Toxicology and Heavy Metals

Chronic illness can begin with invisible exposures.

We are exposed to thousands of environmental chemicals and toxic metals every day—through the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the products we use. Over time, even low-level exposures can accumulate in the body, particularly in fat tissue and organs. These exposures may contribute to inflammation, organ stress, and complex chronic conditions.

What Are Toxic Metals?

Toxic metals are naturally occurring elements that can be harmful when they accumulate in the body. Unlike organic toxins, they are not biodegradable and may remain in tissue for decades.

Common toxic metals include:

• Lead
• Mercury
• Arsenic
• Cadmium
• Nickel
• Aluminium
• Chromium (hexavalent)

These metals may act synergistically, meaning their combined health effects are greater than their individual risks.

Associated Health Conditions

• Heavy metal toxicity has been linked to:
• Cancer (lung, bladder, skin, kidney)
• Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance
• Autoimmune disorders (lupus, RA)
• Neurological diseases (Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s)
• Hormonal imbalances
• Infertility and reproductive issues
• Chronic fatigue and immune suppression

Environmental Sources of Exposure

Wildfire Smoke & Water Contamination

Wildfires release metals such as arsenic, vanadium, iron, and nickel into the atmosphere. Rainfall transports these into surface water, where they contaminate aquatic systems and crops.

Documented post-wildfire increases:

• Vanadium in soil: +340%
• Nickel in soil: +260%
• Iron in water: +740%

Dietary Metal Exposure

Certain foods are known to carry higher levels of toxic metals:

Metal Food Sources

• Cadmium Leafy greens, rice, cocoa, shellfish
• Arsenic Brown rice, rice milk, seafood
• Lead Root vegetables, wild game, spices
• Mercury Tuna, swordfish, shark, mackerel
• Nickel Legumes, chocolate, whole grains

A recent study found:

• 60% of diets exceeded cadmium safety levels
• 33% exceeded arsenic thresholds

Even well-intentioned dietary choices can contribute to bioaccumulation, especially with repetitive exposure over time.

Products That May Contain Toxic Metals

You may also absorb toxic metals through:

• Cosmetics: Lead in lipstick, cadmium and chromium in pigmented makeup
• Ceramic dishes: Especially older or imported glazed items
• Spices: Imported turmeric, paprika, and chili powder may contain lead
• Tampons: A 2024 study detected lead, cadmium, and arsenic in all samples tested

Even trace amounts, absorbed regularly through mucosal tissue or skin, can have cumulative effects.

How We Test for Toxic Metals

1. Chelation Challenge Urine Test

• Involves administering a chelating agent (EDTA, DMPS, or DMSA)
• Collects a urine sample post-treatment to assess stored metal burden
• Measures net retention—the metals that are not being efficiently eliminated

2. Hair Mineral Analysis

• A non-invasive tool to detect recent and ongoing exposure
• Especially sensitive for mercury and arsenic

What You Can Do

• Filter your water, especially if near wildfire zones or industrial areas
• Choose safer cosmetics and cookware from trusted sources
• Vary your diet to limit repeated exposure to high-risk foods
• Test your levels if you have chronic symptoms or exposure concerns

When to Consider Testing

We recommend toxic metal testing for individuals with:

• Chronic fatigue, brain fog, or unexplained neurological symptoms
• History of high seafood consumption
• Use of conventional cosmetics or imported pottery
• Residence in industrial or wildfire-prone areas
• Diagnosed autoimmune, metabolic, or hormonal conditions

Book a Toxic Metal Assessment

If you suspect toxic burden may be affecting your health, we can help. Our clinic offers functional testing and customized detoxification strategies.