Heavy metal toxicity is one of the vital causes of chronic ailments that affect the central nervous system. Heavy metals such as mercury, lead, aluminum, cadmium, copper and arsenic usually accumulate in the fat tissues. As the brain contains a significant amount of fat, the heavy metals tend to buildup in the brain. They gradually damage the brain cells and affect the optimal function of the brain. Furthermore, heavy metals stimulate production of free radicals that induce degeneration of the brain cells and increase risk of cognitive impairment. Prolonged exposure to heavy metals is associated with chronic fatigue, dementia, depression, insomnia, autoimmune disease and neurological diseases. As we are frequently exposed to heavy metals present in our environment, heavy metal detoxifying is essential to minimize risk of heavy metal toxicity.
One of the best ways to get rid of heavy metals from the body is to increase intake of vitamin C. Studies have shown that vitamin C helps in lowering the concentration of heavy metals in the brain. It latches onto heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and arsenic and removes them from the body. In addition to increasing consumption of citrus fruits, berries, papaya, guavas and other vitamin C rich fruits and vegetables, in case of excess exposure to heavy metals, vitamin C supplements can help in detoxification. [1]
Cilantro, also known as coriander or Chinese parsley, is a common culinary herb that helps in flushing out heavy metals from the body. [2] Eating at least a handful of fresh cilantro helps in drawing out the heavy metals from the brain, the joints and other parts of the body. According to a study, cilantro is capable of eliminating heavy metals from the body in two weeks. Furthermore, it helps in blocking further accumulation of heavy metals in the body tissues.
Chlorella is a superfood packed with nutrients. It is also known to help in heavy metal detoxification. These blue green algae help in neutralizing the heavy metals circulating in the blood. On entering the small intestine, the algae compounds neutralize the heavy metals released from the liver. For heavy metal detox, take chlorella twice a day.[3]
Eating foods rich in sulfur compounds [4] helps in eliminating heavy metals from the body. Garlic and onions, the best sources of sulfur, are known to help in flushing out arsenic, mercury and lead from the body. Other good sources of sulfur such as egg, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower are capable of removing smaller amount of heavy metals from the body.
Zinc plays a vital role in activating an enzyme that helps in removing heavy metals from every cell. [5] Consuming foods rich in zinc helps in lowering the concentration of lead, cadmium and mercury in the body. It is known to block absorption of lead in the gut. Some of the best sources of zinc include Brazil nuts, whole grains, pecans, legumes, pumpkin seeds, egg yolk, ginger, fish and oyster.
Apple is rich in pectin, a soluble [6] fiber that absorbs heavy metals and other toxic substances and eliminates them through the intestines out of the body. Furthermore, it contains a compound called glucaric acid that too helps in eliminating the heavy metals. To reduce the concentration of heavy metals in your body, eat an apple every day.
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