The Toxic Effects Of Heavy Metals And Pesticides – Avoiding Super Toxins
The toxic effects of heavy metals and pesticides have disastrous consequences on human health. Exposure to heavy metals has been linked to the development of various chronic diseases, including neurological disorders, autoimmune conditions, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease.
The most common heavy metals that are known to cause chronic disease include mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic. Aluminum, while not a heavy metal, also has negative effects on our health. These metals are found naturally in the environment but have also been introduced through industrial processes and pollution. They accumulate in the body over time and damage cellular function, destroying us from the inside out.1
The Toxic Effects Of Heavy Metals On The Cellular Level
One of the major concerns about the toxic effects of heavy metals is its impact on cellular detox pathways. Our cells have natural mechanisms to eliminate toxins, but heavy metals disrupt these processes and hinder our body’s ability to get rid of them. This leads to a buildup of toxins, that are the driving factor behind degenerative diseases.2
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Heavy metals like mercury and cadmium bind to glutathione, rendering it less effective, reducing its ability to neutralize toxins.3
Methylation is a process that helps remove heavy metals from the body. However, heavy metal toxicity disrupts methylation pathways and reduces their efficiency, making it harder for the body to eliminate these toxic elements. Heavy metals also inhibit enzymes responsible for detoxification processes in our cells. This prevents the breakdown of toxins, leading to their accumulation in the body.4
Heavy metal exposure triggers or exacerbates autoimmune conditions by causing a dysfunctional immune response. Heavy metals have been found to disrupt normal immune system function by altering the production of important immune cells and molecules.5
Heavy metals also directly damage cells and tissues in the body, leading to a surge in inflammation which contributes to the development of degenerative conditions. Moreover, heavy metals are known to accumulate in certain organs such as the liver, kidneys, and brain where they cause significant damage.6
One of the major concerns with heavy metals is that they are persistent in the environment and bioaccumulate in the food chain. This means that even small amounts of these metals build up over time, causing our stress bucket to overflow, and trigger illness. Certain populations are more vulnerable to the effects of heavy metals, such as pregnant women and children.
The Toxic Effects Of Heavy Metals – Mercury
Mercury is at the top of the most hazardous super toxins, as it causes damage to our cells and organ systems. Mercury has a long history of use in various industries, often due to its preservative properties and ability to enhance the effectiveness of medicines and cosmetics.
One of the main sources of exposure are dental fillings which contain 50% mercury. Mercury is volatile and vaporizes off the filling, accumulating in the body over time. Additionally, if you used contact lens solution during the 1970s and the mid-1990s like I did, you were exposed to mercury.
Another contributor to mercury exposure is through the consumption of certain types of fish like tuna and swordfish, which accumulate high levels of mercury due to their diet. The issue is compounded by the fact that these predatory fish have longer lifespans, giving them more time to accumulate toxins from smaller fish they feed on.
Unfortunately, the extensive use of mercury has resulted in widespread environmental contamination, with many water sources now contaminated with this toxic substance. The problem is, once mercury has contaminated the environment, it is very difficult to remove.7
The Danger Of Silver Fillings
The accumulation of super toxins like mercury start from before we are even born all the way to death, something I call “from the womb to the tomb.” In fact, the Drasch study found that the number of fillings in the mother’s mouth is directly proportional to the amount of mercury in the baby’s brain. In short, mercury passes from the mother into the fetus through the umbilical cord.8
Another study found that the more silver fillings someone has, the more mercury they have in their organs. The really scary thing is that mercury passes through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and accumulates in the brain. When mercury passes through the BBB, it accumulates in the hypothalamus, among other tissues.9 10
The hypothalamus controls the endocrine system and regulates it based on a feedback cycle. When the hypothalamus is inundated by mercury, it cannot regulate hormone function.11
Think of it this way, the hypothalamus is similar to the airport control tower that tells planes when to land and take off. Without an airport control tower, everything goes haywire and it is only a matter of time before planes collide. In the same fashion, when the hypothalamus isn’t regulating the endocrine system, everything is in disarray, leading to the skyrocketing number of endocrine disorders we are currently witnessing.
The Toxic Effects Of Heavy Metals – Lead
Lead is a highly prevalent heavy metal that has long been a concern for human health. Throughout history, lead exposure has been linked to various industrial processes and is present in products like paint, gasoline, batteries, and plumbing fixtures. However, in recent times, our exposure to lead has extended beyond just these sources. It can now be found in everyday consumer goods such as toys, make up, jewelry, plastic containers, and even some food products.
Even at low levels of exposure, lead has detrimental effects on our health, especially in young children. Not only does it affect physical development, but also cognitive abilities. Just like mercury, lead accumulation also starts in the womb, as mothers with high levels of lead transfer it to their developing fetus.12 13
The Toxic Effects Of Heavy Metals – Aluminum
Aluminum is a commonly used metal in our daily lives, found in various products like kitchenware, deodorants, and packaging materials. Aluminum has been recently added to jet fuel to improve fuel efficiency. This means that anytime a jet passes overhead, it rains down aluminum on us and into our water supply. While aluminum has historically been considered safe for most uses, recent research has revealed negative impacts on our health, specifically on brain function.14
Numerous studies have linked high levels of aluminum exposure to cognitive impairment, resulting in symptoms such as forgetfulness and difficulty with problem-solving tasks.
One study showed a correlation between elevated aluminum levels and decreased performance on cognitive tests, suggesting a role in age-related cognitive decline. Additionally, another study found a positive association between high aluminum levels and an increased risk of dementia, further supporting the harmful effects of aluminum on brain function and cognition.
Aside from long-term consequences on brain health, aluminum has also been linked to short-term effects like brain fog, which occurs with high levels of exposure over a shorter period. Symptoms may include headaches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.15
Metals like mercury and aluminum both disrupt the function of the hypothalamus. Moreover, these metals also cause oxidative stress in the brain, damaging cells and leading to inflammation.16
The Combination Of Mercury And Aluminum Results In A Higher Lethal Value
Combining mercury and aluminum increases their lethal value. The reason behind this increased toxicity lies in the chemical reactions between the two elements. Mercury has a strong affinity for binding with other metals, such as aluminum. When these two come into contact, they form mercury-aluminum amalgam, a compound that is more toxic than either element alone.17
The Toxic Effects Of Heavy Metals And Pesticides – Glyphosate
Pesticides have been linked to serious health issues including hormone disruption and neurological disorders. The most widely used pesticide is glyphosate, the main ingredient in Roundup.18
Studies have shown that glyphosate disrupts the composition and diversity of our gut microbiome. Research has also revealed that exposure to glyphosate leads to a decrease in beneficial bacteria and an increase in harmful bacteria in the gut. This disruption of the gut microbiome has been linked to a wide range of health issues, including autoimmune diseases and mental health disorders.19
Over the past three decades, there has been a staggering rise in various disorders such as bipolar disorder, ADHD, autism, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, fibromyalgia, and hypothyroidism. These alarming increases have been attributed to the widespread use of glyphosate and its role in producing peroxynitrite in the body. The correlation between these diseases and the consumption of glyphosate is a serious cause for concern.20
Glyphosate And Leaky Gut Syndrome
One of the main concerns surrounding glyphosate is its link to Leaky Gut Syndrome. Leaky Gut Syndrome, or intestinal permeability, is a condition where the lining of the small intestine becomes damaged, allowing undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria to enter the bloodstream.
The link between glyphosate and Leaky Gut Syndrome lies in its effect on the zonulin protein. Zonulin is a type of protein that controls the opening and closing of the tight junctions between intestinal cells. These tight junctions act as a barrier, preventing harmful substances from passing through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream.
Studies have shown that glyphosate disrupts the production of zonulin, causing an increase in intestinal permeability. This means that more toxins and bacteria enter the bloodstream, leading to inflammation and other health issues.21
Glyphosate’s Effect On The BBB
Even more alarming, glyphosate has been found to increase the permeability of the BBB, allowing more mercury, aluminum, and other toxins into the brain. This leads to an even greater buildup of these heavy metals in the hypothalamus.22
5Rs – A Roadmap To Optimizing Cellular Health
Heavy metal and glyphosate toxicity are major concerns due to their detrimental effects on cellular health. With my 5Rs, we address heavy metals directly and repair the cellular damage that comes from years of exposure.
R1 – Removing The Source
Removing the source of heavy metals from our lives is the first step of the 5Rs. One of the most common sources of the heavy metal mercury is silver dental fillings that need to be removed in order to ever get well.
R2 – Repairing The Cellular Membrane
To combat heavy metal damage, it is crucial to repair damaged cellular membranes by promoting lipid synthesis and incorporating nutraceuticals into the diet. The proper ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids is essential for maintaining membrane function and fluidity.23
R3 – Restoring Cellular Energy Production
Heavy metals directly interact with proteins in mitochondria, interfering with their normal functioning and disrupting ATP production. Indirectly, heavy metals also alter calcium levels, further disrupting mitochondrial function and energy production.24 To optimize cellular energy production, specific nutraceuticals are incorporated into the Pompa Program.
R4 – Downregulating Cellular Membrane Inflammation
Inflammation of cellular membranes caused by heavy metal toxicity is difficult to stop once in motion. This perpetuates the “NO/ONOO cycle,” which can be broken with specialized nutraceuticals to reset inflammation back to baseline levels.25
R5 – Reestablishing Methylation
Exposure to heavy metals also has significant impacts on epigenetics, specifically DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA expression. These changes in gene expression can have long-term health effects and may even be passed down to future generations.
By reestablishing proper methylation levels, we can prevent disease-promoting phenotypes and improve overall health. Overall, it is crucial to address heavy metal toxicity and its effects on cellular health through a comprehensive approach that includes proper nutrition, targeted nutraceuticals, and addressing epigenetic modifications.26
To learn even more about super toxins and my 5Rs, join me in my free webinar or read more about the proper way to do a heavy metal detox.
References
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