What Are the Symptoms of Heavy Metal Poisoning?

EDTA Chelation Therapy

Heavy metal poisoning can be an overlooked, under diagnosed concern for many individuals. The symptoms caused by toxic metals in the body can vary greatly depending on many factors, most importantly, the type of metal one is exposed to and the amount of that metal that has built up in the body’s system. Young children, infants, and developing fetuses are particularly at risk for severe health conditions caused by exposure to toxic metals. Exposure and the potential health risks often go undiagnosed because they are often not noticeable right away or they mimic other possible conditions, allowing the exposure to continue unchecked. Some individuals can experience overexposure and subsequent health issues without showing any outward symptoms. Many of the symptoms listed below can also be indicators of more common illnesses. Be sure to discuss your symptoms in detail with your physician to receive the most accurate testing and diagnosis. 

  • The most common symptoms: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
  • Dehydration
  • An abnormal heartbeat or other cardiac abnormalities
  • Issues with the nervous system such as tingling hands and feet and numbness
  • Anemia – low iron levels
  • Liver damage
  • Lung irritation, or fluid accumulation (edema)
  • Memory loss or other cognitive concerns
  • The appearance of horizontal lines on nails 
  • Behavioral changes 
  • Specifically in children – malformed and brittle bones
  • Miscarriage or premature labor in pregnant women

Diagnosing toxic metal poisoning isn’t an easy process when so many symptoms can be relatable to other serious health conditions. When discussing symptoms with a medical professional, proper testing can be administered when the physician is aware of all possible causes, from dietary concerns to occupational hazards. This knowledge will help your doctor decide which tests to administer to determine how severe the exposure is. 

If you think you are having symptoms of heavy metal poisoning, it’s important to see a medical doctor to properly diagnose your symptoms. If you would like to learn more about products that can cleanse the body of toxic metals, visit Chelation Health Products