Heavy Metal Detoxification
Heavy metal detoxification is the process of ridding the body of toxic metals through a variety of means, including nutritional supplements, herbals, intravenous therapy (IVs) , oral chelating agents, and safe removal of mercury amalgams, or fillings.
Positive health effects can be achieved by reducing the body’s toxic levels of these metals. Once the heavy metal burden is relieved, detoxification of other parasitic, yeast, mold, Lyme disease, or other infections that are present will proceed easier.
Sources of Heavy Metals
A heavy metal toxic burden can be a health hazard and affect the ability of the cells to do their job. Blood levels of mercury, tin, lead, arsenic, aluminum, and cadmium can be monitored with lab tests.
Heavy metal exposure may be from:
- job-related activities such as working with paint or chemicals
- eating fish containing mercury
- drinking from an outdated water system
- living in an old home or lead paint exposure
- taking medications and/or supplements with large metallic ingredients
The presence of heavy metals in the body has been linked to everything from memory loss to fatigue to personality changes.
Integrative Medicine Approach to Heavy Metal and Mercury Detoxification
NIHA integrative medical doctors, dentists, and naturopathic practitioners work as a team to identify and treat heavy metal toxicity and address mercury, heavy metal or other burdens affecting your health. With advanced lab testing we identify the root cause of the toxic burden. Instead of treating patients for many individual symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, irritability, fatigue, etc., we target the root cause. The doctors administer a custom detoxification protocol to remove toxins. This comprehensive treatment supports whole-body healing to sustain robust health.
Detoxification is a 3-part program:
Detoxification – Nourishment – Regeneration
Heavy metal detoxification is the removal of toxic metals from the body and restoration of proper functioning of the autonomic nervous system and the organs affected by it. The program is done in phases over time, to allow the body rest and recovery, and to protect the body using a multi-strategy approach based on the patient’s needs.
Detoxification
A large portion of the heavy metal detoxification work we do centers around the oral cavity, mercury and other heavy metals that are stored in the mouth. Our biological dentists have been doing mercury free dentistry for over 25 years and work in conjunction with the medical doctors to safely address heavy metal toxicity. Although metal toxicity can be caused by the environment, the main source is mercury fillings. NIHA’s dentists are leaders in biological dentistry and safe mercury filling removal, protecting you, the dentist and the environment during the removal procedure. Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that may affect the brain and nerves.
Mercury is a Neurotoxin, Affecting the Nervous System
Although controversial, acute exposure to mercury has reportedly caused mental confusion, short and long term memory loss, headaches, tremors, fatigue, visual and personality changes, and other symptoms. In the case of mercury exposure from dental fillings, the problem becomes chronic. Research shows that mercury vapor is continuously released from amalgam fillings in a measurable amount from the moment the fillings are inserted into the teeth. Each time the person chews, drinks, (particularly hot liquids), brushes his teeth, swallows and breathes, mercury is released from dental fillings and is absorbed by the lungs and linings of the digestive system, and consequently enters into the bloodstream.
As a result, the body’s weakest area is most likely to develop the problem first. Because the mercury toxins can travel either by way of the blood stream or by nerve pathways, one person may develop bleeding gums and and another severe asthma or bronchitis. A third person may experience concentration difficulties, sleep disturbances, hearing loss and dizziness. Other symptoms are extreme fatigue, lack of initiative and clumsiness. Mercury can interfere with virtually any process of any organ of the body. Removal of mercury must be done by a caring professional who will take all precautions to protect you from further exposure.
Nourishment
The body is supported and replenished through high-grade nutritional supplements, herbs, I.V. therapy, therapeutic massage or bodywork. These therapies work to calm the body while the detoxification is slowly taking place.
Regeneration
Regeneration will occur once steps one and two have been accomplished and the body has been given time to rest and heal.
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