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We all know the ramifications of smoking every day or a diet that’s a result of grocery shopping from a drive-thru. But, what about the less-than-visible poisons in our daily lives — things we may not even know we’re ingesting — like heavy metals?

The conversation around heavy metal toxicity and heavy metal detoxing has come up in the wellness sphere many times over the years, notably when Miranda Kerr showed off her 5:30 A.M. heavy metal detox smoothie from 2020, and when loads of TikTokers and celebs started chugging chlorophyll water and green juices back in 2021.

But what exactly is heavy metal toxicity, and why are some people detoxing from heavy metals?

Humans are exposed to a variety of heavy metals through harmful particles we breathe in, some foods we eat, and the certain cosmetic products we put on our skin. Small amounts of metals, like iron and zinc, are found in just about everything. They are completely safe and normal, and even vital to various biological mechanisms. However, exposure to too many toxic heavy metals can be dangerous.

Studies in the National Library of Medicine have shown that heavy metals like lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium can accumulate in the body’s tissues and bind to cells over time, preventing them from functioning properly and causing harm to DNA and vital organs, like the brain and liver. Symptoms can range from headaches to fatigue, constipation, brain fog, and a lowered immune system.

Concerns around heavy metals have driven a popular trend in the wellness world — heavy metal detoxing, which is used to extract a buildup of heavy metals from the body.

Since TikTok trends come and go, The Post consulted Dr. Alicia Armitstead, founder of Healing Arts, Manhattan’s Premier Integrative Health and Wellness Center, on supplement recommendations and expert guidance. Armistead has an advanced post-graduate certification in Nutrition Response Testing Advanced Clinical Training and has 18 years of experience building personalized detox programs for her patients.

Armistead has explained that most reputable heavy metal detox supplements are made with chelating agents, which are chemical compounds that bind to heavy metals in cells. When paired with other binders like chay, charcoal, or fibrous foods, chelators should help pull heavy metals out of the liver and kidneys and excrete them through the urine or bowels.

Read on for our guide to finding the best heavy metal supplements for you, and be sure to head to the FAQ section for answers to all your pressing questions about diagnosing toxicity symptoms, lifestyle changes, detox supplements, and more.

Looking for an effective detox program trusted by several doctors, backed by thousands of five-star reviews, and third-party tested for purity, safety, and efficacy? Look no further than the Zeolite Detox Pack from Touchstone Essentials, which incorporates unique activated hydrated zeolites for a whole-body detox while delivering beneficial minerals to the body at the same time.

Armistead has noted that a zeolite-based detox is a great option for a natural, effective cleanse. “[Pure Body] is a good-grade zeolite that helps detox at the cellular level,” she noted. “It’s a mineral that takes the place of the heavy metal, so as zeolite goes in and gets absorbed, heavy metal is pushed out of the cells.”

Two zeolite products work together for a full-body cleanse in the Zeolite Detox Pack. The Pure Body Natural Liquid Zeolite detoxes the gut, while the Pure Body Extra Natural Nanosized Zeolite supplement reaches the cellular level. Best of all, no mixing or pill popping is necessary. Simply use the tasteless drops and spray three times a day for a continuous detox. 

Customers are saying: “Now when I wake up, I actually spring out of bed and I have never felt better! The mental clarity I have has helped me become more organized and focused and I feel young again as if I am starting a new life.”

The Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program is designed to enhance the body’s natural metabolic detoxification process. The program includes a comprehensive menu plan and supplementation that offers additional metabolic detoxification and antioxidant support.

“A good support while doing a heavy metal detox,” suggested Armistead. “[Metagenics] has a bunch of vitamins and herbs to support the liver and open detox pathways but it does not do the actual pulling up of heavy metals or have any binding agents, so you would need to add those.”

Armistead says this plan is good to follow if you want to eat healthy during the detox, which is highly recommended for a better detox. However, she mentions that it may not be worth the price for individuals who have a hard time sticking to diets.

Customers are saying: “Some days were challenging with the number of fish dishes in a row and the lack of wine. I opted for vanilla and looked forward to the supplement part of the day. I finished the program and cannot remember the last time I felt this mentally clear, rested, and overall calm.”

This formula is considered beneficial for metal detox because it combines multiple ingredients that support the body’s natural detoxification systems. Zeolite, chlorella and cilantro, known for their ability to bind to unwanted substances in the digestive tract, may help the body safely escort them out. At the same time, liver-supporting nutrients like milk thistle, NAC, and glutathione help optimize the liver’s natural detox pathways, where metals and toxins are processed. Antioxidants such as ALA, selenium, and resveratrol help counter oxidative stress that can be associated with toxic exposure, supporting cellular and mitochondrial health.

Added gut-supportive algae like spirulina and chlorella promote digestion and nutrient absorption, which are essential for effective detox. Together, this gentle, stimulant-free blend supports full-body balance and daily cleansing without overwhelming the system.

Customers are saying: “I can already feel a difference in my body, less bloating and puffiness, feeling lighter in my stomach. I love the fact that it supports metal detoxification in the body as well as cleansing the gut.”

The SP cleanse from Standard Process is another detox supplement recommended by Armistead. Many customers use this supplement alongside other diets for weight loss and detoxification. One of the major draws of this formula is the fact that the ingredients are primarily food-based and organic — such as organic barley, red clover, and cayenne pepper.

“The body knows how to use food to heal,” explained Armistead. “Because it is made from food, it is not as concentrated, so seven pills a day — which can be a lot for someone. Two bottles are recommended to do a deep detox so it’s for six weeks. It has liver, kidney, and gut support to help open detox pathways.”

The downside to this cleanse is that it does require users to take up to 21 pills a day, which can be split over breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some reviewers mention a slight aftertaste, but many agree the results pay off. Multiple reviewers mention meeting major weight loss goals while using this supplement to detox.

Customers are saying: “Very dependable and easy to use product. I use this product twice a year as part of a sugar-elimination diet (15 days), and it is the perfect supplement to withhold cravings. I highly recommend this supplement as part of a weight loss or detox tool.”

For those interested in using chlorella spirulina to detox, Good Natured offers a diverse vegan formula. Each tablet contains three phytonutrients, 10 minerals, 13 vitamins, and 18 amino acids that work together to support the body’s natural detox, boost energy, and assist with digestion.

“Chlorella and spirulina are binding agents that bind to heavy metals, so they don’t get reabsorbed,” shared Armistead, who has said that these capsules are an effective, yet budget-friendly option. “Chlorella and spirulina also support the liver which is needed to keep detox pathways open. One bag would be enough, so this is the cheapest option.”

Reviewers mention that these pills are very small and easy to swallow. However, the dosage does suggest ingesting about 15 a day, which may not be ideal for all. Those adverse to pills can opt for the powder version to mix into detox smoothies. At under $30, this is a good budget-friendly option for those interested in detoxing.

Customers are saying: “Very effective and high quality, easy to swallow, and affordable. I have noticed a significant decrease in brain fog [and] increased energy throughout the day. I believe it is improving my skin’s appearance.”

Biocidin Botanicals offers this broad-acting G.I. Detox+ to promote a more comfortable gut cleanse. The full-spectrum formula combines zeolites with other key ingredients, like clay, charcoal, silica, apple pectin, and aloe vera — which all help support the clearance of mold metabolites and support a whole-body gut cleanse.

Armistead especially likes that this formula combines zeolite with charcoal. “Zeolite moves toxins out of the cells. Charcoal binds to it and gets it out,” she explained. “It also has aloe in it, which helps with bowel movements to prevent constipation which we don’t want to occur with a detox because elimination is so important.”

She recommends two bottles for a full detox. While the majority of customers experienced little to no symptoms, a couple of reviewers did experience some stomach discomfort, including diarrhea and constipation. All in all, they found this to be a very effective detox supplement.

Customers are saying: “I love that it contains a blend of natural ingredients like activated charcoal and aloe vera, which are amazing detoxifiers. I’ve really seen a significant shift in my body’s daily regulation, and I’m so happy I decided to give it a try.”

There are a variety of heavy metals humans are exposed to through inhalation, ingestion, and contact with the skin. Small amounts of metals are completely normal and even support organ functioning. However, an accumulation of too many toxic heavy metals can be dangerous.

Examples of potentially dangerous heavy metals include lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium. Studies have shown that some of these heavy metals can accumulate in the body’s tissues and bind to cells, preventing them from functioning properly and causing harm to vital organs, the brain, and the liver.

According to Armistead, individuals with heavy metal positioning could display a range of symptoms. There is no single image of what heavy metal poisoning looks like, as it depends on the levels and types of metals a person is exposed to.

“Symptoms of heavy metal toxicity include headaches, skin rashes, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, irritability, brain fog, low immune system,” Armistead shared.

Besides evaluating symptoms, there are a few more accurate ways to diagnose heavy metal toxicity. Armistead has suggested a blood, urine, or hair analysis.

There are a range of lifestyle changes that one might consider to reduce exposure to heavy metals. Armistead has suggested everything from eating better quality fish to lessen the likelihood of mercury ingestion to making sure your deodorant is aluminum-free and ensuring your makeup and toothpaste are free of titanium.

However, when it comes to a major heavy metal detox, Armistead opts for detox supplements combined with plenty of water (at least two liters a day) to help flush the metals out of the body.

“We support the body using supplements to pull heavy metals out of the cells and into the lymphatic system. The lymph carries it Into the bloodstream. The blood carries the heavy metal to the liver and kidneys to be detoxed and then excreted out through the urine or bowels,” she explained.

There are a variety of supplements, powders, and liquids with ingredients that support detoxing. Many are packed with foods like cilantro, garlic, wild blueberries, spirulina, chlorella, and green tea — which have natural properties that bind to heavy metals and remove them in the digestive process.

However, for a science-back solution, some may opt for a zeolite formula like the Zeolite Detox Pack from Touchstone Essentials. Zeolites are unique negatively-charged minerals that attract positively-charged products like heavy metals. That makes zeolites an excellent natural detoxifier.

While side effects are not common, Armistead has explained that most are due to detoxing too fast and overwhelming the body.

“If the liver or kidneys are not detoxing them, or the intestines are not getting rid of them, toxins can just keep recirculating in the blood, causing headaches, skin rashes, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, irritability, and brain fog,” she explained.

Armistead also noted that it can be confusing since some detox side effects actually overlap with toxicity side effects. She has suggested watching to see if symptoms get worse and taking fewer supplements to slow the detox if needed.

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