NJ Cops | Page 67

2015 HEALTH & WELLNESS OUTLOOK www.njcopsmagazine.com ■ JANUARY 2014 67 Heavy metal toxicity does not rock If you are suffering from chronic fatigue, gut problems, cloudy thinking or memory loss, the cause might be heavy metal toxicity (HMT), an excessive build-up of metals in the body. DR. ALI Heavy metals are MAZANDARANI found in everyday existence and are hard to avoid entirely. While most people can successfully excrete toxic heavy metals, some people – especially those who suffer from chronic conditions – cannot excrete them efficiently enough and a build-up occurs. Often, the vague symptoms produced by HMT are misdiagnosed as incurable chronic conditions (i.e. autoimmune disorders, neurological disorders, peripheral neuropathy, chronic pain syndromes, etc.). HMT has a direct effect on healing, tissue repair, growth, genes-RNA and DNA, hormones, brain and nerves, liver, lungs, GI, reproductive organs, heart, thyroid, kidney, adrenals, pancreas and body metabolism. Basically, HMT affects every bodily function. The most common heavy metals that humans are exposed to are aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury. Aluminum Aluminum toxicity is associated with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, behavioral/learning disorders such as ADD, ADHD and autism. High levels of aluminum have been found in the hair of delinquent, psychotic and pre-psychotic boys and in juvenile offenders. Sources include: antiperspirants, aluminum cookware, antacids, vaccines, some baking sodas, baking powder, some breath mints, some skin lotion, some cosmetics, aluminum foil, canned goods, emulsifiers in processed cheese, table salt – anti caking compound, bleaching agent in white flour, buffered aspirin, some toothpaste, dental fillings, cigarette filters and contaminated water. Arsenic Even small amounts of arsenic might cause cells to lose some of their ability to repair genetic damage. Without the ability to repair its DNA, a cell could be vulnerable to damage from pollutants such as cigarette smoke. Symptoms include: bone marrow depression, anemia, skin discolorations, neurological symptoms, liver and kidney degeneration, cancers, agitation, learning impairment, confusion, malaise, vomiting, diarrhea, eczema, muscle weakness, hair loss, stomach pain and respiratory issues. Sources include: tobacco smoke, metal smelting, production of glass, ceramics, artificial colors, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, drinking water and wood treatments. Lead Lead affects the renal, nervous, reproductive, endocrine, immune and hemopoietic systems. It is known to damage the kidney, CONTINUED ON PAGE 69