With so many toxic substances in the environment around us, it’s no wonder that many of them make their way into our bodies.  Doctors and scientists have determined that there are “acceptable” levels of certain heavy metals that we can have in our bodies, but how much do you have, and are those levels really “acceptable”?  There are certainly tests that you can undertake through various qualified practitioners, but first you may want to check and see if you have any of the signs and symptoms of heavy metal toxicity.  Remember, many of the signs and symptoms of heavy metal toxicity can also be attributed to other health conditions.  This is why it is important to get yourself tested for heavy metal toxicity by a qualified practitioner, rather than simply self diagnosing.  It is always better to be safe than sorry.

One of the most commonly known symptoms of heavy metal toxicity is “brain fog.”  Many people will often join this symptom with loss of memory and forgetfulness, but these are two separate symptoms.  Brain fog is best described as a reduced ability to process thoughts, for example having trouble making simple decisions or maybe a difficulty in figuring out the tip after eating out at a restaurant.  In contrast, loss of memory and forgetfulness can be as simple as difficulty remembering a name or face, or walking into a room and forgetting why you went into the room to begin with.  These two symptoms are sometimes easy to overlook because many people will attribute them to stress, lack of sleep, or having too much on the mind.  Of course, if the problems persist or become worse, this is a strong indication of heavy metal toxicity.

Coincidentally, a lack of sufficient sleep and increased stress can also both be symptoms of heavy metal toxicity, as can extreme fatigue and depression.   Since these factors can be experienced in varying degrees in many people’s lives, they are rarely identified as signs or symptoms of heavy metal toxicity.  This is why it is extremely important to get tested.  Further, heavy metal toxicity is a gradual process, with heavy metals building up over time.  Symptoms, therefore, will begin to show themselves gradually over time, becoming more severe little by little rather than manifesting all at once.

In addition to the above I will provide a brief list of additional signs and symptoms of heavy metal toxicity.  Be aware that this is neither a complete nor exhaustive listing.   There are many other sings and symptoms that may become apparent on their own or in conjunction with one or more of those listed above or below:   alcohol intolerance, allergies (food or environmental), inability to lose weight, chronic unexplained pain, coated tongue, cold hands and feet, dark circles under the eyes, digestive problems, frequent colds and flus, headaches, intolerance to vitamins or medications, low body temperature, metallic taste in mouth, muscle and joint pain, muscle tics or twitches, muscle tremors, night sweats, parasites, prone to rashes, sensitive teeth, sensitivity to smells like perfume or tobacco or others, skin problems, small black spots on the gums, sore or receding gums, tingling in the extremities, vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

Remember, it is not possible to diagnose one’s self simply by analyzing the signs and symptoms of heavy metal toxicity.  This is why it is important to get tested by a qualified practitioner.

All forms of heavy metal testing including hair, urine, urine challenge and blood available at the AIM Center at 1 Sears Drive Paramus, NJ. Call Robert Galarowicz Naturopath at 201.618.3534 to discuss heavy metal testing and ridding your bodies of these toxins.