You might think there’s no way your child needs a heavy metal detox, but many parents who have already gone through issues of heavy metal contamination thought the same thing. We live in a society where health challenges are often swept under the rug and families are encouraged to leave it to the professionals. The problem is, it can be pretty challenging to find a trust worthy and credentials professional who can help you through your metal exposure journey. It’s even harder when there is a child involved because it is a specialized field. In this article, we explore metal detox for kids but I encourage you to work with your medical provider before trying treatments.

Additionally, we look at different metals you may be exposed to, signs of metal accumulation and finally, natural methods to detox. The most important disclaimer here is that this information should only be used to prompt discussion with a trusted and licensed doctor. We don’t take medical advice online especially when its our little one’s at risk. Now.. let’s get take a closer look.

Relevant Articles You’ll Love

• How to start a home apothecary
• Apothecary must-haves and essentials
• How to become an herbalist

Historical Metal Cases

One well-known case is one that happened in Flint, Michigan in 2014 when the drinking water for the whole city was contaminated with lead. The city had changed their water supply source from Lake Huron to the Flint River. This caused water distribution pipes to corrode and leach lead and other contaminants into the population’s water. 

This situation was a human-made public health crisis with tens of thousands of Flint residents exposed to dangerous levels of lead. They suffered symptoms such as headaches, stomach cramps, constipation, trouble sleeping, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, irritability, and loss of sex drive. When you look at the symptoms one by one, it’s easy to say there’s nothing further to investigate. “You just need electrolytes, maybe some rest.” One of the biggest problems with lead poisoning, just like other accumulations of heavy metals, is that people don’t look or feel sick. But the whole time they are being exposed, more and more of their cells are suffering and/or dying. When the damage gets to a critical point, there will be organ shutdown that can lead to death. This is why it is critical to trust your gut – you need to trust yourself when you know something is off.

The Different Types of Metal We’re Exposed To

Lead isn’t the only heavy metal that causes potential issues with health. Others that may be found in water that you won’t necessarily be aware of as it’s happening include arsenic, barium, cadmium, mercury, copper, uranium, and chromium. Other heavy metals such as aluminum, antimony, barium, strontium, and vanadium may be contaminants coming in from the atmosphere and environment. And still others such as beryllium, bismuth, platinum, tin, titanium, and manganese may be industrial or product contaminants. One of my favorite websites right now is Lead Safe Mama. A friend shared it with me and since I’ve been looking up all of our revolving household products (you know the products you usually by monthly or weekly) and determining if it’s a product I can trust to buy again.

The bottom line is that we are surrounded by heavy metals. If you live in the wrong place where there’s a lot of contamination of the soil and water and you end up with these heavy metals in your body and you may not even know it. More challenging, you may find yourself surrounded by a medical system that sadly does not educate nor diagnose this sort of medical challenge as plainly as we’d all hope. 

What Heavy Metal Accumulation Looks Like 

Heavy metals affect us negatively. There’s no perfect way to say what heavy metal accumulation looks like but I do think there’s one test that you can apply – your gut instinct. If you know something is off, you have to trust it. At best, you go to your trusted doctor and they say “you have a vitamin deficiency!” and at worst, you determine there is metal exposure and start the correction course immediately. It’s a win win. Look for signs like headache, speech changes or delays, defects, digestive disruption, etc.

Natural Methods for Heavy Metal Detox

There are many things that parents can do to start heavy metal detox for their children. Some of them may be things you are already doing on a regular basis. Below is a list of four of them:

Eat organic foods

In a study years ago, children who were switched to organic grains, nuts, fruits, and vegetables in their diet were found to have significantly fewer levels of contaminants that their bodies had accumulated. This occurred within a week. This doesn’t mean that their bodies were rid of all of the heavy metals and pesticides that quickly, but it does mean that their levels were remarkably improving. Your diet is the gateway to your health. Choose to eat from trusted food suppliers when you can and choose organic when it’s an option. Nothing beats food from your own backyard but if you aren’t there, try your local farmer’s market before you try the conventional grocery store.

Check out different types of clay

Clay is often used in detox routines, with some claiming it helps pull heavy metals from the body. While clay is highly absorbent and binds to impurities on the skin, its ability to remove deeply stored heavy metals is debated. However, certain clays may support detox efforts by drawing out toxins at the skin’s surface and providing minerals that assist in the body’s natural detox pathways.

Bentonite clay is the most commonly used for detox due to its strong absorption properties, making it a good choice for footbaths when supporting heavy metal detox. French green clay, rich in minerals, may also help bind impurities and promote circulation, potentially assisting the body’s detox processes. While less commonly used for detox, Rhassoul clay and Kaolin clay are gentler options that may still offer mild benefits in pulling toxins from the skin. Clay footbaths can be a supportive addition to a detox routine, but they work best alongside other detox methods like proper mineral intake and sweating.

Take organic fruit and vegetable supplements

Organic fruit and vegetable supplements can provide a concentrated source of nutrients that support the body’s natural detox processes. These supplements contain a variety of plant compounds, including antioxidants and fiber, which may help the body eliminate toxins more efficiently. For children, some options come in gummy form, but they should only be given under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

See an expert in heavy metals and detoxification

While online research can be helpful, working with a qualified expert in heavy metal detoxification ensures you’re addressing the issue safely and effectively. There are at least 17 potentially toxic metals and over 20 minerals and trace elements that can reach harmful levels, making nutrient balance a complex process. Increasing or decreasing one mineral can impact others, which is why a professional assessment is important.

If you suspect heavy metal exposure is affecting your health, consider consulting a trusted doctor or specialist who can evaluate your specific risks and guide you through an appropriate detox strategy. Investing in professional guidance can provide clarity and support for your health and well-being.

If you’re reading this and still have that sinking gut feeling – this is your sign. With the internet, there are more natural and enlightened medical professionals than ever before. You may have to pay out of pocket costs because insurance often does not cover this type of care but it’s worth it. Be prepared to do some tests (like a blood test) and share great detail about your lifestyle. This will help your trusted provider determine the best coarse correction. While you wait, let’s get those organic veggies in regularly, ok? As always, rooting for you and your family!