Heavy Metal Toxicity Testing
No matter how healthy of a lifestyle we live, toxins infiltrate our lives on a daily basis. Toxins are in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. Dr. Daniel Turack in Wexford, PA offers Pittsburgh-area patients a 24 Hour Urine Toxic Metal test to determine if metal toxicity may be contributing to their declining health.
The purpose of this test is to assess the body’s retention of toxic metals. A pharmaceutical metal detoxification agent will be used to evaluate net retention with both a pre-and-post provocation urinalysis performed.
Here are a few heavy metal toxins we commonly encounter in our everyday lives:
Aluminum
Excessive exposure to aluminum poses a range of health risks. Researchers have linked Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease with prolonged aluminum exposure. Aluminum can be found in the following household items:
- Deodorants
- Antacids
- Baby Formula
- Pharmaceutical Drugs
- Aluminum Pots and Pans
- Skin Cream
- Shampoos and Body Washes
Cadmium
Cadmium has a slow rate of excretion from the body. This means the risk for toxicity is high since cadmium will accumulate in the liver, kidneys, central nervous system, and peripheral neuronal systems with prolonged exposure.
Additionally, cadmium inhibits the body’s ability to utilize nutrients like calcium, zinc, and iron. Studies have associated higher levels of cadmium with liver, lung, and cardiovascular disease, particularly in men. Cadmium is found in:
- Cigarette Smoke
- Furniture
- Floor Coverings
- Black Rubber
- Automobile Seat Covers
- Fertilizers
- Burned Motor Oil
- Evaporated Milk
- White Flour
- Floor Coverings
- Fungicides
- Ceramics
Lead
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates that currently 38 million homes still contain lead paint. Other sources of lead include:
- Canned Food
- Children Toys
- Vinyl Lunch Boxes
- Contaminated Candy
- Cosmetics
- Vinyl and Faux-Leather Purses and Wallets Glossy, Colored News Print
- Vehicle Emissions
Mercury
People tend to associate mercury toxicity with eating too much fish. Nobody suspects that the metal fillings in their mouth could be making them sick, but they are.
Common symptoms of low-level mercury toxicity include depression, fatigue, blurred vision, an inability to concentrate, and reoccurring headaches.
Mercury has also been linked to various neurological, psychological, and immunological disorders – including Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and even autism in children.
Schedule Today With Dr. Turack
In addition to the heavy metal toxins mentioned above, we evaluate the retention levels of other toxic metals, as well as essential nutrient elements. This allows us to see the big picture and formulate a course of action to create a better you. Call us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Turack.