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Heavy metals, especially lead, mercury, nickel, cadmium and
arsenic have been implicated in a variety of disturbances
of essential physiological pathways. They can bind sites normally
occupied by essential minerals disrupting metabolic activity.
They can also destroy the body's free radical defense systems,
leaving the body more susceptible to free radical damage from
chemicals. Vague and puzzling symptoms are sometimes related
to abnormally high levels of heavy metals. When heavy metals
evoke an immune (antibody) response, it means that the body
has attached specific liver enzymes to the metal forming an
antigen-antibody complex of the metal. Antibody to a metal
clearly indicates the body's inability to clear the metal
and is therefore the best method of differentiating a potentially
serious heavy metal problem. The antibodies that form in response
to the metal/enzyme complex are evidence of risk for autoimmune
and potentially significant physiological pathway alteration
and possible metabolic toxicity. The result can be an increased
likelihood of a variety of illnesses including chronic degenerative
disorders, including autoimmune conditions as well as cancer.
Lead exposures are most damaging in children. Lead damages cells, especially those of the nervous system. It can become incorporated in bone in place of calcium, weakening bone structure. Everyday lead exposures can come from solder in homes with copper pipes, pesticides on foods, paint chips and dust from older homes and inner city playgrounds (lead contamination still exists on city streets and playgrounds from the exhaust from leaded gasoline which was used until the 1970s).
Mercury is one of the most poisonous substances known to man. It is particularly dangerous because it is so easily absorbed through the skin, lungs and intestines. Although a metal, it is a liquid at room temperature and readily vaporizes and can be inhaled. Mercury is found in: silver amalgam dental fillings; fish; some plastics, inks, water based paints, pesticides and fungicides; chlorine bleaches and even some vaccines. Mercury is also found in some over the counter health care products like Preparation H and Iodine products.
Nickel depletes the body's zinc stores and compromises immune function. It is also used to create cancerous tumors in lab rats. It is a component of stainless steel cookware and it is also used in dental braces, bridges and posts. Kelp, herring, oysters, legumes, cabbage and hydrogenated fats and oils may contain nickel.
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