Toxic Metals

Cadmium, mercury, arsenic, nickel and lead are the most prevalent heavy metals in the food chain and environment. One mercury amalgam dental filling contains 250,000 mcg of mercury and releases 10mcg of mercury per day. Chronic candidiasis, multiple chemical sensitivity and chronic fatigue syndrome display signs and symptoms identical to those of chronic mercury poisoning. With early detection of metal accumulation, symptoms improve with "proper" removal of the toxic sources, chelating supplements and a proper diet.

Metals	Symptoms	Sources
Aluminum	Aluminum is not considered a heavy metal, defined by its atomic weight. Never-the-less, aluminum absorption does have an ill effect on the body. Detoxification for aluminum is not necessarily the same as for heavy metals. Aluminum has an affinity for the brain and can mimic symptoms of Alzheimer's. Other possible symptoms of aluminum toxicity include gastro-intestinal problems, anxiety, nervousness, anemia headaches, decreased kidney function, memory loss, aching muscles, interference of calcium metabolism (leading to osteoporosis).	Deodorants that contain aluminum chlorhydrate. Aluminum containers (diet soda in cans with aspartame are extremely toxic) Hydrogenated oils and margarine (used as metal catalyst with nickel) Table salt (anti-caking compound.) Bleaching agent used to whiten flour. Antacids (aluminum hydroxide). Buffered aspirin. Some toothpaste. Cooking pots, pans and utensils. Dental amalgams. Cigarette filters. Food foil. Tap water (aluminum fluoride in water treatment).
Arsenic	Fatigue, headaches, muscle weakness, hypo pigmentation of skin, skin rashes,, eczema, dermatitis, increased salivation.	Atmospheric pollution from the burning of coal and petroleum. Some seafood. Tap water. Pesticide residues.
Cadmium	Loss of sense of smell, dry scaly skin, hair loss, hypertension, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, osteomalacia, anemia, lumbar pain, atherosclerosis, kidney damage with associated urinary loss of essential minerals, amino acids and protein.	Cigarette smoke. Contaminated grains and leafy vegetables in contact with super-phosphate fertilizers and polluted ground water. Tap water. Atmospheric pollution.
Copper	When absorbed or ingested in the inorganic form copper can become toxic, playing an important role in the absorption of iron in the body. Research has shown that a high level of copper in the body will result in depletion of zinc, creating mineral imbalance. Copper toxicity has been associated with multiple behavioral problems, anemia acne, impairment of the detoxification process and reduced kidney function.	Tap water (copper pipes/plumbing). Avoid drinking the first water out of the tap, let it run for a few minutes to reduce risk. Shower filters are recommended to prevent absorption of metals through the skin. Tobacco smoke. Algaecide in city water supplies. Birth-control pills can cause an elevation in serum (blood) copper.
Lead	Lead poisoning has been called the leading environmental illness, children being most susceptible. Symptoms include delayed metal development in children, fatigue, loss of appetite, headaches, poor memory, inability to concentrate, ADD/ADHD, behavioral problems, decreased coordination, irritability, pain in abdomen, bones and muscles, gout, anemia, metal taste and motor neuron disorders.	Atmospheric pollution from automobile exhaust & coal. Lead based paints or their dust. Tap water (lead pipes). As with copper pipes, avoid drinking the first water out of the tap, let it run for a few minutes to reduce risk. Shower filters are recommended to prevent absorption of metals through the skin. Hair dyes (lead acetate) Cosmetics. Pesticide residues. Pencils. Vegetables and fruits exposed to pesticides, factory emissions, Animals which eat these vegetables. Food preparation utensils, ceramics.
Mercury	Lipid soluble when absorbed and crosses the blood-brain barrier concentrating in the kidney and CNS. Symptoms include insomnia, chronic fatigue, depression, poor memory and cognitive function, emotional instability and negativity, anxiety, peripheral numbness or tingling, muscle weakness and muscle cramping, tremors, decreased senses of touch, hearing or vision, hypersensitivity and allergies, persistent infections including chronic yeast overgrowth, compromised immune function, kidney damage, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.	Dental amalgam fillings. Large fish. Pesticide residues. Mercurial fungicides on seed grains. Tap water. Atmospheric pollution from burning coal. Interior paints. Vaccinations (some).
Nickel	Carcinogen. Respiratory cancers (when inhaled). Breast tumors associated with nickel in stainless steel dental crowns.	Stainless steel crowns, dentures & braces. Hydrogenated oils and margarine (used as metal catalyst in processing). Atmospheric pollution from burning of coal and petroleum products. Tobacco smoke. Eyeglass frames. Costume jewelry.