Heavy Metal Toxicity
There are many ways to test for heavy metal accumulation in the body. One way is a hair analysis which identifies toxic metal accumulations inside the cells, as well as mineral deficiencies or excesses. A hair sample is taken from the nape of your neck and sent away to a laboratory for analysis.
Another effective way of testing heavy metals is through the urine or feces. When using these tests it is best to use a provoking agent (pharmaceutical or natural) which binds to toxic metals and excretes them through either urine or feces. The difference is that when you use a pharmaceutical agent (either oral or intravenous) such as DMSA or DMPS, it promotes excretion of the heavy metals through the urine. Therefore, a 24 hour urine sample is taken prior to chelation (use of the provoking agent) and following oral or IV administration of the chelating substance.
If a natural detoxification protocol is being used, it enhances the rate of toxic metal excretion through the feces. The fecal metal test would be performed before the chelating agent is administered and following a series of treatments. It is specific for mercury, cadmium, lead, antimony and uranium, as they get pulled through the bile into the feces as the primary natural route of elimination from the body. Fecal elemental analysis can also provide a direct indication of dietary exposure to heavy metals.
Once heavy metals are identified, continued use of the chelating agent is recommended for a period of time, and further urine or fecal tests are performed. In addition, various nutritional supplements and herbs are used to detoxify the liver, kidneys, bowels and lymphatics. It is important to support the organs of elimination during the chelation process because if their function is slow and sluggish, the elimination of the toxic metals is impeded.
The test kits for fecal metal analysis and urine toxic elements are available at the Naturopathic Medical Healing Centre as well as natural chelating protocols. Call 345-5977 for more information.
