Is Arsenic a Heavy Metal?

Introduction: Why Toxic Metal Exposure Needs a Functional Approach

Arsenic exposure is far more common than most people realize—and it doesn’t always come with clear symptoms. At Patients Medical in New York City, we approach arsenic toxicity not just as a toxicology concern, but as a chronic condition affecting energy, immunity, hormones, and long-term health.

Whether through contaminated water, food, air, or occupational exposure, arsenic can quietly accumulate in the body and contribute to serious diseases—including cancer, diabetes, and neurological decline.

Is Arsenic a Heavy Metal?

Technically, arsenic is a metalloid—it shares properties of both metals and non-metals. But in medicine and environmental science, it is functionally classified as a heavy metal because of its:

  • Toxic effects on the body
  • Persistence in tissues like the liver, brain, and bones
  • Ability to disrupt cellular and mitochondrial function

Arsenic, like other heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium), interferes with cellular metabolism, DNA repair, and enzyme activity, leading to chronic illness over time.

Where Does Arsenic Exposure Come From?

Arsenic exists naturally in soil and groundwater, but human activity has amplified its presence. Common sources include:

Contaminated well water or municipal water supplies

Rice, apple juice, and other foods grown in contaminated soils

Pressure-treated wood (especially older structures)

Pesticides, herbicides, and industrial waste

Seafood (especially from polluted waters)

Smoking and second-hand smoke

Symptoms of Arsenic Toxicity

Long-Term Health Risks of Arsenic Exposure

Long-term arsenic exposure is linked to:

  • Bladder, lung, skin, and liver cancers
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Neurological and cognitive decline
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia-like syndromes
  • Infertility and endocrine disruption

Functional Testing for Arsenic & Heavy Metals

At Patients Medical, we use comprehensive lab testing to detect arsenic and other toxic metals, and evaluate how your body is coping.

Urine and blood arsenic panels (differentiates organic vs. inorganic arsenic)

Hair mineral analysis

Heavy metal provocation testing with chelating agents

Glutathione and detox pathway testing

MTHFR and genetic detox SNP panels

Mitochondrial function testing

Holistic Treatments for Arsenic Detox

Nutrition for Detoxification

  • 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 Detox Therapies

  • 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)

Targeted Supplements & Chelators

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

Stress & Mitochondrial Recovery

  • 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: Shalini’s Detox Transformation

Shalini, a 42-year-old teacher, came to us with chronic fatigue, rashes, and hormonal imbalance. Lab testing revealed elevated arsenic from rice consumption and old wooden kitchen structures.

We implemented a 90-day detox program including:

  • Gut-healing, sulfur-rich diet
  • IV glutathione and chelation therapy
  • Cilantro-chlorella detox shakes
  • Infrared sauna 3x per week
  • Adrenal adaptogen protocol

By the end of 3 months, her arsenic levels had dropped by over 75%, her skin cleared, energy returned, and her menstrual cycle normalized.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

 Yes, functionally. Though technically a metalloid, arsenic behaves like a heavy metal in the body and is treated as one in detox protocols.

 Yes. Groundwater in certain regions, including parts of the U.S., may contain unsafe levels of arsenic.

 We use urine, hair, and blood testing—often with a provoked urine test for deeper exposure.

 Yes—when guided by a physician. We use gentle protocols tailored to your health status.

 Fatigue, brain fog, numbness, skin changes, hormone imbalance, and GI distress are common.

 Yes—especially from certain foods (like rice cereals), water, and older building materials.

 Yes. We may use oral or IV chelators depending on severity and type of exposure.

 Most patients require 2–4 months for mild to moderate toxicity. Chronic exposure may take longer.

 Yes, including dietary plans, supplement kits, and remote monitoring.

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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