WE ARE TOO HEAVY — and I don’t mean overweight. We’re heavy with metals, not fat. Nearly 40 percent of us have toxic levels of lead in our bodies. And we don’t even know it. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have symptoms …
You may have headaches, insomnia, irritability, a low sex drive, or tremors. You may have mood problems, nausea, depression, memory difficulties, trouble concentrating, poor coordination, or even constipation. Yet most of us attribute these symptoms to other problems. We don’t recognize that they may be caused by lead poisoning.
I recently went to a medical conference on heavy metals and health. Although I have been treating toxicity from heavy metals for more than a decade (including in myself), I was surprised to hear about research that has been completely ignored by the media.
A study published in 2006 in the conservative medical journal Circulation, for example, should have been on the front page of the New York Times. Today I will tell you why the study was so important, and why you probably won’t hear about it from your doctor. Then I will give you 6 tips to help get the lead out.
Studies Show Any Lead in Your Body May be Unsafe
In the study I mentioned above, researchers measured the blood lead levels of 13,946 adults who were part of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. They were recruited from 1988 to 1994 and were then followed up on for up to 12 years. The goal of the study was to track what diseases people developed and why they died.(i)
Now, it’s important to remember that since lead was removed from gasoline and house paint several decades ago, the average person’s blood lead level has dropped dramatically. But our levels of lead are still a great deal higher than those of people who lived before the industrial age. That’s because we continue to be exposed to lead in our soil and water, as well as from our own bones, where it is stored once it’s introduced into our system.
Nearly 40 percent of all Americans are estimated to have blood levels of lead high enough to cause serious health problems.
Fifty years ago, the average blood levels of lead were about 40 micrograms/deciliter. The level considered “safe” by the government has continued to fall and is now considered less than 10 micrograms/deciliter. But this new study and others like it question the idea that ANY level of this toxic metal is safe.
In this study, researchers found that a blood level of lead over 2 micrograms/deciliter (that’s 2, not 10 or 40) caused dramatic increases in heart attacks, strokes, and death. In fact, after controlling for all other risk factors, including cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, and inflammation, the researchers found that the risk of death from all causes in people with a lead level that high increased by 25 percent, deaths from heart disease increased by 55 percent, risk of heart attacks increased by 151 percent, and risk of stroke increased by 89 percent.
What’s even more remarkable is that nearly 40 percent of all Americans are estimated to have blood levels of lead high enough to cause these problems. This is potentially a greater risk for heart disease than cholesterol! But this study is not the first indication we have of problems with lead.
A report in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that high blood pressure in postmenopausal women is strongly correlated to blood lead levels. This is because bones break down faster during menopause releasing stored lead and injuring blood vessels, which leads to high blood pressure.(ii)
High lead may also be responsible for kidney failure as well. A study in The New England Journal of Medicine found that using chelation therapy with EDTA to reduce lead levels in patients with kidney failure could prevent further loss of kidney function, save billions in healthcare costs, and eliminate the need for dialysis in millions of people. (iii)
Wow! Take a moment to digest that. Chelation therapy saves lives and billions of dollars. But your doctor probably isn’t offering this as standard treatment, because, as I have said many times, doctors, don’t learn two of the most important things in medical school: How to help people improve their nutrition and how to deal with environmental toxins.
Lead is not only linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, and kidney failure, it is also connected to the epidemic of children with ADHD, developmental and learning problems, and autism. Even though the “safe” blood levels of lead has been set as 10 micrograms/deciliter, recent studies show that the greatest drop-off in IQ scores in children occurs in those who have lead levels between just 1 and 10 micrograms/deciliter. (iv) This is particularly troubling, because more than 10 percent of poor and inner city children have lead exposure levels higher than 10 micrograms/deciliter!
I recently treated a young boy with extremely high lead levels who had Asperger’s syndrome, severe ADHD, and violent behavior. He likely got the lead from his mother, who had very low vitamin D levels and had developed osteoporosis, which released a lot of lead from her bones during pregnancy. This lead got into the boy’s body in the womb across his mother’s placenta. Thankfully, we got rid of his lead over time through chelation and nutritional support. Doing so dramatically improved his attention, behavior, and social skills.
This young boy is, unfortunately, not alone. We live in a sea of heavy metals. Lead is still found in our soil and water. In areas with a history of industrial pollution, people track lead into their homes from contaminated soil. The sad result is that regular house dust often contains 17 times the level of lead it once did. In Washington, DC, the water was so contaminated with lead recently that the government had to provide free water filters for everyone in the city. Up to 20 percent of the city’s tap water may be contaminated.
So what can you do about this?
6 Tips to Help You Get the Lead Out
Luckily there are steps you can take to help you heal from lead poisoning if you have been exposed. Try the following:
- Find out if you are lead-toxic. The easiest test is a simple blood lead test. Be sure the lab can measure VERY low levels of lead accurately. Anything higher than 2 micrograms/deciliter is toxic and should be treated. Unfortunately, the blood test only checks for current or ongoing exposures, so you must also take a heavy metal challenge test with DMSA, EDTA, or DMPS, which can be administered by a doctor trained in heavy metal detoxification. (See www.functionalmedicine.org or www.acam.org to find a qualified doctor.) Consider undergoing chelation therapy if your lead levels are high.
- Reduce your exposures by having a “no shoes in the house” policy. A great deal of lead can be tracked into your house in the dust on the soles of shoes. Leaving your shoes at the door helps reduce the amount of contamination in your home.
- Test your water for heavy metals. There are a number of home test kits available online. If you prefer to have a professional test your water, call your city water provider or look for labs in your area that will perform this kind of test.
- Buy a carbon or reverse osmosis water filter for your drinking water. These filters remove lead and other toxic substances like PCBs. They are my favorite kind of filter and the type I use in my home.
- Take 1,000 milligrams of buffered ascorbic acid (vitamin C) a day. This helps remove lead from the body.
- Take 2,000 to 4,000 IU of vitamin D3 a day to prevent your bones from releasing lead into your bloodstream.
Even though many of us have toxic levels of lead in our bodies, there is a lot we can do to prevent it and treat it. Doing so is an essential step to healing your body and achieving lifelong vibrant health.
Now I’d like to hear from you…
Do you suffer from any of the symptoms of lead toxicity?
Have you been tested for lead poisoning? Do you plan to be?
Which of the other steps have you tried?
Please let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment.
To your good health,
Mark Hyman, M.D.
P.S. For more information on this and other blogs, please go to
http://www.ultrawellness.com/blog.
References
(i) Menke, A., Muntner, .P, Batuman, V., et al. (2006). Blood lead below 0.48 micromol/L (10 microg/dL) and mortality among US adults. Circulation. 114(13):1388–94.
(ii) Nash, D., Magder, L., Lustberg, M., et al. (2003). Blood lead, blood pressure, and hypertension in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. JAMA. 289(12):1523–32.
(iii) Lin, J.L., Lin-Tan, D.T., Hsu, K.H., and C.C. Yu. (2003) Environmental lead exposure and progression of chronic renal diseases in patients without diabetes. New England Journal of Medicine. 348(4):277–86
(iv) Canfield, R.L., Henderson, C.R. Jr., Cory-Slechta, D.A., et al. (2003). Intellectual impairment in children with blood lead concentrations below 10 microg per deciliter. New England Journal of Medicine. 348(16):1517–26.
Great articles all. I have read everything you wrote on the “Huff Post” this year and everything related on your site. I have a yeast-overgrowth-caused UVetis, jaw tightness and other symptoms of sickness that an overabundance of Lead, Antimony and Cadmium caused.
But I cannot find a functional-medicine doctor who specializes in the cause of UVetis symptoms (and, when I mention your spiel about addressing the underlying causes instead of simply bombing my eyes with steroids, this Dr. Samson– at the NY Eye Infirmary– got so offended that he got rid of me as a patient).
Then, when I told what happened to a family eye-doctor, Dr. Ronald Siwoff, he chastised me for using “fighting words” with a Uvetis specialist (when I asked if he did anything but testing for UVetis cells… i.e. insight re: underlying causes ).
“That’s why you live alone,” his wife/secretary came on the phone to insult me.
Very frustrating. I live in NY City and, unfortunately, canceled my two appointments with you in Lenox, Mass when the unscrupulous Dr. Maurice Beer called you an attention-seeking blowhard.
He was treating my metals and yeast problem with a scam treatment he uses with Dr. Patricia Kane. They gave me 18 $800 IV infusions of Lipostable, Leukovorin, Procrit and Glutathione and put me on a one-size-fits-all diet filled with dairy (evern though I have always tested lactose-intolerant and even had a growth-disorder due to this as a teen).
She then sent me for two six-month separated DNA blood adduct tests from Acumen Labs in England, but changed the testing metrics so I couldn’t compare and contrast what, if any, progress was made over the 6 months.
That’s when I realized I should have insisted my Dad drive me to Lenox (where he has a house 10 minutes away). But he listened to Dr. Beer, due to his laziness, and I would have continued with his ineffective treatments until broke (even going so far as to take them monthly for life– as once advised by Dr. Beer– if I continued falling for his scam).
He cites you when convenient, but is very envious of your profile (and, when threatened with visiting you for the chelation I should have begun 6 months ago, he disparaged your qualifications).
Dr. Jeff Morrison is a “mensch” however, and is treating me now. But I’d do a phone consult if you are interested. I just wanted to share my story and also to ask if you know of the best way to chelate antimony (which the Acumen blood adduct test said I have).
However, the EDTA showed a 12 of lead (which was 6 times higher than pre-provocation score of 2). And I am currently using EDTA to hopefully lower it (in addition to your suggested supplements… well, all except Folate, whic Dr. Beer disparaged).
Anyway., Any advice on functional-medicine eye doctors with a background in UVetis? Or any tips of antimony chelation would be appreciated.
If you don’t read these personally, that’s okay. I have already gained much from your comprehensive articles and appreciate how you and Dr. Morrison are not just about the money. Thanks:
212-663-2137. Gary Rintel.
Thank you for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I was lead poisoned 40 years ago and and have a number of medical problems.My bll is now 2mg but my zpp and epp is 88 ans 80.
problems include frontal lobe atrophy,heart valve insuf, enlarged spleen joint problems, numbness in hands, shortness of breath, sleep disorders, kidney ,and liver. When the poisoning occured I was age 19.A medical study by medical doctors of long term effects of lead poisoning would be welcomed. thanks, RP
Dr. Hyman, I am struggling with memory loss (age-62). I don’t believe it’s our well-water because we put a $6000 filter system and the lab tests revealed the water was good and safe.
Thank you, Faye, for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
hello. your story and information have been a transformative help for me and my many health problems over the last few years. i have the priviledge to be treated by an awesome doctor, Bruce Sokoloff, who introduced me to your work. he works very hard to be current in an holistic approach toward his patients’ care.
most of my health problems seem to stem from inflammation and very high white blood cell count. after extensive testing (and with DMSA), it was revealed i have high levels of lead AND mercury toxicity.
i am about 1 month into chelation therapy.
while i don’t think one thing can cause all problems, i am hopeful some of the symptoms i have, will lessen or clear up as the therapy progresses.
thank you again for your work.
rebecca
My husband & myself have been diagnosed with high metal levels, antimony, mercury, lead etc (I don’t have the test results with me so I can’t give you a comprehensive list) and we’re unsure of which detox method to pursue. .. . …iv chelation, chelation by suppository (Detoxamin) etc. How does one know which will work best for us. Conventional medicine is unable to offer us any assistance in getting rid of these metals. In the interm we have been taking large quanities of Vit C and I am taking glutathione. A partial source of contamination has been identified as our well water.
Thankyou for any input you may be able to offer.
Sharon
Thank you, Sharon, for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
To help remove metals of all kinds from the system
The herb Skull cap is most beneficial in aiding the body of removal.
It is a mild tranquiizer so best taken at night.
Dear Dr. Hyman:
What do you think about the ionic foot baths? Is it effective detoxifying?
Is the color of the water wholly unrelated to the alleged toxins pulled out of your body?
This chemist says it is a hoax: http://www.chem1.com/CQ/FootBathBunk.html
Your thoughts are greatly apprceciated?
Very truly,
Mary Lenahan
Thank you, Mary, for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Thank you Doctor Hyman for this very informative work up on “Lead” in our bodies.
I was not aware of the danger that we carry in with us from outside. Shoes seem like a very small thing to remove not only street dirt, but poison also. Thanks again.
Well, everyone knows that lead usage can lead you to serious health problem, but people doesn’t want to understand it.They even don’t know that the daily things which they are using can cause them health problems.
My best friend has just been diagnosed with lead poisoning. In his bones and blood. He worked with lead making stained glass for years. Is there anything else he can take to get the lead from his system ? Does Chelation really help ?
He lives in Texas, now works in construction so he is probably still getting exposure to lead.
Hi Dr. Hyman:
I am very concerned that our family is being continuously exposed to lead in our home. It is an old home (built in the 1930′s) and I’m quite sure that the paint underneath the outer coats that we used when we moved in contain lead. Where can I get my family tested for lead? We live in SF, just switched health plans and do not currently have connections to any particular doctor. Should we test ourselves first or the house? How can we have the air in the house tested? I am SO concerned as I have had terrible headaches over the years, trouble sleeping, memory problems and heart palpitations and have gone to doctors repeatedly about the symptoms without any relief. No one has ever suggested lead. I am also especially concerned about my two children, ages 14 and 11-we have lived here for 5 years and I am so worried that they are being impacted by lead-they don’t really show symptoms, although my younger daughter has some mild ADHD symptoms. Your help is GREATLY appreciated!!
Thank you, Helena McMahon
Thank you for your message, Helena, and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Greetings, Dr. Hyman. I enjoy your articles and I learn something new almost every time I read them. Thank you for that! I am 59 a year old Black woman (people say I look much younger, but I digress). My major health issues are glaucoma and congestive heart failure. For glaucoma, I use Cosopt and Xalatan. I was diagnosed with chf (diastolic) earlier this year and I was prescribed Lasix, potassium, and Lopressor. Recently, my doctor noticed that I was dangerously low in vitamin D, so she gave me a prescription for that, also. I have always been very healthy and active. But since the onset of these illnesses and taking all these meds, I feel dizzy, depressed, and toxic all the time. I have trouble concentrating and I am completely lethargic. I know that you can’t diagnose via email, but I am interested in anything you can suggest to help me feel more normal and get back to the business of enjoying life. I also have a huge problem controlling my weight. I was thin for most of my life. I only became overweight within the last 6 or 7 years. I don’t over eat and I am conscious about what I eat. Perhaps you can suggest a line of conversation I should have with my doctors and/or something I should read which might give me more information. Thank you for anything you can do for me.
Thank you, Brenda, for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Hi Dr. Hyman,
How long does it take to detoxify a 5 year old child who has lead toxicity of 11 mcg?
Thank you, Karen, for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I have always had a problem with migraines but after having all of my silver mercury taken out of my mouth and the root canals I have a headache every day upon awakening. This has been going on since I had that done I think. They gave me a large dose of Vitamin C before doing the procedure but nothing after. I am on hydrocodone to manage the pain of having a headache every day but my doctor wants me to get off of it. I also take anitdepressant, Celexa, Klonapin, Diovan and Soma and the triptans for the migraines. I also see a chiropractor but still have neck pain and have bicep tendonitis that does not want to heal. I do have your book(my doctor recommended it) but when I ask about having some of the blood tests suggested he says they are not needed or he doesn’t believe in them.
Hello, thank you for the article on Lead Poisoning. My physician recently discovered (after a DMSA provoked 6-hour urine test) that the lead in my body is more than three times the upper expected limit per the reference population (more than 24 ug/g creat, whatver that means). She has started me on a DMSA detox program, with three days of DMSA — 600 mg in two divided doses per day — followed by 11 days free. It seems this will go on for 10-12 months. I wanted to know if you think this is a good plan. Some of my history is as follows: I am a female, age 58. Grew up in Pakistan, in the US since 1978. I had hepatitis A at age 12. Have had chronic fatigue and fibromyaligia since 1987; that has grown mild over time but some still seems to exist. Also have arthritis and hypothyroidism; feel very cold. Also, some leaky gut problems. Thanks in advance for your response. Regards, Nuzi
Thank you, Nuzi, for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
hi very interesting reading we have just come to learn my family have this lead my 2 year old was hospitalized in october and now is partially paralysed due to it my other 2 boys have signs of it and my partner suffering reallyt bad with his stomach the doctors here in england not doing anything really and were at a loss on what to do we all have it in our bones any help from you would be fantastic as this end were fighting a losing battle xxx
Thank you, Gillian, for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
i am checking your website for information about treatment for my 22 month old daughter who has had a high lead level for almost a year and it is only half way down, at 14mcg. i am beside myself that this is still in her body and that everyone keeps telling me that there is nothing we can do about it, not to worry about it. how can i not worry about my beautiful little one whose brain is in such important developmental stages!!!! i am just holding on from falling into a total depression, but i have to hold on so i can help her.
Thank you, Carol, for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I was born & bred in the UK & lived there for 35 years. All water at that time was lead piped and at that time all paint was leaded etc. I now have nuetropenia. Suposed to be no cure & little research if any. Lead seems to be a qualifier for the symptons, could it be the root cause? Bone marrow test show low nuetropyls.
I am curious to know if at 80yo it would be worth going for blood tests and perhaps chelation to get rid of any remaining lead? Or do you see no connection?
Thank you, Don, for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Dr. Hyman– I was very interested to read your information on lead toxicity. I have been diagnosed with lead, mercury and aluminum. I have gone through chelation for all three. The lead keeps coming back. I suspect it is in the hair dye I was using, even though the manufacturer calls it “all natural”, and the water I have been drinking at work. I mistakenly thought that the water was being filtered by a commercial filter company, but the machine was not being serviced. Since having been re-leaded for the second time, I have decided to stop using the dye, and of course change my water supply.
I tried to receive chelation therapy this week with EDTA, but had a severe allergic reaction. Within seconds of the injection, I was breaking out in hives, with an itching throat, and wheezing and coughing, and feeling like I was going to pass out. Any ideas on what I was reacting to? I will add that I have been having an allergic reaction to my hair dye since having an application almost a week ago. Maybe I was still too reactive to that.
I’d also like to know any food or drink sources to be aware of that might contain lead. Specifically, does red wine? I have read that the foil tops on bottles can contain lead, and that the bottle top should be wiped off after removing the foil. But do you know if the wine itself can contain lead?
I have been suffering greatly with this for the last 3 years, along with Lymes disease. I continue to keep active, going to work, and doing yoga, in spite of it all. Actually, yoga helps me greatly in reducing the pain and stiffness from both conditions. I am a very healthy, soon-to-be 56- year young woman, on no medications, and intend to stay that way. Any suggestions or information you have will be greatly appreciated,. Thanks. Karen
Thank you, Karen, for your message and interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I tested for heavy metal toxicity using DMPS, and the result was shocking: 20 for lead (normal 4) and 110 for mercury (normal 20). I am now using DMPS fortnightly, taking bentonite and psyllium every night, Vit. C and Vit. D plus a range of supplements to support my immune system and bodily functions.
My symptoms were severe shortness of breath, pain caused by lymph congestion under my right arm and to my right breast, headaches, moodiness, forgetfulness, tiredness, and compromised immune system, so that I kept getting sore throats, and it took more than a month to clear away the flu. I finally succumbed to taking a dose of antibiotics which cleared the throat infection, and got better. I would never have thought of heavy metal poisoning. A naturapath in Canada, Sat Dharam Khur, suggested that I take the urine test using DMPS.
It is quite an insidious and deadly poisoning. But, I think I am doing fine now. The symptoms have largely disappeared, and I am exercising, soaking in the ocean after walking for an hour, rebounding, drinking lots of water, and I am vegetarian and eat healthily.
What puzzles me is the source. I have osteopenia and that could explain the release of lead from my bones. I had a dental check up and two of my amalgam fillings were leaking (discoloration on the enamel around the fillings) so they were removed and replaced with porcelain. But, the high level of mercury is puzzling. I live in the Cayman Islands, on the beach. There are no industries here. And, I eat freshly caught fish very occasionally, and usually snapper.
I am still trying to identify the source. Taimoon
I have tested positive for mycotoxins in my system and have been receiving glutathione iv.’s three times per week. I have tremors on my left side but the glutathione has not helped. I then tested positive for heavy metals and I have very high levels of lead in my system. Today I started chelation iv therapy along with a meyers cocktail and glutathione. It has been four hours and my entire body is shaking…I am hoping this means that I am detoxing. I have no idea why my lead levels are so high. We have had our water tested and all was okay. We are installing a reverse osmosis water system this week. Thank you for all of your information. I consider myself lucky as I have a doctor that practices alternative medicine and my husband and I can pay for the services. We pay $1800.00 per month for insurance and the insurance covers none of my care. That is of course another story!
Hi my name is Kat and I am 27 years old and I have been suffering from severe anxiety and depression. I used to be on Paxil, then met a nutritionist who got me off of it with the help of a doctor and put me on all sorts of supplements and gave me a strict diet to follow. I still was having the problems but not as severe. I also like to mention that I had LASIK surgery done which left my eyes severely dry and added significant stress, anxiety and depression in my life. In any case, i finally did a DMPS test which my nutritionist insisted on me having and when i got the results back my mercury levels were as high as you can go on the chart. With 1cc injection, i was at 45, not sure how to read these numbers but thats what i was told. In any case, apparently thats really high. Now im going to start this process but i must say the days have been brutal. I cry daily, i get nauseous etc. Im really nervous to do this because i am a grad student, but I cant live a life with constant anxiety and depression. So we’ll see how this goes.
I am one of those many people….i have been under detoxoing for 9 months
now…it has been a tough road …to get where i am today… Suffering now from depression,low drive,everthing mentioned above..
i still don’t know the origen . Have tested water, home…has not been easy to acquirer infor or direction tor tests…..or anyone to take it secerioisly..
I am in the right direction..taking care of myself by Dr Sherr Welliness Center in North Port Long Island…New york.
i was very surprised to get this email and see the part about lead…Great information for those who are still seeing directiom….
Thank you
Angela Hauppauge NY.
hi i was hoping you can answer my question. I was in a car accident 11 years ago and as a result I have surgical rods plates and screws in my left arm, leg and foot. Can these metals make my body toxic. Im looking forward to hearing from you. THANK YOU joanne
Thank you, Joanne, for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Would a good detox product do much good in eliminating heavy metals from the body? I do not wear shoes in my home, I also take 3,000 I.U. of Vita D3 per day and drink water purified by reverse osmosis along with other vitamins and herbal products. I have not had my blood measured for lead levels to my knowledge. At my next check-up I will request that the lab includes this test. I really enjoy your e-mails and sometimes pass on the info to family and friends. Sad to say, too many of them are not too interested in seeking natural medical solutions to their problems they love their prescription drugs, even though their problems get worse and the strength of the drug has to be increased. I’m happy to know that more and more people are seeking natural solutions to their health problems. Now if Cdn and US governments will get out of the way of these natural solutions that work, not only will we have healthier nations but the gov’t will save billions on health care.
Fantastic article about lead! It amazes me how indifferent people are given how much we know. You might want to check out my book: LEAD BABIES, How heavy metals are causing our children’s autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, low IQ and behaviour problems.
Thanks again. Your newsletters are terrific!
I was tested and found to have an 84 for lead (urine challenge test). After IV chelation (22 treatments) plus some oral chelation and IV nutrition support, lead is down to 30. Do I need to continue IV or is oral sufficient? I have severe muscle cramps in left foot after walking a short distance despite Mg and Ca supplements, which started before chelation. Could high lead levels be causing this? Any suggestions? I am 56 and have no idea as to source of exposure. Thank you.
Thank you, Janice, for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007. A friend of the family who is a biochemist suggested checking for heavy metals toxicity.
A test was done in May, 2007 and the lab was Doctor’s Data. It showed “elevated” levels of antimony and arsenic as well as “very elevated” levels of mercury. The method was “ICP-MS”. There was also a presence of lead. It looks like the ppb measurement for these elements were antimony = 1; arsenic = 260, mercury = 120 and lead = 4.1. I am not sure how to translate this information to compare with the measurements given in your article.
I can tell you that I have received some chelation since then and will soon be getting additional. The antimony, arsenic and lead levels were substantially reduced, but the mercury remains “very elevated”.
The doctor currently doing the chelation indicated that the toxic metals probably deranged my hormone balance which contributed to, if not caused, the prostate cancer.
Once again, I am happy to read this. It would have been more beneficial to provide examples of foods with Vitamin D3 and great sources of calcium, even though providing exaamples may be common. I just have to ask “do you think the presnece of heavy metals or gluten also plays role in people’s ability or willingness to actually try to look up good foods or even have motivation to get tests and make things happen?
Great informative article. I was recently tested in my urine for heavy metals and came up very high in lead. I have just begun a detox procedure with DMSA. I hope it goes well.
My husband has tremors. We suspect it’s due to his working with lead as a printerbut never gave a thought to find out what his levels were thinking it was the hazards of the careerchoice and what could be done at this late stage. He also has high BP and poor circulation. Additionally a blow off the handle at the slightest provacation. Thanks for the information.
Hello Dr. Hyman
thank you for all your wonderful expertise in the medical field, & the staight forward treatments to help us heal and recover to better health.
I am currently seeing as my primary Dr.Gerald Camarata ,in Santa Rosa, CA. he has always spoke of you and your helpful treatments. I receive your newsletters, which is teaching me to take control of my health and body. thank you again very much.
Hi Dr. Hyman. I read the Ultra Mind Solution and was blown away by the depth of information provided. I have had varous health issues that led me to do a challenge test for metals and it revealed that i have excessive mercury and lead levels. i did have amalgams and was a smoker for a few years. I am 34 years old and will have my 5th chelation treatment (out of an initial 20) tomorrow. I think a blog about the effects of chelation treatment might be appreciated by your patients and the public. I have tried to search this on the internet as I go through my chelation and experience so many different feelings, emotions, physical pains and just weird symptoms. I think this would be very helpful for those currently going through detox. I am grateful for the work you do, please continue! Much Love from Toronto.
I was experiencing many strange symptoms that had never occurred before, such as loss of strength, difficulty in walking, loss of use of my hands, cramps, severe at times, lack of focus. I have lived a very active life, very physical, long distance running, hiking the rockies etc, etc. now back in New Zealand after 43 years away I was at a loss. I found a Doctor, Tessa Jones, in Wellington who has conducted blood and hair tests. Toxicity of Lead, Mercury and Arsenic possibly began when I was a child and my father burned his red lead paint pots at end of day. So today I take a daily sauna, inject myself with growth hormones, apply testosterone and take many supplements. I know this is going to take time and I am fortunate to have a great partner who totally holds me to this regime. I have written about this on my Blog, kiwicafe.com, and it was from there that a stranger in Portland sent me a link to your web site that I am now exploring, many thanks, you do the community a great service.
I have the question no one else as asked. Can lead enter your body through taking a bath or shower in water that has lead content? Thank you.
Hi Gina, thank you for your question and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s website. We cannot advise you about lead content when bathing but suggest you that you take a look a Reverse-Osmosis Filters and what they filter out at http://www.h20distributors.com/index.asp. This is one of the references we list in Dr. Hyman’s books.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
We have had health problems which turned out to be found recently to be because of heavy metals such as lead and cadmium in the city water we were exposed to for 8 years. This same water also caused the deaths lf 14 of our pets over those years. It took us forever to find out what was wrong. I went to doctor after doctor. Er after Er. Specialist after specialist and when they could not find the problem; we were called lairs, fakers, hypchodriacs. histroronic, faking to get drugs. When we participated in trying to find the answers by doing research I was accused of looking up things in order to fake symptoms. It was a horrible nightmare. I had unnatural anxiety attacks after moving to this town so I was put on drugs. When symptoms got worse and new ones came up they could not explain them so then they said I was an addict and I was even put in rehab.
Our kids health also went down hill and our son went from an honor student to failing. We finally realized the water was the common denominator between all of us and put a filter on it. We improved to the point of functioning and I now need only my high blood pressure medicine and vitamins. But it was not even until months after this point that heavy metals was considered we tested the water by going back to that state and getting a sample and having it tested. It came back with a lead problem. We got the sample from two different locations in the town. Which tells us it is the city water overall. Not just the house we lived in. I also had a urine tested done that came back positive for cadmium. Our son’s urine test came back with a combination of metals. And my grown daughters who grew up on that house hopefully will listen and test themselves too. Unfortunately the are in the same area still so we are going to buy them a water filter for their homes. We suspect factories in that area polluted the Tennessee River which is the source of the drinking water we used.
Also; when we told our current doctor about the result of the water test she said we don’t do anything about it. It simply leaves your body all by itself with time as long as you are no longer exposed. Is that true? Because everything I am reading says different.
This has been a horrible nightmare for my whole family. When the doctors could not find it; my children literally thought I was nuts. Thanks to a foster sister; who is a nurse who also could not figure it out as well and accused me too. Thought I was a hypochondriac. It damaged our relationship and my reputation. I want to know why more doctors are not taking this seriously. How lead can be in public drinking water high enough to make people ill even if the EPA is not thinking it is too high? etc. And our pets all died from the same symptoms: loss of appetite, loss of weight, bloody diahrra, anemia and death. I also want to know what can be done to spare my children who live there still as well as the other people in that community the hell weve been through. And lastly the pets in that area. For god’s sake it killed ours. How can anyone not notice something is terribly wrong there?!!!!!!
Thank you for the information on lead poisoning. I have been dealing with
cadmium poisoning for over a year and now my last EDTA urine challenge
I am showing lead to be 4X the level it should be. I have been told that heavy
metals exit the body in a certain order but I can not find anyone to confirm that.
Do you know if that is true? I have had experiences much like other folks where
many many doctors do not understand and are not trained to look for heavy metal poisoning. Actually I thought I was going to die until I found an Environmental doctor who was doctor #26. Even after finding him I have seen another 10-12 doctors and dentists to get to where I am now-I feel that there are other folks out there going thru this and may not be strong enough to fight thru it to finally find better health.
Thank You,
ch
Hi Charlotte,
Thank you for writing about heavy metal concerns. It does seem that the body selects the order which the heavy metals leave as will the chelating agent you use. EDTA does not work for mercury for example and DMPS does not work for lead… Make sense?
In good health
After two years of terrible neurological problems that virtually stopped me from walking to my front gate – with no formal diagnosis. I have just found that I am 7 times higher than the safe level of lead! I improved after a year with dietary changes, no wheat, dairy, coffee and supplements. I am now scheduled for chelation with an ACAM doctor here in Ireland. Is there anything else I can do to reverse my symptoms more?
Hi Louise,
Thank you for sharing your concerns re: lead. It is great you are getting treatment from a trusted practitioner! We suggest following the protocol outlined by Dr. Hyman in this blog. Read the section on vit D and C especially!
In good health
Thanks. Do you think it is likely that the lead toxicicty that I have is the cause of my neurological problems? Nothing else was found except quite a low b12 (injections helped a bit)
Louise.