Doctors typically prescribe certain medications to remove heavy metals from your body if you experience heavy metal poisoning. Eating certain foods may also help.
What is heavy metal poisoning?
Heavy metal poisoning is the accumulation of various heavy metals in your body. Environmental and industrial factors expose you to high levels of heavy metals every day, including the foods you eat and air you breathe.
Some of these metals — such as zinc, copper, and iron — are good for you in small amounts. But overexposure can lead to heavy metal poisoning, such as what occurs in Wilson’s disease. This can be fatal.
Depending on your level of exposure, medications given intravenously under medical supervision can remove these toxins. These medications bind to the metals, a process called chelation. You doctor will test your blood, urine, and hair to measure metals toxicity.
In addition to chelation, you might consider a natural complementary therapy, such as a “heavy metal detox.” However, most of these treatments aren’t backed by research. There are some dietary options which incorporate foods that electrically attract metal to help move it out of your body, though.
Symptoms of heavy metal poisoning
Long-term exposure to metals can be toxic, causing harmful side effects that range from headaches to organ damage. It’s important that you seek medical treatment if you have heavy metal toxicity.
Symptoms of heavy metal toxicity vary depending on the type of metal you’re overexposed to. Mercury, lead, arsenic and cadmium are some of the more common overexposed metals.
Acute symptoms associated with these metals include:
- headaches
- abdominal pain and cramping
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- fatigue
- difficulty breathing
In more severe cases of chronic heavy metal poisoning, you may experience symptoms including:
- burning and tingling sensations
- chronic infections
- brain fog
- visual disturbances
- insomnia
- paralysis
Good and bad foods for heavy metal exposure
Many people get a buildup of heavy metals in their system because of the foods they eat. Some studies suggest you can prevent overexposure to these toxins by avoiding certain foods. Eating other foods known for taking heavy metals out of the system may also help.
Let’s take a look at the research.
Foods to eat
Some foods can help you detoxify by getting rid of heavy metals from your body. These foods bind to the metalsTrusted Source and remove them in the digestive process.
Eating foods high in vitamins and minerals can have protective effects for those exposed to heavy metals.
Heavy metal detox foods to eat include:
- cilantro
- garlic
- wild blueberries
- lemon water
- spirulina
- chlorella
- barley grass juice powder
- Atlantic dulse
- curry
- green tea
- tomatoes
- probiotics
Also, if you aren’t getting the recommended daily intake of vitamins, consider taking supplements.
Vitamin B, B-6, and C deficiencies are associated withTrusted Source poor tolerance of heavy metals and easier toxicity. Vitamin C has been reported to have chelating effects on iron. In one animal study, B-1 supplements were shown to decrease iron levels.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn’t monitor the purity or quality of supplements like they do for drugs. Also talk to your doctor before trying a supplement to make sure it won’t interact with any medications you’re currently taking.
Foods to avoid
An effective heavy metal detox includes more than incorporating healthy fruits and vegetables. To minimize the effects of heavy metal poisoning or prevent it altogether, you need to eliminate some foods from your diet.
This is especially true for processed foods and excess fats. These foods have minimal nutritional value and slow down the detox process. This is because fats tend to soak up the harmful substances you want to remove.
Some foods to limit or avoid in your heavy metal detox diet include:
- rice (brown rice, specifically) because it often contains arsenic
- some fish, such as larger and long-living fish, as they tend to contain more mercury
- alcohol
- nonorganic foods
Outlook for this condition
Heavy metal poisoning can trigger a number of harmful side effects. If left untreated, it can be life-threatening. Follow through with any recommended medical treatment. Talk to your doctor about how dietary changes can help protect you from heavy metal overexposure.
It takes time to detox and safely remove metal toxicity from your body, but it’s possible. Before participating in the heavy metal detox diet, consult with your doctor or dietician to discuss your options.
Last medically reviewed on September 28, 2018
How we reviewed this article:
SOURCES
HISTORY
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Mar 21, 2023
Written By
Kiara Anthony
Edited By
Tracey Crate
Sep 28, 2018
Medically Reviewed By
Debra Sullivan, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, COI
Share this article
Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — By Kiara Anthony — Updated on March 21, 2023
Lead Poisoning
What is lead poisoning?
Lead is a highly toxic metal and a very strong poison. Lead poisoning is a serious and sometimes fatal condition. It occurs when lead builds up in the body.
Lead is found in lead-based paints, including paint on the walls of old houses and toys. It is also found in:
- art supplies
- contaminated dust
- gasoline products sold outside of the United States and Canada
Lead poisoning usually occurs over a period of months or years. It can cause severe mental and physical impairment. Young children are most vulnerable.
Children get lead in their bodies by putting the lead-containing objects in their mouths. Touching the lead and then putting their fingers in their mouths may also poison them. Lead is more harmful to children because their brains and nervous systems are still developing.
Lead poisoning can be treated, but any damage caused cannot be reversed.
What are the symptoms of lead poisoning?
Symptoms of lead poisoning are varied. They may affect many parts of the body. Most of the time, lead poisoning builds up slowly. It follows repeated exposures to small quantities of lead.
Lead toxicity is rare after a single exposure or ingestion of lead.
Signs of repeated lead exposure include:
- abdominal pain
- abdominal cramps
- aggressive behavior
- constipation
- sleep problems
- headaches
- irritability
- loss of developmental skills in children
- loss of appetite
- fatigue
- high blood pressure
- numbness or tingling in the extremities
- memory loss
- anemia
- kidney dysfunction
Since a child’s brain is still developing, lead can lead to intellectual disability. Symptoms may include:
- behavior problems
- low IQ
- poor grades at school
- problems with hearing
- short- and long-term learning difficulties
- growth delays
A high, toxic dose of lead poisoning may result in emergency symptoms. These include:
- severe abdominal pain and cramping
- vomiting
- muscle weakness
- stumbling when walking
- seizures
- coma
- encephalopathy, which manifests as confusion, coma, and seizures
If someone has symptoms of severe lead exposure, call 911 or local emergency medical services. Be sure to have the following information ready to tell the emergency operator:
- the person’s age
- their weight
- the source of the poisoning
- the amount swallowed
- the time the poisoning occurred
In nonemergency situations, call your local poison control to discuss lead poisoning symptoms. They will let you speak with an expert.
What causes lead poisoning?
Lead poisoning occurs when lead is ingested. Breathing in dust that contains lead can also cause it. You cannot smell or taste lead, and it’s not visible to the naked eye.
In the United States, lead used to be common in house paint and gasoline. These products are not produced with lead any longer. However, lead is still present everywhere. It’s especially found in older houses.
Common sources of lead include:
- house paint made before 1978
- toys and household items painted before 1976
- toys made and painted outside the United States
- bullets, curtain weights, and fishing sinkers made of lead
- pipes and sink faucets, which can contaminate drinking water
- soil polluted by car exhaust or chipping house paint
- paint sets and art supplies
- jewelry, pottery, and lead figures
- storage batteries
- kohl or kajal eyeliners
- some traditional ethnic medicines
Who is at risk for lead poisoning?
Children are at the highest risk of lead poisoning, especially if they live in old houses with chipping paint. This is because children are prone to putting objects and fingers in their mouths.
People in developing countries are also at a higher risk. Many countries do not have strict rules regarding lead. If you adopt a child from a developing country, their lead levels should be checked.
How is lead poisoning diagnosed?
Lead poisoning is diagnosed with a blood lead test. This test is performed on a standard blood sample.
Lead is common in the environment. The National Institute of Environmental Health SciencesTrusted Source reports that no amount of lead in the blood is safe. It is known that levels as low as 5 micrograms per deciliter can be associated with health problems in children.
Additional tests could include blood tests to look at the amount of iron storing cells in the blood, X-rays, and possibly a bone marrow biopsy.
How is lead poisoning treated?
The first step of treatment is to locate and remove the source of the lead. Keep children away from the source. If it cannot be removed, it should be sealed. Call your local health department for information on how to remove lead. They can also help you reduce the likelihood of lead exposure.
In more severe cases, a procedure known as chelation therapy can be used. This treatment binds to lead that has accumulated in your body. The lead is then excreted in your urine.
Chemical chelators that are used most often include EDTA and DMSA. EDTA has side effects that include kidney dysfunction, and DMSA can often cause nausea, abdominal distress, and allergic reactions, among others.
Even with treatment, it can be hard to reverse the effects of chronic exposure.
What is the outlook for lead poisoning?
Adults with moderate exposure usually recover without any complications.
In children, recovery can take time. Even low lead exposure can cause permanent intellectual disability.
How can lead poisoning be prevented?
Simple steps can help you prevent lead poisoning. These include:
- Avoid or throw away painted toys and canned goods from foreign countries.
- Keep your home free from dust.
- Use only cold water to prepare foods and drinks.
- Make sure everyone washes their hands before eating.
- Test your water for lead. If lead levels are high, use a filtering device or drink bottled water.
- Clean faucets and aerators regularly.
- Wash children’s toys and bottles regularly.
- Teach your children to wash their hands after playing.
- Make sure any contractor doing work in your house is certified in lead control.
- Use lead-free paint in your home.
- Take young children for blood lead level screening at their pediatrician’s office. This is usually done around 1 to 2 years of age.
- Avoid areas where lead-based paint may have been used.
If you have any questions regarding the safe removal of lead, contact the National Lead Information Center at the 800-424-LEAD (5323).
Last medically reviewed on December 14, 2018
How we reviewed this article:
SOURCES
Share this article
Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, M.D. — By Jacquelyn Cafasso — Updated on December 15, 2018
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- Wilson’s DiseaseMedically reviewed by Katie Mena, MDWilson’s disease is a rare genetic disorder that causes copper poisoning in the body. Find out how doctors diagnose and treat this condition.READ MORE
- The Link Between Copper and NutritionMedically reviewed by Amy Richter, RDCopper is a mineral that your body must have to function properly. Getting copper in trace amounts is essential. Getting too much of it or not enough…READ MORE
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Heavy Metal Detox Diet
Doctors typically prescribe certain medications to remove heavy metals from your body if you experience heavy metal poisoning. Eating certain foods may also help.
What is heavy metal poisoning?
Heavy metal poisoning is the accumulation of various heavy metals in your body. Environmental and industrial factors expose you to high levels of heavy metals every day, including the foods you eat and air you breathe.
Some of these metals — such as zinc, copper, and iron — are good for you in small amounts. But overexposure can lead to heavy metal poisoning, such as what occurs in Wilson’s disease. This can be fatal.
Depending on your level of exposure, medications given intravenously under medical supervision can remove these toxins. These medications bind to the metals, a process called chelation. You doctor will test your blood, urine, and hair to measure metals toxicity.
In addition to chelation, you might consider a natural complementary therapy, such as a “heavy metal detox.” However, most of these treatments aren’t backed by research. There are some dietary options which incorporate foods that electrically attract metal to help move it out of your body, though.
Symptoms of heavy metal poisoning
Long-term exposure to metals can be toxic, causing harmful side effects that range from headaches to organ damage. It’s important that you seek medical treatment if you have heavy metal toxicity.
Symptoms of heavy metal toxicity vary depending on the type of metal you’re overexposed to. Mercury, lead, arsenic and cadmium are some of the more common overexposed metals.
Acute symptoms associated with these metals include:
- headaches
- abdominal pain and cramping
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- fatigue
- difficulty breathing
In more severe cases of chronic heavy metal poisoning, you may experience symptoms including:
- burning and tingling sensations
- chronic infections
- brain fog
- visual disturbances
- insomnia
- paralysis
Good and bad foods for heavy metal exposure
Many people get a buildup of heavy metals in their system because of the foods they eat. Some studies suggest you can prevent overexposure to these toxins by avoiding certain foods. Eating other foods known for taking heavy metals out of the system may also help.
Let’s take a look at the research.
Foods to eat
Some foods can help you detoxify by getting rid of heavy metals from your body. These foods bind to the metalsTrusted Source and remove them in the digestive process.
Eating foods high in vitamins and minerals can have protective effects for those exposed to heavy metals.
Heavy metal detox foods to eat include:
- cilantro
- garlic
- wild blueberries
- lemon water
- spirulina
- chlorella
- barley grass juice powder
- Atlantic dulse
- curry
- green tea
- tomatoes
- probiotics
Also, if you aren’t getting the recommended daily intake of vitamins, consider taking supplements.
Vitamin B, B-6, and C deficiencies are associated withTrusted Source poor tolerance of heavy metals and easier toxicity. Vitamin C has been reported to have chelating effects on iron. In one animal study, B-1 supplements were shown to decrease iron levels.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn’t monitor the purity or quality of supplements like they do for drugs. Also talk to your doctor before trying a supplement to make sure it won’t interact with any medications you’re currently taking.
Foods to avoid
An effective heavy metal detox includes more than incorporating healthy fruits and vegetables. To minimize the effects of heavy metal poisoning or prevent it altogether, you need to eliminate some foods from your diet.
This is especially true for processed foods and excess fats. These foods have minimal nutritional value and slow down the detox process. This is because fats tend to soak up the harmful substances you want to remove.
Some foods to limit or avoid in your heavy metal detox diet include:
- rice (brown rice, specifically) because it often contains arsenic
- some fish, such as larger and long-living fish, as they tend to contain more mercury
- alcohol
- nonorganic foods
Outlook for this condition
Heavy metal poisoning can trigger a number of harmful side effects. If left untreated, it can be life-threatening. Follow through with any recommended medical treatment. Talk to your doctor about how dietary changes can help protect you from heavy metal overexposure.
It takes time to detox and safely remove metal toxicity from your body, but it’s possible. Before participating in the heavy metal detox diet, consult with your doctor or dietician to discuss your options.
Last medically reviewed on September 28, 2018
How we reviewed this article:
SOURCES
HISTORY
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Mar 21, 2023
Written By
Kiara Anthony
Edited By
Tracey Crate
Sep 28, 2018
Medically Reviewed By
Debra Sullivan, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, COI
Share this article
Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — By Kiara Anthony — Updated on March 21, 2023
For a Longer Life and Happier Gut, Eat More Fiber
Top 6 Benefits of Taking Collagen Supplements
Was this article helpful?
Lead Poisoning
What is lead poisoning?
Lead is a highly toxic metal and a very strong poison. Lead poisoning is a serious and sometimes fatal condition. It occurs when lead builds up in the body.
Lead is found in lead-based paints, including paint on the walls of old houses and toys. It is also found in:
- art supplies
- contaminated dust
- gasoline products sold outside of the United States and Canada
Lead poisoning usually occurs over a period of months or years. It can cause severe mental and physical impairment. Young children are most vulnerable.
Children get lead in their bodies by putting the lead-containing objects in their mouths. Touching the lead and then putting their fingers in their mouths may also poison them. Lead is more harmful to children because their brains and nervous systems are still developing.
Lead poisoning can be treated, but any damage caused cannot be reversed.
What are the symptoms of lead poisoning?
Symptoms of lead poisoning are varied. They may affect many parts of the body. Most of the time, lead poisoning builds up slowly. It follows repeated exposures to small quantities of lead.
Lead toxicity is rare after a single exposure or ingestion of lead.
Signs of repeated lead exposure include:
- abdominal pain
- abdominal cramps
- aggressive behavior
- constipation
- sleep problems
- headaches
- irritability
- loss of developmental skills in children
- loss of appetite
- fatigue
- high blood pressure
- numbness or tingling in the extremities
- memory loss
- anemia
- kidney dysfunction
Since a child’s brain is still developing, lead can lead to intellectual disability. Symptoms may include:
- behavior problems
- low IQ
- poor grades at school
- problems with hearing
- short- and long-term learning difficulties
- growth delays
A high, toxic dose of lead poisoning may result in emergency symptoms. These include:
- severe abdominal pain and cramping
- vomiting
- muscle weakness
- stumbling when walking
- seizures
- coma
- encephalopathy, which manifests as confusion, coma, and seizures
If someone has symptoms of severe lead exposure, call 911 or local emergency medical services. Be sure to have the following information ready to tell the emergency operator:
- the person’s age
- their weight
- the source of the poisoning
- the amount swallowed
- the time the poisoning occurred
In nonemergency situations, call your local poison control to discuss lead poisoning symptoms. They will let you speak with an expert.
What causes lead poisoning?
Lead poisoning occurs when lead is ingested. Breathing in dust that contains lead can also cause it. You cannot smell or taste lead, and it’s not visible to the naked eye.
In the United States, lead used to be common in house paint and gasoline. These products are not produced with lead any longer. However, lead is still present everywhere. It’s especially found in older houses.
Common sources of lead include:
- house paint made before 1978
- toys and household items painted before 1976
- toys made and painted outside the United States
- bullets, curtain weights, and fishing sinkers made of lead
- pipes and sink faucets, which can contaminate drinking water
- soil polluted by car exhaust or chipping house paint
- paint sets and art supplies
- jewelry, pottery, and lead figures
- storage batteries
- kohl or kajal eyeliners
- some traditional ethnic medicines
Who is at risk for lead poisoning?
Children are at the highest risk of lead poisoning, especially if they live in old houses with chipping paint. This is because children are prone to putting objects and fingers in their mouths.
People in developing countries are also at a higher risk. Many countries do not have strict rules regarding lead. If you adopt a child from a developing country, their lead levels should be checked.
How is lead poisoning diagnosed?
Lead poisoning is diagnosed with a blood lead test. This test is performed on a standard blood sample.
Lead is common in the environment. The National Institute of Environmental Health SciencesTrusted Source reports that no amount of lead in the blood is safe. It is known that levels as low as 5 micrograms per deciliter can be associated with health problems in children.
Additional tests could include blood tests to look at the amount of iron storing cells in the blood, X-rays, and possibly a bone marrow biopsy.
How is lead poisoning treated?
The first step of treatment is to locate and remove the source of the lead. Keep children away from the source. If it cannot be removed, it should be sealed. Call your local health department for information on how to remove lead. They can also help you reduce the likelihood of lead exposure.
In more severe cases, a procedure known as chelation therapy can be used. This treatment binds to lead that has accumulated in your body. The lead is then excreted in your urine.
Chemical chelators that are used most often include EDTA and DMSA. EDTA has side effects that include kidney dysfunction, and DMSA can often cause nausea, abdominal distress, and allergic reactions, among others.
Even with treatment, it can be hard to reverse the effects of chronic exposure.
What is the outlook for lead poisoning?
Adults with moderate exposure usually recover without any complications.
In children, recovery can take time. Even low lead exposure can cause permanent intellectual disability.
How can lead poisoning be prevented?
Simple steps can help you prevent lead poisoning. These include:
- Avoid or throw away painted toys and canned goods from foreign countries.
- Keep your home free from dust.
- Use only cold water to prepare foods and drinks.
- Make sure everyone washes their hands before eating.
- Test your water for lead. If lead levels are high, use a filtering device or drink bottled water.
- Clean faucets and aerators regularly.
- Wash children’s toys and bottles regularly.
- Teach your children to wash their hands after playing.
- Make sure any contractor doing work in your house is certified in lead control.
- Use lead-free paint in your home.
- Take young children for blood lead level screening at their pediatrician’s office. This is usually done around 1 to 2 years of age.
- Avoid areas where lead-based paint may have been used.
If you have any questions regarding the safe removal of lead, contact the National Lead Information Center at the 800-424-LEAD (5323).
Last medically reviewed on December 14, 2018
How we reviewed this article:
SOURCES
Share this article
Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, M.D. — By Jacquelyn Cafasso — Updated on December 15, 2018
For a Longer Life and Happier Gut, Eat More Fiber
Top 6 Benefits of Taking Collagen Supplements
6 Ways to Boost Your Coffee with Vitamins and Antioxidants
Was this article helpful?
READ THIS NEXT
- Zinc DeficiencyMedically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COILearn about the symptoms of zinc deficiency and how to treat it.READ MORE
- Wilson’s DiseaseMedically reviewed by Katie Mena, MDWilson’s disease is a rare genetic disorder that causes copper poisoning in the body. Find out how doctors diagnose and treat this condition.READ MORE
- The Link Between Copper and NutritionMedically reviewed by Amy Richter, RDCopper is a mineral that your body must have to function properly. Getting copper in trace amounts is essential. Getting too much of it or not enough…READ MORE
- What You Need to Know About Ricin PoisoningLearn how ricin poisoning occurs, the signs and symptoms of poisoning, and what to do if you’re exposed.READ MORE
- What You Need to Know About the Effects of Angel’s Trumpet PoisoningMedically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPHThe angel’s trumpet is a beautiful plant, but the leaves and flowers are poisonous to humans and animals. Let’s look at the effects of this flowering…READ MORE
- Am I At Risk for Radon Poisoning?READ MORE
- Stingray Sting: What You Should KnowMedically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M.D.Although stingrays generally aren’t dangerous, they will sting when disturbed or stepped on accidentally. A stingray sting can be quite painful and…READ MORE
- White Mulberry Leaf Extract Linked to Woman’s Death: What to KnowAccording to recent news reports, the wife of a California congressman died late last year from side effects related to the herbal supplement white…READ MORE
Get our wellness newsletter
Filter out the noise and nurture your inbox with health and wellness advice that’s inclusive and rooted in medical expertise.SIGN UP
Your privacy is important to us
- Health Topics
- Medical Affairs
- Content Integrity
- Newsletters
- Do Not Sell My Info
- © 2023 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See additional information. See additional information.
OUR BRANDSHealthlineMedical News TodayGreatistPsych CentralBezzy