Although you can thank the Industrial Revolution for conveniences such as your car and air conditioning, it's also responsible for increasing your exposure to heavy metals such as mercury and lead. These harmful metals do not degrade, and can build up in your body, increasing your risk of health problems. Vitamin C is one of several chelating agents that help to expel metals.
Harmful Metals and Your Health
Heavy metals have a density at least five times that of water. Some of them, such as zinc, selenium and copper, are beneficial for your health, but are needed only in small doses. Others, which include cadmium, nickel, arsenic and aluminum, are harmful even in small amounts. Your body has its own natural detoxification abilities. However, as harmful metals build up in your body, they can disrupt your nervous and reproductive systems and affect organs that are vital for detoxification --- your liver and kidneys. As a result, your body's own ability to detoxify becomes less efficient.
Chelating Agents
When harmful metals build up in your body they reduce the amounts of beneficial minerals. Chelation involves taking a substance orally, rectally or intravenously that enters your bloodstream and attracts and binds to metals. Increasing chelating agents such as vitamins C, B1, B6 and B12 and calcium and magnesium may help to eliminate harmful metals and restore a healthy balance of nutrients in your body. It's also possible to buy oral chelation formulas that include vitamin C. However, seek advice from a naturopath before using these products.
Sources
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, adults over 18 yeas old should get at least 2,000 mg of vitamin C daily. Some of the best sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, kiwis, red and green peppers, broccoli, cantaloupes and tomatoes. It's best to eat these foods fresh, when their vitamin C content is at their peak. You can also speak to your doctor about taking a vitamin C supplement if you don't get enough of this nutrient from food.
Caution
It is possible to get too much of this good thing, even if you're trying to eliminate harmful metals from your body. High doses of vitamin C can cause stomach cramps, nausea and diarrhea. Vitamin C may also interact with medications such as some cancer drugs and cholesterol-lowering drugs. If you have a condition called hemochromatosis, in which your body stores too much iron, taking vitamin C can exacerbate the condition and cause more damage to your body.
References
- "The Detox Strategy"; Brenda Watson, C.N.C., et al.; 2008
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin C
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