Memory and cognitive health
A careful evaluation and personalized plan from a doctor trained in the Bredesen Protocol®.
Learn moreHeavy metals and where they come from
Heavy metals include lead, mercury and arsenic. Small amounts are all around us, and most people carry a little without getting sick. Problems come from higher exposure, often over a long time.
Common sources include:
- Older homes. The CDC says homes built before 1978 probably contain lead-based paint. When it peels or cracks, it makes lead dust.
- Water. Certain water pipes may contain lead. If you have a private well, the EPA notes that heavy metals such as arsenic and lead can get into drinking water.
- Jobs and hobbies. Some jobs and hobbies involve lead, such as construction, manufacturing, battery recycling or stained glass work. CDC workplace guidance notes that lead dust can come home on your clothes, shoes and hair.
- Imported products. The CDC says lead is sometimes found in candies from other countries, traditional home remedies, and some toys and jewelry.
- Fish. Some fish are higher in mercury than others. The FDA advises people who are or may become pregnant or are breastfeeding, and young children, to choose a variety of fish lower in mercury.
Symptoms and why they overlap
Heavy metal problems often build slowly, and there may be no clear symptoms at first. According to MedlinePlus, symptoms of lead poisoning can include headaches, belly pain, irritability, trouble sleeping, and low appetite and energy.
These symptoms are common. Poor sleep, stress, thyroid problems, low iron, depression, medications and many other conditions can cause the same things. That is why a careful evaluation matters more than any single result. If trouble with memory or focus is your main concern, see our page on memory and cognitive health.
What the research does and doesn't show
We want you to have honest information. Everyone has some metal exposure, and having a detectable amount is not the same as being poisoned. The American College of Medical Toxicology and the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology advise against heavy metal screening for vague symptoms when there is no clear exposure. They also advise against "provoked" or "challenge" urine testing, where a drug is given before a urine sample. They say these tests are not a reliable way to diagnose metal poisoning and have been linked with harm.
The FDA says it has never approved any over-the-counter chelation product for any health condition, and that there is no proof that "detox" with these products prevents or treats any disease.
How we evaluate a possible exposure
We use a functional medicine–informed approach. We look at the whole picture, including your home, work and habits, guided by current medical evidence.
- Your history. When symptoms started and your overall health.
- Exposure history. The age of your home, recent remodeling, your water source, your job, your hobbies, imported remedies or products, and your diet.
- A physical exam.
- Lab work as needed. Based on your exposure history and symptoms, and to look for other causes.
Patients come to our West Chester Township office from across Greater Cincinnati, Dayton, and Butler and Warren counties. Heavy metal exposure is one of the factors we look at in our cognitive decline care.
Reducing your exposure
Finding and removing the source comes first. The EPA recommends steps like these to lower lead exposure at home:
- If your home was built before 1978, hire a lead-safe certified contractor for repairs. Avoid removing lead-based paint yourself.
- Clean weekly. Wet mop floors and hard surfaces, and don't dry sweep.
- Use only cold water for drinking, cooking and making baby formula, and have your water tested.
- Keep work and hobby materials away from living areas, especially where children spend time.
- Change clothes and shoes that may have lead dust on them before you get in your car or go home.
Protecting young children from lead is especially important. If you have young children and an older home, talk with their provider about lead testing. Learn more about our pediatric care.
Our treatment approach
- Remove the source. For most people, lowering exposure is the most important step.
- Treat symptoms and related conditions. We address sleep, mood, energy and other health problems we find along the way.
- Follow up. We check in and adjust your plan over time.
Chelation is a prescription treatment for confirmed metal poisoning. The FDA warns it can cause serious side effects, including dehydration, kidney failure and death. Medical toxicology groups advise using it only when poisoning has been confirmed with reliable tests. We don't recommend over-the-counter chelation or "detox" products. Individual results vary.
When to see a specialist
If you think someone has swallowed something that contains lead or another metal, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Poison Control offers expert, confidential help. Call 911 for severe symptoms, such as trouble breathing, a seizure or passing out.
We refer you to a medical toxicologist, a doctor who specializes in poisoning, if your history and results point to significant exposure or if treatment beyond removing the source may be needed. We may also involve a neurologist for nerve or memory problems, or a kidney specialist when needed. We keep caring for you as your family doctor.
