Heavy Metal Toxicity: A Guide to Metal Detoxification – Part 2

Learning about how easily toxic metals can be absorbed by the body and how they can cause or aggravate various illnesses can be pretty alarming. But don’t despair! There are ways to detox and cleanse the body from these harmful toxins.

1^st Heavy Metal Detoxification Method: Intake of Metal Detoxing Drugs

There are drugs specifically developed to aid in the heavy metal detoxification program. DMSA, developed in China in the late 50s is one. This detoxing agent needs to be given every 4 hours around the clock to prevent redistribution of Hg and lead into the central nervous system. It is approved for use in lead toxicity. Common dose range from 50-100 mg q4h-3 days on, 11 days off for 3-12 months. Side effects of this detoxing agent are major brain fog, memory problems during detox, depression and sometimes even seizure disorders in children due to redistribution of metals.

DMPS is another detoxing agent that can aid you in a heavy metal detoxification process. DMPS was developed in Russia and available in both injectable and oral. Common dosage is 3 mg/kg body weight once/month, 3 days on, 11 days off. The injectable form can be used to mobilize Hg and lead from hard to reach places, such as the autonomic ganglia, joints and trigger points. The iv injection works primarily on the endothelium and the kidneys. The iv form though shouldn’t be used unless the detox patient is “covered” with intestinal binding agents such as chlorella, cholestyramine, apple pectin or chitosan.

Desferal is a good subcutaneous detoxing agent for aluminum and iron. Dosage is 1 vial/week – 3 weeks on, 3 weeks off. Desferal have more severe possible anaphylactic reactions than with other common detoxing agents.

Calcium EDTA was originally developed to remove calcium deposits, but was recently found to be an effective detoxing agent also for mercury and other meals including aluminum. This is given as 1 minute push 5-10 ml once a week. Side effects are so far underreported and can be serious due to redistribution.

There’s also the Intravenous Vitamin C which detoxes and cleanses mercury, lead and aluminum mostly over the colon which is desirable. This can be used daily and there are no serious side effects.

2^nd Heavy Metal Detoxification Method: Go Au Naturel! Do a Detox Diet!

Dr. Klinghardt advises ingesting a lot of protein during a heavy metal detoxification program. Having a high protein diet during a heavy metal detox is important because the sulfur-bearing amino acids in the protein will greatly facilitate detoxification.

Increase intake of psyllium, which is a bulk forming laxative, high in fiber and mucilage. This is helpful in having 2-3 bowel movements per day.

Chlorella, an algage which has high levels of chlorophyll, is also an important part of the detoxification program since approximately 90% of mercury in our bodies is eliminated through the stool. It’s considered to be one of the purest, most potent foods on earth.

High consumption of fish oil protects one from damage caused by dental amalgam fillings. EPA and DHA in fish oil make the red and white blood cells more flexible which improves the microcirculation of the brain, heart and other tissues. Optimal oxygen delivery and blood flow are where all detoxification functions depend on. EPA and DHA protect the brain from viral infections and are needed for the development of intelligence and eye-sight.

Healingdaily.com advises that garlic, MSM and cilantro are also good to include in one’s detox diet. Start eating garlic daily to enhance sulfur stores. 2-3 cloves a day is an excellent idea. Make sure to crush the garlic to release its active ingredients.  MSM, a form of sulfur, acts on cell membranes and helps cleanse the body from mercury. Cilantro on the other hand will help mobilize mercury out of the tissue so the chlorella can bind to it and allow it to be excreted from the body through the stools.

Finally, it is imperative to first start the heavy metal detoxification with colon cleansing and liver cleansing.

3^rd Heavy Metal Detoxification Method: Go on a Detox Therapy

The sauna detox is considered the best detoxification method of all. Sweating during sauna therapy has shown that it cleanses the body of high levels of toxic metals. A 20-minute sauna saves the kidneys 24 hours of working time.

Another detox therapy to try is colon hydrotherapy which removes not only fecal matter from the bowel but also sludge and debris that has attached itself to the wall of the colon. Since a lot of toxins are neurotoxins, and the colon is lined with nerve endings, many get reabsorbed on the way down. Colon hydrotherapy is the ideal method to intercept these toxins.

Acupuncture and neural therapy are also advisable detox therapies since both are closely related techniques that balance the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Compartmentalized metals are often trapped because of specific dysfunctions of the ANS and both can be resolved by either technique.

4^th Heavy Metal Detoxification Method: Exercise

Lastly, to facilitate in the heavy metal detoxification process, exercise is absolutely needed. A good exercise program should include 3 components: a) muscle strength training, b) aerobic training and c) stretching. Recommended minimum requirement during the active metal detoxification phase is 20 minutes, twice a day.