%20.png)
Do You Have "Toxic" Skin? Eczema & Heavy Metals - What You Need to Know
By Rachel Lucke, MS, CNS, LDN and Diane Angela Fong, ND
We've covered several different root causes of eczema and other chronic health conditions: poor nutrition, microbial imbalances, unmanaged stress and trauma, and toxin exposures to name few. In this post, we're diving deeper into a critical and often overlooked factor: heavy metal exposure. These toxic environmental contaminants can have a profound impact on your skin, exacerbating eczema and hindering your path to wellness. We will explore how heavy metals infiltrate our environment, the ways they affect our bodies, and practical steps you can take to minimize their harmful effects. Get ready to uncover the hidden connections between heavy metals and eczema, and empower yourself with knowledge for healthier skin!
What Are Heavy Metals?
Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements that have a high atomic weight and density. They include metals like lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic, among others. These metals can enter our bodies through various routes, such as inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption. Even if we only have small exposures, they can accumulate over time, potentially causing harmful effects. Some examples of heavy metals that we might be exposed to include:
Lead
Mercury
Arsenic
Cadmium
Chromium
Nickel
Barium
Thallium
Uranium
Cobalt
How Do Heavy Metals Impact Eczema?
Our skin acts as a barrier against external pollutants, including heavy metals. However, prolonged exposure or high concentrations can overwhelm this protective barrier, leading to various skin issues, including exacerbation of existing conditions like eczema. Likewise, our liver and other detoxification organs and pathways help to excrete heavy metals from our body. However, ongoing exposures can overwhelm these systems and allow heavy metals to interfere with our health. Detoxification pathways can also be negatively impacted by poor nutrition, unmanaged stress, and inadequate or low quality sleep. Heavy metals can directly or indirectly contribute to the severity of eczema in several ways:
Skin Irritation and Inflammation:
Heavy metals such as nickel and chromium are known skin sensitizers. They can induce allergic reactions or irritant dermatitis, leading to eczema flare-ups in sensitive individuals.
Disruption of Skin Barrier:
Some heavy metals, like cadmium and mercury, have been shown to disrupt the skin barrier function. A compromised skin barrier is a hallmark of eczema, making the skin more susceptible to allergens, irritants, and infections.
Oxidative Stress:
Metals such as arsenic and lead can generate oxidative stress in the skin cells. This oxidative stress can exacerbate inflammation and impair the skin's ability to repair itself, prolonging eczema symptoms.
Immune Dysregulation:
Heavy metals can modulate immune responses in the skin, potentially triggering or aggravating immune-mediated conditions like eczema.
Impaired Detoxification:
Think of your liver as your body's ultimate Detox Machine, tirelessly working behind the scenes to rid your system of harmful substances. Unfortunately, in today's world, where we're surrounded by heavy metals and other pollutants in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and even the products we use, and this superhero organ faces an uphill battle. When you're exposed to these toxins, eventually, you will clog your Detox Machine, or what we like to call at Cleanbody your 'Cleanbody Funnel'. This leads to hepatobiliary dysfunction. Essentially, this means your liver has a decreased ability to process toxins and produce bile, which helps with exiting your toxins out through stool, and you can accumulate toxins in your body. This disrupts your whole system and can have serious consequences for your health, leading to inflammation and the manifestation of eczema symptoms.
Sources of Heavy Metal Exposure
Heavy metals can enter the human body through various sources, some of which we have more control over than others. Here are some specific sources of heavy metal exposure:
Environmental Sources:
Air Pollution: Industries such as mining, smelting, and combustion of fossil fuels release heavy metals like lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic into the air. These metals can then be inhaled and enter the bloodstream.
Water Contamination: Heavy metals can contaminate water sources through industrial discharges, agricultural runoff (especially from areas with mining activities), and improper disposal of electronic waste (e-waste). Metals like lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium can accumulate in groundwater or surface water, posing risks through drinking water or consumption of contaminated fish and seafood.
Soil Contamination: Industries, improper waste disposal, and the use of contaminated fertilizers can lead to the accumulation of heavy metals in soil. Plants grown in contaminated soil can absorb these metals, which can then enter the human body through consumption of contaminated crops.
Food Contamination: Certain foods can naturally accumulate heavy metals from the environment or through agricultural practices. For example, rice can absorb arsenic from contaminated soil and water. Seafood, especially large predatory fish like tuna and swordfish, can accumulate mercury.
Occupational Exposures:
Mining and Smelting: Workers involved in mining, smelting, and refining of metals (such as lead, zinc, copper, and nickel) are at high risk of heavy metal exposure through inhalation of dust or fumes and direct skin contact.
Manufacturing: Industries involved in electronics, batteries, paints, pigments, ceramics, and plastics may use heavy metals in their processes. Workers in these industries can be exposed to metals like lead, mercury, cadmium, and chromium.
Construction and Demolition: Lead exposure can occur in workers involved in construction or demolition activities, particularly when dealing with old buildings painted with lead-based paints.
Consumer Products:
Cosmetics: Some cosmetics, especially certain types of lipsticks, eyeliners, and foundations, may contain heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and arsenic as contaminants from raw materials or pigments.
Jewelry: Costume jewelry and metal accessories can contain high levels of heavy metals such as nickel, which can cause allergic reactions and dermatitis upon skin contact.
Toys and Paints: Certain toys, particularly those manufactured in countries with less stringent safety regulations, may contain lead-based paints or other heavy metals.
Medical Treatments:
Dental Amalgams: Dental fillings made from silver amalgam can release mercury vapor over time, which can be absorbed by the body through inhalation and ingestion.
Medications: Some traditional medicines and herbal remedies may contain heavy metals as contaminants or intentionally added ingredients.
Other Sources:
Tobacco Smoke: Cigarette smoke contains heavy metals such as cadmium and lead, which smokers inhale directly into their lungs.
Lead Pipes and Plumbing: Older homes may have plumbing systems made from lead pipes or solder, which can leach lead into drinking water, especially if the water is acidic or corrosive.
How To Evaluate If You Have High Heavy Metal Burden
Understanding whether you're experiencing high heavy metal burden, the accumulation of harmful heavy metals in your body from various environmental sources, is crucial for maintaining your health and well-being. In the following sections, we'll guide you through the process of evaluating your heavy metal burden step by step. By empowering yourself with knowledge and taking proactive steps to assess and address heavy metal burden, you can safeguard your health and well-being for the long term.
Evaluate Your Environmental Exposures
Assessing the safety of the products you use daily is an essential step in identifying potential sources of heavy metals. From personal care items to the pipes in your home and the water that runs through them, so many things you have contact with daily can contribute to your body's heavy metal load. To help you navigate this process effectively, we provide comprehensive resources and guidance through Cleanbody For Life or our Monthly Membership. When you work directly with our team in our Monthly Membership, you'll receive personalized support to evaluate your product choices and minimize your exposure to heavy metals and other toxins. By taking proactive steps to assess and address the toxicity of the products in your environment, you can reduce your overall toxic burden and promote a healthier lifestyle. Check out our CB approved products for home toxin tests and non-toxic product recommendations!
Get Tested For Toxins
One crucial step in managing your toxic burden is to get tested for specific toxins that may be present in your body. The Total Tox Burden test, which can be ordered directly or after undergoing an evaluation, is a comprehensive assessment that examines a wide range of heavy metals, as well as other environmental toxins and mycotoxins from mold.
By identifying and quantifying these toxins in your body, the Total Tox Burden test provides valuable insights into potential triggers for eczema and other health concerns. Understanding your individual toxic burden allows for targeted interventions to reduce exposure, support detoxification pathways, and promote overall wellness. Additionally, this comprehensive approach empowers you to make informed decisions about lifestyle changes and treatment strategies tailored to your specific needs.
How to Protect Yourself From Heavy Metals
Navigating the modern world means contending with a myriad of environmental toxins that can accumulate in our bodies over time, leading to what is known as toxic burden. Heavy metals pose a significant threat to our health and well-being. However, there is hope. By understanding the sources of exposure and implementing targeted strategies, we can effectively reduce our heavy metal burden and promote detoxification.
Clean Up Toxic Exposures
To effectively clean up toxic exposures and minimize your toxic burden, consider joining Cleanbody For Life or enrolling in our Monthly Membership. With personalized support from our team, you'll receive expert guidance to assess and address toxic exposures tailored to your individual needs. Additionally, getting tested for toxic exposures through our Total Tox Burden test can provide valuable insights into specific toxins present in your body, allowing for targeted interventions to reduce exposure and promote detoxification.
You can also explore our CB approved products for non-toxic alternatives to everyday items such as personal care items, household cleaners, and cosmetics. These products meet our stringent criteria for safety and effectiveness, ensuring that you can make informed choices to reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals.
Furthermore, we offer tests to check for home and breastmilk toxicity, allowing you to assess potential sources of environmental toxins in your immediate environment and take proactive steps to mitigate exposure. By leveraging these resources and tools, you can take control of your toxic burden and create a healthier, toxin-free lifestyle for yourself and your family.
Support Your Drainage Organs
Your body's drainage organs, including the liver, kidneys, lymphatic system, and gut, play a crucial role in eliminating toxins and waste products. By joining our Cleanbody For Life Membership, you'll gain access to protocols designed to cleanse and support each of these drainage organs. Through our programs, we offer comprehensive tests to assess the functioning of your drainage organs, allowing for individualized support to optimize detoxification pathways and promote overall wellness.
Understanding Drainage Organs:
Liver: The liver acts as your body's primary detoxification organ, filtering toxins from the bloodstream and producing bile to aid in digestion and waste elimination.
Kidneys: Kidneys filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood, excreting them in the form of urine to maintain electrolyte balance and regulate blood pressure.
Lymphatic System: The lymphatic system helps remove cellular waste, toxins, and pathogens from the body, supporting immune function and fluid balance.
Gut: The gut plays a vital role in detoxification by breaking down and absorbing nutrients while preventing the absorption of toxins and waste products. A healthy gut microbiome is essential for proper digestion, immune function, and toxin elimination.
Clean Up the Toxins with a Cleanbody Cleanse
Embark on a transformative journey to cleanse your body and revitalize your health with our range of Cleanbody Cleanses. Each cleanse is designed to address specific detoxification needs and promote holistic wellness. Here's a breakdown of our six cleanse levels:
CleanMATRIX (Homeopathic Drainage) - Suitable for Kids or Those with Severe Symptoms: Tailored for children or individuals with severe symptoms, this level focuses on holistic homeopathic drainage to support natural detox mechanisms and promote balance and vitality.
CleanCLEANSE (Cleansing with Supplements and Herbs) - Suitable for Kids or Those with Moderate Symptoms: Incorporates targeted supplements and herbs for older kids, facilitating a thorough internal cleanse for revitalization.
CleanFAST (Fasting) - Adults Only: Introduces the power of fasting to reset the body, promoting autophagy and cellular repair for rejuvenation.
Clean C (Vitamin C Flush) - Adults Only: Elevates your cleansing journey with a Vitamin C flush to eliminate toxins and support immune function.
CleanBILE (Flushing Bile) - Adults Only: Targets the liver, gallbladder, and gut to promote optimal digestive function and thorough waste elimination.
CleanLIPO (Niacin/Sauna) - Adults Only: Combines niacin supplementation with infrared sauna therapy to enhance detoxification, circulation, and vitality.
Consult with the Cleanbody Team or a qualified healthcare practitioner to determine the right cleanse level for your health goals and individual needs. Embark on your journey to detoxify, rejuvenate, and optimize your well-being with Cleanbody Cleanses.
Seek Professional Guidance
Consulting with our team can provide personalized guidance and recommendations for addressing toxic burden. We can order labs and develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, medical history, and dietary preferences. Regular monitoring and follow-up evaluations can help track progress and make necessary adjustments to optimize gut health and overall well-being.
Check out our Free Eczema Guide for more eczema information. Ready tackle eczema head on? Book a consultation to get evaluated by Dr. Fong today!
Questions?
We are going live to discuss this topic on Wednesday, July 31st at 2:00 PM PST! Watch the live or check out the replay here:
References
Aslanturk, A., Uzunhisarcikli, M., Kalender, S., & Demir, F. (2014). Sodium selenite and vitamin E in preventing mercuric chloride induced renal toxicity in rats. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 70, 185–190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2014.05.010
Assadian, E., Zarei, M. H., Gilani, A. G., Farshin, M., Degampanah, H., & Pourahmad, J. (2018). Toxicity of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles on human blood lymphocytes. Biological Trace Element Research, 184(2), 350–357. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-017-1170-4
Assadian, E., Zarei, M. H., Gilani, A. G., Farshin, M., Dezhampanah, H., & Pourahmad, J. (2019). Correction to: toxicity of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles on human blood lymphocytes. Biological Trace Element Research, 192, 345. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-019-01678-7
Bailon, M. X., David, A. S., Park, Y., Kim, E., & Hong, Y. (2018). Total mercury, methyl mercury, and heavy metal concentrations in Hyeongsan River and its tributaries in Pohang city, South Korea. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 190(5), 274. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-018-6624-4
Banu, S. K., Stanley, J. A., Taylor, R. J., et al. (2018). Sexually dimorphic impact of chromium accumulation on human placental oxidative stress and apoptosis. Toxicological Sciences, 161(2), 375–387. https://doi.org/10.1093/toxsci/kfx224
Carey, A. M., Scheckel, K. G., Lombi, E., Newville, M., Choi, Y., Norton, G. J., ... & Meharg, A. A. (2010). Grain unloading of arsenic species in rice. Plant Physiology, 152(1), 309–319. https://doi.org/10.1104/pp.109.146126
Chakraborti, D., Rahman, M. M., Chatterjee, A., Das, D., Das, B., Nayak, B., ... & Mukherjee, S. C. (2016). Fate of over 480 million inhabitants living in arsenic and fluoride endemic Indian districts: Magnitude, health, socio-economic effects, and mitigation approaches. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, 38, 33–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtemb.2016.05.001
Fängström, B., Moore, S., Nermell, B., & Vahter, M. (2008). Breast-feeding protects against arsenic exposure in Bangladeshi infants. Environmental Health Perspectives, 116(7), 963–969. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.10777
Gilbert-Diamond, D., Cottingham, K. L., Gruber, J. F., Punshon, T., Sayarath, V., Gandolfi, A. J., ... & Karagas, M. R. (2011). Rice consumption contributes to arsenic exposure in US women. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 108(51), 20656–20660. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1109127108
Inglezakis, V. J., & Moustakas, K. (2015). Sources and effects of heavy metals on health and the environment. In G. V. D. (Ed.), Heavy Metal Toxicity in Public Health. IntechOpen. https://doi.org/10.5772/61055
Islam, S., Rahman, M. M., Islam, M. R., & Naidu, R. (2016). Arsenic accumulation in rice: consequences of rice genotypes and management practices to reduce human health risk. Environment International, 96, 139–155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2016.09.006
Kumarathilaka, P., Seneweera, S., Ok, Y. S., & Meharg, A. (2019). Bundschuh, arsenic in cooked rice foods: assessing health risks and mitigation options. Journal of Environment International, 127, 584–591. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2019.03.006
Mandal, U., Singh, P., Kundu, A. K., Chatterjee, D., & Nriagu, J. (2019). Arsenic retention in cooked rice: effects of rice type, cooking water, and indigenous cooking methods in West Bengal, India. Science of the Total Environment, 648, 720–727. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.214
Martinez, V. D., Vucic, E. A., Becker-Santos, D. D., Gil, L., & Lam, W. L. (2011). Arsenic exposure and the induction of human cancers. Journal of Toxicology, 2011, 431287. https://doi.org/10.1155/2011/431287
Tsuji, J. S., Yost, L. J., Barraj, L. M., Scrafford, C. G., & Mink, P. J. (2007). Use of background inorganic arsenic exposures to provide perspective on risk assessment results. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 48(1), 59–68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yrtph.2007.01.004
About the Authors:
Dr. Diane Angela Fong, ND, is the CEO and founder of Cleanbody, a wellness company dedicated to treating and preventing chronic disease. She is the creator of the Cleanbody Method, which follows a three-step process: Evaluate (digging into the root causes of chronic disease using lab testing and other evaluation tools), Optimize (enhancing health foundations by addressing nutrition, lifestyle, and toxic exposures), and Support (optimizing organ functions through healing protocols).
Rachel Lucke, MS, CNS, LDN is a Cleanbody Practitioner and Nutritionist specializing in meeting people in their healthy journeys by digging into the root causes of various chronic diseases and conditions. Through the use of healthy food along with aspects of the natural world around us (sunshine, nature, clean water, stress management, relationships, etc), she helps to empower her clients to take charge of their own health and trust their bodies to thrive and heal.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Affiliate & Product Disclaimer: This blog contains affiliate links and mentions of Cleanbody products. As an affiliate, we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links. However, please note that the inclusion of affiliate links does not influence our editorial content or product recommendations. Our primary goal is to provide valuable information and resources to our readers to support their health and wellness journey. We only recommend products and services that we genuinely believe in and that align with our commitment to promoting holistic health. Thank you for your support!
Comments