Heavy Metal Poisoning

Heavy metals, such as arsenic, lead, mercury, or aluminum, can be present in contaminated water, air, and food, leading to health problems over the years. These issues may manifest through symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or excessive fatigue, for example.

Orthomolecular Medicine also plays a significant role in the treatment of toxic metal poisoning, including lead, aluminum, cadmium, mercury, and others. Diagnosis can be made through blood, urine, or hair tests (HAIR MINERAL ANALYSIS).

Aluminum, in particular, primarily compromises bones and the brain. It is believed that intoxication by this metal may be one of the triggers for Alzheimer's Disease, which leads to total dementia, as observed in actress Rita Hayworth and affecting former US President Ronald Reagan. Aluminum can also cause depression and sexual impotence, among various symptoms described by science. It is present in laminates (aluminum foil, lunchboxes, pans), antiperspirant deodorants and other cosmetics, toothpastes, etc.

Lack of essential minerals or an excess of certain toxic minerals are commonly associated with fatigue, stress, arthritis, diabetes, depression, osteoporosis, aggression, irritability, muscle pain, cholesterol-related dysfunctions, irregular aging processes (free radicals), digestive complications (such as malabsorption of nutrients), hypertension, and a host of other bodily problems.

With specific diets and vitamin supplements, including so-called "free radical scavengers" (antioxidants), in addition to phytotherapeutics, smart drugs, etc., the physician can correct metabolism, improve overall bodily conditions, remove toxic metals if present, and also identify tendencies and prevent diseases.

Primary sources of arsenic poisoning include: smoking (pipe), pesticides, and defoliants. Increased levels of this element may be associated with fatigue, asthenia, diarrhea, or intestinal constipation. In our environment, however, arsenic poisoning is quite rare. High levels of arsenic cause diarrhea, impaired healing, hepatic dysfunction, peripheral neuritis, and renal problems. It also interferes with folic acid metabolism.

References: 1) HEAVEN, R. et AL. – “Arsenic Intoxication Presenting with Macrocytosis and Peripheral Neuropathy without Anemia” – Acta Hematologica 92, 142-3, 1994. 2) CAMPBELL, J.D – “Lifestyle, Minerals and Health” – Medical Hypotheses, 57, 521-531, 2001.

Increased barium levels are very rare and are almost always caused by food additives. The elevation of this mineral can also occur in cases of water contamination by hospital waste. Excess barium can inhibit calcium absorption. Antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and Selenium, can act therapeutically.

References: 1) BLAUROCK – BUSCH, E. and Griffin, V. – “Mineral and Trace Element Analysis” – TMI Books, Boulder, CO, USA, 1996, 109. 2) Kage, S. ET AL. “A Simple Method for Detection of Gun-shot Residue Particles from Hands, Hair, Faces and Clothing – using Scanning Electron Microscopy”, - J. Forensic Sci. 46, 83-4, 2001.

The main source of beryllium poisoning is industrial pollution, especially from industries that manufacture alloys of this mineral (used in aircraft and rocket manufacturing). The primary detrimental effect of this toxic metal is magnesium depletion, an essential mineral with significant physiological functions. Poisoning by this element is extremely rare in Brazil. References: 1) XIA, L et AL. – “Single Drop Microextraction Combined with Low Temperature Electrothermal Vaporization ICP-MS for the Determination of Trace Be, Co and PD - Anal. Chem. 76, 2910-5, 2004. 2) DIANG, C. and HE, F. – “Spectro Fluorimetric Determination of Trace Amounts of Beryllium in Mineral Water and Human Hair” – Spectrochim. Acta Biomol. Spectrscop. Acta, 59, 1321-8, 2003.

Bismuth has been used orally in the treatment of various chronic intestinal problems (ulcerative colitis), as well as in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori. Although considered non-toxic due to its limited absorption, recent studies show potential neurotoxicity, with possible localization in the central nervous system. It can also be found in beauty products (cosmetics) and fungicides. References: 1) SUAREZ, F et AL – “Site of Bismuth Absorption from Bismuth Sub-Salicylate: Implications for Treatment of Colonic Conditions” – Dig. Dis. Sci. 45.14444-6, 2000. 2) PHILLIPS, et al. – “Solubility Absorption and Anti-Helicobacter Pylori of Bismuth Subnitrate and Colloidal Bismuth Subnitrate: In Vitro Data Do Not Predict In Vivo Efficacy” – Helicobacter 5, 176-82, 2000.

Sources of cadmium contamination include: cigarette paper, automobile fumes, industrial pollution, and contaminated refined flours. Increased levels of this mineral may be associated with kidney problems, hypertension, and immune deficiency.

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