The Effect of Heavy Metal Toxicity on the Kidneys

The kidneys are like the janitors of our bodies. They balance the water and mineral levels in the blood, and they remove the waste and extra fluids which we excrete. The kidneys have great absorption ability, which is good for collecting and removing unwanted material from the blood, but it also makes the kidneys the primary target for heavy metal toxicity.

Many of those metals are essential to the human body, but when present at excessive levels, the blood becomes poisoned and the kidneys, unable to sufficiently process the overload, begin to fail (renal damage). Heavy metal contamination can occur through ingestion, inhalation, or excessive exposure to the flesh, and is more prevalent in people who serve in the military or who work in agriculture, manufacturing, or other industrial sectors. But even daily exposure to lead paint or drinking water from older lead pipes can create immediate overexposure.

The most common metals to cause heavy metal toxicity renal damage are barium, cadmium, arsenic, cobalt, lithium, copper, lead, mercury, and platinum. Additionally, individuals who already have a compromised renal system might be more susceptible to the chronic conditions of heavy metal toxicity’s effects on the kidneys. Weaker kidneys will work harder to remove the metals and damaged kidneys will be less successful in filtering the metal.

The treatment for damaged kidneys caused by heavy metal toxicity is tailored to each individual, their current medical condition, and the circumstances surrounding their exposure. A physician will conduct a complete history of the individual’s possible exposure to the metals to accurately diagnose their medical condition—investigating occupation, leisure activities, and the patient’s living environment. Chelation therapy, renal replacement therapy, supportive care, and decontamination procedures are common treatment regimens for chronic renal damage caused by heavy metal toxicity.

For more information about heavy metal toxicity, contact Chelation Health Products. We offer a variety of chelation products and supplements to safely and effectively remove heavy metals from the body.