Heavy metals – not the rock music genre, but the metals found in the foods we eat and the water we consume daily can affect our health. I personally wondered where to begin my journey to seek health support for heavy metals for both near and longer term effects. Luckily there are a few ways to check and test your body and your personal space (at home, apartment, etc.) without leaving your home. By no means is this article meant to replace the true professionals’ assistance. Let’s start to explore heavy metals tips to minimize exposure moving ahead!
What are Heavy Metals and what types should I be on the lookout for?
- Heavy Metals tend to be heavier in weight and can tend to be toxic to the human body even if ingested or if someone has been minimally exposed. Examples of Heavy Metals are Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, and Arsenic.
When would I come in contact with something like a heavy metal?
- Lead can be linked to or found in homes that had old paint still on the walls (generally houses build during or before the 1960s).
- Mercury – I remember the days when it was in our thermometers growing up (luckily the technology has changed and progressed to digital). But If those thermometers weren’t properly taken care of, broke, or discarded inappropriately there is another chance of exposure.
- Cadmium, most commonly found in batteries and similar to Mercury if discarded incorrectly, car accident exposed the battery, or other forms this could have impact on the kidneys.
- Arsenic generally found in our water systems. Hard to believe our water might not be our most trusted source and yet we rely on it everyday. Is the most common link to many forms of cancer.
Here are a few ways to check your water sources and household items.
Testing Your Water: Heavy metals can be present in tap water including metals like mercury, lead, and arsenic. Of course, you can purchase in-home water testing kits to check for potential contaminants or even send a sample to a certified lab for further analysis.
But a first step can be using a water filter which can remove heavy metals from your water supply, if it tests positive.
At Home Soil Testing: there is no lawn too small or too big, regardless if you are planning to play outside, garden to grow food, testing your soil is essential. There are DIY soil test kits or you can take it one steps further and contact your local agricultural office for additional testing services
Checking For Lead Paint: When shopping for homes there are a few things to be mindful of if you’re earlier in the home buying process. Homes typically built before 1978 may have lead based paint. Lead paint can pose a risk to everyone in the home, kids, and even pets. Similar to water and soil testing, you can use an at home lead testing kit to check surfaces for potential lead exposure. If lead is apparent or present look into hiring a professional to remove safely and/or encapsulate it.
Testing the Body for Heavy Metal Exposure:
- Testing Blood for Exposure: A common way testing is completed for heavy metals is via a blood test. A blood test can get a read on recent exposure to metals like lead and mercury. Your local healthcare provider can issue this test if you feel any effects or propose there was exposure.
- Another Test Format is a Hair Analysis: Additional information can be provided by a hair analysis which can provide information about longer term exposure. A hair analysis requires a minimal/small sample of hair to a specific lab, where they analyze for any potential metal content within the hair sample.
- Lastly, Taking a Urine Tests: can be performed by using a product that binds to heavier metals, these products and test can help detect the presence of heavy metals that may have been stored in body tissues over time.
Ways to Prevent Heavy Metal Exposure in Everyday Life:
As someone who has seen the impact of unpurified water with friends and loved ones experiencing different cancers or health impacts prevention can be key.
- Making Sure to Filter Your Water at Home:
- While exposure can live outside of the home there are small steps to take within your own home to prevent the spread of heavy metals. Look to install a water filtration system that has been tested and/or is certified already to remove heavy metals from your drinking water. There are a few different offerings which can include pitcher filters, faucet attachments, or if you want to go big to cover all drinking and showering water usage there are whole house filters available for greater home and family protection.
- Mindful Purchasing of Safe Household Products:
- Products to Avoid: Oftentimes regular household items such as cosmetics, cookware, and jewelry can be linked to and contain heavy metals. Small steps to choosing the correct products include choosing stainless steel or cast iron cookware versus non-stick pans. As you would with any food label, do the same for your products and check labels for non-toxic or metal free cosmetics, especially those free from lead and cadmium.
- Children’s Toy and Products: Looking for lead free products help ensure that the toys our children and family members are playing with meet safety standards. Be aware of any cheap products, trinkets, and even baby bottle labels/paint that might contain heavy metals.
- Eating a Healthy and Detoxifying Foods:
- Incorporate Detoxifying Foods: There are quite a few options that can be incorporated into a diet to help naturally detox the body from Heavy Metals. I often include leafy greens (like spinach and kale), hardy veggies (like broccoli and cauliflower), and foods rich in fiber (citrus fruits and even whole grains). Additional meal add ons try adding in Garlic, onions, and cilantro to your meals which are able to attach to heavy metals and can assist with in their removal from the body.
- Higher Risk Foods: Pregnant women may already be aware of these but for those who are newer to heavy metal exposure here are the foods to avoid eating a larger volume of. Certain fish, like swordfish and mackerel are known to contain high levels of mercury. Opting for lesser risk fish salmon, sardines, and trout may be beneficial.
- Importance of Air Quality Improvement:
- Bring the fresh air in and vent your home: Easy ways to do this are by regularly opening windows to let the outside in. Use exhaust fans for additional air circulation, especially in areas like the kitchens and even garages where heavy metals might be present.
- Air Purifiers: Consider using a high efficiency air purifier to reduce indoor pollutants, including dust that may contain heavy metals.Or if you live in a city the outside air may bring in other potential pollutants.
- Practicing Good Hygiene to Alleviate Homes from Settling Pollutants:
- It Seems so Simple, but Regularly Washing Your Hands: Practicing this regularly helps encourage health and heavy metals safety. Encourage all family members to partake, especially children, to wash their hands before eating and after coming indoors after play time. This practice helps remove any heavy metals that may have settled on the skin or been picked up from surfaces.
- Home Hygiene by Cleaning Your Home Regularly: Dust can often carry heavy metals so it is an added importance to vacuum on a regular cadence to remove the build up. Even more effective is using a vacuum with a HEPA filter (high efficiency) to remove contaminants.
- Use Caution with Vitamins, Supplements, and Imported Goods:
- Check for and Purchase Purified Supplements: Only purchase vitamins and dietary supplements from well known sources because some supplements, especially those imported or not rigorously tested and potentially sold online without much regulation can contain heavy metals.
- Avoid Imported Ceramics and Pottery: Be cautious with imported ceramics, as some may be glazed with lead-containing materials. Choose lead-free products to ensure safety.
In Conclusion: Being proactive and even more mindful about the potential products and sources of heavy metal exposure in everyday life can make a positive impact on your family. Regularly testing and using safe products, as well as eating balanced and detoxifying diets can assist in maintaining and removing heavy metals within the body. Remember that prevention is the key to following a healthier lifestyle. Create a safer home for you and your loved ones!
Stay informed and stay safe! 🌿