What is heavy metal detox?
Lots of people all around the globe suffer from illnesses (even chronic) related to heavy metals and their toxicity. One fundamental cause of symptoms such as low energy and mood swings is heavy metal exposure through contaminated water, hatchery fish, or cleaning products. These metals travel through your body and enter different tissues and organs, where they can remain for a long time.
How do we treat the toxicity of heavy metals? Well, you might want to try following a heavy metal detox diet, which is regarded as one of the best methods for getting rid of the symptoms that come with heavy metals. It is important to notice, however, that at first, the symptoms will feel worse than before. This is normal, so don’t worry. The symptoms of heavy metal detox can include tiredness, loss of appetite, and digestive problems.
Detox treatments and certain supplements can also be incorporated into a natural heavy metal diet plan to help support your brain, nervous system, liver, and other vital organs. Get ready to clean your body and free yourself from the negatives. All you have to do is follow a few steps. Let’s go over the benefits of heavy metal detox together!
Dangers posed by heavy metals
Researchers have identified at least 23 different metals that can be found in the environment, which can contribute to acute or chronic toxicity. These metals are called "heavy" because they remain in the body, mostly hiding in adipose tissues (fat cells). The elimination process is difficult, making them similar to fat-soluble toxins. The body fat tries to protect the organs by trapping certain substances, including some metals, which is why it is so hard to eliminate them. This is also one reason why weight loss can sometimes lead to heavy metal detoxification, as fat cells shrink and release latent toxins.
Heavy metal detox recommended foods
Pay close attention to the following list. Some of these ingredients can help you make some delicious, nutritious, and, above all, very helpful heavy metal detox smoothies!
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Chlorella
Chlorella is a single-celled algae best known for being a great vegan source of Omega-3, iron, and B12. This superfood helps detoxify the body from heavy metals, especially those found in the brain, gut wall, muscles, ligaments, connective tissue, and bones. Additionally, it prevents the opportunity for heavy metals to return. The main "ingredient" of chlorella that prevents such things is chlorophyll. The benefits of chlorella include reducing inflammation, boosting the immune system, and improving cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
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Coriander
Coriander is a culinary herb known for its numerous health benefits. Due to the high chlorophyll level found inside of it, heavy metals, such as mercury, become easier to eliminate. It has been shown that coriander helps accelerate mercury excretion after dental amalgam removal. In a study conducted in Germany, researchers found that urine levels of mercury, lead, and aluminum increased significantly after eating coriander.
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Spirulina
Spirulina is an algae with an impressive protein content of 55% to 70%. It gained popularity because NASA began introducing it as food for astronauts on space missions. In addition to its protein content, spirulina contains high doses of beta-carotene, vitamin K, and a significant amount of vitamin B. Like chlorella, spirulina also contains high amounts of chlorophyll, which is helpful in removing toxins from the bloodstream while also supporting the immune system.
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Turmeric
This specific plant, related to ginger, contains a phytochemical called curcumin, which is also the reason turmeric has its unique color. Studies have shown that curcumin has great abilities for body detoxification, which makes it very effective in the detoxification journey.
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Ginger
Ginger tea can help reduce bloating and improve your digestion by facilitating the process of toxin elimination. Gingerol is the active compound found in ginger, and it has been used for ages to promote health. Research has shown that gingerol is a great anti-inflammatory agent, which helps reduce stress.
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Beetroot
Beetroots have traditionally been used to stimulate liver enzymes and increase bile, which helps your liver filter out toxins during the process of digestion. Beetroots are also rich in betalains and other phytonutrients that have been shown to reduce inflammation, protect against oxidative stress, and reduce the risk of liver damage.
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Garlic
Garlic, known for its heart benefits, is also great for body detoxification! A natural chemical called allicin, found in garlic, has been shown to increase the production of white blood cells and help eliminate toxins. Garlic is also an excellent source of sulfur, which can stimulate glutathione production in the liver and help filter out heavy metals like lead and arsenic.
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Cranberries
These fruits contain high amounts of antioxidants. When heavy metals enter our body, they oxidise our cells and accelerate the ageing process. Adding cranberries to your diet is a great way to prevent and reverse the oxidative damage caused by heavy metals.
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Milk thistle
This plant is well known for detoxifying the liver. "Silybin" is the active ingredient found in milk thistle, which can help regenerate the liver, eliminate toxins, and prevent free radical damage. Milk thistle has also been shown to help reverse liver damage caused by heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and lead.
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Organic acids
Nature provides us with an abundant supply of organic acids, which act as natural chelating agents that bind to heavy metals. You can find acetic acid in vinegar, citric acid in citrus fruits, ascorbic acid in whole foods, and lactic acid in pickled vegetables.
Conclusion
The robust methodology offered by omics-based approaches helps further develop research about heavy metal detoxification. Serious steps have been taken in this aspect, and early responses of microalgae hint towards heavy metals being considered toxic.
Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0269749121010253?via%3Dihub