Heavy Metal Toxicity: Signs and Symptoms

Commonly found in our everyday environment, we are exposed to heavy metals on a daily basis. Typically we are only exposed to small quantities, and in small amounts, many of the heavy metals are essential for a healthy body. However, when heavy metal toxicity happens, severe damage can occur to the body.

While certain metals such as copper, chromium, zinc, manganese, and iron are necessary for normal body function, when your body’s soft tissues absorb too much of a particular metal, heavy metal toxicity can occur. Typically this happens when you are exposed to a significant amount of heavy metals over a long period of time — occurring as a result of heavy metals entering your body through your skin or from the food you consume. Exposure can transpire from a variety of factors, such as water pollution, air pollution, certain medications, food, industrial exposure, lead-based paint, as well as from improperly coated food containers.

When heavy metals are not metabolized or excreted from the body, it can accumulate in tissues and organs, becoming poisonous to the body. The most common metals that the human body can absorb in toxic amounts include arsenic, lead, mercury, and cadmium. The signs and symptoms of heavy metal toxicity can vary depending on the heavy metal involved, and whether the exposure causes acute toxicity or chronic exposure of metal metals.

Heavy Metal Acute Toxicity Signs and Symptoms (Rapid Onset)

• Skin rash
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sweating
• Convulsions
• Cramping and abdominal pain
• Headaches
• Difficulty breathing
• Chronic pain in muscles
• Confusion
• Numbness
• Loss of Consciousness

Heavy Metal Chronic Exposure Signs and Symptoms (Develops Slowly)

• Insomnia
• Feelings of malaise
• Skin changes
• Headaches
• Impaired language skills
• Nausea
• Impaired motor skills
• The decline of cognitive skills
• Emotional instability
• Weakness
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Achy joints and muscles

While the sources of heavy metal exposure are far spread, the Salerno Center provides an effective heavy metal poisoning treatment to help you remove years of toxic accumulation. Chelation therapy, one of the most effective treatment methods for heavy metal toxicity, is offered at the Salerno Center. If you are interested in learning more, click here to read more about chelation therapy, click here to learn more about heavy metal detox foods, or contact us to learn more.