Nutrients From Chelating Agents To Aid In Heavy Metal Detox

By Sandra Kim Leong

An extremely harmful type of toxins that you can ingest into your body is heavy metals. Heavy metals get ingested through drinking unsafe water, dental filings, breathing contaminated air or even eating foods that may be exposed to dangerous heavy metals. Heavy metals in your body are harmful because they can adversely affect your body functions such as slowing down your brain function and development. Examples of heavy metals include mercury, lead, arsenic, aluminum and cadmium. If your body has high levels of these toxins, then you may want to consider a heavy metal detox.

Chelating agents are used in a heavy metal detox to get rid of the inappropriate metals. These agents create a chemical bond with these metals to make them less active and combine with the bloodstream. Heavy metal detox takes place when you successfully excrete them through your kidneys and liver.

You will need the help of a naturopathic doctor for a heavy metal detox. On a daily basis, you can also obtain some natural chelating agents from food sources. Or buy them in supplement form from your local health store. Here are some examples of chelating agents that come from food or in the form of supplements:

* Milk Thistle is also referred to as silymarin. It helps your liver detoxify and in the process, eliminate heavy metals. Milk thistle also protects the membranes of red blood cells.

* Chlorella is a mild chelator. You can find it in green algae. Chlorella has a 3-layered cell wall that contains cellulose micro fibrils, which aids in heavy metal detox. You can obtain this all important nutrient in the form of a drink from juice bars or simply make one yourself.

* Methionine is a natural occurring chelating agent that supplies sulfur in the body. It helps in heavy metal detox by increasing the production cysteine and lecithin for the liver and protecting your kidney.

* N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) increases the production of cysteine and glutathione. It is also a source for sulfur. Fresh garlic is a common source of NAC. If you find it hard to eat garlic because of the pungent smell, there are also garlic supplements that you can buy.

*Mega H increases the conductivity of the water in your body and lowers the surface tension of cell fluids. These functions help in the easy removal of toxins from your body.

* Vitamin B6 is needed if you have undergone dental procedures or has dental fillings. It prevents the contamination of heavy metals in the body.

* Magnesium promotes the proper functioning of your immune system and body enzymes. This helps in detoxification activity of your cells.

Excellent sources of magnesium come from pumpkin, Brazil nuts, spinach and in fish like halibut.

* Cilantro is helpful in eliminating heavy metals, including mercury, out of your body. Cilantro aids in heavy metal detox by restoring the normal functions of body cells. You can easily sprinkle cilantro on top of your salads and soups.

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Disclaimer: Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Dr. Stoyanova encourages you to make your own health care and life style change decisions based upon your own research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.