If you read my blog, Should You Worry About Heavy Metals, you know I highly recommend occasional heavy metal detoxifications. Of course, a heavy metal detox may not be right for you, especially if you have certain dental fillings or other reactive metals implanted in your body.

It is crucial to understand the importance of opening overburdened detox pathways prior to detoxification. Once the body is working better on its own, it’s time for diet modifications while incorporating herbs that encourage heavy metal removal, which we discussed in my blog, How to Detox from Heavy Metals.

Chlorella

Chlorella is often a go-to heavy metal detoxifier. I have used chlorella powder in smoothies as well as taking chlorella tablets, but honestly I find they all taste pretty horrible. Nonetheless, chlorella is a highly nutritious superfood that effectively detoxifies heavy metals. Animal studies indicate chlorella removes heavy metals and other harmful compounds from the body (1). One animal study found that algae (which chlorella is) weakens the toxic effects of heavy metals in the liver, brain, and kidneys (2). Chlorella even helps decrease the amount of other harmful chemicals, like dioxins, which are often found in our food supply (3).

To learn more check out my chlorella herbal profile.

Garlic

Beyond being a delicious addition to almost any meal, garlic has strong detoxification abilities, including for heavy metals. These effects stem from garlic’s many plant compounds, including amino acids, carbohydrates, enzymes, volatile oils, and, most importantly, organosulfur compounds (4). Another study found that interplanting garlic (Allium sativum) with horseweed (Conyza canadensis) resulted in the highest heavy metal accumulation: lead at 87% and cadmium at 77% (5). Furthermore, a study of participants with chronic lead poisoning who took 1.2 milligrams of garlic 3 times per day experienced a 19% reduction in blood lead levels. They even noted reduced clinical signs of heavy metal toxicity, including headaches and elevated blood pressure (6). A final study found that garlic may enhance cadmium excretion via feces (7).

To learn more check out my garlic herbal profile + free meateria medica printable.

Green Tea

Green tea, a well-known antioxidant-rich beverage, can also help detoxify heavy metals. One study found green tea protective against lead and cadmium-induced oxidative stress (8). Another study found that green tea has antioxidant and anti-metaltoxic properties (9). Additionally, green tea has a mitigating effect against mercury chloride-induced toxicity (10).

Oregon Grape Root

Oregon grape root can play a critical role in heavy metal detoxification because it contains a substance called berberine (11). Berberine can help break down biofilms and release bound-up parasites, toxins, and metals (12). Oregon grape root can fight drug-resistant fungi (13) and yeasts (14) and helps heal and soothe the gut lining. Additionally, studies show that Oregon grape root is a strong antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral compound (15).

Spirulina

Like chlorella, spirulina is a highly nutritious algae superfood with robust detoxification abilities. Spirulina can help mitigate heavy metal toxicity, including arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury (16). A study review showed that spirulina can improve outcomes after heavy metal toxicity, mainly due to its intrinsic antioxidant activity (17).

I have tried spirulina powder in smoothies but couldn’t get past the taste or texture. Instead, The Brother’s Apothecary’s Super Green Capsules were a great alternative. It contains CBD and superfoods like spirulina, chlorella, and even wheatgrass.

Remember, after inducing heavy metal detoxification, you must continue to support the body. Ensure to support your entire body… organs, too! Last but definitely not least, try to refrain from entering a state of toxin overexposure again. Of course, since we are exposed to heavy metals every day, I encourage maintenance detoxes every few months.

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