For the purpose of this article the term “Heavy Metal” is used to define metals which are toxic to the human body, rather than its atomic weight or specific gravity. We’re exposed to these metals through many means, some of which are medications, environmental pollution, dietary intake & lifestyle including occupation & recreation.

Aluminium

• Aluminium is unavoidable as it can be found in foods, water, air & soil but it doesn’t mean you can’t avoid deliberate ingestion or absorption by steering clear of known sources. Deodorant or antiperspirants contain aluminium as it prevents sweating. If you are looking for an aluminium free product, always read the ingredients list because even products that claim to be “natural” on the front contain aluminium. Aluminium is also found in vaccines, antacids (used to treat heartburn) and can leach out of aluminium cookware into your food (especially if the food has a high acid content like tomatoes and some fruits), some food colourings contain aluminium salts to make the colour brighter.
• So why would you want to avoid it?  Aluminium is a known neurotoxin which can accumulate in the brain and bones. No living organism uses aluminium for any biological function. The threat is one of small amounts being absorbed frequently over a long periods of time.
• The research continues to investigate if there is any link between aluminium & Alzheimer’s disease, this is the main health threat posed by Aluminium absorption, but the fact that it is not required by the body and has to be metabolised and removed from the body means there is extra unnecessary pressure on our detoxification mechanisms on a daily basis.

Cadmium

• Cadmium may promote bone demineralisation which increases fragility and the risk of fracture. Present in high quantities in cigarette smoke so being a smoker of passive smoking means you are absorbing cadmium (along with hundreds of other chemicals) into your lungs. It may also be found in your water pipes (corrosion of galvanised pipes) so flushing by leaving the tap running for a few seconds before drinking first thing in the morning or drinking filtered water can help avoid intake through this avenue. Cadmium is also widely used in industry which means substantial amounts end up in the air from smelters, burning of fossil fuels, waste incineration, and iron and steel works. This heavy metal ends up being deposited in soils from air pollution and phosphate fertilisers and is easily taken up by the crops which means it’s found in the foods we eat.
• While only a small percentage of cadmium is absorbed through ingestion (food & water), we are still at risk of it’s health effects (listed below) through long term absorption of small amounts.  50% is absorbed through inhalation of cigarette smoke, leaving smokers and passive smokers the most at risk of the affects of cadmium.
• The known health effects of cadmium are; kidney damage, problems with vision, balance & concentration, peripheral nerve damage as well as bone demineralisation and thyroid hormone deficiency.

Copper

• Copper is found everywhere in the environment, from human activities and natural sources. Copper is a trace element an required for human health, but like anything good, it’s not long before increased overexposure and absorption becomes harmful.
• The combustion of fossil fuels released copper into the air which is then deposited into soils and ends up in the food we eat. Mining, metal production and wood production are all ways in which copper is being released into the environment. Phosphate fertiliser production and application to crops is the most harmful because this water soluble form is most readily absorbed into the body. If your house has copper plumbing the corrosion of pipes releases the mineral into your drinking water.
• Health effects of long term exposure include irritation of the respiratory passage and eyes, headaches, dizziness, vomiting & diarrhoea. Organs which suffer adverse effects of copper intake are the liver and kidneys.

 Lead

• Lead is not as much of a problem as it was 30 years ago, now that cars are not allowed to run on leaded petrol, but it’s important to be aware when travelling to developing countries that leaded petrol is still used in some places. If you live in an older house (especially renovating) you have higher risk of being exposed to lead from the paint and from the pipes that run water to your house. Until recently some countries were still using lead based paints to decorate children’s toys. Lead is not taken up by produce as readily as it is livestock so it’s likely to be in organ meats. A place where lead is commonly found is lipstick; yes of course this means we’re eating it!
• Lead is toxic to organs and tissues such as the heart, bones, intestines, kidneys and the reproductive and nervous systems, interfering with many body processes. The major threat is to children as it effects the development of the nervous system which could potentially result in learning difficulties and behavioural disorders.

Mercury

• Mercury is commonly found in the mouths of baby boomers that may still have amalgam fillings in their teeth. The vapours are most dangerous during the removal of amalgam fillings, but are present all the time in small amounts. This metal is found in high concentrations in large fish which are high on the food chain, these include shark, tuna & swordfish. The Mercury from  is absorbed by large bodies of water

Read the main article this information relates to - Detoxification - Helping your body's natural processes