What are heavy metals?

Introduction: Why Heavy Metal Toxicity Needs a New Approach

Heavy metal toxicity is a silent and often overlooked contributor to chronic illness. At Patients Medical in New York City, we dig deeper than traditional testing to uncover hidden toxic burdens and restore balance through safe, natural detox methods.

Our integrative model combines functional medicine, environmental detox, nutrition, and customized therapies to help your body eliminate heavy metals while supporting optimal health.

We treat the root—not just the symptoms.

What Are Heavy Metals?

Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements that can become toxic when accumulated in the body in excess. Common toxic metals include:

  • Mercury (dental fillings, seafood, vaccines)
  • Lead (old pipes, paint, industrial exposure)
  • Arsenic (contaminated water, rice, pesticides)
  • Cadmium (cigarette smoke, batteries)
  • Aluminum (antacids, cookware, deodorants)

Although trace amounts of some metals are necessary, chronic exposure or poor detox capacity can lead to a toxic overload.

Common Symptoms of Heavy Metal Toxicity

Root Causes: Why Did You Accumulate Heavy Metals?

Functional medicine aims to understand why your body can’t eliminate toxins efficiently. Common root causes include:

  • Genetic methylation issues (like MTHFR mutations)
  • Impaired liver or kidney detoxification
  • Gut dysbiosis and leaky gut
  • Nutrient deficiencies (zinc, selenium, glutathione)
  • Chronic infections (like Lyme or mold exposure)
  • Environmental or occupational exposure

Diagnostic Testing We Use

At Patients Medical, we use advanced diagnostic tests to assess your level of heavy metal exposure and determine how it may be affecting your health. Testing may include:

Heavy metal blood tests (to assess current levels of mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic, and more)

Urinary challenge test (to evaluate how much metal is being excreted from the body)

Hair analysis (to detect long-term exposure to heavy metals)

Liver function tests (to assess the liver’s detoxification capacity)

Chelation challenge test (to determine the effectiveness of your body’s natural detox systems)

Gut health panels (since the gut plays a vital role in detoxification)

Integrative Treatments for Heavy Metals

Nutritional Therapy

  • Detoxifying foods (such as cilantro, garlic, and cruciferous vegetables)
  • Anti-inflammatory foods (like turmeric, omega-3-rich foods, and berries)
  • Hydrating foods and liquids (such as water with lemon, herbal teas, and hydrating fruits and vegetables)
  • Nutrient-dense diets (rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support detoxification)

IV Vitamin Therapy

  • Vitamin C (powerful antioxidant that supports detoxification)
  • Glutathione (a major antioxidant that helps remove heavy metals from the body)
  • Magnesium (supports detox pathways and muscle relaxation)
  • B vitamins (critical for energy production and cellular detoxification)

Herbal & Nutraceuticals

  • EDTA (for removing lead, mercury, and cadmium)
  • DMSA (a chelating agent for mercury and lead)
  • DMPS (used for mercury and arsenic detoxification)

Stress Management

  • Cilantro (helps remove mercury and other heavy metals)
  • Chlorella (a potent detoxifier that helps bind to heavy metals)
  • N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) (boosts glutathione levels and supports liver detox)
  • Alpha-lipoic acid (helps regenerate antioxidants and facilitates heavy metal detox)
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Hormone Balancing

  • Liver detox protocols (using herbs like milk thistle and dandelion root)
  • Gut health restoration (with probiotics and digestive enzymes to support healthy elimination)

Real Case Study: Tom’s Heavy Metal Detox Journey

Tom, 50, came to us with unexplained fatigue, brain fog, and digestive issues. After testing, we found elevated levels of mercury and cadmium in his system, likely from his occupation and environmental exposure.

His integrative treatment plan included:

  • Chelation therapy to remove mercury and cadmium
  • Detoxifying nutrition plan with cilantro and cruciferous vegetables
  • IV vitamin therapy (glutathione and magnesium)
  • Stress management program (mindfulness and acupuncture)

After four months of treatment, Tom’s energy levels returned to normal, and his cognitive function improved significantly. His heavy metal levels were greatly reduced, and his symptoms diminished.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, and cadmium, are toxic elements that accumulate in the body, affecting vital organs, including the liver, kidneys, and brain.

Symptoms of heavy metal toxicity include fatigue, brain fog, digestive problems, and unexplained pain. Testing through blood, urine, or hair analysis can confirm the presence of heavy metals.

Yes, detoxifying heavy metals from your body can improve energy levels, cognitive function, and reduce chronic pain or inflammation.

Chelation therapy is a safe and effective treatment when administered under medical supervision. It helps bind heavy metals and remove them from the body.

The detox process typically takes 3-6 months, depending on the level of exposure and your overall health.

You can reduce exposure by avoiding contaminated food and water, using non-toxic products, and reducing smoking and alcohol consumption.

Yes, a detoxifying diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, antioxidants, and fiber can enhance your body’s ability to eliminate heavy metals.

Yes, we offer comprehensive testing to detect levels of mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic, and other heavy metals in your body.

While detoxification is generally safe, it should be done under professional guidance to prevent side effects such as mineral imbalances or detox reactions.

We are an out-of-network provider but offer superbills for reimbursement. Some lab tests may be partially covered by insurance.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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