Lead is one of the most toxic elements on Earth. Most lead is absorbed from contaminated food or water. Inhaling lead dust and transdermal absorption of organic lead salts are other possible routes of exposure. As lead is carried in the blood, at least 90% of it binds to red blood cells, while only 2% or less of total body lead remains in the blood. Lead is deposited and accumulates mainly in the aorta, liver, kidneys, adrenal and thyroid glands, bones and teeth. Typically 80% of absorbed lead is excreted in the urine, 20% in the bile and the rest through sweat, hair and nails.
Other harmful effects include reduced synthesis of vitamin D, slowed nerve conduction, peripheral neuropathy, hypertension in adults and developmental disorders in children. There is evidence that exposure to lead can cause fatigue, irritability, memory problems, slowed reactions, loss of concentration, cardiovascular problems, kidney problems, abdominal pain, cramps, constipation, anorexia, weight loss and liver problems. Anaemia, neuropathies and encephalopathies are end-stage conditions of a large excess of lead.
Aluminium is next on the list of toxic elements. Most ingested aluminium comes from food and drink, and additional amounts can come from pharmaceutical products. Absorption from the gastrointestinal tract is usually minimal and normally decreases in the presence of dietary phosphates, but increases in the presence of citric and malic acid (carboxylic acids). Aluminium is cleared from blood plasma mainly through the urine, while aluminium bound to red blood cells is excreted mainly through the bile. Excessive amounts of aluminium in nerve tissue have been implicated in senile dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Common sources of aluminium include cookware (coffee cups, pizza trays and pans), deodorants and many cosmetics.
Despite our pursuit of a healthy lifestyle, we can see that we are exposed to the harmful influence of heavy metals. They are present every day in the environment around us and enter our body in one form or another. In the next articles we will try to show you how to protect yourself and cleanse your body of excessive heavy metal accumulation.
From the Transmed Holistic Center team
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