability

  • Anxiety

 

Dermal + Nail

 

  • Skin Pigmentation

  • Skin lesions

  • Mee’s Lines - opaque white semi-circular bands running horizontally across the fingernails

  • Keratosis - Thickened, rough, or scaly skin patches

 

Systemic 

 

  • Autoimmunity 

  • Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

  • Immune Suppression  

  • Cancer - lung, bladder, liver, kidney, skin

  • Cardiovascular disease

  • High Blood Pressure

  • Pulmonary disease

  • Diabetes

  • Gastrointestinal complaints

 

Pregnancy

 

  • Increased risk of congenital heart defects in infants
     

[13] [19] [29] [37 - 39] [99] [94][107]

 

Aluminium 

 

Aluminium is primarily absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. Once absorbed, aluminium binds to transferrin and distributes to the brain, bones, liver, and kidneys. In the brain, it accumulates in regions like the hippocampus and cortex, where it has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. 

 

Cognitive + Neurological 

 

  • Memory impairments

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • Alzheimer’s Disease

  • Neurological degeneration

  • Balance and Coordination issues

  • Multiple sclerosis

  • Parkinson’s Disease

 

Systemic 

 

  • Immune Suppression 

  • Breast cancer

  • Poor glucose metabolism

  • Mouth ulcers - Whitening toothpastes with aluminium

  • Anemia

 

[16 - 18] [40 - 43] [58] [99]

Causes

Heavy metals are pervasive in many aspects of modern life including food, water, air, tobacco smoke, alcoholic beverages and many home products [1][2]. Below, details where exposure to each metal can occur.

 

Mercury + Methylmercury

 

  • Fabric softeners

  • Laxatives

  • Vaccines

  • Dental amalgams

  • Tattooing

  • Cosmetics

  • Insecticides

  • Fish - particularly shark, broadbill, marlin, and swordfish

  • Mushrooms

  • Rice consumption

  • Industrial exposure

 

[3] [7] 

 

Cadmium 

 

  • Iron or calcium deficiency increases oral cadmium absorption up to 10×

  • Cigarette smoke - active and passive

  • Air pollution

  • Metal coatings

  • Plastics

  • Pigments

  • Cosmetics

  • Wine + Beer

  • Contaminated soil and foods - rice, potato, wheat, romaine lettuce, spinach, soy + peanuts

  • Cereal crops

  • Shellfish - oysters, scallops

  • Canned fish

 

[3] [6] [8] [9] [99]

 

Lead 

 

  • Lead-based paint used prior to 1977 chip, flake, and chalk with age or during renovations, these particles settle as fine dust on floors, and can be breathed in.

  • Exposure to leaded gasoline and car exhaust - phased out in Australia in 2002

  • Contaminated water from lead plumbing pipes, solder and old faucets.

  • Contaminated soil, food, and water

  • Occupational exposure

  • Cigarette smoke

  • Hair dyes - including Henna

  • Cosmetics - lipstick and eyeshadow

  • Occupational settings such as soldering, mining, machining, and surface preparation.

  • Cooking with glazed ceramic cookware or pottery

  • Antique Cutlery

  • Wine

 

[1] [10 - 12]

 

Arsenic 

 

  • Pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers

  • Wine

  • Food - particularly grains, vegetables, legumes

  • Rice - Particularly from Bangladesh, India, and Korea. Note: Australian grown rice is safe

  • Livestock feed additives - Meat

 

[3] [6] [13 - 15] [57] [99]

 

Aluminium

 

  • Food: tea, vegetables, baked goods

  • Canned acidic food and beverages - Tomatoes, pickles, citrus drinks, sodas and beer

  • Cooking utensils

  • Drinking water

  • Processed foods

  • Soy-based infant formula

  • Occupational exposure

  • Airborne dust

  • Cosmetics

  • Antiperspirant deodorants

  • Toothpastes - particularly whitening toothpastes 

  • Vaccines 

  • Antacids - Gaviscon and Mylanta 

 

 [1] [6] [16 - 18]

 

Hepatic Insufficiency -  Nutritional Deficiency

 

The liver plays a central role in detoxifying heavy metals, primarily using two biochemical pathways: glutathionation and methylation.

 

Glutathionation involves the binding of heavy metals; mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and lead to glutathione which neutralizes the metal and makes it more water-soluble, allowing the body to safely excrete it via bile or urine.
 

Methylation is another detoxification route, especially important for certain forms of arsenic and mercury. It works by attaching a methyl group to the metal compound, changing the metal’s structure to enhance its excretion. 

 

Each pathway relies on nutritional support in order to function efficiently and safely remove heavy metals from the body. The nutritional support is detailed below: 

 

Glutathionation Pathway  Support

 

  • Glutamine

  • Cysteine

  • Glycine 

  • Vitamin C

  • Zinc

  • Magnesium

 

Methylation Pathway Support

 

  • Trimethylglycine (TMG)

  • Cysteine

  • Magnesium

  • B6

  • B9

  • B12

  • Methionine 

  • Betaine

 

Glutathione Depletion 

 

  • Mercury 

  • Cadmium 

  • Lead

  • Arsenic 

 

Glutathione is a critical detoxifying agent defending against heavy metal toxicity as it directly binds to heavy metal ions through its sulfur group, forming stable glutathione-metal complexes that facilitate the detoxification and excretion of these toxicants. This complexation not only reduces the reactivity of metal ions but also prevents their participation in harmful reactions that generate oxidative stress. 

 

As an example, copper increases glutathione activity, rapidly consuming available glutathione, while methylmercury inhibits the rate-limiting enzyme for GSH synthesis, γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (GCS), thereby impairing GSH replenishment. As a result, sustained metal exposure leads to glutathione depletion, which compromises the cell’s capacity to neutralize and excrete metals. 

 

This depletion not only reduces the overall efficiency of liver detoxification pathways but also allows for greater intracellular metal accumulation, heightening the risk of oxidative damage, enzyme dysfunction, and cellular injury. Thus, maintaining sufficient GSH levels is essential for effective heavy metal detoxification, and its depletion creates a vicious cycle that amplifies metal toxicity and cellular stress. [95]

 

Mothers Exposure + Breastfeeding

 

Breastfeeding can introduce heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, aluminium, and arsenic into an infant’s body, primarily as a result of the mother’s prior environmental or lifestyle exposures. These metals accumulate in maternal tissues over time from sources like contaminated air, water, food, or occupational contact. During lactation, especially in the early stages, the mother's body mobilizes stored nutrients and, unintentionally, stored toxicants. This process releases metals into the bloodstream, allowing them to transfer into breast milk. Research has identified metal concentrations are highest in colostrum, with levels gradually declining as lactation progresses. [63]


Iron Deficiency - Aluminium Only

 

Iron deficiency can contribute to increased aluminum accumulation and toxicity. Normally, aluminum binds to transferrin in the bloodstream, a protein primarily responsible for transporting iron. In cases of iron deficiency, the body compensates by increasing the expression of transferrin receptors, particularly in bone cells. This upregulation enhances the uptake of transferrin-bound metals, including aluminum. As a result, more aluminum enters bone tissue and is stored. [77]

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specific metal rIsks

Heavy metal toxicity signs and symptoms manifests in accordance to the type of metal, the route and duration of exposure. Although amongst the most prevalent metal toxicities there are cross over signs and symptoms that allow us to flag the need for testing and treatment. These common denominator symptoms include:

 

  • Autoimmune Disorders 

  • Immune Suppression - Chronic Infections

  • Anxiety 

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder - ASD

  • Attention deficit Hyperactive Disorder - ADHD

  • Scattered Mind

  • Memory Impairments

  • Neurological Diseases

  • High Blood Pressure

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