Question: What are the dangers of heavy metal exposure?

Dr. Brownstein's Answer:

For 20 years, I have been testing my patients for heavy metal toxicity. After thousands of tests, I can assure you the vast majority of Americans have high levels of heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium, and nickel.

The No. 1 heavy metal toxicity that I see is mercury. In fact, more than 80 percent of my patients test positive for mercury toxicity. One big reason for the high level of mercury toxicity is that for more than 100 years this substance has been used by dentists as a dental filling — called amalgam.

The second source of mercury exposure is from ingesting certain types of fish, mainly tuna, shark, and swordfish. Mercury has been linked to many health problems, including cancer.

Mercury is also a known to suppress healthy immune function in both humans and animals. A compromised immune system leaves you open to recurring infections, colds and flus, allergies and rashes, as well as serious health problems such as autoimmune diseases, HIV, and cancer.

It is important to periodically have your mercury (and other heavy metals) levels tested. If they are elevated, you will have to undergo a chelation program to remove them.

A chelating agent is a substance that is introduced into your bloodstream, which then binds to the toxic metals and breaks them down for excretion through your urine.

A knowledgeable holistic healthcare provider can help you safely and effectively chelate the heavy metals out of your body. Most people note an immediate improvement in their energy level and overall health when these heavy metals are removed.