There are dozens of heavy metals that are common in our environment and diet, including mercury, lead, cadmium, aluminum, and others. Significant exposure can cause acute or chronic toxicity and can lead to numerous serious health problems such as cognitive and central nervous dysfunction, energy deficiency, and damage to vital organs. Over time, exposure can result in systemic, muscular and neurological degenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, muscular dystrophy, and multiple sclerosis among others. Heavy metal exposure can suppress immune function and damage DNA, paving the road for potential cancer development and other serious conditions over the long term.
It is important to understand the dangers of heavy metals and take protective measures against excessive exposure. Toxicity that is not treated, or treated inappropriately, can result in significant illness and reduced quality of life, so undergoing a natural chelation cleanse is important if you think you have been exposed via contaminated food, water, and/or environmental sources. There are several ways to complete a natural chelation cleanse, but an approach that includes nutrients which chelate heavy metals and toxins gently and gradually, will be the safest and most effective.
Supplements
A tailored blend of modified citrus pectin (MCP) and seaweed-derived alginates is one combination that has been clinically proven to remove up to 74 percent of heavy metals within one to six months, without stripping your body of essential minerals. It is important to remember, however, that heavy metals accumulate over a long period of time and an effective chelation process will not happen overnight. Regular use of an MCP/alginate supplement comprises the initial phase of a proper detox protocol. After one to two months, a secondary phase ll detoxification formula with additional natural ingredients such as garlic and cilantro can be added to increase the effectiveness of your chelation program, by providing additional detox support and essential energy to the body. For more information about the health benefits of MCP/alginates, visit http://tinyurl.com/chelate.
Amino Acids
Sulfured amino acids such as cysteine and methionine are also helpful in chelation, as they play a critical role in binding and removing mercury and other metals. They are important for phase II detoxification and essential for the complete elimination of heavy metals by providing the ability to bind and remove them from deep within tissues and organs where they may have been stored over the long term.
Herbs and Botanicals
Using herbs in your regimen can also help to bring the detoxification process to life, offering you some momentum along with additional protection for your body through elimination support. It is important to choose compounds that are able to circulate and reach the areas of stagnation in the body where toxins may be deposited. Medicinal mushrooms are a good example of this critical mechanism. Learn more about various herbal remedies by visiting http://tinyurl.com/tibetanherb.
Another important strategy is using herbs which provide "adaptogenic" support, i.e. increasing your body's resistance to stress – an essential principle that is often overlooked in conventional detox programs. An example of an "adaptogenic" herb that can be used for this purpose is Astragalus, which also supports elimination, serving as a gentle diuretic. Similarly, herbal support to assist digestive elimination and promote liver discharge is always an important component in chelation and overall detoxification.
The reality is that heavy metals are everywhere – from aluminum in your antiperspirant to mercury in your tuna. While it is impossible to avoid exposure to heavy metals completely, you can protect yourself through safe, gentle chelation. Unlike intravenous therapy at a specialized clinic or oral chelation with harsh chemicals that deplete essential nutrients, nature provides you with ingredients to bind and eliminate toxins from the body without uncomfortable side effects. Learn more ways to help you clear your body of harmful heavy metals by downloading a complimentary wellness guide at