Heavy Metals and Environmental Toxins: How the Body Breaks Down Harmful Substances

“Detox” is a popular term that promises a lot and explains little. A more useful question is: how does the body actually break down foreign substances, what does that depend on, and how can a possible exposure be measured reliably?

The body's own pathways

• Liver: processes foreign substances in two steps. First they are modified, then attached to the body's own molecules so they can be excreted.
• Kidneys: filter water-soluble substances and excrete them in urine.
• Gut: Bile and stool are another route of excretion. Constipation can prolong transit.
• Skin and lungs: play a smaller role.

Glutathione: a helper made by the body

Glutathione consists of the amino acids glutamate, cysteine and glycine and is formed inside the cells. It is involved in the antioxidant protection of cells and in the conjugation reaction in the liver. Its formation and cycle need, among other things, selenium, zinc, B vitamins and sulfur-containing amino acids. More in our articles on glutathione and on glutathione metabolism.

Important: how well this system works depends on diet, age, genetics, medication and exposures. Blanket promises that a particular product “cleanses” the body are therefore not credible.

Where heavy metals can come from

• Mercury: large predatory fish, older amalgam fillings (more on amalgam)
• Lead: old water pipes, certain paints and imported goods
• Cadmium: cigarette smoke, some foods
• Arsenic: partly in rice and rice products
• Aluminum: packaging, cosmetics, medicines (article on aluminum)

Knowing a source matters more than immediately trying to “remove” something. Avoiding the source is where it starts.

How to measure an exposure reliably

Depending on the metal, blood, urine or hair tests come into question. The results are compared with the laboratory's reference ranges and read in the context of complaints, history and diet. So-called provocation tests, in which a chelating agent is given before the urine sample, are viewed critically by environmental medicine societies because the results are hard to interpret. We therefore have measurements done first without provocation and discuss their reliability beforehand.

And chelation therapy?

Chelation therapy is a procedure in which substances that bind metals are given. It has possible side effects and should only be considered after prior measurement, with medical coordination and professional supervision. Whether it comes into question for you at all can only be answered by a finding, not by an internet article.

When medical evaluation is important

If you suspect acute poisoning (sudden complaints after contact with chemicals, metals or mushrooms), for children and during pregnancy, please contact a doctor or the poison control center immediately. For long-standing, unclear complaints, the environmental medicine work-up belongs in medical hands; on request we complement it with functional laboratory diagnostics.