What We Can Do - Red Slug Studio

SUMMARY

It is great if you can prevent heavy metals from entering your body.
- Filter your water.
- Wash your fruits and vegetables.
- Consider the sources of your foods, what toxins they are exposed to, and how readily they absorb those toxins.
- Avoid pollution.

Chelation is a type of bonding of ions and their molecules to metal ions. This allows heavy metals to be removed from the body.
It is great to support your body in the removal of heavy metals through our body's normal chelation process.
- Hydrate
- Eat Fiber
- Sweat and Shower

Zeolite Clinoptilolite and Chlorella are both safe and proven chelation agents.
Zeolite Clinoptilolite removes arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, and nickel.
Chlorella enhances the detoxification of mercury, lead, and others.

Find out if your Primary Care Provider investigates heavy metals as a cause of chronic illness.
The most widely known tests for heavy metals appear to be less accurate testing for chronic exposure than acute exposure.
Treatments used historically for acute heavy metal toxicity are not always safe.
Find a functional medicine doctor who is trusted in your community. They are more likely to be familiar with the testing and treatment of heavy metals.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

Functional medicine is a patient-centered, science-based approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and treating the root causes of disease. Find a Functional Medicine Doctor through The Institute for Functional Medicine. Call them to find out if they have a protocol for testing and treating heavy metals. If you are taking other medications, finding a medical partner can take the guesswork out of treatment.
https://www.ifm.org/find-a-practitioner/

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE PODCAST

Mark Hyman MD with The Doctor’s Farmacy Podcast
Dr. Mark Hyman was turned on to Functional Medicine because of his own experience with Mercury Toxicity. His knowledge and passion for the subject of detoxification are an amazing resource and an excellent way to put the pieces of the heavy metals puzzle together.
https://drhyman.com/

CHALLENGES IN HEAVY METAL TESTING

Targeted environmental laboratory testing may be warranted in a patient based on findings of a thorough environmental history and physical exam, but should not include a “shotgun” approach for a variety of toxicants.
Acting on the results of inappropriate tests may lead to significant health-related costs due to associated treatments and procedures, in pediatric patients this may be particularly problematic.
“Provocation” urine testing is an inappropriate environmental test that measures urinary excretion of metals after administration of a chelating agent such as 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA; succimer). These tests offer no reliable diagnostic value, as there are no validated reference ranges for “provoked” urine metals in children; further, there are potential side effects from chelating agents.
Further, if urine metal tests are ordered incorrectly, the results can be misinterpreted and lead to stress in the family or misdiagnosis of toxicity. If a provider is concerned about arsenic toxicity, the urinary arsenic test should be ordered with “speciation” (rather than total arsenic) to determine if the arsenic is the “organic” or “inorganic” form.
Hair analysis for elements (including metals) is increasing in popularity and can lead to potentially misleading and/or spurious results. These tests cannot distinguish if the metal is biologically deposited within the hair or externally deposited on the hair’s surface from sources such as air pollution, dust, or hair treatments.
Zajac, Lauren et al. “Doc, can you test me for "toxic metals"? Challenges of testing for toxicants in patients with environmental concerns.” Current problems in pediatric and adolescent health care vol. 50,2 (2020): 100762. doi:10.1016/j.cppeds.2020.100762

POST-CHALLENGE TESTING

Unfortunately, the practice of post-challenge urine metal testing and its application to assessment of metal poisoning often leads to unwarranted and prolonged oral and/or intravenous administration of chelating agents, in response to the results of serial post-challenge testing that remain elevated above non-challenge reference values. Chelation therapy based on such laboratory values, in addition to being of no benefit to patient outcome, may actually prove harmful; catastrophic outcomes such as acute fatal hypocalcemia have been reported following the improper use of a chelating agent, edetate disodium (Na2–EDTA). In addition, the safer formulation of this agent, CaNa2–EDTA, has been demonstrated to increase urinary excretion of essential minerals such as iron, copper, and zinc.
American College of Medical Toxicology. “American College of Medical Toxicology position statement on post-chelator challenge urinary metal testing.” Journal of medical toxicology : official journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology vol. 6,1 (2010): 74-5. doi:10.1007/s13181-010-0039-0

CHELATION

Toxic metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury are ubiquitous, have no beneficial role in human homeostasis, and contribute to noncommunicable chronic diseases. While novel drug targets for chronic disease are eagerly sought, potentially helpful agents that aid in detoxification of toxic elements, chelators, have largely been restricted to overt acute poisoning. Chelation, that is multiple coordination bonds between organic molecules and metals, is very common in the body and at the heart of enzymes with a metal cofactor such as copper or zinc.
Sears, Margaret E. “Chelation: harnessing and enhancing heavy metal detoxification--a review.” TheScientificWorldJournal vol. 2013 219840. 18 Apr. 2013, doi:10.1155/2013/219840

ECHINACEA

Data from this study showed that potent antioxidant capacity of Echinacea purpurea L. combats the Mercury-induced genotoxic effects by reducing the oxidative stress.
Yalçın, Emine et al. “Multi-protective role of Echinacea purpurea L. water extract in Allium cepa L. against mercury(II) chloride.” Environmental science and pollution research international vol. 28,44 (2021): 62868-62876. doi:10.1007/s11356-021-15097-6

GARLIC

When garlic (Allium sativum) was administered to rat per os simultaneously with cadmium, methylmercury and phenylmercury to detect the protective effect against the heavy metal poisoning, accumulation of heavy metals in liver, kidneys, bone and testes were decreased, and histopathological damages and the inhibition of serum alkaline phosphatase activities by heavy metals were reduced. The protective effect of garlic was superior to those of 2,3 dimercapto-1-propanol (BAL) and D-penicillamine (PEN), and nearly similar to those of 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) and N-acetyl-DL-penicillamine (APEN), the current remedies, while garlic was not effective as a curative agent for heavy metal poisoning.
Cha, C W. “A study on the effect of garlic to the heavy metal poisoning of rat.” Journal of Korean medical science vol. 2,4 (1987): 213-24. doi:10.3346/jkms.1987.2.4.213

SWEATING

Physiologists have long regarded sweating as an effective and safe means of detoxification, and heavy metals are excreted through sweat to reduce the levels of such metals in the body. The results demonstrated that the sweating method influenced the excretion of heavy metals in sweat and, as hypothesized, the concentrations of Ni, Pb, Cu, and As were significantly higher during dynamic running than during sitting in the sauna.
Kuan, Wen-Hui et al. “Excretion of Ni, Pb, Cu, As, and Hg in Sweat under Two Sweating Conditions.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 19,7 4323. 4 Apr. 2022, doi:10.3390/ijerph19074323

TOMATOES, BERRIES, ONIONS, GARLIC, AND GRAPES

We recommend that people who are at risk of exposure to toxic metals ensure a sufficient intake of essential elements and vitamins and enhance their consumption of vegetables and fruit. Some edible plants, such as tomatoes (rich in iron, calcium, selenium, zinc, vitamins B and C, quercetin and naringenin), berries (rich in essential elements, vitamin C, anthocyanin and catechin), onions (rich in selenium, quercetin and vitamins B and C), garlics (rich in sulphur-containing compounds, essential elements and vitamins C and E) and grapes (rich in vitamins, essential elements and anthocyanin) are of special importance as natural antagonists to Cadmium and Lead toxicity and should be consumed on a regular basis.
Zhai, Qixiao et al. “Dietary strategies for the treatment of cadmium and lead toxicity.” Nutrients vol. 7,1 552-71. 14 Jan. 2015, doi:10.3390/nu7010552

FIBERS: WHEAT BRAN AND PECTIN

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different heavy metals (As, Cd and Hg in different concentrations) on gut microbiota in the presence and absence of different dietary fibers that included fructooligosaccharides, pectin, resistant starch, and wheat bran. We observed that whereas heavy metals impaired fiber fermentation outcomes for some fiber types, the presence of fibers generally protected gut microbial communities from heavy metal-induced changes, especially for Arsenic and Cadmium. Notably, the protective effects varied depending on fiber types, and heavy metal type and concentration and were overall stronger for wheat bran and pectin than other fiber types.
Román-Ochoa, Yony et al. “Specific dietary fibers prevent heavy metal disruption of the human gut microbiota in vitro.” Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.) vol. 176 (2024): 113858. doi:10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113858

ZEOLITE CLINOPTILOLITE

The physical–chemical properties of zeolite clinoptilolite (ZC) are essential for the absorbing characteristics or ion-exchange, and therefore, for its therapeutic potential. Preclinical research on zeolites was not aimed at finding a new drug, but a food supplement that can improve lifestyle and be combined with traditional pharmacological treatment. In fact, recent evidenced suggested a promising detoxifying role of ZC in the removal of toxic metabolites produced by drugs chronically administered during chemotherapy, diabetes, or cardiovascular diseases.
Mastinu, Andrea et al. “Zeolite Clinoptilolite: Therapeutic Virtues of an Ancient Mineral.” Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 24,8 1517. 17 Apr. 2019, doi:10.3390/molecules24081517

ZEOLITE SAFETY

In agreement with the scientific evidence presented in the literature so far, it can be generally stated that zeolite clinoptilolite-based materials, including the so-called activated materials, may be regarded as safe for in vivo consumption. A variety of highly positive effects on animal and human health were documented thus far for zeolite clinoptilolite-based materials.
Kraljević Pavelić, Sandra et al. “Critical Review on Zeolite Clinoptilolite Safety and Medical Applications in vivo.” Frontiers in pharmacology vol. 9 1350. 27 Nov. 2018, doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.01350

TIMING OF ZEOLITE WITH OTHER MEDS

People who are taking medications at the same time should ensure that there is a time interval of two hours between the medications and the zeolite preparation. Unless otherwise prescribed, the medications should be taken before the clinoptilolite zeolite.
Biogena: Welcome to Yourself: Zeolite & Medications
https://biogena.com/en/knowledge/guide/zeolite_bba_82061

ZEOLITE DRUG INTERACTIONS

You are taking any medications: Zeolites can bind with other substances and may neutralize stomach acid, causing your medications not to be properly absorbed or to be less effective.
You are a transplant patient and/or taking drugs to suppress the immune system: Zeolites may cause rejection.
You are using chemotherapy drugs: Zeolites have antioxidant effects and may interfere with the actions of chemo drugs.
You are using antibiotics or drugs that contain iron: Zeolites may decrease their effectiveness.
Zeolite: Purported Benefits, Side Effects & More
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

ZEOLITE THE DETOXER

Clinoptilolite Zeolite is the most applied natural zeolite to remove heavy metals. It is effective in removing Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium,Lead, Mercury, and Nickel.
Velarde, Lisbania et al. “Adsorption of heavy metals on natural zeolites: A review.” Chemosphere vol. 328 (2023): 138508. doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138508

CASE STUDIES: ZEOLITE AND NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS

In all the cases managed at the Brain Foundation described in this report, we added nutraceutical agents to the therapy of the children. These cases suggest beneficial effects in these children and we believe the use of nutraceuticals described deserves further evaluation nationwide. The cases point to the probable efficacy of nutraceuticals in the management of the described neurodevelopmental disorders in children. In 5 of the 9 cases the nutraceuticals included zeolite.
Ajibade, A D. “POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF NUTRACEUTICALS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SOME NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS IN NIGERIAN CHILDREN.” Annals of Ibadan postgraduate medicine vol. 16,2 (2018): 142-149.

CHLORELLA THE DETOXER

The aminosulphurates and Chlorella and Fucus sp algae supplementation enhanced detoxification of heavy metals by reducing Mercury++, Silver, Tin, and Lead levels in patients with long-term dental amalgam filling and titanium implants.
Merino, José Joaquín et al. “The Long-Term Algae Extract (Chlorella and Fucus sp) and Aminosulphurate Supplementation Modulate SOD-1 Activity and Decrease Heavy Metals (Hg++, Sn) Levels in Patients with Long-Term Dental Titanium Implants and Amalgam Fillings Restorations.” Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 8,4 101. 16 Apr. 2019, doi:10.3390/antiox8040101

TARGETING HEAVY METALS FOR ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

There is accumulating evidence that interactions between beta-amyloid and copper, iron, and zinc are associated with the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). A significant dyshomeostasis of copper, iron, and zinc has been detected, and the mismanagement of these metals induces beta-amyloid precipitation and neurotoxicity. Chelating agents offer a potential therapeutic solution to the neurotoxicity induced by copper and iron dyshomeostasis. Currently, the copper and zinc chelating agent clioquinol represents a potential therapeutic route that may not only inhibit beta-amyloid neurotoxicity, but may also reverse the accumulation of neocortical beta-amyloid.
Finefrock, Anne E et al. “Current status of metals as therapeutic targets in Alzheimer's disease.” Journal of the American Geriatrics Society vol. 51,8 (2003): 1143-8. doi:10.1046/j.1532-5415.2003.51368.x

CHELATION AND ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Alzheimer's disease is most likely a multifactorial disease with a complex and still largely unknown origin. However, as it is increasingly evident that there are close links between brain metal dishomeostasis and AD onset and/or progression, a therapeutic strategy aimed at targeting brain metals is theoretically well grounded and justified. Metal targeted therapies based on intermediate strength ligands are to be preferred to aggressive chelation strategies. Despite several controversies, it seems that CQ and some related hydroxyquinoline ligands are of some significant benefit to AD patients as they may slow down cognitive decline.
Hegde, Muralidhar L et al. “Challenges associated with metal chelation therapy in Alzheimer's disease.” Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD vol. 17,3 (2009): 457-68. doi:10.3233/JAD-2009-1068