We are all exposed to heavy metals daily, but not equally. People who live in suburbs have different exposures than those who live in an urban center. A nail technician has different risks than an office worker.
Even genes influence how the body processes heavy metals. Up to 40 percent of people carry a genetic variant known as MTHFR, which can indirectly affect the body’s ability to eliminate toxins.
If you suspect your daily exposure is unavoidably high or that your body’s detox systems need a boost, it’s worth considering one of these supplements.
Vitamin B complexes — specifically those including B9 (folate), B12, and B6 — can mitigate the risk of heavy metals because they help the body metabolize homocysteine, an amino acid and waste product created when the body encounters certain toxins. When homocysteine levels stay high, a person’s risk of dementia, heart disease, stroke, and osteoporosis can increase. (Explore this comprehensive guide to B vitamins that outlines why you need them, signs of deficiency, and recommended dosages.)
Chlorella is a microalga rich in B12, folate, iron, and other nutrients. “You take it as a powder or capsules; it’s very safe and has decent data showing it binds to metals and other toxins, such as dioxin,” says functional-medicine physician Robert Rountree, MD. “It’s a simple, inexpensive strategy that anyone can benefit from.”
Multivitamins/multiminerals are a basic safeguard. A lot of people assume multivitamins aren’t especially useful, says Rountree, but “you can make a pretty good argument for a simple multivitamin or multimineral to ensure you’re getting adequate amounts of nutrients, like calcium and zinc, that compete with toxic metals for absorption.”
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a precursor to glutathione, the body’s primary antioxidant. Glutathione makes heavy metals less toxic and allows them to be excreted, explains toxicologist Joseph Zagorski, PhD. Since glutathione itself doesn’t translate well to supplement form, NAC’s glutathione-enhancing abilities make it the next best thing. (Learn more about glutathione and how to boost your levels at “8 Ways to Boost Glutathione.”)
More on Heavy-Metals
Heavy metals are impossible to avoid — but there are ways to mitigate your exposure. Learn more at “A Guide to Detoxing Heavy Metals,” from which this article was excerpted.
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