Heavy Metal Toxicity Symptoms and Treatment

Dr. Miranda Hill • 15 January 2024

Heavy metals are a common underlying cause of many chronic health conditions. Heavy metals can build up in the body over long periods of time or may remain in the body after acute exposures. This article includes common symptoms and conditions caused by heavy metal toxicity. Symptoms of heavy metal toxicity are highly dependent upon the individual and other underlying factors, including chronic infections and environmental toxins. This article does not include symptoms of acute heavy metal poisoning.

Aluminum

When heavy metals build up in the body, chronic inflammation protects tissues from the damaging effects of the metal particles. Aluminum, like all heavy metals, may remain deep within the body for decades. Aluminum disrupts enzymatic cellular reactions and impairs overall detoxification. Aluminum is a neurotoxin and can contribute to chronic widespread pain and neuropathy.

Over time, aluminum can alter chemical signaling between cells, promoting an autoimmune response. Many autoimmune diseases have underlying heavy metals as part of the root cause. Heavy metals alter the way the immune system behaves and shifts the immune system into a reactive state.

The symptoms of aluminum toxicity include:

Anxiety
Depression
Fatigue
Brain fog
Poor concentration
Memory loss
Chronic pain
Chronic allergies
Food sensitivities
Multiple chemical sensitivity
Lowered immune function
Skin rashes
Eczema
High histamine

Aluminum toxicity is commonly associated with the following medical conditions:

Alzheimer’s disease
Parkinson’s disease
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Memory loss
Asthma
Cardiovascular disease
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Multiple sclerosis
Kidney disease
Osteoporosis

Arsenic

Arsenic is commonly found in contaminated water supplies, some spices, specific geographic regions with high soil content, and some foods. Arsenic depletes cellular energy (mitochondrial function), promotes chronic inflammation, impairs pancreatic function, and increases nervous system inflammation. Many forms of chronic fatigue syndrome involve arsenic as a part of the driving cause.

Arsenic is also involved in many cardiovascular conditions, as arsenic promotes vascular inflammation and stress. Arsenic inhibits the transfer of beneficial cholesterol and promotes high levels of circulating oxidized lipid particles within the body.

Arsenic exposure is common and can be easily mitigated through water filtration and addressing other imbalances in the body.

Arsenic is a known carcinogen. Heavy metal detoxification is essential for all cancer patients to address the underlying immune stressors.

Cadmium

Cadmium is a heavy metal that can be involved in many cardiovascular conditions, asthma, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, lowered immune function, autoimmune diseases, and learning disorders.

Symptoms of cadmium toxicity may include:

Brain fog
Fatigue
Anxiety
Depression
Low libido
Decreased muscle strength
Joint pain
Nerve pain
Abdominal pain
Decreased coordination
Neuropathy
Anemia

Cadmium disrupts multiple reactions inside of cells and promotes chronic inflammation. Overtime, cadmium alters the immune system’s ability to survey for cancer cells. Cadmium is extremely toxic to the nervous system and may promote neurodegenerative conditions.

Cadmium may also be involved in many gastrointestinal disorders by interfering with the production of digestive enzymes requiring zinc. Many individuals with heavy metals sitting within the gastrointestinal tact lining experience abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and/or burping. Heavy metals interfere with the immune system located in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby promoting the growth of fungal species and unfriendly bacteria.

Cobalt

Cobalt is a heavy metal that can be found in various forms. A very small amount of cobalt is essential to normal functions within the body. Excessive amounts of cobalt can build up in the body and cause a variety of adverse health effects.

High amounts of cobalt in the body have been associated with the following conditions:

Cancer
Gastrointestinal conditions (including Crohn’s disease and Colitis)
Cardiovascular disease
Cardiomyopathy
Chronic pain
Joint pain
Muscle pain
Nerve pain
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTs)
Raynaud’s syndrome
Asthma
Lowered immune function or chronic infections
Neuropathy
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Altered function of the pancreas (including diabetes)
COPD
Anemia

Cobalt interferes with many chemical reactions in the body and alters cellular communication. Typically, one of the most prominent symptoms of cobalt toxicity is widespread pain. Many individuals with cobalt toxicity are diagnosed with the blanket diagnosis of fibromyalgia, for which the cause is unknown. Cobalt toxicity irritates the nervous system and can cause nerve damage.

Cobalt interferes with cellular oxygenation and can result in chronic anemia of unknown origin. Due to cobalt’s effects on the nervous system and cardiovascular system, many individuals may experience the following symptoms:

Dizziness
Nausea
Vomiting
Tremors
Anxiety
Depression
Brain fog
Poor circulation
Numbness
Tingling
Shortness of breath
Decreased range of motion
Decreased hearing
Impaired vision

Cobalt is also destructive to the cardiovascular system and promotes systemic inflammation. Detoxifying cobalt out of the body is essential to the management of any condition with cobalt related toxicity.

Copper

Copper is an essential mineral that is needed to maintain the production of red blood cells, immune cells, collagen, and nerve cells. In excess, copper can build up in the body and lead to a host of chronic conditions.

Symptoms of copper toxicity may include:

Fatigue
Anxiety
Depression
Mood swings
Hyperactivity
Brain fog
Memory loss
Dizziness
Pale or yellowing skin
Joint pain
Nerve pain
Neuropathy
Chest palpations
Chest pain
Low blood pressure
Feeling cold all the time
Nausea
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Hair loss
Dry skin
Skin rashes
Changes in eye color

High levels of copper may be involved in the following conditions:

Alzheimer’s disease
Parkinson’s disease
Autoimmune diseases
Cardiovascular disease
Small vessel disease
High blood pressure
Arrhythmias
Anemia
Rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Asthma
Autism
Learning disabilities
Miscarriages
Liver disease
Kidney damage
Cancer

Excess copper disrupts the body’s copper to zinc ratio. Too much copper can decrease zinc absorption and lead to a zinc deficiency. The opposite is also true. Too much zinc can cause a copper deficiency. Supplementing with high amounts of copper or zinc for more than three weeks on average can disrupt the ratio between copper and zinc.

The build up of copper in the body can be associated with a genetic condition called Wilson’s disease. Wilson’s disease is a rare inherited condition resulting in poor copper elimination from the body. Identification of Wilson’s disease is performed through blood and urine testing.

Iron

Iron is an essential mineral that is involved in the production of red blood cells. Too much iron can build up in the body through genetic conditions, such as hemochromatosis, chronic infections, high levels of chronic inflammation, heavy metal toxicity, excess supplementation, and cancer. Having enough iron stored in the body is essential for everyday life; however, too much iron leads to oxidation and damage of tissues.

The combination of excess iron and chronic persistent infections produces high amounts of inflammation. The combination of excess iron and chronic infections, such as Lyme disease, bartonella, ehrlichia, rickettsia, mycoplasma, EBV, some parasites, and others, can lengthen treatment duration. Iron can serve as a nutrient source for chronic infections, increasing their activity. Chronic infections can also limit the body’s ability to detoxify excess iron. Treating chronic infections is a key factor in managing iron levels in the body.

Symptoms of chronic iron excess include:

Fatigue
Chronic pain
Brain fog
Memory loss
Headaches
Migraines
Anxiety
Depression
Learning disabilities
Insomnia
Tremors
Dizziness
Constipation
Abdominal pain
Cold intolerance
Hair loss
Yellowing of skin (jaundice)

Conditions associated with chronic iron excess:

Alzheimer’s disease
Parkinson’s disease
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Multiple sclerosis
ADD / ADHD
Cardiovascular disease
Cardiomyopathy
Small vessel disease
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
High blood inflammatory markers
Hemochromatosis
Hepatitis
Liver cirrhosis / liver disease
Pancreatitis
Cancer

Lead

Lead is a heavy metal that is very destructive to the body. Lead is a neurotoxin and has been associated with the following symptoms:

Fatigue
Hyperactivity in children
Anxiety
Depression
Low IQ
Aggression
Irritability
Brain fog
Poor concentration
Memory loss
ADHD / ADD
Headaches
Migraines
Chronic pain (joint pain, bone pain, muscle pain, or nerve pain)
Pain of organ origin (kidney pain, liver pain, gallbladder pain, pancreatic pain, etc.)
Tachycardia
Tremors / ticks
Seizures
Numbness
Tingling
Neuropathy
Muscle weakness
Decreased balance
Poor coordination
Swelling
Abdominal pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Hair loss
Decreased hearing
Decreased urination
Eczema
Easy bruising
Low libido
Decreased appetite
Lowered immune function

Lead may be a major factor involved in fibromyalgia and other chronic pain syndromes. Lead disrupts cell signaling and increases the production of pro-inflammatory pain signals. Treating lead toxicity can greatly improve pain and the quality of life in such conditions.

Lead may be involved in the following medical diagnoses:

Cardiovascular disease
Vascular stenosis
Raynaud’s syndrome
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Autism
Developmental delays (cognitive and stature)
Gout
Hypothyroidism
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Autoimmune diseases
Arthritis
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Multiple sclerosis
Mental health conditions (bipolar, schizophrenia, personality disorder, etc.)
Osteoporosis
Cancer

Lead is highly associated with learning disabilities and behavioral challenges in children. Lead toxicity can be a large factor in autism progression. If not treated, lead can also suppress a child’s growth. For children with lead toxicity, addressing lead and other heavy metals can improve behavior, mood, cognition, energy, academics, and ability to socialize.

Mercury

Mercury is an extremely toxic heavy metal that is commonly used in dentistry, found in many large fish, and may be an airborne contaminant.

Symptoms of mercury toxicity include:

Anxiety
Depression
Mood swings
Fatigue
Brain fog
Poor concentration
Memory loss
Headaches
Migraines
Insomnia
Tremors
Seizures
Chronic pain
Muscle weakness
Heart arrhythmias
Tachycardia
Blood sugar dysregulation
Nausea
Metallic taste in mouth
Increased thirst
Swelling
Dry mouth
Excessive salivation
Excessive sweating
Heat intolerance
Foul body odor
Acne
Hair loss
Hearing loss
Light and sound sensitivity
Easy bruising
Low libido
Lowered immune function

Mercury toxicity may be involved in the following health conditions:

Autoimmune diseases
Arthritis
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Multiple sclerosis
Mental health conditions (bipolar, schizophrenia, personality disorder, etc.)
ADD / ADHD
Developmental delays
Cardiovascular disease
Vascular stenosis
High blood pressure
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTs)
Kidney disease
Osteoporosis

Detoxing mercury has to be done with the utmost care. Mercury damages tissues upon being mobilized if not done correctly. Heavy metal chelators, such as EDTA, DMPS, and DMSA, pull heavy metals from tissues within the body. These chelators are commonly used for individuals with high amounts of mercury or lead in the body. Strong chelators deplete the body of essential trace minerals and come with the risk of mobilizing mercury and other heavy metals into other areas of the body. There are far too many risks that come with utilizing strong chelators, such as EDTA, DMPS, and DMSA, orally or intravenously.

Nickel

Nickel is a heavy metal that is commonly associated with chronic inflammatory conditions and immune hypersensitivity. Nickel is irritating to soft tissues and can lead to chronic swelling. Nickel contributes to high amounts of oxidative stress in the body and interferes with many enzymatic reactions essential for cell signaling.

Nickel toxicity may present with the following symptoms:

Anxiety
Panic attacks
Fatigue
Chronic pain
Dizziness
Tremors
Headaches
Eczema
Skin rashes
Chronic allergies
Lowered immune function

The following health conditions may involve nickel toxicity:

Autoimmune diseases
Cardiovascular disease
Small vessel disease
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Multiple sclerosis
Kidney disease
Cancer

Tin

Tin is a heavy metal associated with multiple conditions relating to the cardiovascular system. Tin interferes with enzymatic reactions and disrupts the function of mitochondria. Tin is a neurotoxin and can contribute to many of the following symptoms:

Fatigue
Anxiety
Depression
Brain fog
Poor concentration
Memory loss
Headaches
Migraines
Developmental delay
Chronic pain
Low blood sugar
Tremors
Seizures
Dizziness
Numbness
Tingling
Skin rashes

Tin may be an underlying component of the following health conditions:

Autoimmune diseases
Autism
Arthritis
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Cardiovascular disease
Raynaud’s syndrome
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Kidney disease
Liver cirrhosis
Cancer

Titanium

Titanium is a heavy metal involved in many chronic inflammatory conditions. Titanium increases cellular stress and whole body inflammation. Titanium is commonly used as a whitening agent in food products, medications, supplements, beauty products, and personal care items.

Symptoms of titanium toxicity include:

Anxiety
Irritability
Mood swings
Nervousness
Chronic pain
Fatigue
Headaches
Migraines
Tremors
Dizziness
Neuropathy
Decreased balance
Poor coordination
Nausea
Swelling
Skin rashes
Low libido
Lowered immune function

Medical conditions that may be caused by titanium toxicity:

Autoimmune diseases
Arthritis
Autism
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Cardiovascular disease
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Pancreatitis
Cancer

Heavy Metal Detoxification:

Most heavy metal treatments take two to four years and may utilize very harsh chelating agents. Dr. Miranda Hill has extensively studied the best therapies to treat heavy metal toxicity in the safest way possible. Heavy metal detoxification utilizing Dr. Miranda’s individualized treatment plans averages six to eight months. Treatment includes targeted and specific mobilizers, binders, anti-inflammatory agents, cellular stabilizers, and nutrient repletion throughout the metal removal process. Dr. Miranda Hill does not utilize oral or intravenous EDTA, DMPS, or DMSA due to the extensive side effects and associated cellular damage.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Miranda Hill here for heavy metal toxicity assessment and treatment.

Learn more about environmental sources of heavy metals here.

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SIBO - Navigating Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

by Dr. Miranda Hill • 28 May 2024

What Is SIBO: SIBO stands for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and occurs when bacteria, both friendly and unfriendly strains, overgrow in the small intestine. Overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine can lead to many adverse gastrointestinal symptoms. Symptoms of SIBO: Abdominal bloating, especially after eating Burping Gas Indigestion Reflux / GERD Nausea Abdominal pain Constipation and/or diarrhea Undigested food in stool Food intolerances / sensitivities Environmental allergies Anemia - iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, or anemia of unknown origin Fatigue Brain fog Poor concentration Anxiety Depression Joint pain, usually in combination with gastrointestinal symptoms Muscle pain, usually in combination with gastrointestinal symptoms ADD / ADHD Skin conditions - rashes, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea Itching Changes in weight - weight loss or weight gain May be asymptomatic Causes of SIBO: It is commonly believed that SIBO occurs when bacterial species in the colon overgrow in the small intestine; however, this is not always the case. Other factors that may contribute to the formation of SIBO, some of which include the following: Oral antibiotics Other acute or chronic microbial imbalances in the gastrointestinal tract (bacteria, viruses, parasites) Food poisoning Low gastrointestinal immune function Poor drainage of the intestines Delayed gastrointestinal motility Constipation Gastric bypass surgery Drinking chlorinated water Long-term use of antacids or proton pump inhibitors Certain medications Smoking Pesticides Types of SIBO: Small intestinal overgrowth is differentiated into methane, hydrogen, and/or hydrogen sulfide positive SIBO based on the types of gases produced during SIBO diagnostic tests. Conventional SIBO Diagnosis: The gold standard for diagnosing SIBO is a jejunal aspirate, which is highly invasive, expensive, and has limited ability to assess the entire small intestine. Breath tests are the most common conventional method used to diagnose SIBO. Patients must follow a specific bland diet for multiple days leading up to the breath test and fast the day of the test. The morning of the breath test, a single dose of liquid lactose, fructose, or glucose is ingested. A series of breath samples are taken throughout the day and then sent to a lab for gas analysis. Positive SIBO breath tests occur when bacteria ferment the ingested sugar solution and produce methane, hydrogen, and/or hydrogen sulfide gas. The accuracy of SIBO breath tests is highly limited and prone to user error. False-positive tests may result in certain cases of large intestine bacterial overgrowth, rather than bacterial overgrowth occurring in the small intestine. In many cases, SIBO extends beyond the parameters of conventional testing. It is possible for species other than those that give off methane, hydrogen, or hydrogen sulfide gas to be overpopulated in the small intestine and produce the symptoms of SIBO. Conventional SIBO Treatment: The conventional approach to SIBO treatment includes oral antibiotics with or without a low-FODMAP diet. A low-FODMAP diet involves eliminating foods high in certain fermentable sugars that feed many types of bacteria. Many individuals with SIBO experience adverse symptoms, such as abdominal bloating, pain, brain fog, etc. after eating foods high in FODMAPs. Eliminating or minimizing foods containing FODMAPs can help reduce the severity of symptoms while treating SIBO. Antibiotics that may be used to treat SIBO include, rifaximin, neomycin, metronidazole, and others. The use of antimicrobial herbs to treat SIBO has become more popular due to the ineffectiveness of oral antibiotics to completely eradicate SIBO. SIBO Testing & Treatment at Restorative Medicine: Dr. Miranda Hill utilizes a form of applied kinesiology known as Cellular Photonics to test and formulate treatment plans for SIBO. Dr. Miranda Hill utilizes various forms of therapies to treat SIBO, including herbs, supplements, enzymes, binders, homeopathics, PEMF therapy, and/or medications. Dietary modifications are individualized based on each patient’s case. Following a low-FODMAP diet is not required in every case of SIBO. Dr. Miranda Hill specializes in supporting the immune system and other areas of the body while treating SIBO. Treatment plans are comprehensive and inclusive to the whole person. Contact our office for more information about scheduling an appointment with Dr. Miranda Hill. References: Simrén M, Stotzer PO. Use and abuse of hydrogen breath tests. Gut. 2006;55(3):297-303. doi:10.1136/gut.2005.075127 Lim J, Rezaie A. Pros and Cons of Breath Testing for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth and Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2023;19(3):140-146.

Individualized Homeopathic Medicine With Restorative Medicine

by Dr. Miranda Hill • 16 April 2024

What is Homeopathy? Homeopathy is a form of medicine that uses very dilute substances at low and ultra low doses to stimulate healing within the body. Homeopathic medicine has been used for hundreds of years. National health systems of Brazil, Chile, Cuba, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Africa, and Switzerland regularly use homeopathy as part of healthcare. Traditional homeopathic remedies contain nanoparticles (very small particles) of the original substance from which the medicine is derived from. In the body, homeopathic nanoparticles can treat acute and chronic infections, support optimal organ and immune function, correct dysfunctional cellular patterns, and promote drainage. Homeopathy can also be prepared through electromagnetic imprinting of alcohol or water. This form of homeopathy works by shifting the positive and negative charges lining cells throughout the body, supports detoxification, increases drainage, improves immune function, and can directly treat acute and chronic infections. Homeopathics may be prepared from plants, minerals, vitamins, microorganisms, animal derivatives, root canals post extraction, hormones, peptides, etc. Dr. Miranda utilizes homeopathy with patients to address underlying causes and to treat many conditions. Homeopathy is a very gentle form of medicine that is dosed based on the condition and the state of the body. Dr. Miranda Hill personalizes each homeopathic blend and sources homeopathics from around the world. Homeopathy May Be Used For The Following Indications: Detoxification Optimizing digestion - treating constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, etc. Regulating organ function Drainage of body systems - lymphatics/spleen, liver, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, etc. Treatment of acute or chronic infections - bacteria, viruses, and parasites Balancing of the immune system Regulating hormones Alleviating acute or chronic pain Treatment of many dental conditions Aid healing of tissues - post surgery, wounds, cuts, lacerations, trauma, bites, etc. Supporting emotional health Improving sleep Traditional Homeopathic Dosages: Dr. Miranda Hill utilizes a variety of homeopathic dosages as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Homeopathics vary in dilution and strength. The following is a key to the numeric homeopathic dosage system: A homeopathic remedy with a number followed by “X” or “D” is diluted based on a 1:10 ratio A homeopathic remedy with a number followed by “C” or “cK” is diluted based on a 1:100 ratio A homeopathic remedy with a number followed by “M” is diluted based on a 1:1,000 ratio A homeopathic remedy with a number followed by “LM” is diluted based on a 1:50,000 ratio The first number in the ratio refers to the original substance, while the second number refers to the alcohol or water base used to prepare the homeopathic remedy. Homeopathics are made by preparing a mother tincture out of the raw material (e.g. plant material) and then taking one drop of the mother tincture and combining it with alcohol or water - nine drops for a X remedy, 99 drops for a C remedy, 999 drops for a M remedy, or 49,999 drops for a LM remedy. This would produce a 1X, 1C, 1M, or 1LM homeopathic depending on the relative amount of alcohol or water used. The dilution process continues until the number of dilutions coincides with the respective number on the homeopathic. For example, five more dilutions would occur from a 1X preparation to produce a 6X remedy. Some homeopaths believe that beyond a potency of 12C, such as 30C, 200C, 1M, or higher dilutions, molecules of the original substance are no longer present in the homeopathic. Studies have shown nanoparticles of the original substance to persist in homeopathic medicines of high dilution. A commonly held belief in homeopathy is that highly dilute homeopathics, such as 1M, are stronger than less dilute homeopathics, such as 6X. The strength of a homeopathic remedy does not always depend on the number of dilutions. Homeopathic potency depends on multiple variables within the body, the quality of the remedy, and how the remedy is prepared. Factors That Alter How Homeopathics Work In The Body: Genetics The state of liver detoxification and total body burden The state of the immune system at the time of taking a homeopathic Allergies Hormonal fluctuations Cellular membrane integrity The amount of inflammation in the body (acute vs. chronic inflammation) Specific toxins in the body, such as environmental chemicals, heavy metals, mycotoxins, biotoxins, etc. Chronic infections Quality of the homeopathic remedy Alcohol vs water base of the homeopathic (alcohol preserves homeopathics better than water) The source and quality of the original substance used to prepare the homeopathic Form of homeopathic used - liquid vs. pellets / dissolvable tablets Individualized Homeopathy At Restorative Medicine: Dr. Miranda Hill utilizes many homeopathics as part of a comprehensive treatment plan with patients. Dr. Miranda Hill sources homeopathics from around the world. Homeopathics help condense the number of therapies in a treatment plan since they are diverse and broad in action. Homeopathic medicine can expedite treatment and reduce the severity of symptoms. Inquire about homeopathic medicine by contacting Restorative Medicine’s office. References: Vassighi N. Homeopathy Basics. 2020. Chikramane PS, Suresh AK, Bellare JR, Kane SG. Extreme homeopathic dilutions retain starting materials: A nanoparticulate perspective. Homeopathy. 2010;99(4):231-242. doi:10.1016/j.homp.2010.05.006

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