Virtually all aspects of immune
system functions are compromised by the inhalation of heavy metal
particulates. In addition, toxic metals can increase allergic reactions,
cause genetic mutation, compete with “good” trace metals for
biochemical bonding sites and act as antibiotics killing both harmful
and beneficial bacteria.
The body has
not learned how to dispose of heavy metals, even in very low
concentrations, and tends to store them in the lymphatic and circulatory
systems, vital organs such as the brain and the liver, and also in
fatty tissues. They will accumulate there for years until a point is
reached when the amounts are such that they start to affect the whole
body, particularly those with weakened immune systems. Common symptoms
are headaches, brought on by an over-loaded liver.
Heavy metals
such as lead, mercury and cadmium all depress the immune system even at
low levels. Cadmium comes from cigarette smoke and as a toxic
by-product of metal plating industries, which can get into the water
supply. Cadmium slows down the speed of the B-cells’ producing
antibodies in the immune system. Lead slows T- and B-cell response.
Mercury reduces the number of T-cells and reduces activity in the immune
system. All three of the metals reduces the activity and speed the
macrophages, thus increasing susceptibility to infection.
Heavy metals
are present in the air, drinking water, food, and countless synthetic
chemicals and products. They are taken into the body by inhalation,
ingestion, and skin absorption. Heavy metals enter and accumulate in
body tissues faster than the body’s detoxification pathways can dispose
of them and eventually a buildup occurs.
Heavy metals
are trace metals with a density at least five times that of water. They
are stable elements that cannot be metabolized by the body and get
passed up in the food chain to human beings (bio-accumulate). The most
common and harmful heavy metals are Aluminum, Arsenic, Cadmium, Copper,
Lead, Mercury, and Nickel — all successfully and safely removed by
Kelatox®. There are many more heavy metals that are not as prevalent or
as harmful as the previously noted elements.
Heavy metals
in general have no basic function in the body and can be highly toxic.
High-concentration exposure is not necessary in order to produce a state
of toxicity in the body. Most cases of heavy metal poisoning result
from chronic low level exposure to these hazardous environmental toxins.
In the last
50 years, human exposure to heavy metals has risen dramatically. This is
the result of an exponential increase in the use of heavy metals in
industrial processes and products. Today chronic exposure comes from
toxic waste dump and burn sites, agriculture, chemical products, mercury
amalgam dental fillings, lead-based paint, tap water, and chemical
residues in processed foods. Personal care products, such as cosmetics,
mouthwash, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and other hair care goods, are
also sources of contamination. In addition to the hazards at home and
outdoors, many occupations are subjected to daily heavy metal exposure.
More than 50 professions are exposed to mercury on a daily basis. These
include physicians, pharmaceutical workers, dentists, dental workers,
laboratory workers, hairdressers, painters, printers, welders,
metalworkers, cosmetic workers, battery makers, engravers,
photographers, visual artists and potters.
Studies
confirm that toxic heavy metals can directly influence behavior by
impairing mental and neurological function. They can also influence the
production and utilization of neurotransmitters and can alter numerous
metabolic body processes. Toxic metal elements can induce impairment and
dysfunction in the blood cardiovascular system, detoxification pathways
(colon liver kidneys skin), endocrine (hormonal), system energy
production pathways, enzymatic pathways, gastrointestinal tract, immune
system nervous system (both central and peripheral) reproductive system
and urinary system pathways.
Much of the
damage produced by toxic metals stems from the production of oxidative
free radicals. A free radical is an energetically unbalanced molecule
that “steals” an electron from another molecule in order to restore its
balance. Free radicals result naturally when cell molecules react with
oxygen (oxidation). With a heavily toxic load or antioxidant
deficiencies uncontrolled free-radical production occurs. Unchecked free
radicals can cause tissue damage throughout the body. In fact
free-radical damage underlies all degenerative diseases.
Toxic heavy
metals can also increase the acidity of the blood. The body draws
calcium from the bones in order to restore proper blood pH. Toxic metals
can set up conditions that lead to inflammation in arteries and tissues
causing more calcium to be drawn to the area as a buffer. The calcium
coats inflamed areas in the blood vessels like a bandage patching up one
problem but creating another- the hardening and progressive blockage of
the arteries. Without replenishment of calcium the constant removal of
this important mineral from the bones will result in osteoporosis (the
loss of bone density) which leads to an increased risk for fractures of
the spine and hips.
We need to
remove the toxins from our body if we are to experience good health.
There are a number of toxins that the body is constantly exposed to, and
we have an immune system that is capable of neutralizing these toxins,
providing that the system is not compromised. After all, our body (by
design) is capable of mounting a successful defense against toxins
originating in the body, those being consumed, and those that are
airborne. Most chronic disease is not the failure of the immune system,
but a conscious adaptation of the immune system to an otherwise lethal
heavy metal environment.
Heavy Metals and the Immune System
