Heavy metal toxicity is a serious condition and a growing concern for physicians worldwide due to the rising presence of toxic metals in our environment. Industrial activity, pollution, and environmental contamination are all on the rise, and their effects are making their way into our food supply.
Traditionally, Heavy Metal testing was only recommended for those whose occupations or lifestyles brought them in regular proximity to these metals, such as:
- Smoking
- Working in a factory that uses or processes heavy metals
- Breathing in lead paint as a result of fixing up your older home
- Soil Erosion
- Sewage discharge
- Breathing in pesticides
- Eating fish caught in an area with high mercury levels
- Drinking water contaminated by heavy metals
Times have changed, however, and heavy metal exposure is getting harder to avoid. There’s compelling evidence from a recent study, that patients may be increasingly exposed to heavy metals in their everyday lives, from consumer goods to fresh produce and more.
For example:
- A high value of cadmium was registered in lettuce from Romania
- Excessive amounts of lead were found in apple samples from Ukraine and Kosovo
- Lead was also found in lettuce and red potatoes in Romania
- Lettuce from Florida also presented alarming values of arsenic
What Does This Mean For Your Practice?
It’s generally impossible to trace the exact source of all our patient’s food. However, when investigating symptoms with many plausible causes, don’t overlook Heavy Metals in your search for diagnosis.
Common Symptoms of Toxic Heavy Metal Exposure:
Unfortunately, many signs and symptoms of Heavy Metal poisoning overlap with other conditions, making it difficult to diagnose. The symptoms of Heavy Metal toxicity may also depend on the exact metal your patient has been exposed to. Some metals are much more toxic than others, and the exposure method can also influence the severity of the poisoning. If your patient reports any of the following, consider ruling out Heavy Metals as a culprit with a fast, comprehensive Urine Heavy Metals Test.
Chronic Symptoms:
- Headache
- Weakness and tiredness
- Achy joints and muscles
- Constipation
Acute Symptoms (Isolated High Dose):
- Confusion
- Numb Sensation
- Nausea and/or Vomiting
- Fainting
At Access Medical Lab, our goal is to deliver peace of mind for you and your patients. If you have any concerns that your patient may be suffering from Heavy Metal toxicity, reach out today. Our Urine Heavy Metals Testing provides a comprehensive overview of your patient's toxicity levels within 24-48 hours.
About Access:
Access is the nation’s premier specialty diagnostic lab. We offer a broad menu of testing from blood, saliva, urine & swab samples. We perform all of your tests in our 25,000 sq. ft. ultra-automated facility in Jupiter, Florida & provide results within 24hrs. Since 2003, we continuously strive to innovate, inspire, and improve solutions for physicians by providing an exceptional personalized experience with the most accurate testing.
Feel free to contact our specialist to find out more about prices and services. We are always ready to answer your questions: sales@accessmedlab.com
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