About Heavy Metal Detoxification

Heavy metals persist in the environment and have the documented potential to cause serious health consequences for various organs and systems. The most common targets are organs like the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. Integrative medicine interventions like heavy metal detox can decrease the buildup and increase the excretion of toxic heavy metals. Dr. Jessica Cho is a Heavy Metal Detoxification Consultant at Century City, Los Angeles, CA. If you like to rid your body of heavy metals with the help of a heavy metal detox consultant, she is an experienced doctor who can help you.

Heavy metal toxicity may damage various parts of the body, including your:

• Lungs
• Central nervous system
• Cardiovascular system
• Gastrointestinal system
• Kidneys
• Liver
• Bones
• Endocrine glands

What puts me at risk for toxic metal exposure?

Many factors in the environment can expose you to heavy metals, such as lead and mercury. These include:

• Lead-containing plumbing, lead-based paints, and foods grown in lead-rich soil
• Eating fish or shellfish contaminated with methylmercury (such as shark, swordfish, and mackerel)
• Breathing contaminated workplace air
• Release of mercury vapors from dental amalgam fillings
• Cadmium exposure from tobacco smoke or foods containing cadmium, such as grains, legumes, fish, and leafy greens
• Contact with cadmium from household products

What are symptoms of possible heavy metal contamination?

Heavy metal toxicity may look a lot like symptoms of other ailments, and thus it may not be immediately considered as the cause. The symptoms include:

• Chronic fatigue
• Brain fog
• Infertility, especially abnormal sperm tests
• Weight gain or abdominal pain
• Central nervous system dysfunction
• Heart problems
• Anemia

How is heavy metal contamination diagnosed?

Dr. Cho assesses and documents your symptoms and does a thorough analysis of your health history. To evaluate your levels of heavy metals, she may run a urine test, and do a hair and nail analysis.

How is heavy metal contamination treated?

Based on your situation, Dr. Cho provides customized interventions to help detoxify your system. She may suggest chelation therapy, which enhances the elimination of metals from the body.

She recommends you choose mercury-free composite material for fillings, and replace existing mercury amalgam dental fillings. It’s also important to maintain nutrient sufficiency to ensure you’re getting enough trace minerals, and limit consumption of high-mercury fish to a maximum of one serving per week.

What is chelation therapy?

Chelation therapy is a chemical process used to rid your body of heavy metals. Dr. Cho customizes the therapy according to your specific condition and needs. It may include:

• Glutathione IV therapy
• Selenium, vitamin C, folate, alpha-lipoic acid, blue-green algae, garlic, and N-AcetylCysteine
• An oral medicationknown as DMPS that addresses arsenic, cadmium, and mercury toxicity
• Succimer, or DMSA, another oral medication that addresses mild-to-moderate lead, arsenic, and mercury toxicity
• Calcium-disodium EDTA for lead encephalopathy and lead poisoning

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best heavy metal detoxification?

The best heavy metal detoxification approach involves a combination of methods according to the individual’s needs and the specific types of heavy metals involved. Dietary modifications incorporating foods rich in antioxidants and fibers can help support the body’s natural detox pathways. To ensure safety and effectiveness, it is essential to consult with an experienced practitioner like Dr. Jessica Cho, who can create a personalized detoxification plan based on your unique health profile.

What are the symptoms of heavy metal detoxification?

During a heavy metal detoxification process, some individuals may experience detox symptoms as their body begins to eliminate toxins. Some of the common symptoms of heavy metal detoxification include fatigue, mild to moderate headaches, and digestive issues such as nausea, diarrhea, and more. These symptoms are typically temporary and should subside as the detox progresses. Staying hydrated, resting, and maintaining open communication effectively manage these symptoms. 

What does heavy metal toxicity feel like?

Heavy metal toxicity can present a wide range of symptoms depending on the type and level of exposure. Neurological issues such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and cognitive decline are common, as are gastrointestinal distress symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. Chronic fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest, unexplained joint and muscle pain, and skin problems, including rashes or changes in skin color, are also potential indicators. Additionally, mood disorders like depression, anxiety, and irritability, along with immune system dysfunction, which may lead to increased susceptibility to infections, can signal heavy metal toxicity. If you suspect experiencing these symptoms, seeking professional help for proper diagnosis and treatment is crucial.

How do you treat heavy metal toxicity?

Treating heavy metal toxicity requires a multifaceted approach that includes many therapies, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle modifications. Reducing exposure to heavy metals by avoiding contaminated food, water, and environments is crucial. Working with an expert like Dr. Jessica Cho ensures a personalized treatment plan that effectively addresses your specific situation while minimizing potential side effects.