Andie Thueson » Wellness » Healthy Living » Detoxes » Is a Heavy Metal Detox right for you?

Is a Heavy Metal Detox right for you?

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As a lover of information about all things related to health, I am in a constant state of curiosity. When I started reading more and more about the large amounts of heavy metals in our daily diets, I was shocked. More and more recent studies show the connection between illness and disease being traced back to heavy metals in the body. And it seems even the healthiest food cannot protect one from exposure. A heavy metal detox may be a great resource to help prevent the accumulation of high levels of heavy metals within our bodies.

A heavy metal detox is something we can all benefit from. In this image a woman is thinking about if a detox is right for her.
A heavy metal detox is something all of us can benefit from.

To help me get a better handle on what to do and how to complete a heavy metal detox properly, I reached out to my friend Aubrey Grubbs. She is a warrior for finding the truth and shares information freely on her Instagram account. Her Instagram account is filled with information on natural healing, motherhood, and life. 

Guest Aubrey Grubbs helps us understand why a heavy metal detox is necessary!
Aubrey and her cute family! She is a great resource to follow on Instagram!

I asked her to share her thoughts and best practices on completing a Heavy Metal Detox. 

I will let her take it away from here: 

The first and most crucial step to detoxing heavy metals is prevention! I know this is said with almost everything, but this step is critical when it comes to heavy metals.

Our food, water, and air are highly polluted at this point in the world, and these toxins are entirely unavoidable. Sad but true, this is why we need to try even HARDER to stay away from toxic chemicals! 

Looking into heavy metal detox diets is an absolute must to combat the contamination in our world today. It is essential to know that chronic exposure and accumulation of these heavy metals lead to severe chronic disease like Alzheimer’s disease, Autism, Autoimmunity and put you at a higher risk of heart attacks, kidney damage, and cancer.

High toxic heavy metals have also been linked to many health problems such as anxiety, depression, cardiovascular diseases, gut disorders like IBS, leaky gut, dysbiosis, and celiac. Other common side effects include; headaches, brain fog, chronic fatigue, achy joints, insomnia, dementia, memory loss, bloating, abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, mood swings, uncontrollable cravings, and skin disorders. 

It’s hard to imagine all the above could be due to toxic substances in our bodies. You see, long-term exposure to heavy metals causes toxic elements to stick in our bodies easily. Once they start to accumulate within our body, they are extremely hard for all to pull out. They are even harder for some to detox with genetic mutations like MTHFR. And sadly extremely difficult, if AT ALL possible, for those with autism. 

Infographic of symptoms and illnesses tied to heavy metal toxicity.
So many chronic illnesses are now being traced back to heavy metals exposure in the body.

We can lower our toxic load more effectively by making sure we are avoiding the following environmental exposures.

  • Processed and inorganic foods
  • Unfiltered tap water
  • Chemically-laden household products and cleaners
  • Cigarette Smoke
  • Plastics
  • Unfiltered Water
  • Beauty Products
  • Old Paint
  • Toiletries
  • Dental Fillings
  • Toothpaste
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Sadly most all fish (due to high levels of mercury)
  • Pharmaceuticals, especially ones injected rather than ingested, since this would mean skipping the filtering process through gut, liver, kidneys and dumping those toxic metals straight into the muscle and bloodstream. Taking away the body’s only chance to naturally filter some of these metals out and allowing them more accessible access to areas like the brain. 
  • If you have mercury feelings, you may want to consider replacing them. They are toxic to the body.
  • Avoiding unnecessary EMF (Electromagnetic Frequencies) like microwaves and wifi is essential, especially to the more toxic body. Think about it. If you’re suffering from heavy metal poisoning, a build-up of excess toxic metal in your body, and these things also have a magnetic frequency of their own. You are like a walking antenna for radiation! Have you ever accidentally put something metal in a microwave?! No wonder studies are showing EMFs linking to cancer!

The second step, a healthy gut. You can’t drain harmful toxins without a healthy functioning gut, aka a clean and efficient drain to do that for you. Most doctors require you have at least one bowel movement a day before starting a heavy metal detox. This is extremely critical. Trying to detox with a damaged gut could make you very sick.

A magnesium protocol could benefit those suffering in this area.

A healthy diet of clean, organic foods is vital. Remember, the more toxicity you have, the more you will accumulate. The areas of the body that are already built up with toxicity attract more toxicity. Not only are metals more likely to accumulate in these areas, but they are a breeding ground for unwanted intruders like bacteria, mold, and parasites. You may have heard of these areas also being referred to as yeast overgrowth or candida. Feeding on these areas, harmful bacteria can mass multiply, pushing your gut over the edge into a state of dysbiosis. Dysbiosis is when the nasty bugs in your heart outnumber the excellent bugs. A happy balance of gut flora is necessary for a properly functioning gut. This toxic build-up within the intestine walls weakens the lining, allowing it to puncture through eventually, leading to a diagnosis of Leaky Gut. Though a leaky gut might sound like a horrible case of diarrhea, it’s not the case. Although it can be the culprit of such, Leaky Gut is when the walls of our intestinal tract have been so blocked and burdened by the toxic build-up, these toxins begin “leaking” into the blood, crossing the blood-brain barrier. Which then can wreak havoc throughout your entire body. 

The best way of going about heavy metal detoxification would be consulting with a Functional Medicine doctor. A functional doctor will complete a data hair analysis test and blood tests, checking your toxic levels. Then work with you to find a cleanse most suited to your needs and your toxic loads. They are helping you to look at your overall health and guiding you to detox what will work best with your body.

Not everyone can afford or even needs to pay a doctor to guide them through the detox process. Listen to your own body. Go with what best suits you and what you are comfortable with. If you are suffering from some serve symptoms and feel you could be suffering from heavy metal toxicity, or know you have been exposed to high amounts of metal, consider seeking medical assistance.

TRS drops are a very accessible way to access chelation therapy at home.

Another detox option would be forms of chelation therapy.  Zeolite is a mineral with a negative charge, which is highly effective in assisting the body to pull out toxins. An easy way to think of this is to recognize that the “positive charge” that occurs naturally in most heavy metals binds to certain minerals that contain a naturally occurring “negative charge.” 

I like to use is a supplement called TRS by Coseva. It is nano-sized into a water molecule making it more effective in getting to harder-to-reach areas of the body, where these toxins tend to go. It is easy to take every day in the form of a spray that tastes like water. I am a distributor, although I have never tried to sell this product as any form of chelation, as it is not for the faint of heart. Though you may not need guidance from a professional per se, you should still have a level of understanding and know what you’re signing up for.

 There can be some uncomfortable side effects that come along with pulling these things out of your body. Though they might not be as bad as the side effects of the toxic build-up in your body, you should be prepared for what to expect. Like I mentioned before, I experienced some pretty intense die-off symptoms with the passing of parasites. This was in the beginning stages of detoxing with TRS, now after spraying for over a year. I still pass them, especially after more exposure to toxins like traveling or shopping in plant gardens. The symptoms, if any at all, aren’t anywhere close to the ones in the detox’s initial stages. Do your research, educate yourself, and decide if it’s something you’re into. If you are, I would be happy to provide you with additional information.

** A word on die-off and parasites.

When completing a heavy metal detox, one thing I should warn you about, because it completely shocked me, is parasites. Parasites like to feed on heavy metals. When you start to pull these toxins out of your body, parasites come along with them. Not only did both my kids and I all pass parasites, and still do, but I have some pretty intense die-off symptoms right before moving rather large parasites. EEK! I know, but better out than in!

You may want to consider a milder form of heavy metal detox: 

  • A HOT bath with 2 pounds Epsom salt while drinking a quart of yarrow tea.
  • Distilled water is an excellent way to flush the body. Although we need minerals in our water, distilled or pure h20 mineral content or lack thereof allows it to absorb other minerals as it could almost be considered “empty” water. Readily available to consume. If you’re suffering from achy joints or arthritis, or a variety of other aches, this may be something to consider.
  • Bentonite clay has a “magnetic” pull on heavy metals. Clay can be ingested or used topically. I have done all of the above from stirring it in water, in the form of capsules, as well as topically as a facemask. I have seen people smear under armpits and bottoms of feet, in the form of poultice, left on the skin in areas of high absorption for some time to assist in drawing out toxins. As with anything, become familiar with using clay for chelation as it can also pull other things out you could be taking that you may not want to be pulled right back out if that makes sense.
  • You may want to consider a high dose of cracked chlorella and spirulina. NOW foods offer both Chlorella and Spirulina in tablet form. These essential minerals are linked to detoxing heavy metals from the body. 
  • Medicinal Herbs like cilantro are detoxifying as well with their natural ability to bind and pull out toxins. 
  • Sweating it out in a sauna is another great way to help you body detox of heavy metals.
  • You may want to consider Kambo.

You’ll also want to Eat more Detoxing Foods.

Info graphic of foods that will help detox heavy metal from your body.
These are some fantastic heavy metal detoxifying foods to add to your diet!

Cruciferous vegetables and dark leafy greens such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and brussels sprouts have sulfur-containing compounds, which are believed to increase the body’s production of detox enzymes, helping the body detoxification process naturally. Studies show that cruciferous veggies also contain cancer-fighting compounds, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, enhance heart health, regulate blood sugar, promote weight loss, and even prevent premature aging. When selecting produce, consider choosing organic produce to help protect against harmful toxins.

To those in fear of detoxing due to the die-off reactions

I have tried all sorts of cleanses, eaten foods that have made me feel all types of ways. Even on my worst day of detoxing, which believe me, I’ve had many, the significant improvement I felt in my mind and body far surpassed any day of expelling these toxins trapped inside me. The mental clarity, improved mood, and digestion were a night and day difference from any other type of cleanse! I experienced rapid and evident changes. I dare you to read through some of the testimonials on safemetaldetox.com You’ll read about kids with speech delays talking, rashes disappearing, periods reappearing, even skin tags falling off! It is insane the benefits that can be derived from a proper heavy metal detox.

Don’t get me wrong; the knowledge that attempting to live a toxic-free life will help me avoid serious illness later in life is a significant part of why I avoid these neurotoxins. But also, I must say in my own experience, the differences I notice in my day-to-day, specifically brain fog, uncomfortable gut issues, and intense cravings, are night and day to when I am not spraying or using some form of detox. Before I started my journey of a more toxic-free life or, more specifically, started spraying with TRS (I had converted my household to toxic-free and was well aware of environmental toxins), I would suffer from some pretty intense sugar cravings, unhealthy eating habits, and times of overeating that I felt so terrible, and was so full but would shock myself in continuing, almost uncontrollably. Now I see it as if it is those bad bugs sending signals to my brain. They want more when my body is telling me no more. After using the TRS, the mental clarity is so significant I can complete specific tasks that were so daunting before. 

If you do end up experiencing a die-off reaction, I found supplementing with charcoal and CBD to be the most comforting in alleviating symptoms. CBD is also something I can distribute if interested.

I am still human, and at times I still over-consume sugar and unhealthier foods. Before spraying, it used to take a week of juice cleansing or a strict diet to recover completely. Now it only takes 1 or 2 doses of spraying! 

 I was vegetarian for eight years, pescatarian for 5. I think I’ve tried close to every diet and cleanse under the sun. Even after trying all these methods of “clean eating,” combined with exhausting workouts, I still had trouble shedding unwanted pounds. Now after combining the process of heavy metal chelation with a focus on avoiding chemicals rather than calories, not only is my mind clearer than it has been in years, my workouts are often yoga, walking, or stretching, haha. I am, to my surprise, focusing on them GAINs rather than shedding! Something I never thought possible with my body and genetics! 

Getting a handle on the number of toxins you are ingesting and inviting into your home is critical to helping to lower your toxic load. Do your research and seek out natural products and are not filled with heavy metals and toxins. 

It is incredible the difference you will feel within your body when you combine lowering your chronic heavy metal exposure in your life daily and adding a consistent practice of natural detoxification of heavy metals.

Feel free to reach out to me on social media @aubrey.day.grubbs on IG 

Some useful references on heavy metal detox information 

**All Dr. Christoher’s formulas have been used for decades with the ability to repair and heal at the same time with the highest of integrity. 

Dr. Chris Exley (can be found on most social media platforms) @safeheavymetaldetox

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

This post was first published on June 2, 2020, and has been updated on November 19, 2021, to provide more detailed information on the discussion of heavy metal detoxing!

Much Love,

Andie's signature

9 Comments

  1. I can’t wait to try a detox! These are some helpful tips and ideas! Thanks!

  2. Stephanie says:

    Such great info…thanks for putting all of this together!

  3. Very interesting! Thank you for sharing this. I am so interested in doing it!

  4. Donna Batrone says:

    This is such great information. Thank you so much!

  5. Kellie Hemmerly says:

    So informative! Looking forward to trying these helpful tips.

  6. Thank you! This is such a valuable resource! Bookmarking this post, thanks!

  7. Great information!! It is definitely something to think about & I am all about making our bodies healthier!

  8. Thanks for putting this information out there. It’s easy to get tested to see if you have levels of heavy metals that need to be treated.

  9. LAUREN KELLY says:

    5 stars
    So interesting! I can’t wait to start this!

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