The global health epidemic of obesity has long been attributed to factors like poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and genetics. However, a growing body of research suggests that heavy metals, once thought only to impact the environment, may play a significant role in developing obesity and related health issues.
In this blog, we'll delve into the hidden link between heavy metals and obesity, exploring how these toxic substances can wreak havoc on our bodies and contribute to weight gain and various health problems.
Heavy Metals In The Food Chain
Heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic, are naturally occurring elements in Earth's crust. While they have various industrial uses, their presence in our environment has become a cause for concern.
Industrial processes, pollution, and certain products have led to their release into the air, water, and soil, contaminating the food chain. These toxic substances can accumulate in the body over time, leading to detrimental health effects.
Emerging research indicates a strong correlation between exposure to heavy metals and obesity. These metals can disrupt essential biological processes, affecting metabolism, hormone regulation, and appetite control.
For instance, cadmium exposure has been linked to insulin resistance, a key contributor to developing type 2 diabetes and eating disorders. Similarly, lead exposure has been associated with disrupted thyroid function, vital in regulating metabolism and energy levels.
Heavy Metals Inflammation & Diseases
Moreover, heavy metals can promote inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a known driver of obesity, and the inflammatory response triggered by exposure to heavy metals can lead to insulin resistance metabolic syndrome, further exacerbating the risk of obesity, disease and out-of-control eating habits.
Heavy metals are linked to various physical and mental issues in adults and children, including cardiovascular diseases, learning difficulties, ADD, ADHD, depression, anxiety, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and cancer.
When it comes to your brain, heavy metals can disrupt some neurotransmitter function. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit signals between nerve cells in the brain. This disruption can lead to changes in mood, behaviour, and cognitive function.
Insidious Hormone Interferences & Imbalances
One of the most insidious ways heavy metals impact our health is by interfering with hormones. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as certain heavy metals, can mimic or block hormones in the body.
This disruption can lead to imbalances in various hormonal systems, including those responsible for appetite regulation and fat storage. As a result, individuals exposed to heavy metals may experience increased cravings for unhealthy foods and a greater propensity to gain weight.
Microbiome Altering Exposure
The gut microbiome, a complex ecosystem of microorganisms in our digestive system, is crucial in maintaining overall health. Recent studies suggest that exposure to heavy metals can alter the composition of the gut microbiome, contributing to weight gain and obesity.
An imbalanced microbiome can affect digestion, nutrient absorption, and inflammation, all linked to obesity and disease. That is why we regularly take our clients through a gut-healing protocol. This is best done in conjunction with lunar movements, which is why we recommend this month as a unique possibility due to the recent supermoons. Doing it now is also an opportunity to bind heavy metals.
We Are What We Absorb
Many of my clients who suffer from obesity and eating disorders are baffled as to why, as they generally eat well. In such cases, it is a functional issue, with heavy metals being a significant cause. Poor gut health is another major cause of obesity, for we are what we absorb rather than what we eat.
Combat Obesity Without Injectable Diabetes Drugs
I understand obesity and eating disorders are a battle for many (believe me, I have been there), and many clients come to me after trying Semaglutide (injectable diabetes drugs) such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy or Rybelsus.
While such drugs are wonderful and life-saving for those with diabetes (like my Dad), many other options provide natural yet powerful solutions if you struggle to lose weight.
3 Powerful Natural Solutions To Battle Obesity
If you are suffering from obesity, there is a better way. I’ve formulated three natural, whole-food supplement packs that can help:
- The Metabolic Reset Pack - to help you rest your sluggish metabolism
- The Detox Pack - to help you flush out heavy metals and toxins that are causing insulin resistance and your ability to lose weight
- Gut Healing Pack - to reset your gut if you struggle with IBS and other digestive issues hindering your ability to lose weight.
If you are uncertain of the best way forward, take one of our Naturopathic Home Urine Tests to help determine which pack is best for your long-term weight loss and wellbeing.
7 Ways To Reduce Exposure To Heavy Metals
Reducing heavy metal exposure is crucial for safeguarding your health and combating or preventing obesity. Here are some steps you can take:
1. Clean Up Your Fruits & Vegetables
Consuming a balanced diet rich in antioxidants can help counteract the effects of heavy metals. Removing the skin of fruits and vegetables when possible to reduce heavy metal and pesticide residues is also a good health hack.
2. Boost Your Super Greens
Eating 3-4 portions of green veggies daily is a great way to protect yourself against heavy metals. Supergreens are the real heroes, as heavy metal binders, so drinking an organic super greens powder or taking it in capsule form each day gives your body what it needs to bind up the heavy metals so you can poop them out.
Try our Sea & Soil Super Greens Capsules or the Super Greens Complex with 45 organic super greens, superfoods, herbs, seeds, medicinal mushrooms and bio-active enzymes in a single serving.
3. Choose Wild Fish
Be aware of potential sources of heavy metals, such as certain types of fish and contaminated soil, and consume them in moderation. I opt for wild, line-caught fish and the smaller, the better.
When it comes to fish oil, choosing the ones originating from clean waters is critical. This is why we source our Rejuv Krill Oil Capsules from Antarctica. Farm-raised animals are also high in heavy metals, so be very careful if you eat such forms of protein.
4. Personal Care Products
Check the ingredients of personal care products, as many cosmetics, hygiene products, clothes washing, and household cleaners contain heavy metals.
Carefully selecting organic and natural products and Eco environmentally friendly ones for home cleaning tend to have the heavy metals and toxins removed.
5. Water Filtration
Installing a water filtration system can help reduce heavy metal content in drinking water, and avoiding plastic water bottles is critical to reducing your toxic load and hormone balance disruption.
The water in which you wash your fruits and vegetables matters, so installing a water filtration system can help reduce heavy metal content.
6. Regular Detoxification
Periodic detoxification and cleanse programs will help eliminate accumulated heavy metals from the body, open up your detox pathways and support mind-body balance.
That is why we recommend an annual seasonal cleanse and another cleanse of your choice twice yearly as the major seasons change. With the three supermoons, many of us are doing the Gut Healing Protocol. Pick a Quick Start Wellness Pack that suits your personal wellness goals.
7. Hydrate at a Cellular Level
I see chronically dehydrated clients daily. I attribute this to a need for more education about what type of water we humans naturally have, and the key is to match that with drinking water.
Our internal water is naturally a little salty. This is why our tears are often salty.
Switching to mixing and drinking 2-3L a day of our Rejuv Wellness Water has been a game changer for many clients!
Don’t Underestimate The Obesity Impact of Heavy Metals
While heavy metals may not be the sole cause of obesity, their impact on our health should not be underestimated. The hidden link between heavy metal exposure and obesity underscores the importance of addressing environmental factors alongside diet and lifestyle changes.
Be mindful of potential sources of heavy metals and take proactive steps to reduce exposure. I always recommend honouring your health by detoxing/cleansing your body systems once or twice a year to pave the way for better health and a reduced risk of obesity-related problems.
Zoom Out To See The Big Picture
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