We are all exposed to varying amounts of toxins and heavy metals throughout our lives- many of us on a daily basis.  The reason heavy metals, especially, are so worrisome for children is that they are neurotoxins (ie something that can alter the function or structure of the nervous system, including the brain) and they like to accumulate in our bodies through time.

Common sources of heavy metals include

• Lead :

living in homes built pre 1978, unfiltered water, auto exhaust, building materials, house dust. Lead is a neurotoxin and no safe levels of lead exist- especially for children.

• Mercury:

dental fillings, vaccines, seafood. Too much mercury can lead to adrenal dysfunction, thyroid dysfunction, depression, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, insomnia, gut dysbiosis, kidney damage, memory loss, mood swings.

• Cadmium:

cigarettes, batteries, food, coffee, some metal toys and house dust

• Arsenic

rice, rice products, water

• Aluminum:

deodorant, vaccines,  pots and pans. Associated with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other forms of dementia, anemia and other blood disorders, colic, fatigue, and kidney and liver dysfunctions.

** If you suspect your child has been exposed to a specific heavy metal- like lead, have them tested immediately by their pediatrician.

However, there are things we can do daily to help our kids naturally detox and to avoid or at least greatly reduce our exposure to heavy metals (and all toxins in general).

Natural detox:

1. Sweating: get your child outside and work up a good sweat.

2. Probiotics: restoring gut flora and balancing the immune system is important for little bodies to excrete toxins

3. Cilantro: detoxifying never tasted to good! Cilantro actually binds to heavy metals and gets it out of your body. Add it to juice, meals, ideally raw.

4. Water: making sure your child is properly hydrated is key to flush out toxins

To prevent high exposure to heavy metals

1. Take your shoes off at the door.

2. Detox your diet- Choose organic produce and proteins, since pesticides can contain heavy metals

3. Install a water filter that specifically filters out heavy metals

4. Keep dust to a minimum in your home

5. If you have teens or children using deodorant using a natural aluminum free deodorant is a must ( my favorites are on my SHOP section at the top of the page)

6. Inquire if your child’s school has tested their water fountains for lead. If they havent, encourage them to do so and make sure your child brings their own filtered water from home