Learn how to avoid Heavy Metals in your life, detox and live better!

Do you ever think about heavy metals and the affect they have on our lives?
Heavy metals, such as aluminum, mercury and lead accumulate in the body. After years of accumulation, heavy metals are thought to trigger imbalances which can lead to dementia, thyroid issues, heart disease and much more. It's a long list, unfortunately.

There's a FREE online summit coming up that will explore this BIG picture ~ more info here.

I am excited to attend this FREE summit and may purchase the talks to have at home.
The panel of experts will teach lots more about how to help ourselves ~ but I thought I'd share some basic info here, as it's definitely been on my mind lately.

Click the link above and get the full info about the upcoming summit as soon as available!

Many cleaners and building materials contain toxins. Do you know that  indoor levels of air pollutants are two to five times higher (and sometimes, 100 times higher) than outdoor levels?
(so says the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). That is shocking!

Heavy metal poisoning is caused by the accumulation of certain metals in the body due to exposure through food, water, industrial chemicals, or other sources. ... Lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium are the metals most commonly associated with heavy metal poisoning in the United States.

"Short term, some people suffer allergies, asthma, headaches and rashes from exposure. Long term, chemicals build up in the body, overwhelm the immune system and help to create autoimmune disease.
(also connected to countless cases of autism, arthritis, hives, diabetes, Alzheimer's.. it's a long list)
Learn how to make your home healthier now. Here's a link to a post with some ideas and possible new habits! Check out this compilation eBook with LOTS of great ideas:

Cleaning – Conventional cleaning products contain toxic ingredients, many of which are known carcinogens (cause cancer). Manufacturers don't have to include all ingredients on labels. Your safest bet? Buy cleaners from a natural food store or make them yourself.

 Air Pollution – Open your windows for 15 minutes each morning and evening (even in winter) to air out your house.

Formaldehyde is a volatile carcinogenic gas found in products like plywood, particleboard, panelling, wood finishes, carpeting, furniture, permanent press fabrics and cleaners. We can minimize out-gassing, if we maintain a temperature below 22ºC and humidity of 35-50%. Buy temperature and humidity gauges; read them regularly.

"A low humidity will control mold, mildew and dust mites and thus, allergic reactions. Vent bathrooms, dryers and gas stoves to the outside. Open doors between rooms to improve circulation. Use a dehumidifier and an air conditioner. Remove all conventional air fresheners. They contain formaldehyde, petroleum distillates and aerosol propellants." Source

PLEASE tell me that you are NOT using "Febreeze" or "Glade" plug-ins. No judgement. If you are, please ditch immediately. There are SO many wonderful non-chemical options for offering a pleasant scent in your home. Here's one that is also 'immune boosting'. It's delightful ~ essential oils are healing.

Paint: I have always wondered about lead in paint. Apparently, paint made before 1960 can have high levels of lead. My home was built in 1907 so I have had it tested for lead (happily no results discovered) Ha.. Maybe it's TOO old for there being lead? In any case, it's worth checking out as even the paints made between 1960 and 1978 may contain low levels of lead. 
Here's an example of the kit we used:
PRO-LAB Lead Surface Do It Yourself DIY Test Kit LS104

The Canadian Partnership for Children's Health and Environment (CPCHE) is an affiliation of groups with overlapping missions to improve children's environmental health in Canada. They can be an excellent resource. Here's the website info.

Dry Cleaners – Many use solvents which may be carcinogenic (perchloroethylene is one). These chemicals are believed to actually 'live' in your clothes! Some suggest that you hang clothes outside after their 'trip to the cleaners' That's not overly practical for many of us.

Household Appliances – If your fuel-burning appliances are not working properly, they may emit carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide. For appliances burning gas, they should emit a blue flame. Note: flames with an ongoing yellow tip, can  increase indoor air pollution. Call your gas company to have the appliance adjusted.

Clean your fireplace regularly. Make sure that the flue is open fully. Avoid those pre-fab logs. Choose real wood if possible. Chimneys should be inspected annually

Furnaces:  Change filters every 2-3 months during winter. Carbon monoxide is odourless. Purchase and install a Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector like this one:
First Alert CO605 Carbon Monoxide Plug-In Alarm with Battery Backup

Old House? If your house is pre-1980, have it checked for lead (pipes, paint), formaldehyde and asbestos. I have had all of these tests done, and feel better for having had them!

Chlorine – Purchase a water efficient 'chlorine filter' like this one here:
AquaBliss High Output Universal Shower Filter with Replaceable Multi-Stage Filter Cartridge - Chrome (1 Pack)
Chlorine gas is produce from a hot shower and can cause nausea and headaches or general malaise.

Invest in a water filtration system that removes fluoride, chlorine, pesticides, etc.

Avoid carcinogenic, benzene-containing, perfumed toiletries, and ensure that toothpaste does not contain neurotoxic and thyroid-damaging fluoride and phenols.

Use cornstarch-based body powders instead of talcum (which is now believed to trigger ovarian cancer).

Vaccines are highly controversial. I am personally not a fan of most vaccines. I do not take the flu shot annually. There are many families choosing NOT to vaccinate their children due to belief that these vaccines are harmful. Here's a post by Jennifer Margulis (http://jennifermargulis.net/) on the topic.
As you know, I am not a medical doctor. I share information based on 20+ years of experience with herbal medicine and alternative health.

Plants can add Oxygen to the air and naturally filter pollutants from indoor air. House plants can add beauty to your home + create a healthier oxygen rich environment, which can make us feel more alert and 'better' in general. Examples of easy to grow house plants include Aloe Vera (which is believed to extract and remove formaldehyde from the air!), Boston Fern, Spider plant (Chlorophytum Comosom Vittatum), "Mother-in-Laws Tongue"(Sansevieria trifaciata)  and Ficus (Ficus Benjamina)
There are a number of studies supporting the benefits of indoor 'house plants'. Here's one.

5 Botanicals and heavy metal detox:

There are so many ideas about how to best detox. Please leave your own favourites in the comments, after this post. I use a few of these below so thought I'd share this..
Source: Anthony William Medical Medium
"In the modern world, the accumulation of heavy metals and other toxins, along with inherited mercury deposits, is inevitable—that’s the bad news. The good news is that it is relatively easy to get rid of the heavy metals that you may have already accumulated (both generational and recent), and there are steps you can take to minimize your future exposure."

• Spirulina (preferably from Hawaii): This edible blue-green algae draws out heavy metals from your brain, central nervous system, and liver, and soaks up heavy metals extracted by barley grass juice extract powder. Take 2 teaspoons mixed in water, coconut water, or juice.
• Barley grass juice extract powder: This nutritive grass has the ability to draw heavy metals out of your spleen, intestinal tract, pancreas, thyroid, and reproductive system. Barley grass juice extract prepares the mercury for complete absorption by the spirulina. Drink 1-2 teaspoons mixed into coconut water or juice.

• Cilantro: Goes deep into hard-to-reach places, extracting metals from yesteryear (so it’s great for that mercury inheritance you’re carrying around!). Blend one cup in a smoothie or juice, or add to salad or guacamole. (Carol's note: See this info from a recent post on SB.)
  
• Wild blueberries (only from Maine): Draw heavy metals out of your brain tissue, healing and repairing any gaps created by oxidation when the heavy metals are removed. It is important to use wild blueberries, as they possess unique phytonutrients with special detoxifying capabilities. The potent antioxidants in wild blueberries help reverse any oxidative damage left behind by the heavy metal removal. This is especially important for your brain tissue—in fact, wild blueberries are the most powerful food for halting or in some cases reversing Alzheimer’s and dementia. Eat at least one cup daily. Note: while cultivated blueberries are nutritious, they lack the metal-drawing ability of the wild blueberries.
• Atlantic dulse: In addition to mercury, this edible seaweed binds to lead, aluminum, copper, cadmium, and nickel. Unlike other seaweeds, Atlantic dulse is a powerful force for removing mercury on its own. Atlantic dulse goes into deep, hidden places of the digestive tract and gut, seeking out mercury, binding to it, and never releasing it until it leaves the body. Eat two tablespoons of flakes daily, or an equal amount of strips if it’s in whole-leaf form.

"These five foods constitute your best offensive action against heavy metals, and as you can see, they each have their strengths, performing slightly different roles in the detoxification process. On its own, each individual player isn’t 100 percent effective, but as a team, they are your anti-heavy metal secret weapon!" I have this book and have read it cover to cover. It's fascinating. I am including it here,
for your interest:
Medical Medium: Secrets Behind Chronic and Mystery Illness and How to Finally Heal

The above recommendations can be effective for removing metals already in your system. However, we are constantly coming in contact with heavy metals and other toxins—the exposure is ongoing. While complete avoidance of toxins is impossible, there are many things you can do to minimize your risk and bolster your detox efforts.

Dr Hyman has developed a lengthy process and a 3 Step Plan for mercury detoxification. It's worth reading and is rather 'science deep' and thorough. Here's the link.

I want to learn more about what we can do for ourselves re dealing with HEAVY METALS in our body and our world. Stay tuned for some great info from experts on this timely topic. Click the link below and receive the full info about the upcoming summit as soon as available!

Heavy Metals Summit is FREE for all to view!
Check it out here!

 

Here's to a fabulous 2018 and ever-improving good health ~

                     .....in all ways. xo Carol