Heavy metal can undoubtedly make up a good part of your music collection but it is not something you want to engage in when it comes to your health. Heavy metals are literally heavy. They are present in the environment and you are exposed to them every single day of your life. The most common heavy metals include iron, lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium. They are not only harmful but dangerous in large doses. 

Common heavy metals found in daily life

1. Arsenic: The most common metal found in the food crops including rice, arsenic is tasteless and is known as the king of the poisons because it was used for assassinations in the olden days.

2. Mercury: An important part of thermometers, mercury is commonly found in fish and shellfish. When you are exposed to mercury, it can cause damage to the kidneys, brain and can cause blindness.

3. Copper: Used by humans for many years, copper is used in the utensils, electrical wire, piping, and architecture. Too much of copper can damage the liver, brain, heart, stomach, and kidney.

4. Nickel: A lot of nickel in the body can lead to cancer, it can damage the nervous system and can also have an adverse effect on the heart and liver. Nickel is essential for the body but too much of it will lead to a number of problems.

5. Cadmium: One of the most toxic elements, cadmium has no beneficial purpose in the human body.

6. Chromium: Chromium can get into the environment through sewage and fertilizers. It can threaten the kidney, liver, can cause skin disorders and can also damage the neurological system.

7. Iron: Iron is an essential element for humans because it facilitates the transpiration of oxygen through the bloodstream. Excess iron in the body is toxic.

8. Aluminum: Naturally present in the water, soil, and air, aluminum can enter the body through food and it can cause lung problems if inhaled. It can lead to many diseases including Alzheimer’s.

9. Lead: Lead is very toxic for humans and can harm the kidneys, reproductive organs, brain, blood system, and gastrointestinal tract.

Tips to reduce heavy metal exposure

You might not have much control over the air that you breath or the exhaust from the traffic. However, you can influence other sources of heavy metal exposure. You can know about heavy metal toxicity on https://microbeformulas.com/blogs/microbe-formulas/back-to-basics-heavy-metals-what-are-they-and-why-do-they-matter and take necessary steps to protect yourself from the exposure. 

Food

The best place to start with is from the food choices you make. Some foods have a high risk of containing heavy metals and if you avoid consuming them, you can remove the exposure. Heavy metals are a huge concern for pregnant women because it can pass to the child as well. Toddlers are also at risk because metals have been found in most of the commercial foods that are targeted for them. Even organic foods contain heavy metals that are present in the soil. In order to protect yourself from heavy metals, you need to avoid certain types of food which include fish, rice and bone broth.

Water

Heavy metals can enter your body through groundwater from the soil contamination of aquifers. If you think that your water is pure and clean, you could be wrong. Get your water tested for heavy metals. Contaminated drinking water has led to a number of illnesses in the past. Lead is present in water across the country and majority water systems are unsafe. Technology can be used to remove lead from water and this can be done by investing in a quality filtration system for the home. Look for products that have been tested to ensure that they indeed remove metals from your water. 

Consumer products

Heavy metals have been found in various personal care products like eye drops, sunscreen, makeup, and toothpaste. Majority lipstick samples have high lead levels. Sometimes they could be due to contamination and many times they are added ingredients. 

Air

Heavy metals exist in the air and the most common metal is arsenic. It has a high concentration in the cities and the best option to keep yourself safe is to invest in a home air purifier which filters out heavy metals. 

Keep your house clean and invest in products that help remove metals before you consume. If you notice symptoms of heavy metal toxicity, you need to get yourself tested and consult a doctor at the earliest so that the condition does not worsen.