Exposure to heavy metals and other toxins has become unavoidable. This is a concern as regular exposure to these harmful substances can trigger multiple forms of dysfunction. Perhaps the most notable impact of heavy metals and environmental toxins is on the brain and nervous system. There are multiple neurological conditions including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s that are associated with greater exposure to toxins. Recent studies suggest that ADD/ADHD may also be connected. Learning of the connection between neurological dysfunction and toxicity and utilizing safe detoxification methods may help alleviate symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
The Harmful Impact of Heavy Metals and Other Toxins
For proper neurological development, various genes, chemicals, and hormones must be produced at precise amounts and introduced at specific times during the early stages of life. Even minor disruptions in this process can lead to major issues. Unfortunately, there are many toxins present in everyday life that can hinder development and cause imbalances in the brain.
Common heavy metals such as aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury can cause disruption even at minor levels of exposure. Other toxins in the form of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE’s), triclosan, bisphenol A (BPA), and phthalates can also damage neurological function further increasing the risk of developing ADD/ADHD.
The Necessity of Detoxification
Although most do not experience severe toxicity, even minor cases can cause neurological dysfunction and chronic disease. Without eliminating metals and toxins from the system, the substances continue to poison the body and cause harm to the brain. The resulting disruption of neurological function promotes symptoms associated with ADD/ADHD such as:
- Anxiety
- Brain fog
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Memory loss
- Trouble retaining information
Those suffering from toxicity of any kind will not improve until the offending agent has been removed from their system. Effective elimination of toxins requires the implementation of a detox plan.
The Lowdown on Detoxification
The goal of detoxfication is to break up and remove toxins that have accumulated in the brain, nervous system, or other areas throughout the body. Most detox methods involve two major components. Initially, the focus should be on releasing toxins that have built up in one’s system. However, freeing toxins can increase toxicity symptoms if there is no method of excretion. Therefore, it is essential to complete the detox process in its entirety after it is commenced.
Excretion of heavy metals and other toxins typically requires the use of a chelating agent. There are a variety of chelators available that are used depending on the toxins present. Chelating agents work by binding to specific molecules allowing them to be dissolved and subsequently excreted through urine. However, it is important to be careful when using chelators as inappropriate usage of chelating agents may prompt the excretion of essential minerals leading to cognitive difficulties and other forms of dysfunction.
Are There Other Detox Options?
In addition to chelation, there are other methods of supporting the body’s natural detox process. Utilizing specific supplements and herbs can help break down toxins so they can be more easily removed through urine, feces, and sweat.
Dietary detox
There are various foods that promote detoxification while providing other benefits such as anti-inflammation, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Eating more of the following foods can naturally boost the body’s ability to detox:
- Bone broth
- Flax and chia seeds
- Foods containing high amounts of vitamin C
- Garlic and onions
- Green leafy vegetables
- Herbs and spices (specifically cilantro and parsley)
- Water
Eliminating certain foods may also improve detoxification by limiting exposure to further toxins and reducing immune stress. When detoxifying, avoid consuming the following substances:
- Alcohol
- Farmed fish
- Foods containing additives
- Known allergens or sensitivities
- Non-organic foods
Incorporating supplements into one’s diet plan may also further support the body’s natural detox process. Specific supplements that can benefit detoxification include:
- Chlorella
- Cilantro
- Milk thistle
- Probiotics
- Shilajit
- Vitamin C
Simplifying Detoxification
It can be overwhelming trying to decide which of these different elements to include in your detox plan. Fortunately, HoltraCeuticals has a solution to help simplify the process. Heavy Metal Detox is a supplement formulated specifically to aid in the removal of heavy metals while also supporting the elimination of other toxins. There are several ingredients contained in Heavy Metal Detox that make it an exceptionally effective detox tool.
EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid)
EDTA chelation has been used safely for over 50 years. This synthetic amino acid was developed in an effort to combat heavy metal poisoning. Like most chelating agents, EDTA promotes the molecular binding of metals and other toxins so they can be safely excreted through urine.
Cilantro
Cilantro is known for its exceptional ability among green herbs and plants to reduce heavy metal buildup. It is particularly effective at breaking down lead and mercury, which are two of the more dangerous and prolific heavy metals. The relatively low intensity of cilantro’s detoxification effect helps the body ease into more impactful detoxifiers such as chlorella.
Chlorella
The green algae known as chlorella is a natural chelator that binds to heavy metals (including lead, mercury, and uranium), chemicals, and pesticides. Some describe chlorella as one of the most powerful detoxing substances at our disposal because of its strong ability to eliminate a wide range of toxins. Chlorella also has the added benefit of not binding to beneficial minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc. This reduces the risk of excreting helpful nutrients when detoxing.
Shilajit
As an adaptogenic herb, shilajit helps balance various regions throughout the body. However, the specific detox benefit of this herb comes from its chelation qualities. In a fashion similar to activated charcoal, shilajit binds to toxic molecules so they can be safely flushed out of the system.
Regardless of your choice of supplement or detox method it is always best to get input from a trusted physician. Frivolous and unsafe detoxification can result in significant worsening of conditions, nutrient deficiencies, and the development of new symptoms.
Detoxing to Do Away with ADD/ADHD
Being exposed to heavy metals and other toxins is almost a certainty due to the high degree of environmental toxins. The influence of these substances can disrupt neurological function resulting in the development or worsening of existing ADD/ADHD symptoms. Resolving toxicity through safe detoxification or utilizing detoxifying foods or supplements such as Heavy Metal Detox can help eliminate stubborn toxins and improve symptoms relating to ADD/ADHD and other forms of neurological dysfunction.
