You are exposed to a lot of heavy metals in your everyday life, like from the food you eat and the air you breathe. The accumulation of such heavy metals in the body is known as heavy metal poisoning. Some of these metals include:

• Mercury
• Lead
• Arsenic
• Cadmium
• Aluminum
• Nickel
• Uranium etc.

Some metals, like iron, copper, and zinc, can be good in small amounts, but long-term or overexposure to them can lead to some serious health problems. To prevent this, these metals can be removed from the body and are detoxified through a process called chelation. This is done by administering a chelating agent that binds to the metals and facilitates their excretion. Some of the dietary supplements that act as natural chelators are discussed below.

Did you know?

Natural chelators like chlorella, cilantro, garlic, and lemon can help remove heavy metals from the body.

Chlorella

Chlorella is a natural detoxifying agent that binds with a variety of heavy metals, such as lead, arsenic, mercury, and aluminum, and helps get rid of them from the body. Chlorella is composed of elements like chlorophyll that are responsible for the mobilization and removal of these metals and chemicals. Chlorella is most commonly taken in the form of powder and is added to plain water, juices, and smoothies.

• A study in 2011 investigated the effects of chlorella on methylmercury metal transfer to the fetus of pregnant mice. The study found that continuous Chlorella powder intake suppressed mercury transfer to the fetus and prevented the accumulation of mercury in the brains of the mother.

Cilantro

The Cilantro plant’s leaves possess powerful chelating capabilities, which bind to and remove heavy metals from the body via the digestive system. Cilantro also known as coriander, can be added to a variety of dishes, both prepared and unprocessed. Cilantro can also act as an immune booster, improving the immune system, which is affected by exposure to heavy metals. Cilantro is most effective when used in combination with chlorella. Together, they provide an ideal solution for detoxifying the body.

• A study in 2012 that reviewed the medicinal effects of cilantro found that coriander helps the liver in the detoxification and excretion process of heavy metals and toxins from the body.

Garlic

Garlic is a great detoxifying agent because it gives your body the sulphur it needs. The sulphur content of garlic helps your body eliminate harmful toxins from your body through urine. Garlic, either in raw form or extracted form, has the same effect on enhancing the detoxification process; hence, garlic supplements are always recommended in detox treatments. Onion is also another sulphur-containing supplement that acts as a natural chelator.

• A study in 2012 investigated the therapeutic effects of garlic in patients with chronic occupational lead poisoning and found that garlic reduced certain symptoms of metal toxicity, including irritability, headaches, and blood pressure. Hence, it can be recommended for the treatment of mild-to-moderate lead poisoning.

Lemon

Lemon can provide a detoxifying benefit to the body when it is attempting to get rid of heavy metals. Vitamin C present in lemons and other citrus fruits can convert the toxins into water-soluble forms that can be easily eliminated from the body. The addition of freshly squeezed lemon juice to a glass of water can help maintain hydration levels, which in turn can help eliminate the toxic metals from the body.

• A study in 2012 investigated the effect of Vitamin C administration on rats exposed to lead. The results strongly indicated the protective effect of Vitamin C against the toxic effects of lead on liver disease.

Turmeric

The curcumin found in turmeric is a potent antioxidant that prevents various oxidative damages caused by the accumulation of heavy metals. Turmeric aids in detoxification, which is the removal of toxic metals by allowing your liver to modify, inactivate, and eliminate the toxins.

• A study published in 2004 examined the ability of curcumin to protect against lead and cadmium-induced lipid peroxidation in rats. The results of the study implied that curcumin can be therapeutically used to chelate toxic metals.

However, if you are using store-bought turmeric, it is important to check and make sure it is not adulterated with any of the metals, like lead.

Conclusion

If you are looking for detoxification from heavy metals, consuming these foods as a part of a healthy diet can be beneficial in order to remove the heavy metals from the body. In addition to the intake of these natural chelating supplements, it is important to cut down on some of the foods that cause heavy metal poisoning. Some include highly processed foods, excess fats, alcohol, etc. These foods are low in nutritional value and also slow down the detoxification process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can chlorella act as a natural chelator?

Ans: Chlorella is a type of green algae that contains chlorophyll and other elements responsible for mobilizing and removing heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, mercury, and aluminum from the body. It can be consumed in the form of powder or added to water, juices, or smoothies.

2. What makes cilantro an effective natural chelator?

Ans: Cilantro, also known as coriander, possesses powerful chelating capabilities. It contains compounds that bind to and remove heavy metals from the body through the digestive system. Cilantro is often used in combination with other chelators like chlorella for optimal detoxification.

3. How does garlic act as a natural chelator?

Ans: Garlic contains sulfur compounds that provide detoxification benefits. The sulfur content in garlic aids in the elimination of harmful toxins, including heavy metals, through urine. Garlic can be consumed in its raw form or as a supplement, and it may help alleviate certain symptoms of metal toxicity.

4.  How does lemon function as a natural chelator?

Ans: Lemon and other citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, which can convert toxins, including heavy metals, into water-soluble forms for easier elimination from the body. Additionally, the hydration provided by lemon juice can help flush out toxic metals.

5. What role does turmeric play as a natural chelator?

Ans: Turmeric contains curcumin, a potent antioxidant that can protect against oxidative damage caused by the accumulation of heavy metals. Curcumin aids in the detoxification process by supporting the liver's ability to modify, inactivate, and eliminate toxins. However, it is important to ensure that turmeric is not adulterated with any heavy metals.