Lead and Heavy Metal Toxicity

Lead and Heavy Metal Toxicity

Introduction: Why Heavy Metal Exposure Requires a Functional Approach

From polluted air and contaminated water to industrial materials and processed foods, heavy metals are everywhere. And while small amounts may go unnoticed, chronic exposure to lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and other toxins can severely affect your long-term health.

At Patients Medical in NYC, we take an integrative, root-cause approach to diagnosing and treating heavy metal toxicity—naturally. Our goal isn’t just detox; it’s total cellular restoration.We don’t just manage symptoms. We solve them.

What Is Heavy Metal Toxicity?

Heavy metal toxicity occurs when dangerous metals accumulate faster than the body can eliminate them. Even at low doses, these toxins can cause neurological, hormonal, immune, and metabolic dysfunction.

The most common heavy metals affecting health include:

  • Lead – Found in old pipes, paints, imported toys, contaminated soil
  • Mercury – Present in certain fish (like tuna), dental fillings, industrial waste
  • Arsenic – In contaminated water, pesticides, and rice products
  • Cadmium – From batteries, cigarette smoke, and fertilizers
  • Aluminum – Linked to cookware, antacids, deodorants, and vaccines

Common Symptoms of Heavy Metal Toxicity

Because symptoms mimic many other conditions, heavy metal overload is often overlooked. Here are some red flags:

If you experience persistent or unexplained symptoms, metal toxicity could be an underlying cause.

Root Causes: Why Are Heavy Metals Accumulating in Your Body?

Functional medicine seeks to uncover why heavy metals are retained instead of excreted. Contributing root causes include:

  • Poor detox pathways (MTHFR or methylation issues)
  • Leaky gut or microbiome imbalances
  • Nutrient deficiencies (like zinc, selenium, glutathione)
  • Impaired liver or kidney function
  • Chronic inflammation or immune suppression
  • Environmental exposures (home, job, lifestyle)
  • Dental amalgams or implants
Why Are Heavy Metals Accumulating in Your Body?

Diagnostic Testing We Use

Accurate detection is the key to safe detox. At Patients Medical, we use advanced testing to assess toxic burden and detox capacity:

Urine provocation testing (after chelation challenge)

Hair mineral analysis for long-term exposure

Blood lead levels (for acute exposure)

Fecal heavy metal screening

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial function panels

Genetic testing for detox enzyme pathways (e.g., MTHFR, GST)

Comprehensive hormone and adrenal panel

We interpret these labs holistically—not in isolation.

Integrative Treatments for Heavy Metal Detox

Nutritional Detox Therapy

We build custom meal plans rich in detox-supportive foods like:

  • Cilantro, parsley, garlic, and cruciferous vegetables
  • Fiber-rich greens for bowel support
  • Organic, clean proteins to repair cellular function
  • Sulfur-rich foods (onions, eggs, broccoli) for liver support

Elimination of high-mercury fish, processed foods, and non-organic produce is essential.

Nutritional Detox Therapy
IV Chelation & Vitamin Therapy

IV Chelation & Vitamin Therapy

We offer carefully monitored IV treatments including:

  • EDTA or DMPS/DMSA chelation (prescribed based on metal profile)
  • IV Vitamin C and glutathione for antioxidant repair
  • Mineral repletion (magnesium, zinc, selenium) to replace what chelation removes

All IV therapy is physician-guided and tailored to your unique biochemistry.

Herbal & Nutraceutical Support

Botanicals and nutraceuticals are used to bind metals, strengthen detox organs, and reduce inflammation. These may include:

  • Chlorella
  • Spirulina
  • Alpha-lipoic acid
  • Milk thistle
  • N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)
  • Modified citrus pectin

Gut & Liver Optimization

Since the liver and gut are the body’s detox engines, we focus on:

  • Repairing leaky gut
  • Balancing microbiota
  • Improving bile flow
  • Enhancing liver phase I and II detox pathways

Lifestyle & Environmental Detox Coaching

We help you reduce daily exposure to toxins via:

  • Home water and air filtration
  • Safe cookware and personal products
  • Heavy metal-safe dental evaluations
  • Nutritional cleansing routines
Lifestyle & Environmental Detox Coaching

Real Case Study: Alicia’s Path to Healing

Alicia, 38, came to us with persistent fatigue, anxiety, and irregular periods. Traditional doctors found nothing wrong.

Functional testing revealed elevated lead and mercury, plus low glutathione and poor methylation.
We designed a 5-month plan with:

  • Oral DMSA chelation therapy
  • IV glutathione and nutrient support
  • Gut healing protocol
  • Mold and toxin-free home recommendations

Six months later, Alicia’s lead and mercury levels normalized, her anxiety lifted, and she felt like “herself again”—for the first time in years.

Patient Testimonials

Meet Our Doctors

Rashmi Gulati, MD

Medical Director of Patients Medical

Stuart Weg, MD

A holistic pain management physician

Dr. Emine Cosar, MD

Consult Dr. Emine Cosar, MD. For Gynecology

Frequently Asked Questions

 Yes, we test proactively if exposure is suspected. Many people carry toxic levels with no obvious symptoms.

Yes, when done under expert supervision with proper lab testing and mineral support. We use only medically approved protocols.

 It depends on the severity of exposure, genetics, and overall health. Most plans range from 3 to 9 months.

 Yes—with extreme care. We work with pediatric protocols to support safe, gentle detoxification.

Yes—oral chelators, herbs, and home detox programs are available if IV therapy is not preferred.

 Absolutely. Metals contribute to neurological, hormonal, autoimmune, and mitochondrial dysfunction.

 We work with mercury-safe biological dentists if removal is needed, and support you before and after.

 Some standard labs are covered. Advanced functional tests and chelation therapy are typically out-of-pocket.

 Food helps, but high levels usually require clinical support with chelating agents and supplementation.

 We’ll help you identify and eliminate common sources in your environment, water, food, and home.

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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