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Writer's pictureGenny Mack

Heavy Metal Detox: Understanding the Dangers and How to Cleanse Naturally

My Personal Journey + Powerful Detox Smoothie Recipe


As we navigate modern life, we are unknowingly exposed to heavy metals that can build up in our bodies and lead to chronic health issues. While some heavy metals are essential in small amounts (like iron and zinc), too much exposure can be toxic and disruptive to our health. In this blog post, I’ll share my personal story, how I learned about the dangers of heavy metals, and a powerful detox smoothie recipe that can help cleanse the body from within. Note: this smoothie has been inspired by the Medical Medium.


metal tubes showing how heavy metal toxicity can be dangerous to the body
metal tubes

Where Do Heavy Metals Come From?


Heavy metals can be found in some of the most common foods and drinks we consume. While many of us don’t realize it, we’re being exposed to these harmful elements every day.


Here are the top five culprits:

  1. Fish: Large fish like tuna, swordfish, and king mackerel often contain high levels of mercury.

  2. Tap Water: Depending on the source, tap water can carry trace amounts of lead, arsenic, and mercury.

  3. Non-Organic Produce: Some fruits and vegetables grown in contaminated soil or sprayed with pesticides can absorb heavy metals like cadmium.

  4. Canned Foods and Beverages: Cans that aren’t labeled as BPA-free can leach aluminum into food and drinks.

  5. Grains Like Brown Rice: Brown rice can contain high levels of arsenic due to the soil and water where it’s grown.


Pro Tip: To reduce your risk of heavy metals in grains, consider consuming gluten-free grains like oats, fonio, teff, buckwheat, and millet. These grains are naturally lower in heavy metals. If you must eat brown rice, read labels carefully and choose brands with the least heavy metals.



tinned canned goods can leach excess aluminum
tinned canned goods can leach excess aluminum

My Personal Experience with Heavy Metals


At the start of 2024, I was feeling "off" and symptoms of brain fog, fatigue, anxiety and irritability. I had already made significant strides in my healing journey recovering from a life-threatening lupus flare and underlying infections by listening to my body and cleaning up my environment. Yet, I decided to dig deeper into some lingering health issues.


I went to my rheumatologist and asked for a heavy metals panel. He looked at me like I was crazy. His response was, “I’ve never tested for this before and wouldn’t know what to do with the details,” to which I replied, “That’s okay, I will review and research myself."



heavy metals panel test
heavy metals panel test


Thankfully, he agreed to order the test, and we checked for toxicity in lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic, amongst other metals. To our surprise, the results came back showing high levels of arsenic. We didn't need any additional interpretations. The results were clear. I had heavy loads of arsenic in my body, which may have been causing these symptoms.



results of arsenic test showing heavy metal toxicity
results of arsenic test showing heavy metal toxicity


Why? Well, I was consuming a lot of brown rice and also taking a supplement that used brown rice as a base. I had no idea that something as simple as a grain could contribute to toxic heavy metal levels in my body.


After getting those results, I immediately stopped eating brown rice and discontinued the supplements. I started to feel better each day through more diet and lifestyle changes. This experience was a wake-up call, reinforcing the importance of knowing exactly what’s going into your body and how it can affect your health.



x-ray showing an aluminum crown


The Importance of Heavy Metal Detoxing


Heavy metals can interfere with our body’s normal processes, leading to fatigue, cognitive issues, digestive problems, and even worsening autoimmune conditions like lupus. Last year, I decided to get a mercury filled crown replaced with a ceramic one to have a good chance of cleansing my body of 20 years from this toxicity. Detoxing from these metals can help restore balance, reduce inflammation, and improve overall well-being.


If you want more information on the dangers of heavy metals and other health risks, I highly recommend watching The Bleeding Edge on Netflix. Be aware, it may be triggering, but you’ll leave feeling both informed and empowered to make better decisions for your health.


Let's talk about what we can do to help.


One of the most effective ways I found to detox is through a smoothie packed with powerful, heavy-metal-binding ingredients. I’ve been using this smoothie regularly, and it has made a noticeable difference in how I feel.


heavy metal detox smoothie recipe
heavy metal detox smoothie recipe

Heavy Metal Detox Smoothie Recipe


This smoothie is loaded with ingredients that work together to help pull heavy metals from your system and nourish your body at the same time. Here's how to make it:


Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of wild blueberries (frozen or fresh)

  • 1 organic citrus fruit, squeezed (orange or lime)

  • 3 baby organic bananas, or 1 organic banana, or 1 cup of papaya

  • 1.5 cups of cilantro

  • 1 tbsp each of barley wheat grass, dulse, spirulina

  • 2 cups of spring water or coconut water (sugar-free)


Fits a 32 ounce mason jar.


Directions:

  1. Add all ingredients into a blender.

  2. Blend for 2-3 minutes until smooth.

  3. Enjoy immediately for the best detox effects!


Adjust for any food allergies and intolerances.


Note: You can find the powders using the embedded links above to my Amazon storefront. I get a small commission from your purchase, which funds are used to share educational and useful information just like this.


Why These Ingredients Work:


  • Wild Blueberries: One of nature’s most powerful antioxidants, they help repair and protect cells from heavy metal damage.

  • Cilantro: Known for its ability to bind to heavy metals and help them exit the body.

  • Dulse: A type of seaweed rich in iodine and other minerals that help flush out heavy metals.

  • Barley Wheat Grass: Acts as a blood cleanser and supports the liver in detoxification.

  • Spirulina: A blue-green algae that helps bind to heavy metals, particularly mercury, and assists in removing them from the body.

  • Citrus: Provides vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and supports detoxification.

  • Coconut Water: Hydrates the body and replenishes electrolytes, which helps in flushing out toxins.


This smoothie is not just a detox tool—it’s a way to support your body’s natural healing processes. By consuming these powerful, whole foods, you’re giving your body the fuel it needs to cleanse itself from harmful toxins.


Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. Please consult with your doctor before making any significant changes to your diet or health routine.



freedom
freedom

Take Control of Your Health


Heavy metal detoxing can be an exploratory way to get to the root cause of lingering health issues. Whether you’re dealing with autoimmune challenges or simply want to feel more energized and clear-headed, detoxing may offer the solution you need. I recommend working with a professional to help guide you on your holistic healing journey.


Have you ever tested for heavy metals, or have you experienced symptoms that could be related to heavy metal exposure? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below!


Remember, the more you know, the more you glow! ✨


Genny Mack

Holistic Nutritionist & Lupus Warrior 💜

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