Heavy Metal Testing: What’s Really in Your Body?

Every day, we take in tiny amounts of metals from our water, food, air, and even some skin products. Most of the time, our bodies clear these out just fine. But for some people, metals build up faster than the body can get rid of them. This buildup can quietly affect energy, mood, hormones, and heart health.

I offer testing that checks for a wide range of harmful metals in the body, including common ones like lead and mercury.

Why Does This Matter?

Research links long-term metal exposure to problems like:

  • Low energy
  • Fertility issues
  • Higher cancer risk
  • Brain and nerve problems
  • Heart and lung issues
  • Mood and memory changes

Scientists keep finding harm at lower and lower exposure levels than we once thought were safe. That raises a fair question: is any amount of toxic metal in the body truly safe?

Common Metals and Where They Come From

Arsenic shows up in rice, chicken, and drinking water. Over time, it’s been linked to fatigue, headaches, high blood pressure, and higher cancer risk.

Lead can come from old paint, some imported cosmetics, and certain hobbies. It’s especially hard on the brain and nerves, and it’s linked to heart problems too.

Mercury builds up in fish like tuna and swordfish. It can affect coordination, thyroid health, and heart rhythm.

Cadmium mostly comes from food and cigarette smoke. It’s linked to heart disease and kidney damage.

How We Test

Different metals show up better in different tests. Some are measured through blood, others through urine. I compare your results to national health data, not just one lab’s numbers, to get the full picture.

What Happens Next

If we find high metal levels, the first step is finding and removing the source of exposure. Then we support your body’s own ability to clear out toxins through diet and lifestyle changes.

Some patients also benefit from chelation, a medical treatment that helps remove metals from the body. This isn’t something to try on your own — it needs careful monitoring by a trained practitioner.

Foods That Help Your Body Detox

Several foods and herbs can support your body’s natural ability to clear out metals:

  • Garlic
  • Milk thistle
  • Dandelion and artichoke
  • Cilantro and leafy greens
  • Chlorella

These aren’t a replacement for medical care, but they’re a helpful part of the picture.

Simple Ways to Lower Your Exposure

  • Test and filter your water
  • Avoid smoking or vaping
  • Choose organic food when you can
  • Soak rice before cooking
  • Avoid pesticides at home
  • Choose smaller fish over large ones like tuna and swordfish

Let’s Find Out Together

If you’re dealing with tiredness, brain fog, or mood changes that won’t go away, heavy metal exposure might be part of the picture. I take a close look at where you live, work, and what you’re exposed to, so we can find real answers together.

Contact us today to learn more about your own exposure and what we can do about it. Phone and video visits are available.

— Dr. Faith Christensen