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Diagnosing HM’s TM Heavy Metals The Silent Killer • Heavy metals are natural components of the earth’s crust that are five times heavier in density than water. These heavy metals found in a variety of forms cannot be degraded or destroyed. Of the 35 metals which we are commonly exposed, various agencies1 have defined 20-25 of these heavy metals to be toxic. Some of these elements are more toxic than others and can cause severe health threats when they bioaccumulate in bodily tissues. Some of these heavy metals include: Arsenic, Antimony, Thallium, Mercury, Lead and Cadmium. Other elements in trace forms (proper amounts and proper grades), such as Zinc, Copper, Chromium, Cobalt, Selenium, Iron and Manganese are essential for our own cellular metabolism and normal organ function. In the wrong amounts, even essential elements are unhealthy and can cause detrimental effects to the body. Heavy metal toxicity is responsible for a very wide range of varying illnesses based on acute and chronic exposure and can often be very difficult to diagnose. “Heavy metal toxicity can result in damaged or reduced mental and central nervous function, lower energy levels, and damage to blood composition, lungs, kidneys, liver, and other vital organs. Long-term exposure may result in slowly progressing physical, muscular, and neurological degenerative processes that mimic Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophy, and multiple sclerosis. Allergies are not uncommon and repeated long-term contact with some metals or their compounds may even cause cancer”.2 Chromium 1 - International Occupational Safety and Health Center, Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2 - International Occupational Safety and Health Information Center 1999. Bismuth Avoiding the unavoidable • Preventing exposure to heavy metals are worthwhile and important, but ultimately futile. The inescapable reality is not when but how much. For the last several decades, various agencies have been attempting to screen these harmful materials from our food, air and workplaces. To a lesser degree, small successes have been made in limiting or reducing environmental toxins in some industrial applications, but as can be attested by regular news reports, these toxic substances continue to contaminate our environments. Since these harmful metals are still found in various food chains, water sources, industrialized processing and environmental pollutions, they can easily enter the body by way of foods, absorption through skin and by being breathed in. Those most susceptible to heavy metal poisoning are the workers working in areas where types of manufacturing plants especially those involved in pharmaceutical, biochemical and agricultural products are utilized. • These toxic heavy metals can build up and be detected in various testing procedures such as examining blood, urine and hair samples but these testing methods are frequently overlooked and often display false indications because of the way that these heavy metals settle in the tissues. Many symptoms of toxicity are immediate and make early detection difficult along with preventive protections. Treating HM Toxicity • In the medical world, heavy metal poisoning is treated by chelation therapy. Calcium disodium Versanate (edetate) and a few other chelation agents are commonly used to treat the toxicity. These chemicals react with the contaminated heavy metals to start a chelation process by capturing and binding to the toxins forming a complex that is large enough for the kidney to screen from the bloodstream. Then the screened complex is usually excreted within the urine. This chelation therapy is a painful, time-consuming process and frequently requires hospitalization. Inno-Vita #4413 Meta-Ex Beryllium HM’s reaction in our body • Once ingested and/or exposure has occurred, these toxic metals effectively compete with our essential minerals and rapidly displace these key beneficial elements which cause malfunctions and imbalances to our various organs. Depending on quantities and length of exposures; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, severe headache, chronic stomach pain and fatigue can result and if detoxification is not followed appropriately, severe and permanent damages in the brain, liver, kidney and nervous system can also follow. • META-EX is an excellent natural heavy metal chelator. It contains adequate amounts of Vitamin C that is a wellknown detoxifying agent. Vitamin C also known as a strong antioxidant will help the tissues eliminate and release the toxin deposits for expediting the detoxification process. During this detoxification process, headache and nausea are common side effects but vitamin C will help reduce these s ide effects. It includes dandelion which will help the liver, the most vital organ for detox and boost the body’s own filtering system. Dandelion contains good amounts of key antioxidants and key detoxification minerals. Pfaffia is also known as a detox herb and helps body promote a rapid healing process for the damaged tissues caused by heavy metal manifestation. Phytosaponin contained in Yucca is an excellent detox agent and Meta-EX includes a good quantity of yucca in the Inno-Vita formula. [© Inno-Vita 2009] • Aluminum is not actually classified as a heavy metal but it is the most abundant metallic element found in the earth comprising more than 8 percent of the earth’s crust. This abundant metal is in our air, water and soil. It is believed that 3-10mg.’s of aluminum are taken into the body daily. Aluminum is toxic in any amount when it is able to reach the brain and accumulate in the cerebral cortex preventing nerve impulses from being carried to and from the brain. Known Impacts: Alzheimer’s disease, nervous issues, osteoporosis, colic, decreased gastrointestinal, kidney and liver function. Commonly Found: Pain killers, anti-inflammatory products, processed foods, antiperspirants, toothpaste, dental amalgams, and beer (especially from aluminum cans, aluminum cookery and municipal water supplies. • Antimony is a nonessential trace element that occurs in a few various ores. Little is known today about the toxic effects of antimony and by some is not considered to be toxic though it shares similar chemical and toxicological properties of arsenic. Known Impacts: Decreased hemoglobin and blood glucose. Recent studies have been analyzing its possible role with sudden infant death syndrome. Known Impacts: Compounds of arsenic are regulated many countries but are still found in a variety of industrial applications. Arsenic has been proven to cause kidney, bladder, skin, prostate, gastrointestinal, liver, pancreas, testicular cancers. The best method of testing for arsenic poisoning is currently done by examining urine. Commonly Found: Poisons especially insecticides, metal bronzing, hazardous waste sites, pyrotechnics, and transistors. Arsenic is also found in drinking water. In Bangladesh and bordering countries, arsenic contamination in groundwater has lead to massive epidemics. • Beryllium is a hard gray metal found as a natural component of some ores. The gemstones emerald, aquamarine and beryl are forms of Beryllium. Today it is used primarily in industrial manufacturing with metal alloys. Trace amounts enter water supplies through weathering (especially from acid rain)of rocks and soils which contain this metal. Dangerous levels are the byproduct of industrial manufacturing and waste discharges. Known Impacts: Most dangerous effects of beryllium are from inhalation. Once in the body, it bioaccumulates in the bone, tissues and organs and can lead to fatal respiratory diseases. Symptoms include ranges of nasal inflammation and pneumonia. Acute durations of the disease manifest as pulmonary fibrosis. Commonly Found: Its industrial applications today are primarily used in alloys for hardening other metals such as lead used in bullets and batteries. It is also used in some plastics, semiconductors and fire retardants. Commonly Found: Occupational exposure to industry related to electronics, mining, spark plugs, microwave tubes, photographic equipment, nuclear reactors, aerospace industry, smelting, ceramics, welding and many tools. • Arsenic is the notoriously toxic chemical element which has a long history for its use as a deadly poison to animals, rodents and even people. Various abstractions of arsenic have been used by the military in weaponry and some compounds today are used for treatments of cancer by the medical industry. • Bismuth is a brittle metal which is the last naturally element on the periodic table that is considered to not be radioactive (though it does retain a slight radioactivity). Bismuth shares chemical similarities to arsenic and antimony however it is considered to be one of the less toxic of the heavy metals in comparison to others. Known Impacts: Chronically, bismuth salts are known to cause kidney and liver damage. Acute effects include, diarrhea, skin reactions including dermatitis, loss of appetite & weight, stomatitis, headaches, depression and gingivitis. Commonly Found: Bismuth is primarily used in the manufacturing of low meting solders, shotgun shot, alloys, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and some medical procedures. • Boron is a chemical metalloid element and is considered an essential micronutrient in trace amounts integral to the life cycle of plants as well as general wellbeing of humans in its ability to affect blood biochemical production of energy and mineral metabolism. Boron enters the body by diet or externally through damaged skin. Known Impacts: Chronic effects include vomiting, headache, diarrhea, hypothermia, restlessness, skin loss, kidney damage, poor appetite, nausea, weight loss, and decreased sexual activity. Commonly Found: Boron is found in industrial manufacturing, aerospace industry, semiconductor and glassware meant to be exposed to high heat (Duran and Pyrex). It is also found in soaps, detergents, cleaning products, tooth bleaching and fire retardants. • Cadmium is a chemical heavy metal element similar to zinc and is not found in large quantities naturally. Known Impacts: Cadmium like other heavy metals displaces healthy levels of magnesium and calcium in the body. Poisoning leads to nausea, diarrhea, vomiting. Acute exposure can cause coughing, loss of smell, breathing difficulty, weight loss, permanent kidney and liver damage. Continued on next page Commonly Found: Tobacco smoking is the number one cause of exposure to cadmium in the general public. Smokers, on average, have 4-5 times higher cadmium poisoning in their blood due to smoking. Cadmium is commonly used in batteries such as nickel cadmium rechargeable types (Ni-Cd). Cadmium is also found in pigments, televisions, coatings and plastic products. • Carbon is a naturally occurring non metallic element that can be found in various forms such as coal, graphite, diamonds and gasses. Carbon monoxide poisoning is very toxic and the most toxic substance people become in contact with on a daily basis. Even small amounts of carbon monoxide can cause major health problems over time and can cause hypoxic injury, neurological damage and even death. Known Impacts: Carbon monoxide poisoning causes headaches, vertigo, flu-like effects, neurological and heart damage. Carbon monoxide can have serious effects on the fetus of a pregnant woman, hemoglobin, myoglobin and mitochondrial functions. Commonly Found: Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide is found in indoor and outdoor pollution, internal-combustion engines and is the precursor to many products as well as a principle component in many industrial uses. • Chromium has a history dating back to the early Chinese and Roman histories with its attributes for metallurgical uses. In more modern times, chromium was used as a component of paints and tanning salts but today it is used primarily with metal alloys. In trace amounts, chromium is an essential nutrient that helps the body metabolize sugar, protein and fats and is also found in a variety of health related products. Known Impacts: Dermatitis, nasal and skin ulcers, chronic bronchitis, abnormal pulmonary functions and allergic asthma. Some chromium compounds have been associated with lung cancer and are known carcinogens. Commonly Found: Chromium is naturally found in foods like yeast, mushrooms, broccoli and prunes. It is also added to some municipal water. Chromium is mined Africa, India and Russia for industrial purposes. When found in industrial settings it can be harmful to the body. • Organic copper is an essential trace element for both human metal and physical health. As a metal it is valuable for its resistance to corrosion, uses to control algae growth in water storages and thermal & electrical conductivity. Known Impacts: In excesses, copper toxicity can lead to a number of physical and mental conditions including insomnia, depression, hypo-tension, acne, heart, liver and kidney disease, PMS, schizophrenias, hyperactivity and autism in children. Commonly Found: Electro-plating and chemical industry and in domestic water supply pipes and fittings and is found in various household goods as well as building supplies. Copper exhibits anti-bacterial and antimicrobial qualities. • Gold is a precious heavy metal which is dense, soft and malleable highly sought after for its monetary value. In medieval times it was used for health issues with the theory that something monetarily valuable would also be healthy for the body. Most recently it has been used in conjunction with joint swelling to reduce pain and swelling. Known Impacts: Gold can adversely affect many different organs and systems in the body including: dermatitis, stomatitis, diarrhea, weakness, joint swelling, and fatigue. Commonly Found: Jewelry, coins, modern dentistry and electronics as well as some food decoration. Soluble compounds of gold are toxic to the liver and kidneys. • Iron is a lustrous and silvery heavy metal and is one of the most common materials in our modern every day use. Iron is extracted from iron ore and in modern uses mixed with other alloys to create steel. Iron is also an essential trace element which carries oxygen to hemoglobin and the muscles myoglobin. In trace amounts, Iron is a component of various enzymes and is also located in the body’s bone marrow, liver and the spleen. Known Impacts: Poisoning occurs when someone ingests iron often in the form of vitamins. Large amounts corrode intestinal lining and irritate the stomach. Poisoning usually causes diarrhea, abdominal pain, dehydration, lethargy and as it passes deeper into the body, permanent damage is to internal organs particularly the brain and liver. Commonly Found: As the most widely used metal, it is responsible for 95% of all worldwide metal production. Iron is found literally everywhere including machinery, automobiles, ships and buildings. • Both organic and inorganic compounds of lead are highly toxic to the body in even low levels. Lead poisoning has been decreased with modern manufacturing laws, but it can still be found the following: Known Impacts: Foods grown in contaminated soil, acid rain leaching lead into drinking water, paint chips or dust from older homes which predate the changes in the paint formulas, plumbing made of lead or lead traces, some cosmetics, batteries, cigarettes, fuel, pesticides, PVC plastics, toys & products imported from China and other countries. Commonly Found: Lead is a neurotoxin and can do serious damage to individuals especially those whose body is in developing stages. In children lead can interfere with normal development, cause irreparable brain damage or even death. (Lookup: La Oroya, Peru.) [© Inno-Vita 2009] • Lithium is a less common soft alkali metal which can be cut with a knife. It is also highly flammable and is considered of no use to any biological functions in humans. Lithium is however known for its neurological effects on the body. Known Impacts: Muscle tremors, twitching, hyperparathyroidism, bone loss, kidney damage, diabetes and seizures. Commonly Found: Lithium is used in the manufacturing of heat resistant glass and ceramics, lightweight alloys and batteries and high temperature lubricants. • Magnesium is an abundant alkaline metal and happens to be the 11th most abundant element in the human body. Fifty percent of magnesium in the body is found in the bones. Industrially, magnesium is the third most used metal for manufacturing. Known Impacts: Magnesium is not commonly a cause of poisoning, however it is also found in a number of foods and medicines including over-the-counter drugs, laxatives, antacids which over time can cause magnesium poisoning. Magnesium deficiencies (hypomagnesemia) or excesses (hypermagnesemia) can occur with the effects of nausea, vomiting, tremors, malnutrition, diarrhea, delusions and hallucinations. Commonly Found: Production of steel (largely in automobile manufacturing), iron, glass, electronics, computers, cell phones, cement and as an additive to aluminum such as the cans used for packaging soda pop and certain foods & drugs. • Manganese is found freely in nature and serves important uses in industrial functions but is also important to the body in trace forms. Known Impacts: Though manganese is less toxic than other common metals, exposure to fine particles and manganese fumes result in poisoning causing cognition and motor skill disorders. Long term exposure has been connected to neurodegeneration leading to Manganism similar to Parkinson’s disease. Most commonly found in the welding and mining industry. Commonly Found: In pigments, paints, oxidation chemicals, unleaded gasoline, alloys, and topical medicines. • Mercury is the only metal which is liquid at ordinary temperatures. It is rarely found naturally and not recognized to have any use in the body. Mercury is not taken up by plants but enters the body by diet of smaller organisms which have been exposed to mercury. Common mercury poisoning is caused by eating smaller organisms such as contaminated sea life or vegetables and other crops that are sprayed with agricultural products. Mercury replaces the body’s storage of healthier elements and light metals with heavier toxic metals. It prevents healthy biochemical reactions and functions of the body. tobacco smoke, unrefined grains and cereals and vegetable shortening. Commonly Found: Headaches, insomnia, tremors, low blood pressure, nausea, vertigo, vomiting, irritability, apathy, fevers, anorexia, disruption of hormone and lipid metabolism, skin problems, intestinal cancer and kidney dysfunction. • Palladium is a rare precious metal that is valued for its lustrous silver color. This element has a low melting point and resistant to chemical erosion making it commonly used in numerous industrial manufacturing roles. Dental amalgams and fillings have caused palladium and mercury to be a center topic of concern. Known Impacts: Bioaccumulated amounts of palladium are known to have relationships to kidney, liver, thyroid and brain dysfunction. Other effects include dermatitis, stomatitis, gum disease. Germany and Switzerland have banned the use of palladium in dental alloys. Known Impacts: Mercury poisoning is known to have many negative effects on the body including, macular degeneration, prostate enlargement, Zinc deficiency, fatigue, PMS, thyroid, nerve, brain and kidney damage, rheumatoid arthritis, sterility and immune suppression as well as death. Commonly Found: Dentistry, precious metals such as jewelry, catalytic converters, computers, mobile phones, ceramics, electronics, water treatments as well as the fuel cells being used in many devices such as hybrid vehicles today. Commonly Found: Mercury is found in amalgam fillings, paints and some industrial processes. • Platinum is a heavy metal popular for its resistance to corrosion and is thirty times rarer than gold. Platinum is found naturally in very small quantities on earth. Larger percentages are found in meteorites and on the moon. • Like some other heavy metals, nickel’s elemental form is not as dangerous as the highly poisonous industrial processed forms found in various industries. Nickel has a highly reactive chemical valuable for its use in alloys with other metals. Known Impacts: Nickel is found in industrial waste, coins, dairy products such as butter and margarine, imitation whipped cream, fertilizers, food processing, fuel oil combustion, hydrogenated fats and oils, oysters, stainless steel cookware, tea, Known Impacts: Though as a rare metal, platinum poisoning is not commonly found in many outside of occupational exposure where platinum is used in industrial environments. Chronic exposure has caused long-term effects of allergies, dermatitis, respiratory diseases. Continued on next page Commonly Found: Platinum’s resistance to corrosion causes it to be a popular element for use in jewelry, coins, chemotherapy, electrics, dentistry and automobiles. In automobiles, platinum plays a key role in the catalytic converts. Platinum is a monetarily precious metal that is also found in photography, inks, plating, mirrors and as a catalyst for various alloys and hence, road dusts. • Silver is soft white precious metal that is found in a pure form in nature. In industrial settings, silver is also produced as a byproduct of gold, copper, lead and zinc. Recent studies of silver health supplements such as colloidal silver suggest that silver may have dangerous. side effects. Known Impacts: Complications of silver poisoning, often titled Argyria, are considered secondary conditions. At this time, severe disorders related to silver poisoning are unclear. Large amounts of silver in the body cause a gray discoloration of the body’s tissues and have been connected to fevers, gastroenteritis, hyperpigmentation and blue nails. Commonly Found: Mirrors, electrical contacts in conductors, photography, utensils, jewelry, ornamental metal work, disinfectants, and coins. • Thallium is a poor metal which is so soft it can be cut with a knife. Thallium resembles tin and has been used like arsenic as a poison giving it the nickname “the inheritance powder”. Part of what makes this heavy metal a dangerous poison is that it is odorless and tasteless. Known Impacts: Thallium is toxic and dangerous to come in contact with the skin since it can be readily absorbed. When exposed to thallium, poisoning leads to hair loss, nerve damage, excessive stomach pain. Thallium is the cause of some rather famous murders and assassinations including the deaths of some Iraqi air force club member’s children which ate of a cake that was laced with thallium. Copper Commonly Found: The major uses of thallium today are in electronics. Other uses include pharmaceutical, glass, insecticides and rat poisons. In the last few years, thallium has been prohibited in many over the counter insecticides and rodent poisons. Water tables have been contaminated especially where thallium as been used in agriculture. • Tin is a silvery poor metal that is used to coat other metals in an effort to prevent oxidation and corrosion. It is found in many different kinds of alloys such as bronze. Tin was once used to wrap foods in the early 20th century but was replaced by aluminum though its replacement is still commonly referred to as “tin foil”. Tin has no known natural or biological role to people today. In its natural form, tin is not considered toxic; however some manmade extracts are highly toxic. Known Impacts: Gastrointestinal problems, cramps, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, chills. Commonly Found: Pewter alloys, solder, cans, glass making, pipes, electronics and building supplies. • Named after the planet Uranus, uranium is a naturally occurring heavy metal that is well known for its radioactive agents although its radioactivity in nature is weak. It also has the highest atomic weight of the other naturally occurring elements. Like many other metals, uranium in its chemical form is known to be very toxic. Known Impacts: Used for its unique nuclear properties including weaponry and nuclear power plants. Occasionally it is used as a colorant for glass, pottery glazes, leather, wood stains and dies as well as glow-inthe-dark paints, clocks and aircraft dials. Commonly Found: Besides the obvious dangers of radioactive enriched uranium, poisoning is known to cause necrosis and kidney toxicity. Very high uranium intakes have been known to cause kidney failure and death. • Zinc is a nonmagnetic metal that has been used since early history for its alloy functions. Zinc is naturally occurring and is an essential trace element necessary for life. As a trace element, Zinc plays an important role in reproductive organ growth. It also plays a vital role in neurotransmissions and cellular metabolism. • Titanium is a low density metal valued for having the highest strength to weight ratio of any other metal. It is used today primarily for its alloying effects in steel and stainless steel. Known Impacts: Zinc is mined throughout the world. Its production has caused many environmental concerns because of the dangerous vapors and other residues created by its byproduct. Zinc poisoning is results in conditions of ataxia, lethargy, copper deficiency, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, diarrhea and headaches. Known Impacts: Certain forms of titanium are carcinogenic as well causing devastating effects upon reproductive and developmental growth stages. Commonly Found: Oysters, animal proteins, nuts, grains, fortified foods, dietary supplements, cold lozenges, cold remedies, metal alloys, welding and galvanized materials. Commonly Found: Military and aerospace industry, chemicals, paper, automotive, dental alloys, sporting goods, jewelry, pyrotechnics and medical prosthetics. [© Inno-Vita 2009]