Get the Lead Out…Detox Your Body

It is becoming more and more apparent that we cannot escape the health dangers created by an environment that is laced with toxins.  While pesticides are sprayed on our neighborhoods and leach into our water, and then our foods; and plastics float in our oceans, finding their way into our seafood dinners; our bodies are constantly under assault.

Exposure to toxic metals in our environment, even at low levels, is bad for our cardiovascular health.  And current global environmental, occupational and food safety standards for cadmium, arsenic and other metals are insufficient to protect us from metal-related adverse health effects. 

That means we need to be proactive by decreasing our exposure to these heavy metals as much as possible.  But heavy metals have become inescapable in our environment.  In fact, so much so that the World Health Organization has stated that 31 percent of the cardiovascular disease burden in the world could be avoided if environmental pollutants were eliminated. 

Some of the major contributors are Arsenic, Cadmium, and Titanium.  Arsenic (cigarette smoke) has been linked to flu, pneumonia, and possible Covid-19 infections.  Cadmium is found in tobacco, drinking water and foods like rice and fruit juice, (two foods that are linked to diabetes).  And Titanium is primarily absorbed from dental and orthopedic implants, screws, pacemaker encasings, cosmetic products, and some foods.  Other metals in our current atmosphere include barium, uranium, chromium, antimony, vanadium and tungsten.  

All things considered, a heavy metal detox can vastly improve our health of our organs and on a cellular level.  Detoxification is facilitated through chelation.  Chelation comes from the Greeks, meaning to claw.  The chelation process literally uses a binding agent to grab on to harmful minerals and metals, including calcium, lead, mercury, cadmium, copper, aluminum and iron, and bind to them.  The harmful metals are then washed out of your system, while getting rid of waste.

Here are some herbs that might be helpful to detoxify your system.

Dandelion

The herb dandelion is good for your whole body. With high amounts of antioxidants and flavonoids Dandelion is a great addition during the liver detoxification process. The antioxidants and flavonoids support bile production, and then transport toxins out of the body.

The diuretic nature of Dandelion cleanses the kidneys and bladder flushes fluids to relieve water retention, upset stomach and constipation. Because of these properties, the herb promotes bowel regularity and adequate hydration in the body.  Dandelion also contains the nutrients iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and vitamins B and C.

Contraindication: Do not use this herb without consulting your doctor if you have gallstones or gallbladder problems.

Burdock Root

Burdock Root is an excellent blood cleanser that works with the liver and lymphatic system to purify the bloodstream and eliminate metabolic wastes and toxins.  The herb protects your body against cellular damage while reducing liver damage caused by toxic chemicals.

Burdock Root strengthens your immune system, purifies your blood and is a natural diuretic and diaphoretic that, by increasing urination perspiration, removes waste and toxins from the body and skin. This herb is also beneficial for your kidneys, bladder and the digestive system. Burdock Root is full of detoxifying nutrients, including folic acid, vitamins C and E, and magnesium.

Contraindication: Burdock Root may interact with diabetes medications.  Use with caution if you are diabetic. Do not use this herb if you are pregnant or nursing.

Milk Thistle

Milk Thistle is widely used to detoxify the liver by expelling toxins and metabolic waste. And the compound silymarin, found in Milk Thistle, may be helpful in repairing damaged liver cells and may even offer protection for new liver cells.  The herb also encourages more bile creation, which improves digestion and nutrient absorption.

Milk Thistle is a very promising treatment for heavy metal contamination and hepatotoxicity due to drugs. This same characteristic lends itself as an effective treatment in the treatment of alcoholic liver disease, acute and chronic viral hepatitis, and toxin-induced liver diseases.

Contraindication: Do not use this herb if you have a hormone-related cancer, are pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Cilantro

Cilantro is one of the most aromatic herbs and one of the best herbs for controlling heavy metal toxicity.  The herb is an effective binding agent that removes heavy metal, such as lead or mercury from the bloodstream by chelation. 

The herb stimulates your liver to release bile and aid digestion.  This is very important in toxin elimination process.  In fact, Cilantro suppresses activity on lead deposition and increases urinary excretion of delta-aminolaevulinic acid, which is known to increase with lead intake.  Aside from being a great chelator, Cilantro also provides vital nutrients you need to detoxify and improve your internal body chemistry.

Red Clover

Red clover is rich source in minerals, including magnesium, copper, calcium, chromium, iron and phosphorus as well as polyphenols, polysaccharides and essential oils. Red Clover also provides vitamins A, C and B complex. 

Red Clover cleanses the blood by carrying waste out of the bloodstream.  This powerful herb breaks down toxins found in heavy metals and chemicals, including those caused using prescribed drugs and treatments.  The toxins are then expressed through your lymphatic system and expelled through your sweat glands. Red Clover also stimulates bile production to help the liver process fats in the body. 

Contraindication:  Red Clover can influence other medications so consult your doctor before including this herb in your diet. It may not be suitable for those suffering from hormone sensitive conditions.

Garlic

Garlic has a long history, all the way back to ancient times, as a detoxifying plant.  The compounds in garlic contain sulfur which helps fight harmful toxin producing microbes in your intestines and throughout your digestive system. It also aids detoxification by increasing production of glutathione an antioxidant that is capable of preventing damage to important cellular components caused by reactive oxygen species such as free radicals, peroxides, lipid peroxides, and heavy metals.  that helps filter toxins from the digestive system.

In addition, Garlic supports the liver function so that your body can naturally detox itself more efficiently.  It is a natural detoxifier of lead that is as effective at pulling lead out of the body.

Ginger

Ginger cleanses your body by stimulating your digestion. The compounds gingerols and shogaols promote detoxification by accelerating the movement of food through your intestines, and eliminating harmful waste and toxins from the colon, liver and other organs.  Ginger also helps your body produce more sweat, carrying toxins away from your body with it.

Licorice Root

Licorice root helps cleanse our bodies of the chemical contaminants that can make us more vulnerable to future health problems.  It possesses a laxative quality that promotes healthy digestion, whisking away harmful toxic waste from our systems. 

Licorice also has hepatoprotective properties (these protect the liver), that can reduce toxicity and help stabilize normal liver function.  And as a bonus, Licorice Root will help cut those sugar cravings, that can hinder your detox efforts.

These herbs can help cleanse your system, but it is also important to practice good habits.  Start your day with a glass of lemon water and keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of water.  Avoid coffee and opt for green tea.  Eat lots of high-fiber fruits and vegetables.  Avoid processed foods.  Stay physical and exercise daily.  And, very important, get enough sleep to give your body time to recharge.  And before you know it, you will reap the benefits of better energy and a feeling of well-being.