Adrenal Fatigue is a real issue, and many women experience it at some point in their lives. From feeling fatigued all the time to struggling with mood swings and irregular periods, this condition can severely impact your quality of life. But did you know that heavy metal toxicity could be the missing piece in your Adrenal Fatigue puzzle? It is for so many of my patients! It’s my job to DIG through the research according to your health history and present symptoms to uncover the root cause.
A vicious cycle
I have a theory. When we consume conventionally processed beef and poultry, farm-raised fish, get a tattoo, drink bottled water, have copper pipes in our home, and use synthetic personal care products, the residual metals will build up in our liver. The problem is that your CBC returns normal, so your GP doesn’t know what to do next. Too many heavy metals put your nervous system under attack, throw your hormones out of whack, and can, in a word, leave you feeling awful. Sometimes, your symptoms can mimic Adrenal Fatigue; other times, it feels like you have Hashimoto’s.
Heavy metals toxicity signs:
- PMS
- Weight-gain
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue
- Lack of motivation
- Low libido
Estrogen and testosterone
Two of the most commonly affected hormones by heavy metal toxicity are estrogen and testosterone. Heavy metals burden your liver’s ability to detoxify properly, leading to estrogen dominance and low testosterone. Fortunately, dozens of amazing functional labs can determine if you are dealing with heavy metal toxicity, and one of my favorite labs is hair analysis.
Should you cleanse or detox?
When you have Adrenal Fatigue, losing weight is a REAL B – am I right? Detoxes and cleanses don’t work long term. These solutions only work short-term and may even backfire. Working out longer and more often can also backfire and spike cortisol levels. If you want balanced hormones, it’s worth taking the time to test your body for heavy metals. You could make yourself batty trying to figure this out without a functional medicine practitioner guiding you.
However, if you feel that a “detox” is the one thing you need to reset your body to lose weight, how about doing it in a safe, gentle and effective way? Here’s how:
- A couple of caps of activated charcoal/per day with exercise can bind to toxins and package them up for elimination.
- Chelation is a great tool to use if you’ve identified your exposure level to heavy metals is off the charts.
- 15-20 minute sessions of burst training are effective enough to get your heart rate up and toxins flushed out.
- Around 800mg of liposomal glutathione will help rid your liver of mold and metals.
- 30-45 minute sweat sesh in an infrared sauna session will flush out residual plastic and metals.
How does heavy metal toxicity happen?
One of the most common sources of heavy metal exposure is through fish consumption. While fish can be a great source of omega-3s and other nutrients, it’s essential to choose wisely. Wild-caught, low-mercury fish like salmon and sardines are the best option. If you’re going to eat other fish, make sure you’re aware of the mercury levels, and try to stick to 2-3 servings per week.
Another overlooked source of heavy metals is personal care products and cosmetics. Many of these products contain heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic, which can accumulate in your body over time. You can reduce your exposure by choosing products with natural ingredients and avoiding those with unnecessary additives.
Test don’t guess!
Heavy metal toxicity is a real issue and can severely impact your hormone balance and overall health. If you’re struggling with Adrenal Fatigue or other hormone imbalances, testing for heavy metals may be the missing piece in your puzzle. By choosing low-mercury fish, natural personal care products, and getting a hair analysis, you can reduce your exposure and find the balance you need to feel better.
Don’t forget to explore more of my blog posts and reach out if you have any questions.
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