There are many different ways one can become exposed to heavy metals, but the most common route is inhalation through second-hand cigarette smoke, poisonous fumes, or air pollution.
There’s a very high incidence of metal toxicity today in both developed and developing countries. People who work in industrial settings are more likely to be exposed to toxic substances. Cigarette smoke is a very potent irritant to the human body; it can also contain lead and cadmium, which may be deadly in large amounts.
There are other ways people can be exposed to poisonous heavy metals, such as foods (cereals, seafood), water pollution, exposure to lead-based paint, and the use of containers that are improperly coated.
Heavy Metal Poisoning
How do you know if you’re exposed to toxic metals? What are the symptoms of heavy metal poisoning?
There are several symptoms of heavy metal poisoning that you need to be aware of, and these include:
- Nausea
- Unexplained vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue or weakness
- Dehydration
- Stomach pains
- Irregular heartbeat
- Abnormally slow pulse.
Heavy metal poisoning can lead to permanent neurological damage as well, so it’s always recommended that you seek medical help at once if you think you may have been exposed to any type of dangerous heavy metal.
Some symptoms are more common than others, but it’s always better to be safe rather than sorry when it comes to your health.
The treatment depends on the severity of exposure and the type of metal you’re exposed to. For mild cases, changes in diet or limiting exposure can alleviate the problem. However, chelation therapy is for more severe cases of heavy metal poisoning, and it’s not unusual for doctors to try this treatment.
As you can see, the symptoms of heavy metal poisoning can be quite alarming. Although many of these conditions are associated with much more serious diseases, such as cancer or leukemia, there are still symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored. If you believe that you’ve been exposed to any form of dangerous heavy metal, you must see a doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis. Don’t put it off—the earlier you can begin treatment, the higher the chances of preventing the development of long-term consequences.
Understanding Chelation Therapy
Chelation therapy is commonly known as ‘chelation.’ Many people suffer from ailments, such as heavy metal toxicity, due to metals arsenic, cadmium, iron, lead, and mercury. These may be caused by exposure to toxins in the environment, as well as from ingesting contaminated water or food.
Here’s how chelation works:
- A chelator is a chemical used for this purpose. Chelators are used to remove heavy metals and other toxins from the human body in hopes of improving health. Chelating agents used in this therapy are made up of different compounds that will bind with the toxins in the body.
- A physician who specializes in chelation treatment will create a solution that will bind with heavy metals in the blood. This solution will then be injected into the person’s muscle or limb.
- The combination of all of the ingredients creates a substance that’s not soluble, but semi-soluble in water. As a result, it will allow water to permeate throughout the muscle tissue and the organs of the body, causing the toxins to be removed.
Is Chelation Therapy Safe?
Because this type of therapy uses a chemical to achieve this goal, side effects may occur. Some patients may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or lightheadedness after receiving this treatment. It’s best to seek the recommendation of a healthcare expert before undergoing chelation therapy.
Here are other things that you should know about this treatment:
- Chelation therapy has been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). However, it should be considered as a complementary therapy, not a replacement for drug therapy.
- Proper diet and exercise will be required to carry out chelation treatments completely. Some doctors who use this procedure will have their patients start a vitamin supplement program to replace what was lost during the chelation process.
- Some alternative healthcare providers utilize chelation therapy to alleviate the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, autism, and heart disease. But, there’s very little evidence to support its effectiveness in treating these ailments.
Takeaway
Chelation therapy is one of the most promising medical breakthroughs in this day and age, and millions of people around the world are enjoying the benefits of this powerful process. If you’ve been suffering from chronic ailments and aren’t improving despite medication, surgery, and homeopathic treatments, you may want to consider trying out chelation therapy with the approval of your physician.
