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 my go-to heavy metal detoxifier. I have used chlorella powder in smoothies as well as chlorella tablets. Aside from being a highly nutritious superfood, chlorella effectively detoxifies heavy metals. Animal studies indicate chlorella removes heavy metals and other harmful compounds from the body (1). One animal study found algae like chlorella to weaken the toxic effects of heavy metals in the liver, brain, and kidneys (2). Chlorella has also been proven to help decrease the amount of other harmful chemicals found in our food supply, like dioxins (3).

Learn more about chlorella in my chlorella herbal profile. 

Garlic

Aside from being a delicious addition to almost any meal, garlic has amazing detoxification abilities, even for heavy metals. One study found garlic a promising antidote to heavy metal toxicity due to its possession of plant compounds containing organo-sulfur groups, volatile oils, enzymes, carbohydrates, and amino acids (4). Another study uncovered garlic’s potential to enhance the excretion of cadmium through feces (). 

Green Tea

Green tea, a commonly known antioxidant-rich beverage, can detox heavy metals, too. One study found green tea protective against lead and cadmium-induced oxidative stress (6). Another study discovered green tea has anti-oxidative and anti-metaltoxic properties (7). Additionally, green tea has a mitigative effect against mercury chloride-induced toxicity (8).

Oregon Grape Root

Oregon grape root can play a critical role in heavy metal detoxification because it contains a substance called berberine (9). Berberine can help destroy biofilms and release bound-up parasites, toxins, and metals (10). Oregon grape root can fight drug-resistant fungi (11) and yeasts (12) and helps heal and soothe the gut lining. Additionally, studies show that Oregon grape root is a strong antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral compound (13).

Spirulina

Like chlorella, spirulina is a highly nutritious algae superfood with robust detoxification abilities. Spirulina can be vital in mitigating heavy metal toxicity, including arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury toxicities (14). A study review demonstrated that spirulina possesses promising improvements following heavy metal toxicity, mainly attributed to its intrinsic antioxidant activity (15).

I have tried using spirulina powder in smoothies but could not get past the taste or texture. Instead, The Brother’s Apothecary’s Super Green Capsules was a great alternative. It contains CBD and superfoods like spirulina, chlorella and 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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