Difference Between Fat-soluble and Water-soluble Toxins
If a chelate contains toxins that are water-soluble, such as alcohol metabolites, water alone will be able to break the binding property, and the normal detox system of the liver, kidneys, pores in the skin, and other detox organs will be able to mobilize and then release the toxin via normal excretory channels.
But if the toxins are fat-soluble, they can penetrate through the membranes of tissues, where the toxic elements become trapped and remain stored in the fatty tissues of the body. This is highly pertinent to brain and central nervous system health, as these structures in the body are composed mainly of fats. Fat loves toxins and can be laden with them unless chelation occurs.
ATMC’s spa services includes chelation-based sauna treatment using a process that converts fat-soluble toxins into water-soluble, so that they can be safely released through the natural process of sweating them out in the sauna, and normal excretory channels. In this way, purging these toxic elements does not overburden the liver and other natural elimination pathways. They are eliminated directly through the pores of the skin.6,7
Nutrition’s Role in Chelation
Nutrition provides safe metal detoxification by enhancing the body’s own natural detox pathways.1,3 Some proteins, like glutathione, act as potent chelators because they are able to facilitate the release of heavy metals. The released toxins can then be safely absorbed using other elements that are known to prevent the toxins from being trapped again. There are several natural agents, including insoluble fiber, that facilitate the safe absorption of released toxins so they can be expelled from the body. Insoluble fiber is not water-soluble, and the structure of these foods remains intact, making them a bit like a scrub brush for the colon. They also feed the good flora needed for a healthy and functioning microbiome.
Examples of foods high in insoluble fiber that aid in the process of chelation include:
- Garlic
- Broccoli
- Avocado
- Passion fruit
- Spinach
- Coconut
- Radish
- Green beans
- Fruits with the skin on, such as apples
- Berries
- Wheat bran
- Oatmeal
- Cilantro
The Role of Supplements for Natural Chelation
There are also a great number of organic elements that can assist in the removal of toxins once they have become unbound. Always seek the advice of a skilled naturopath or other nutrition specialist who is familiar with using such supplements. Some, like alpha lipoic acid, should be used with caution. A little can go a long way, without overwhelming the natural detox systems of the body.
Examples of supplements that can aid in the chelation process include:
- Amino acids such as taurine and methionine
- NAC aka N-acetyl-cysteine
- Vitamin C, vitamin E
- Nebulized or IV glutathione, or glutathione in skin creams
- Selenium
- Chlorella
- Citrus pectin
- Algae
- Zinc & magnesium for blunting absorption of cadmium 3
Pharmaceutical Products Used in Chelation
There is a set of pharmaceutical products that is sometimes used in hospitals where toxic exposures in cases of mercury, lead, or other heavy metal poisoning are life-threatening. These types of products would only be used in a hospital or critical care setting where proper management tools and strategies are in place.
ATMC is a holistic care center that specializes in the use of safe and natural products for mental health improvements.
What Problems Can Heavy Metal Poisoning Cause?
“Symptoms and physical findings associated with heavy metal poisoning vary according to the metal accumulated. Many of the heavy metals, such as zinc, copper, chromium, iron, and manganese are essential to body function in very small amounts. But, if these metals accumulate in the body in concentrations sufficient to cause poisoning, then serious damage may occur. The heavy metals most commonly associated with poisoning of humans are lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium. Heavy metal poisoning may occur as a result of industrial exposure, air or water pollution, foods, medicines, improperly coated food containers, or the ingestion of lead-based paints.” ~Rarediseases.org 5
Mental Health and Physical Health Symptoms of Mercury Toxicity
Studies have revealed a direct link between toxic exposures and accumulations in the human body. Sometimes these symptoms are misdiagnosed as “mental illness” when in fact, they are caused or contributed to by toxic exposures.4,7,8,9
The toxic burden that modern life presents us with on a daily basis has spiraled dangerously upwards and is associated with many of the mental health issues that we see an uptick in, according to medical research. ATMC uses lab testing to assess the presence of toxins like mercury in the body. Whether you have a mouthful of dental amalgams, have eaten a lot of mercury-laden seafood, or happen to live near an abandoned mine, we are all subject to mercury exposure.
At Alternative to Meds center, we have seen a high percentage of clients where a buildup of heavy metal toxins has contributed to psychiatric symptoms. This is why neurotoxic removal is such a key component of our treatment programs.
Symptoms of mercury toxicity can include:
- Depression
- Severe fatigue
- Memory loss
- Tremors
- Weakness
- Numbness
- CNS and liver damage
- Anemia
- Incoordination
Avoid Toxic Chemicals in the Home and Work Environments
Whether at home or in the work environment, we are inundated with toxic chemicals in our foods, our carpets, in cleaning supplies, textiles, garden pesticides, and many other sources.
Although it can be a little more time-consuming, it is possible to be mindful of what we are bringing into our homes or using in the garden or workspaces, so that we are not adding to the risks of toxic exposures.
Also, keep in mind that many cleaning supplies used during fire damage cleanup or after hurricane damage may contain toxic chemicals. If using a fire, hurricane, or flood damage restoration company, make sure to ask what type of products they use. For a listing of toxin-free cleaning products, please visit EWG.2
Get Toxicity Help from ATMC
If you or a loved one fears you have been exposed to heavy metal toxins, the safest way forward is to seek medical advice. Alternative to Meds Center can develop a unique plan for you to begin the recovery process. For almost 2 decades now, clients at our center have been able to recover from toxicity and the mental health symptoms associated with a persistent toxic burden. Please contact our admissions team for more information about our inpatient environmental toxicity treatment program and to find out if chelation is an appropriate treatment option for you or your loved one. Chelation therapy is delivered in the context of a full holistic health program and can be easily blended with medication withdrawal, safe tapering, and a wealth of other holistic mental health services at our inpatient center, ATMC.
For Continued Reading on Chelation and Neurotoxicity:
The Chelation Way: The Complete Book of Chelation Therapy by Dr. Morton Walker
Medication Withdrawal & Neurochemistry By Lyle Murphy
Chelates are molecules of metals or other toxic materials that are bound together by certain compounds, causing them to accumulate and persist in the tissues of the human body. Chelates of heavy metals like mercury, lead, and cadmium are not useful to the function of the human body, and in fact can cause significant damage to health. Other types of toxins, such as chemicals, drug residues, and environmental pollutants, can also become embedded and cause adverse health impacts.
