Diet gun

Metals are naturally present in the soil and from the soil they pass into food, whether they are essential trace elements for the body or toxic heavy metals.

Plants absorb metals from the soil and pass them into food, while humans absorb metals through the consumption of plants and animals.

The presence of metals in food is essential for life, but excessive exposure to certain heavy metals can be dangerous.

Some metals are dangerous, the so-called heavy metals, which are defined as metals with a specific gravity at least five times greater than water.

High levels of mercury, lead, arsenic, thallium can cause symptoms such as nerve damage, pain, nausea, vomiting, headaches, fatigue, thyroid dysfunction, kidney disease, cancer.

Acute heavy metal poisoning is rare, but chronic low-level exposure from factors such as poor diet and toxic environments can lead to a buildup of low to moderate levels of metals in the body. This type of toxicity can cause immune dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, fatigue, brain problems, and even high blood pressure.

The most common heavy metals and the foods they are found in are as follows:

Arsenic

Rice and seafood can contain arsenic.

Rice, because it is often grown in flooded fields, has an increased absorption of arsenic from water and soil. Rice can accumulate arsenic in concentrations up to 10 times higher than other grains. Brown rice contains more arsenic than white rice, as the arsenic accumulates in the husk that is removed in white rice.

Seafood may contain arsenic due to pollution of the seas by industrial waste, i.e. the concentration of arsenic depends on the area of ​​origin where they are caught.

The accumulation of arsenic in our body can cause damage to organs (liver, kidneys), neurological disorders, cardiovascular problems (hypertension), and cardiopulmonary diseases.

Mercury

Fish and shellfish contain mercury in an amount that varies depending on the type of fish, its size, and the pollution of the waters where it lives. Larger fish tend to have higher concentrations of mercury. These are:

tuna, swordfish, shark, mackerel, grouper, eel, salmon.

Shellfish contain much smaller amounts of mercury than the fish mentioned.

The accumulation of mercury in our body is associated with nervous and musculoskeletal disorders, kidney and liver damage and weakening of the cardiovascular, immune and reproductive systems.

Lead

Lead can be found in vegetables, fruits and cereals grown in soil contaminated by industrial waste, i.e. in crops located near industrial areas.

Such foods as carrots, potatoes, spinach may contain higher levels.

It can also be found in animal organs (e.g. liver) that live in polluted environments and in seafood (mainly shellfish) due to water pollution from industrial wastewater.

Exposure to high levels of lead is rare and mainly affects children as during periods of brain development it can lead to neurological effects such as learning disabilities, behavioral difficulties and reduced IQ.

In adults, chronic lead exposure is associated with kidney problems and hypertension.

Aluminum

Aluminum is ingested in small amounts naturally from tea leaves, cocoa, spices, bread, rice, cakes, biscuits and pastries, corn, mushrooms, spinach, radish and lettuce, dairy products and soy products.

Increased levels of aluminum have been found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients but it remains unclear whether this is a cause or effect of the disease.

Aluminum toxicity is rare, and it is better to avoid using aluminum foil in food storage and cooking than to eliminate foods from our diet because of the aluminum they contain.

Thallium

Cabbage, especially kale, may contain thallium if grown in soil near smelters, coal-fired power plants, and cement factories.

Thallium toxicity from food is very rare.

In conclusion, heavy metal poisoning is rare.

If you test for heavy metal levels and they are high but not at toxic levels, then you should avoid consuming foods that may contain the heavy metals that are elevated.

If you suspect you have heavy metal poisoning, seek medical advice immediately for diagnosis and treatment.