Heavy Metals and Toxic Chemicals
Reducing the level of toxic chemicals in the body has clear health benefits. The process, however, can be complex and even dangerous if done incorrectly. It is important to work with someone who has extensive, specific training in this process and who attends regular professional continuing education events to keep up to date with this field.
We are exposed to toxic chemicals, molds and heavy metals every day. There are chemicals in our air, water, food, houses, cookware, clothing, personal care products, and more. The EPA is currently monitoring over 84,000 chemicals, only 200 of which have been reviewed. Our bodies are unable to completely eliminate these chemicals, especially when we are exposed daily. In 2013, a CDC study of chemical body burden in the US population found that all 295 of the chemicals tested for were present in nearly all subjects.
Toxicology studies focus on what happens if you are exposed to large amounts of a single chemical (acute poisoning). It was assumed for a long time that low level exposure to chemicals was safe. We now have clear data showing that the presence of even tiny amounts of a single chemical can have a significant negative impact on health over time. We have barely begun to study the health impact of exposure to small amounts of thousands of chemicals at the same time. Even with the limited studies, it is clear that our daily exposure to small amounts of hundreds or thousands of chemicals is a major contributor to many kinds of chronic illness.
Due to the presence of the oil industry (and their very powerful lobby), Texas is one of the most toxic states in the country. Toxic chemicals in air, water and soil are allowed at MUCH higher levels in Texas than in other states - Texas laws allow levels high enough to be considered superfund sites in other states. This is particularly bad on the Gulf coast where most of the oil refineries are.
Toxic chemicals affect all of our body systems, but they particularly impact the:
Impact on these systems is progressive over time, often starting in the immune system and then progressing to the others. Many chemicals are persistent; this means that they do not break down quickly in the environment (some lasting for decades or more), and it also means that they tend to accumulate in the human body.
Toxic chemicals can be roughly divided into two groups: fat soluble toxins (including toxins from mold) and heavy metals. Removing them requires somewhat different approaches. "Detox" strategies should be adapted based on symptoms, overall state of health, genetics, etc.
Toxic chemicals, including heavy metals, contribute to:
Imbalances of sex hormones (irregular menses, PCOS, endometriosis, infertility, low sperm count)
Neurological issues such as headaches, mood issues, tremors, and are potential in more serious issues such as ALS and MS
A note on chelation:
Reduction of heavy metals is greatly enhanced by a process called chelation. True chelators require prescription and special administration. Different chelators have affinities for different metals, so determining what metals are present and selecting the right chelator is important in maximizing the benefit of treatment. There are many over-the-counter supplements than can support your body's own elimination systems to varying degrees. While some of these can be very helpful, they are not true chelators. Proper testing (pre and post provoked urine test with a broad spectrum, true chelator) is essential to developing an effective treatment plan. I have partnered with several physicians in the area who can offer these services safely.
I have extensive training in both chelation and environmental medicine and hold post graduate certificates in each. I have over 10 years experience in "environmental medicine" and offered both oral and IV chelation therapies in my Seattle practice.
**I do NOT offer chelation services in Texas as this process requires a prescription**
What I CAN offer is extensive education, coaching and consulting for this process, and I am happy to collaborate with your other health care providers. I can also offer extensive guidance in safely lowering levels of fat soluble toxins, recovering from mold exposure, and enhancing your body's innate ability to clear metals. I do not offer a generic "detox program" but instead customize and adapt recommendations for each individual.