It's not uncommon to see and hear warnings about toxic, heavy metals and the danger they present to human health and well-being.

The fact is, though, that many people just don't understand what heavy metals are, or the actual health risk they pose.

This can make it difficult to take the steps necessary to avoid harmful effects of heavy metal toxicity/poisoning in the body.

Here's a brief guide to these harmful metals: what they are, where they come from, and their links to a variety of chronic diseases.

What Are Heavy Metals?

In general, "heavy metals" are misunderstood. As the name suggests, heavy metals are metals with a high (heavy) molecular density.

Some, like lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium, are highly toxic to humans, while others are actually essential nutrients — for example, zinc is considered a heavy metal in some settings, but is a necessary nutrient in our daily diet.

Still, the toxic end of the spectrum is dangerous enough regarding heavy metals, that the entire category is subject to safety warnings.

How Do Heavy Metals Enter Our Bodies?

Harmful metals can enter our systems in several different ways, though the most common are ingestion and inhalation.

This can result from exposure to "traditional sources" like industrial air pollution and chemical runoff, but also from household items like medicines, cookware, and paint.

Children are at special risk for heavy metal poisoning from ingesting lead-based paint or inhaling dust in old homes.

Another common source of heavy metal exposure is environmental — many fertilizers, both commercial and residential, contain harmful metals that build up in our systems over time.

This makes us happy to say that we offer a variety of heavy metal free fertilizers that are gentle on the environment and the food you grow.

How Do Heavy Metals Affect Us?

Even a very low rate of exposure can do serious damage to body systems and overall holistic health when prolonged.

Like many harmful chemicals, most heavy metals can easily get into the body, but have a hard time getting out.

Experts believe that most, if not all, of the harmful metals that have gotten into your system over the course of your life are still there today.

Symptoms of Heavy Metal Toxicity

While heavy metal poisoning doesn't happen overnight, the symptoms will come on gradually and get more severe with continued exposure.

In the early days of associated conditions, you might start to experience:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Confusion

As the toxicity builds up, poisoning can begin to resemble chronic disease, accompanied by brain damage and swelling, chronic muscle and joint pain, and other, increasingly severe symptoms.

When children come into contact with heavy metals, there's a high risk of death as a result.

How to Avoid Heavy Metal Exposure

Unfortunately, there is very little you can do to reduce your level of heavy metal toxicity, but there are steps you can take to avoid it in the future.

If you live in an older home, for example, there may be more sources of lead and other harmful metals than you might have realized. It's a good idea to have it inspected to get the details on whether or not your family is being put in danger.

You can also be more vigilant about the household chemicals you're using both inside and out. Many cleaning products, fertilizers, and even cosmetics are made using ingredients that aren't supportive to holistic health.

If you're looking for alternatives to some of these products, Greenway Biotech can help. We offer a wide range of products that are 100% heavy metal-free, healthy for you and for your family.

Related Posts: 

• 5 Simple Ways to Be Healthier in 2020
• How Can MSM Boost Your Immune System?
• Here's How to Know You're Magnesium Deficient