There are many heavy metals that people are exposed to regularly, without realizing it! Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic are everywhere in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the foods we eat, and even in beauty products we use on our skin.
These heavy metals imbed themselves into the central nervous system and bones, bio-accumulating for years, until we start to suffer acute health problems from heavy metal poisoning. Common side effects linked to heavy metal poisoning include: fatigue, muscle pain, achy joints, headaches, brain fog, confusion, and abdominal pain.
In today’s video, we explore the best foods for heavy metals detox. These 11 foods act as chelating agents, that bind to heavy metal ions, and are then excreted from the body through the regular channels. Make sure you watch till the end, to learn how heavy metals get into our bodies. As always, this video is educational and does not construe medical advice.
Number 11. Chlorella.
Chlorella is a unicellular freshwater algae, known for being a vegan source of Omega-3, iron, and bioavailable B12. This nutrient-rich superfood helps your body detox heavy metals – particularly those found in the brain, intestinal wall, muscles, ligaments, connective tissue, and bone – and keeps them from being re-absorbed. This is mostly due to its high levels of chlorophyll. The extensive benefits of chlorella include: reducing inflammation, enhancing the immune system, and improving cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Number 10. Cilantro.
Cilantro, also called coriander, is a culinary herb with many health benefits. Thanks to its high level of chlorophyll, heavy metals like mercury become easier to expel. Cilantro has been shown to accelerate mercury excretion following dental amalgam removal. In one German study, researchers found that levels of mercury, lead, and aluminum in the urine increase significantly after consuming cilantro.
Click the link below to get a heavy metals detox smoothie recipe.
Number 9. Spirulina.
Spirulina is a blue-green alga with an impressive 55 to70% protein content that gained popularity, after NASA began investigating it for space missions. Additionally, spirulina contains a hefty dose of beta-carotene, vitamin K, and a range of B vitamins. Like chlorella, spirulina also contains very high amounts of chlorophyll, which can help remove toxins from the bloodstream, while supporting optimal immune function and cholesterol levels.
Number 8. Turmeric.
This perennial herb in the ginger family contains a phytochemical called curcumin. It’s what gives turmeric its unique color. This anti-inflammatory spice provides amazing detoxification support for your body. Studies have shown that curcumin, the active ingredient found in turmeric root, is effective in promoting and encouraging optimal detox pathway activity.
Number 7. Ginger.
Consuming ginger tea, can help reduce bloating and improve digestion, making it easier to eliminate toxins. Gingerol, the active compound in ginger, was used for thousands of years to treat illness, and promote good health. Studies have found that gingerol is a natural anti-inflammatory, and can help reduce oxidative stress by eliminating free radicals.
Number 6. Leafy Greens.
Adding more leafy greens to your diet is a great way to support your body’s natural detoxification. Certain leafy greens rank high on the list including spinach, kale, moringa leaf, alfalfa leaf, and parsley. Leafy greens are packed with important nutrients such as iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins. They are also full of fiber, which makes them slow to digest, and good for detoxifying your bowels.
Number 5. Beetroot.
Beets have traditionally been used to stimulate liver enzymes and increase bile, which helps your liver filter out toxins during digestion. Beets are also high in betalains, and other phytonutrients that have been shown to reduce inflammation, protect against oxidative stress and reduce the risk of liver damage.
Number 4. Garlic.
Garlic is well-known for its heart benefits, but it’s also good at detoxifying the body. A natural chemical called allicin found in garlic, has been shown to promote the production of white blood cells, and help fight against toxins. Garlic is also a great source of sulfur, which can boost the production of glutathione in the liver, and help filter out heavy metals like lead and arsenic.
Number 3. Wild Blueberries.
The reason these tiny fruits made the list is because of their high amounts of antioxidants. When heavy metals enter our bodies, they oxidize our cells and accelerate aging. Adding these berries to your diet is a great way to prevent and reverse oxidative damage caused by heavy metals.
Number 2. Milk Thistle.
This flowery herb is well-known for detoxifying the liver. “Silybin” is the active ingredient found in milk thistle, that can help regenerate the liver, remove toxins, and prevent free radical damage. Milk thistle has also been shown, to help reverse damage to the liver caused by heavy metals, such as mercury, arsenic, cadmium and “lead”.
Number 1. Organic Acids.
Nature provides us with an abundant supply of organic acids, which act as natural chelating agents, and bind to heavy metals. You can find acetic acid in vinegar, citric acid in citrus fruits, ascorbic acid in whole foods, and lactic acid in pickled vegetables.
Next, what are the health risks of heavy metals exposure?
The problem with heavy metals build-up, is that its toxic effects can seriously affect every major organ in the body. Health complications of heavy metals toxic effects include gastrointestinal and kidney dysfunction, nervous system disorders, skin lesions, vascular damage, immune system dysfunction, birth defects, and cancer.
Lastly, let’s look at how heavy metals get into our bodies.
Lead: Vehicle exhausts discharge lead into the air, which then enters our soil, and eventually contaminates the water we drink. Lead is also found in older paints.
Arsenic: Arsenic is found in the air we breathe and certain foods, including rice, and even infant rice cereal.
Mercury: Swordfish, shark, tuna, and king mackerel are examples of seafood that can contain mercury. Certain thermometers and dental amalgam fillings also have mercury.
Cadmium: Cadmium can enter the body through tobacco smoke, certain foods and water, inhaling air in industrial working environments, and exposure to cadmium in rechargeable batteries. The worrisome part about this toxicant, is that once it’s in your body, it never leaves.
Aluminum: Aluminium is present in drinking water, as additives in processed foods, fruits and vegetables from contaminated soil, cosmetic products like deodorants, cooking foil and containers.
At the end of the day, we want our bodies as toxin-free as possible. And knowing what to avoid, and what to eat, can make a big difference in optimizing your health.
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