“There is no safe level of exposure to lead.” Many people living today have lead in their bodies from leaded gasoline, from lead-based paints, and from old plumbing containing lead. Problems from lead overdose include blood abnormalities (such as anemia), impaired heart function, bone disease, kidney dysfunction, impaired fertility, and nervous system toxicity.

Lead toxicity is a continuing problem, not just in the third world, but in the developing world also. Lead was one of the first metals used by man. Because of lead’s usefulness, it is found everywhere and is a common pollutant in our environment.

Lead damage to the body is from oxidation of tissues. Oxidative damage is the result of the presence of charged particles in the body, which aren’t balanced by available antioxidants (such as vitamins C, E, A, and selenium). Large amounts of lead deplete the body’s natural supplies of vitamins and minerals. The body also becomes depleted of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase and catalase.

Lead takes the place of calcium, magnesium, iron, and sodium in natural processes. Lead which enters the bones weakens the bone structure, and a large amount of lead can be stored for a period of years in the bones. In adults, 85-95% of the body’s total lead may be stored in the bones.

The nervous system of humans is especially vulnerable to lead, and toxicity in children can permanently lower their IQs. Symptoms in adults are listlessness, memory loss, and even dementia. The nerves of the body can be involved with peripheral neuropathies, causing numbness, weakness and incoordination.

Prevention of lead toxicity begins with eating healthy food with beneficial minerals, flavonoids from fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and vitamins (such as vitamin C and the vitamin B complex). Quercetin is an important flavonoid from fruits, vegetables, and tea, also.

Treatment of lead toxicity is aided by the use of N-acetylcysteine amino acid, alpha-lipoic acid, and vitamin E. Useful herbs include curcumin from turmeric (Curcuma longa), garlic, and gotu kola (Centella asiatica). Glutathione is a natural chemical which is necessary for the body to detoxify. Chelation therapy is sometimes used to remove lead from the body, and one such chemical is DMSA.

NOTE: Green tea, one of the best antioxidants, is best taken in the form of Matcha green tea powder!

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Summary #918. nutrientmedicine.

PMID: 23118587.