|
Article Directory
|
+ Authors
+ Articles
|
|
|
|
Stunning Levels of Lead Toxicity Revealed in Recent Research
Copyright (c) 2008-2012 Mark Hyman, M.D.
Americans are too heavy -- but not just on the scale.
Metals, not fat, are making us heavy. In fact, almost 40 percent of us have toxic levels of lead in our bodies. And we don't even know it.
Lead toxicity does have symptoms, like headaches, insomnia, irritability, low sex drive, tremors, mood problems, nausea, depression, memory difficulties, trouble concentrating, poor coordination, and constipation.
But it's hard for most us to realize that they may be caused by lead poisoning.
At a recent medical conference on heavy metals and health, I was surprised to hear about new research that the media has been ignored.
For example, a 2006 study in the journal Circulation should have been major news.
In that study, researchers measured the blood lead levels of 13,946 adults and followed them for up to 12 years to track what diseases they developed and why they died. (1)
It's true that the average person's blood lead levels have dropped dramatically since lead was removed from gasoline and house paint several decades ago.
But our levels of lead are still high, because we are still exposed to lead in our soil and water, as well as from our own bones, where we store it.
The level considered "safe" by the government is less than 10 micrograms/deciliter. But in this study, blood levels of lead over 2 micrograms/deciliter significantly increased the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and death.
After researchers controlled for all other risk factors, they found that people with lead levels over 2 micrograms/deciliter had a 25 percent higher risk of dying from any cause, a 55 percent higher risk of dying from heart disease, a 151 percent higher risk of having a heart attack, and an 89 percent higher risk of having a stroke.
But that's not all.
A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed a strong link between high blood pressure in postmenopausal women and blood lead levels. That's because bone loss during menopause releases lead and injures blood vessels, which raises blood pressure.
Another study in The New England Journal of Medicine found that reducing lead levels in patients with kidney failure by using chelation therapy could prevent further loss of kidney function, save billions in healthcare costs, and eliminate the need for dialysis in millions of people. (3)
Lead has also been linked to ADHD, developmental and learning problems, and autism.
Yet most doctors don't offer chelation therapy. They haven't learned how to deal with environmental toxins like lead.
That's a huge concern, because research shows that children with decreased IQ scores are those who have lead levels between just 1 and 10 micrograms/deciliter. (4)
And more than 10 percent of poor and inner city children have lead exposure levels higher than 10 micrograms/deciliter!
I recently treated a young boy with extremely high lead levels who had Asperger's syndrome, severe ADHD, and violent behavior. The lead was probably passed to him from his mother in the womb.
But once we used chelation and nutritional support to eliminate his lead poisoning, his attention, behavior, and social skills got much better.
Lead isn't going away. It's still in our soil and water. We track lead into our homes from contaminated soil. Today regular house dust often contains 17 times the level of lead it once did.
And in Washington, DC, the government recently had to provide free water filters for everyone because up to 20 percent of the city's tap water may be contaminated with lead.
But there's good news. There are some ways you can treat yourself for lead toxicity. Do the following:
1. Test your lead levels. The easiest test is a simple blood lead test, but make sure the lab can measure extremely low levels of lead. Levels higher than 2 micrograms/deciliter should be treated.
Because the blood test only checks for current or ongoing exposures, you'll also need a heavy metal challenge test with DMSA, EDTA, or DMPS, which you can get from a doctor trained in heavy metal detoxification. (See www.functionalmedicine.org or www.acam.org to find a qualified doctor.) Consider undergoing chelation therapy if your lead levels are high.
2. Reduce your exposures by removing your shoes before you enter your home. Ask guests to do the same.
3. Test your water for heavy metals.
4. Buy a carbon or reverse osmosis drinking water filter.
5. Take 1,000 milligrams of buffered ascorbic acid (vitamin C) a day, this helps remove lead from the body.
6. Take 2,000 to 4,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily to prevent your bones from releasing lead into your bloodstream.
By following these steps, you can reduce your lead exposure and get -- and feel -- healthier.
REFERENCES:
(1) Menke A, Muntner P, Batuman V, Silbergeld EK, Guallar E. Blood lead below 0.48 micromol/L (10 microg/dL) and mortality among US adults. Circulation. 2006 Sep 26;114(13):1388-94.
(2) Nash D, Magder L, Lustberg M, Sherwin RW, Rubin RJ, Kaufmann RB, Silbergeld, Blood lead, blood pressure, and hypertension in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. JAMA. 2003 Mar 26;289(12):1523-32.
(3) Lin JL, Lin-Tan DT, Hsu KH, Yu CC Environmental lead exposure and progression of chronic renal diseases in patients without diabetes. N Engl J Med. 2003 Jan 23;348(4):277-86
(4) Canfield RL, Henderson CR Jr, Cory-Slechta DA, Cox C, Jusko TA, Lanphear BP.Intellectual impairment in children with blood lead concentrations below 10 microg per deciliter. N Engl J Med. 2003 Apr 17;348(16):1517-26.
|
Mark Hyman, M.D. is a pioneer in functional medicine, practicing physician and best-selling author. A sneak preview of his book "The UltraSimple Diet" is available. For more on Lead Toxicity, visit our UltraWellness blog. http://www.ultrawellness.com
|
Follow "The Phantom Writers" on Twitter
(@phantomwriters)
to be notified when new articles are made available.
VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >>
0 -
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
5
<< Excellent Article
Tell our authors what you think about their article.
|
Top-Level Category: Health and Wellness Articles
10 Most Recent Articles Written by Mark Hyman, M.D.
How to Get Rid of Acne, Pimples, and Other Skin Problems
Written by: Mark Hyman, M.D. |
Distributed: 2009-10-01 |
Word Count: 985 |
Page Views: 1127
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 2.75
Mark Hyman, MD explains how to eliminate acne, pimples and
other skin problems and debunks the common myth that your
diet has nothing to do with those problems.
How This Little Known Test Can Unlock the Secret to Weight Loss
Written by: Mark Hyman, M.D. |
Distributed: 2008-05-14 |
Word Count: 716 |
Page Views: 973
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.00
Pioneering research by Harvard Medical School's David Ludwig
shows us the real reason that low-fat diets do not work -- and
reveals the true cause of obesity for most Americans.
Is There Such a Thing As Healthy Junk Food?
Written by: Mark Hyman, M.D. |
Distributed: 2008-04-23 |
Word Count: 533 |
Page Views: 954
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 0.00
Can junk food be healthy? The food industry certainly wants you
to think so! That's why they're creating an increasing number
of foods with health claims. From vitamin-spiked Diet Coke, to
whole-grain Pop Tarts, from misleading labels on Tyson chicken,
to McDonald's salads laden with high-fat salad dressing,
marketing claims abound.
Can Dietary Supplements Save You Money?
Written by: Mark Hyman, M.D. |
Distributed: 2008-04-15 |
Word Count: 689 |
Page Views: 883
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 2.00
New research has shown that spending pennies a day on a few key
nutritional supplements can dramatically reduce sickness and
chronic disease -- and greatly decrease healthcare expenditures
as a result.
Do Artificial Sweeteners in Diet Soda Cause Obesity?
Written by: Mark Hyman, M.D. |
Distributed: 2008-04-07 |
Word Count: 765 |
Page Views: 1823
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 3.25
Ever watch a very large person order a Big Mac, large fries, and
top it off with a Diet Coke? Ever notice that you rarely see thin
people drinking diet sodas? I have. And it made me wonder if
could there be a link between diet beverages or artificial
sweeteners and obesity.
Food As Medicine Touted As New Drug for Treating Chronic Illnesses
Written by: Mark Hyman, M.D. |
Distributed: 2008-03-31 |
Word Count: 886 |
Page Views: 965
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.67
Scientists have discovered a powerful new drug that may help cure
all chronic illnesses. It is a drug you take every day.
A Simple Plan to Diagnose and Treat Low Thyroid Function
Written by: Mark Hyman, M.D. |
Distributed: 2008-03-24 |
Word Count: 861 |
Page Views: 1124
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 0.50
Low thyroid function affects more than 30 million women and 15
million men. And it can lead to problems losing weight, decreased
sex drive, depression, anxiety, thinning hair, and poor quality,
thick, cracked fingernails.
Subtle, Undiagnosed Symptoms Could Be Signs of Subclinical
Written by: Mark Hyman, M.D. |
Distributed: 2008-03-19 |
Word Count: 949 |
Page Views: 1076
| Votes: 3 |
Rating: 2.33
Are you one of the 30 million women and 15 million men who have a
chronic medical problem that is both under-diagnosed and
under-treated?
Does the FDA Hide Negative Drug Study?
Written by: Mark Hyman, M.D. |
Distributed: 2008-03-11 |
Word Count: 911 |
Page Views: 1109
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 2.25
Think the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is here to protect
you? It isn't. Think your doctor makes decisions about your
health based on medical science? Not so fast. Truth is, half of
medical evidence is hidden from your doctors. And the half
that's hidden is the half that shows drugs don't work.
Are Toxins and Allergens Causing an Autoimmune Epidemic?
Written by: Mark Hyman, M.D. |
Distributed: 2008-02-27 |
Word Count: 806 |
Page Views: 1010
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 2.00
Boosting Your Body's Detoxification System Against Environmental
Toxins Could Prevent Autoimmune Disease.
All of Author's Articles on this site: Mark Hyman, M.D. Articles
Most Recent "Health And Wellness" Articles
The Powerful Antioxidant You Cannot Eat Or Drink
Written by: Nate Rifkin |
Distributed: 2011-07-20 |
Word Count: 499 |
Page Views: 591
There's no need to eat or drink anything to activate your
body's powerful antioxidant to prevent free radical damage.
You'll end up healthier inside and looking better on the outside
as well.
3 Bacterial Vaginosis Remedies You Can Start Using Today
Written by: Louise Endago |
Distributed: 2011-07-20 |
Word Count: 867 |
Page Views: 647
Very few women are successful at treating bacterial
vaginosis using one treatment alone. The secret lies in
using a combination of treatments that complement one
another. In this article you will discover 3 such remedies
that give excellent results.
Encouraging Healthy Children with Outdoor Play Sets and Activities
Written by: Giana Briggs |
Distributed: 2011-03-17 |
Word Count: 410 |
Page Views: 866
Having a play set in your backyard can be a great way to get
your child off the couch and out into the fresh air. With
childhood obesity on the rise, we need to do what we can as
parents to get our children active and enjoying playing and
interacting with each other children again. Being able to go
out in the yard and have something to do is just one small
step in the right direction.
How to Recognize Anxiety in Children and Adolescents
Written by: Dr Jeannette Kavanagh |
Distributed: 2010-12-28 |
Word Count: 836 |
Page Views: 916
Problems with a too-high level anxiety can start in
childhood with children and adolescents worrying to a
greater extent than their peers about all sorts of things.
Some behaviors are an indication of a fussy and over tidy
child. When we go just a little bit over fussiness and we
have entered the realm of an anxiety disorder.
How to Tell if You Have Anxiety Disorder
Written by: Dr Jeannette Kavanagh |
Distributed: 2010-12-23 |
Word Count: 1093 |
Page Views: 910
If you're someone who can never earn enough or have enough
money to relax about it, and to enjoy spending it, you may
have underlying anxiety problems that you haven't had to
face, or you haven't wanted to face.
How to Tell the Difference Between Anxiety and Normal Worry
Written by: Dr Jeannette Kavanagh |
Distributed: 2010-12-21 |
Word Count: 979 |
Page Views: 775
Anxiety is a normal feeling people experience when faced
with threat, danger or stress. Feeling anxious can sometimes
be a good thing. Occasional anxiety is part of normal life.
However, for some people anxiety is a constant factor in
their lives. When a person has anxiety problems, it
interferes with their ability to function normally on a
daily basis. Anxiety disorder can cause people to feel
intense, long-lasting fear or worry, in addition to other
symptoms.
How to Treat Your Anxiety and Panic Attacks
Written by: Dr Jeannette Kavanagh |
Distributed: 2010-12-16 |
Word Count: 742 |
Page Views: 895
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 2.50
Next to Depression, one of the most common disorders which
affects an estimated 2.4 million people in America alone, is
anxiety disorder. Anxiety can manifest as a generalized
anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety and agoraphobia.
Anxiety disorder can be mild or so totally disabling that
the person is confined to her or his home. All forms of
anxiety can be extremely frightening to those who experience
it frequently, but many individuals have found comfort in
the fact that anxiety disorders can be treated.
Anxiety Disorder and Panic Attacks: How Cognitive Behavior Therapy Can Help You
Written by: Dr Jeannette Kavanagh |
Distributed: 2010-12-09 |
Word Count: 748 |
Page Views: 871
In your journey to conquer anxiety and to eliminate panic
attacks from your day-to-day life, no one approach will be
totally right, but Cognitive Behavior Therapy can be a very
powerful part of your recovery. In this short article, I
want to explore what's involved in Cognitive Behavior
Therapy, so that you can make a decision whether or not
you'd like to explore it with your therapist.
Losing Weight - The Addiction of Comfort Food
Written by: Larry Tobin |
Distributed: 2010-11-04 |
Word Count: 863 |
Page Views: 1288
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 0.00
Its very name is appealing - comfort food. What could be
more wonderful than a food that helps us feel better? Almost
everyone can name something that they eat when they're just
feeling sour or sad. Of course, we know that food can't be
the solution to our problems, especially the problem of
trying to lose weight and keep it off. So why do we find
ourselves trapped in the eat/feel better/feel worse/eat some
more cycle?
Understanding the Roles of Respite Caregivers for Seniors
Written by: Bob Fischer |
Distributed: 2010-11-02 |
Word Count: 582 |
Page Views: 974
Caregivers for seniors are typically paid providers but they
may also be volunteers from a government or nonprofit
organization. Where care is being provided in the home there
is often a mix of formal and informal care provided. And the
trend is towards using more formal care since, unlike the
past, more informal respite caregivers are employed. Read
on.
Most Viewed "Health And Wellness" Articles
Bone Density and Your Well Being
Written by: Kamau Austin |
Distributed: 2006-06-15 |
Word Count: 685 |
Page Views: 47775
| Votes: 39 |
Rating: 2.69
We spend a lot of time and energy thinking of ways to reduce our
weight but we need to think about the bones that form the basic
structure of the very same body. Bone density is an important
factor in helping us stay young and on our toes. Bone density
needs to be checked as we age and if found low, adequate measures
need to be taken to improve it.
Losing Weight Without Gaining Stretch Marks
Written by: Kamau Austin |
Distributed: 2006-12-11 |
Word Count: 579 |
Page Views: 15076
| Votes: 37 |
Rating: 2.78
Few things can make us as elated as seeing the pounds melt way
through our efforts of eating less and exercising more. We gain
new confidence and vitality as we watch our waistlines reappear
and become reacquainted with the tops of our feet. But as the
weight falls away we can be plagued by a new assault - one we did
not see coming - stretch marks.
President Given the Cure for Herpes and Cold Sores ?
Written by: James Kaylon McIntyre |
Distributed: 2006-11-09 |
Word Count: 404 |
Page Views: 13176
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 2.57
Viraway was founded by a man who is in his 70s today. As a Young
man he suffered from acute cold sores. The discomfort was so
severe that he thought they would never go away. A native
American Indian gave him a tribal mixture of herbs and told him
that this mixture would eliminate the cold sores with in two
weeks...
Oyster Extract Improves Men's Sexual Health
Written by: Stephen Kavanagh |
Distributed: 2008-06-26 |
Word Count: 851 |
Page Views: 12421
| Votes: 38 |
Rating: 3.45
Description of the benefits of taking oyster extract powder for
good sexual health in men and women. Details of the features and
benefits, the different brands, the alternatives and advice on
choosing the right oyster extract product.
Is Retinol Good for Your Skin?
Written by: Craig Elliott |
Distributed: 2007-10-04 |
Word Count: 576 |
Page Views: 11127
| Votes: 26 |
Rating: 2.62
These days, whether you have wrinkles or you are certain that you
will get them in the near future, it is hard to ignore the
hundreds of new anti aging products on the market. With retinol
and AHAs, BHAs and vitamins, it's hard to tell which products
are actually going to work and which ones are will not. While a
lot of the success rate depends on the unique qualities of your
skin, there are scientific studies that have shed light some of
the more popular skin treatments.
Two years after 60 Minutes - Is Authentic Hoodia Available?
Written by: Dan Nessel |
Distributed: 2006-10-25 |
Word Count: 733 |
Page Views: 11010
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 3.22
In November of 2004, 60 Minutes praised Hoodia Gordonii for its
ability to suppress appetite. Within days of the segement,
everyone and their mother were claiming to have "real" hoodia
for sale. The question remains - is any authenic Hoodia
available?
Causes for Yellow or Dark Brown Poop - Symptoms of Healthy Poop - Dr Oz's Tips to Diagnosis Yourself and Self Help
Written by: John Khu |
Distributed: 2009-12-29 |
Word Count: 545 |
Page Views: 9055
| Votes: 15 |
Rating: 2.27
Now the question arises how to detox your body? Body toxins
are accumulated due to improper food consumption; sedentary
lifestyle also causes digestion problem and heavy metal
toxins to accumulate in our body. Therefore, in order to
avoid bowel problem, your body needs to heavy metal detox.
Flax Oil And Gynecomastia
Written by: Will Brink |
Distributed: 2006-06-06 |
Word Count: 678 |
Page Views: 8680
| Votes: 19 |
Rating: 2.53
Q: Dear Will, I remember in your book "Priming the Anabolic
Environment" you recommended flax oil as a possible way to treat
gynecomastia or "bitch tits" in men and I know you recommend flax
oil losing fat and general health also. Would flax have equal
benefits for athletic women like me who lift weights and do you
still think it helps with gyno?
14 Causes of Constipation
Written by: Howard Richman |
Distributed: 2008-12-02 |
Word Count: 1642 |
Page Views: 8530
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 3.00
For people who know all about drinking liquids and eating fiber
but still have never been able to break free of their curse of
constipation, this article offers many other considerations that
will help the reader find solutions to lifelong constipation.
How to Force Your Body To Melt Fat Like Butter In A Microwave
Written by: Robert Kokoska |
Distributed: 2008-04-08 |
Word Count: 613 |
Page Views: 7416
| Votes: 22 |
Rating: 2.77
There are a couple of very simple changes you can make to the way
you eat that will force your body to become a fat burning furnace
and cause you to easily drop your unwanted pounds day after day.
Highest Ranked "Health And Wellness" Articles
The Role of Antioxidants in Good Health And Healthy Living
Written by: Cheryll Rice |
Distributed: 2008-01-24 |
Word Count: 718 |
Page Views: 1344
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 4.20
Everyone has heard about the importance of a balanced diet for
maintaining good health. Similarly, everyone knows that they
should be getting exercise - or at the very least adding more
activity into their days. Getting a good night's sleep is
essential - without it, you'll find that your immune system
starts to slack off a bit and you put yourself at a greater risk
for catching a cold or coming down with the flu. We all know what
we should be doing, but let's be honest: we don't do it...
What Makes Tea So Effective At Preventing Heart Disease?
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2007-02-02 |
Word Count: 812 |
Page Views: 1542
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 4.00
Many bodies of research have shown that tea is effective at
preventing heart disease in several ways. Tea prevents the
oxidation of LDL cholesterol into plaque, the hard substance that
clogs our arteries, making us more susceptible to heart attacks
and strokes. Tea is also thought to have an anti-inflammatory
effect, which helps the heart in its overall function.
Which Full Face CPAP Mask is Best for You?
Written by: Chris Vasta |
Distributed: 2009-09-01 |
Word Count: 690 |
Page Views: 3640
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 4.00
If you've been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, you are
undoubtedly trying to narrow the choice of masks. If your
mouth opens during sleep, one option would be full face CPAP
masks. The full face CPAP mask is used to deliver pressure
through both the nose and mouth. Trying to decide which full
face CPAP mask to use can be complex and expensive. The
number of mask options available is confounding. Based upon
comfort, fit, good seal, and durability, we recommend the
following three full face CPAP masks.
Neurotransmitter Testing: How It Help Depression, Anxiety and More
Written by: Anne Arthur |
Distributed: 2006-08-03 |
Word Count: 663 |
Page Views: 2211
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.86
Millions of people suffer from bipolar disorder, anxiety, panic
attacks, depression and ADD/ADHD without a known cause. If you or
someone you know suffers from anxiety, bipolar disorder,
depression, mania, ADD/ADHD or even panic attacks, you owe it to
you to find the real cause of your problem. There are many
natural treatments available that effectively combat these
diseases.
Concocting the Perfect Body Detox Plan
Written by: John Khu |
Distributed: 2009-04-21 |
Word Count: 588 |
Page Views: 1236
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.86
If you have recently made a committed resolve to stick to a body
detox program, then it is best to get very well prepared for it.
Otherwise, you might catch yourself doing some last-minute
enjoyment and drowning yourself in your favorite food and drinks.
Want To Try Body Detox?
Written by: John Khu |
Distributed: 2009-08-25 |
Word Count: 595 |
Page Views: 977
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.86
Ever since more and more people became aware of the harmful
effects of improper diet and toxins to the body, body
detoxification also became very popular. Although it is a
fact that the body can detoxify by itself, it is also a fact
that without the initiative of a person's mind to reinforce
more action aside from the organs' functions, then the
detoxification process will take a long time, or worse, not
work at all.
Heavier Weight Sometimes Equals Smaller Jeans
Written by: Kamau Austin |
Distributed: 2007-02-07 |
Word Count: 1005 |
Page Views: 1590
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.83
A concept many women sometimes have difficulty understanding is
that a smaller weight does not always indicate a fitter body.
Muscle mass is more dense than fat tissue. This means two women
of the same height, weight, skeletal structure and body type may
look drastically different.
Get a Great Night's Sleep
Written by: George Esser |
Distributed: 2007-05-15 |
Word Count: 597 |
Page Views: 1311
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.83
Reasons why we need magnesium supplements to get a great night's
sleep. Research points to reduced restless leg syndrome and other
sleep disorders.
Colon Cancer: Risks and Prevention
Written by: Abel Travers |
Distributed: 2007-12-13 |
Word Count: 785 |
Page Views: 1096
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 3.80
Cancer: it's not a word that anyone really wants to hear. While
not necessarily a death sentence, cancer is an illness that does
have a high mortality rate depending on where in the body it
strikes. Read on as we examine what can be done to head-off Colon
Cancer, the third most common cancer.
A Comparison of Tattoo Removal Methods: Tattoo Removal Skin Peels Vs Tattoo Removal Creams Vs Tattoo Removal Using DermaBrasion
Written by: Abe Granberry |
Distributed: 2009-09-30 |
Word Count: 1821 |
Page Views: 2409
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 3.79
A friend and I, along with 3 other buddies, decided to try
an experiment to remove tattoos that we have all had for
many years. Over time we just decided we no longer liked
what we saw on our arms, shoulders and chest so we decided
to test all the varieties of tattoo removal except Laser
because none of us could afford the price, plus we wanted to
see for ourselves if the other products actually worked or
were just marketing hype.
|
|
|
Article Reprint Rights
|

This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons License
You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
|
|
Article Statistics
|
Word Count: 901
Total Views: 905
Views This Month: 19
Views Last Month: 30
Article Rating: 3.00 of 5
Votes Cast: 2
Author Overall Stats:
Times Viewed Overall: 17976
Author Rating: 2.49 of 5
Votes Cast Overall: 100
More Articles By Author:
Articles On This Website
Article Title Search:
Widow Search
Right Blinker
Google
Yahoo!
Zuula
Bing
Cuil
Last Distribution Date:
2008-05-15 11:48:00
|
|
|