Side Effects of Heavy Metal Detox: What You Should Know

Are you concerned about the potential side effects of your heavy metal detox protocol?

The process of detoxing heavy metals from your body can be fairly uncomfortable – but the benefits are 100% worth it.

In this article, we will explore the potential side effects you may experience during a heavy metal detox, as well as share a few of things you can do to make the detoxification process easier.

Why You Should Try a Heavy Metal Detox

Heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, and aluminum, accumulate in the body over time.

This can cause heavy metal poisoning – a condition that arises when excessive exposure to heavy metals affects the normal functioning of the body.

Heavy metal poisoning does not just affect factory workers or other people who come into direct contact with these metals due to accidental exposure (e.g.,by breaking a mercury-filled thermometer).

These dangerous metals can be found all around us, including our food and water.

For example, did you know that mercury can still be found in many common household objects, such as batteries, lightbulbs, and even cosmetics?

If you are experiencing symptoms associated with heavy metal poisoning (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain), you could be in need of heavy metal detox.

And if you are not?

It might be worth doing a detox to avoid potential long-term effects of heavy metal poisonings, such as an increased risk of cancer and damage to vital organs.

Common Heavy Metal Detox Side Effects

While a heavy metal detox can be extremely beneficial for your health and overall well-being, you may also experience temporary side effects, such as:

• Bloating
• Gas
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headaches
• Skin rash
• Low energy
• Metallic/sour taste in the mouth

Some people also experience more severe reactions such as:

• Mental fog
• Insomnia
• Lethargy
• Respiratory problems

Detox symptoms should go away within a week or two.

If the symptoms persist, or if you are worried about their severity, always consult with your doctor.

Who Shouldn’t Do a Heavy Metal Detox

It is recommended to consult with your doctor before beginning any type of detox protocol.

Pay particular attention to the supplements included in your protocol, including their interactions with certain drugs.

For example, chlorella, a commonly used detox supplement, has known interactions with Warfarin and certain immune system-boosting drugs.

In addition, be extra careful when making major lifestyle changes, such as going plant-based, increasing your exercise, or trying to sweat out the toxins in the sauna.

How to Minimize the Side Effects of Heavy Metal Detox

Start slow

Going all-in on your detox protocol may worsen its unpleasant side effects.

If your detox protocol calls for multiple supplements and major dietary changes, try incorporating them into your lifestyle one at a time.

Going slow will also help you catch any allergic reactions you may have to unfamiliar supplements or foods.

For example, some people are not able to process chlorella, resulting in severe abdominal pain and prolonged nausea.

Improve your diet

Adding a bunch of supplements to your diet is going to wreak havoc on your body if your diet can’t support the detox process.

Prior to detoxing, start improving your diet by adding more fresh fruits and vegetables.

Try to avoid inflammatory foods such as dairy, as well as processed foods, during your detox.

Take additional supplements

In addition to common heavy metal detox supplements such as chlorella, consider taking supplements that will keep the rest of your body in tip-top shape.

Vitamin C supplements are a popular choice as they can boost your immune system when it needs it the most.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Hydration is an important part of flushing out the toxins in your body.

Carry a glass water bottle with you wherever you go.

Plastic water bottles may contain Bisphenol A (BPA), which has been shown to play a role in the pathogenesis of several endocrine disorders, including female and male infertility, precocious puberty, and hormone-dependenttumors.

In addition, consider investing in a water filtration system to make sure you are not adding harmful chemicals to your body while detoxing.

Don’t forget about sleep

Sleep plays a vital role in the normal functioning of our bodies.

Long-term consequences of sleep disruption in otherwise healthy individuals include hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, weight-related issues, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and colorectal cancer.

If you are trying to support your body during the detox process, make sure to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night.

Consider medical supervision

If you have been exposed to large amounts of heavy metals, and are experiencing serious side effects, a do-it-yourself detox might not be enough.

Talk to your doctor about the possibility of using chelation therapy to combat your symptoms and detox heavy metals from your body.

Final Thoughts

A heavy metal detox offers many benefits, but you should definitely take precautions to minimize potential side effects.

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