5 Heavy Metals that Cause Fatigue
Are you always tired no matter how healthy you eat, how often you exercise, or whether you get a good night’s sleep? If you struggle with chronic tiredness, you might think that stress is wearing you down. Or, maybe you feel that your age is catching up with you. What you may not know is that environmental toxins such as heavy metals can be a big factor in fatigue.
When it comes to heavy metals and fatigue, the issue goes beyond regular tiredness. A buildup of heavy metals can cause fatigue by interfering with how the body produces energy at a cellular level. This can create a feeling of exhaustion that no amount of coffee can fix.
Read on to learn which heavy metals may cause fatigue, and what you can do to detoxify your body. That way, you can banish brain fog and regain your energy naturally.
What Are the Symptoms of Heavy Metals in the Body?
Are you suffering from heavy metal toxicity? Actually, we all are. Our environment is inundated with heavy metals. They are common contaminants in tap water, household products, cosmetics, and even many foods.
Since we’re constantly exposed to trace amounts of heavy metals, these toxins accumulate in the body. Over time, heavy metal buildup in our bones, brain, organs, and cells can cause a variety of symptoms.
Symptoms of heavy metal toxicity may vary from one person to another. Signs of chronic toxicity can mimic many common ailments, which is why toxins are often overlooked as a reason for feeling fatigued.
Heavy metal toxicity symptoms include:
- Exhaustion or chronic tiredness
- Frequent headaches
- Trouble losing weight
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Brain fog or lack of focus
- Struggling to concentrate
If these symptoms sound like you, you’re not alone. Understanding the root cause of your symptoms is the first step to getting your quality of life back on track.
How Heavy Metals Impact Energy
Heavy metals can harm our energy levels in several different ways. First, heavy metals can damage our mitochondria, sapping energy levels at the source. The power plants within our cells, mitochondria are responsible for creating ATP, which every cell in the body requires as fuel. Research shows that mercury and arsenic can harm mitochondrial function, lowering energy on a cellular level (1).
Second, heavy metals can disrupt our hormones, leading to fatigue. Our adrenal glands produce hormones that regulate many of our body’s functions (2). When these systems are impaired, they can release high levels of stress hormones leading to exhaustion. Heavy metals can also alter the function of the thyroid gland, causing persistent tiredness.
Third, toxins can damage healthy cells by increasing the production of unstable molecules in the body called free radicals (3). Too many free radicals can trigger oxidative stress, eventually leading to damage within the cells, causing fatigue. Environmental toxins and heavy metals are one of the main contributors in the production of free radicals (4).
Common Heavy Metals that Cause Fatigue
While there are many heavy metals that harm the body, these five heavy metals are most likely to impact fatigue, and are commonly found in everyday foods and household items.
1. Arsenic
Classified as a human carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this heavy metal is often present in drinking water. Arsenic exposure also happens via the air, soil, and foods we eat, such as rice and chicken (5).
Because of its impact on mitochondria, arsenic can cause fatigue at a cellular level (1). As arsenic exposure accumulates, it may:
- Impact our muscles and reduce our ability to recover
- Cause confusion, headaches, and brain fog
- Lead to constant tiredness
2. Mercury
A common heavy metal found in seafood, mercury is also used in dental amalgams (silver fillings), and is present in small amounts in vegetables such as tomatoes and eggplant. Mercury causes a lack of energy by both interfering with mitochondrial function, and by impairing thyroid function. Scientists have also linked mercury exposure to chronic fatigue (6).
Mercury attacks the nervous system, and can lead to:
- Fatigue and chronic tiredness
- Muscle weakness
- Headaches
- Poor recall and concentration
3. Lead
Lead is a heavy metal contaminant used in the production of batteries, cosmetics, and ceramics. Because lead was widely used in plumbing pipes, and in many paints (until 1978), lead is found in most older homes. Trace levels of lead are also common in many foods.
Lead mainly impacts the central nervous system, but any level of lead exposure can be linked to fatigue. Lead can cause fatigue by increasing free radical production in the body, and by inducing anemia (low red blood cells) (7). Lead is also associated with:
- Neurological issues
- Brain fog and confusion
- Joint and muscle pain
- Gastrointestinal problems
4. Aluminum
The third most abundant element in the earth’s crust, aluminum is in our natural environment as well as in everyday items such as cans, kitchen foils, cookware, personal care items like deodorant, and more.
A buildup of aluminum in the body may lead to (7):
- Issues with sleep
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- Weakened immune system
- Breathing complications
- Neurological effects
5. Cadmium
Cadmium is considered one of the most toxic heavy metals by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. This heavy metal is found in tobacco smoke, rechargeable batteries, paint pigments and some foods, especially chocolate.
Cadmium impacts energy levels by increasing oxidative stress. Because cadmium displaces the mineral zinc in the body, it can also weaken the immune system. Cadmium impacts the kidneys and liver, and can cause:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Rapid heart beat
- Weakened bones
How to Avoid Heavy Metal Exposure
We are exposed to heavy metals every day through no fault of our own. Heavy metals are found in foods we eat, water we drink, as well as in many common items that exist in our homes.
While heavy metals cannot be completely avoided, there are ways to reduce exposure through simple lifestyle changes. Some of the ways we can lessen heavy metal exposure include:
- Getting a water filter installed in your home that filters out heavy metals.
- Buying organic foods that have not been contaminated by pesticides or herbicides.
- Checking your home for lead paints and pressure treated woods.
- Opting for clean, plant-based cleansers for your body and home.
- Avoiding mercury-dense seafood such as tuna or swordfish, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Including a heavy metal detoxifier such as natural zeolite to your daily wellness routine.
Detoxing for Improved Energy Levels
It’s impossible to avoid exposure to the many toxins that are present in our environment. Luckily, we can make lifestyle changes and intentional decisions about what we keep in our homes to reduce exposure. We can also regularly detox. By using a zeolite detox, such as Pure Body Extra (PBX), we can help our body eliminate built-up toxins.
Pure Body Extra is a simple-to-use spray that works like a magnet to attract positively-charged heavy metals for removal from the body. The natural PBX zeolite is nanosized so it can reach throughout the body for a deep detox. It’s flavorless and odorless, and it’s safe to use for the whole family.
Choosing to incorporate a detox into your wellness routine helps support your immune system and can improve your energy levels. By removing heavy metals that can cause fatigue, you can eliminate sluggishness and brain fog, and experience a new level of energy.
