If we use a gardening analogy for the process of a heavy metal cleanse…..
The process of removing toxins is like pulling weeds out,…..
We also need to nourish the soil and plant seeds so the garden flourishes.
This approach ensures a thriving, resilient body.
The Ideal and the Realistic Approaches
Reducing exposure to heavy metals and toxins requires a holistic approach, removing sources that disrupt the hierarchy of health and amplify EMR conductivity, as discussed previously (Frontiers in Public Health, 2014).
The ideal approach eliminates all harmful sources to create a clean, balanced environment, while the realistic starting point offers practical steps for gradual change, respecting bio-individuality and lifestyle constraints (Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 2020).1.
Drinking Water
Why Eliminate the chemicals in town water and tank water:
Tap water often contains heavy metals (e.g., lead from pipes, cadmium from runoff) and chemicals (e.g., chlorine, fluoride), which impair detoxification, increase EMR conductivity, and stress the kidneys (Environmental Science & Technology, 2019).
Australian tap water, regulated by the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG), contains intentionally added treatment chemicals to ensure safety and quality, including chlorine (up to 5 mg/L for disinfection), chloramine (a chlorine-ammonia mix for prolonged pathogen control), fluoride (0.6–1.1 mg/L to prevent tooth decay in ~89% of supplies, aluminium (used as a coagulant, e.g., aluminium sulfate, to remove impurities), and occasionally ozone to minimize disinfection byproducts (DBPs) like trihalomethanes (THMs), which are linked to cancer risks (NHMRC, 2024; Complete Home Filtration, 2024; Aquasafe, 2023; Environmental Health Perspectives, 2012).
Potential Ideal Approaches:
- Use a reverse osmosis (RO) filter with a carbon pre-filter, certified by NSF/ANSI for heavy metal and chemical removal, for all drinking and cooking water.
- Store water in a copper vessel (6–8 hours) for antimicrobial benefits, inspired by your interest in copper water (Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition, 2012).
- Avoid plastic bottles (BPA, phthalates) to reduce chemical exposure.
- Say affirmations (e.g., “This water cleanses me”) per Emoto’s water studies (The Hidden Messages in Water, 2004).
Realistic Starting Point: - Install a countertop carbon-block filter (e.g., Berkey) for drinking water, ensuring it removes heavy metals.
- Test tap or tank water with a kit (e.g., Tap Score) to identify contaminants.
- Switch to glass or stainless steel water bottles.
Detergents
Why Eliminate:
Laundry and dish detergents often contain aluminum (surfactants), phosphates, or synthetic fragrances, which absorb through skin or inhalation, increasing heavy metal load and EMR sensitivity (Toxicology Reports, 2018).
These disrupt the nervous system and skin health.
What to Look Out For:
Aluminum, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), phthalates, and artificial fragrances on labels. Avoid “antibacterial” detergents with triclosan.
Ideal Approach
- Use plant-based, fragrance-free detergents (e.g., castile soap, Seventh Generation Free & Clear) certified free of heavy metals and toxins.
- Make DIY detergent with baking soda and vinegar to avoid chemicals.
- Rinse clothes thoroughly to remove residues.
Realistic Starting Point
- Switch to one eco-friendly detergent brand (e.g., Ecover) with minimal ingredients.
- Check labels for “fragrance-free” and “phosphate-free.”
- Use an extra rinse cycle to reduce residue.
- Detox Post-Exposure: Take an Epsom salt bath (1 cup, 20 minutes, 2 times weekly) (Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2012).
Hair and Beauty Products
Why Eliminate:
Hair dyes, shampoos, and cosmetics often contain lead (lipsticks, up to 3 ppm), aluminum (deodorants), or parabens, which absorb through the skin, increasing heavy metal load and EMR conductivity (Environmental Science & Technology, 2016). Hair dyes with lead acetate or ammonia are particularly toxic (Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2013).
What to Look Out For:
Lead acetate, aluminum, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, and “fragrance” on labels. Avoid permanent hair dyes with heavy metal pigments (e.g., lead, mercury).
Ideal Approach
- Use organic, plant-based hair and beauty products (e.g., Aveda, Herbivore) certified free of heavy metals and synthetics.
- Switch to henna or plant-based hair dyes (e.g., Naturtint) for color without toxins.
- Make DIY hair masks with coconut oil and essential oils for nourishment.
- Could we go as far to say… if you cannot eat it, maybe it should not be going on your skin.
Realistic Starting Point
- Replace one product (e.g., shampoo) with a natural, sulfate-free option.
- Look for chemical natural products.
- Check cosmetics via EWG’s Skin Deep database for toxin-free ratings (EWG, 2024).
- Oil pulling with coconut oil (10 minutes daily) (Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 2020).
Foundation & Sunscreens
Why Eliminate:
Chemical sunscreens (e.g., oxybenzone, octinoxate) may trap heavy metals on the skin, increasing local toxicity and potentially amplifying EMR effects or skin cancer risk (Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, 2017).
Heavy metals in cosmetics exacerbate skin irritation (Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2013).
What to Look Out For:
Oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone, and nano-particles in sunscreens. Avoid foundations with lead or aluminum fillers.
Ideal Approach
- Use mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, non-nano) for UV protection without trapping metals.
- Choose organic, mineral-based foundations (e.g., RMS Beauty) free of heavy metals.
- Apply sparingly to allow skin breathing and reduce EMR conductivity.
Realistic Starting Point
- Switch to a mineral sunscreen for daily use.
- Check foundation labels for “non-comedogenic” and “metal-free” claims.
- Limit application to high-exposure areas (face, arms).
Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR)
Why Eliminate:
EMR from Wi-Fi, phones, and smart meters may increase oxidative stress, amplified by heavy metals acting as conductors (Frontiers in Public Health, 2014).
This disrupts sleep, nervous system, and cellular health (Bioelectromagnetics, 2010).
What to Look Out For: RF-EMR from Wi-Fi, cell phones, smartwatches, and ELF-EMR from power lines or extension cords.
Ideal Approach
- Turn off Wi-Fi and devices at night, use wired internet, and remove all electronics from the bedroom.
- Shield smart meters with metal mesh or specialized paint, or opt out for analog meters.
- Use EMR-blocking bed canopies and grounding mats to neutralize charges (Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2012).
Realistic Starting Point
- Turn off Wi-Fi at night (10 PM–6 AM) using a timer.
- Keep phones out of the bedroom or in airplane mode.
- Move extension cords 3 feet from the bed, per your checklist request.
Processed Foods
Why Eliminate:
Processed foods contain heavy metals (e.g., cadmium in non-organic grains, mercury in canned fish) and chemicals (e.g., BPA, artificial additives), impairing nutrition and increasing EMR sensitivity (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2014).
What to Look Out For:
Cadmium in rice, mercury in processed fish, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, and preservatives (e.g., BHT).
Ideal Approach
- Eat 100% organic, whole foods (vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, nuts) to avoid metals and chemicals.
- Grow your own herbs or vegetables to control soil quality.
- Avoid canned or packaged foods entirely.
Realistic Starting Point
- Replace one processed item (e.g., canned tuna) with fresh, wild-caught fish (low-mercury, e.g., sardines).
- Buy organic for high-risk foods (e.g., rice, spinach) per EWG’s Dirty Dozen list (EWG, 2024).
- Check labels for “no artificial additives.”
Synthetic Clothing
Why Eliminate:
Synthetic fabrics (e.g., polyester, nylon) may contain heavy metals (e.g., antimony, cadmium) from dyes or manufacturing, absorbed through skin and increasing EMR conductivity (Toxicology Reports, 2018).
They also trap heat, impairing skin detox.
What to Look Out For: Polyester, nylon, acrylic, and clothing with “wrinkle-free” or “antibacterial” finishes (e.g., nano-silver).
Ideal Approach
- Wear 100% organic cotton, linen, or wool, certified by GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard).
- Avoid synthetic dyes or treated fabrics entirely.
- Wash new clothes with baking soda to remove residues.
Realistic Starting Point
- Replace synthetic sleepwear with organic cotton pajamas.
- Check labels for “100% natural fibers” when buying new clothes.
- Wash synthetics separately to reduce residue transfer.
Holistic Integration and Next Steps
Ideal Vision
The ideal is a toxin-free lifestyle, eliminating all chemical-laden water, detergents, synthetic beauty products, foundation sunscreens, EMR, processed foods, and synthetic clothing. This creates a clean environment for optimal detoxification, reducing heavy metal load and EMR conductivity, supporting the hierarchy of health (Environmental Health Perspectives, 2020).
Realistic Starting Point
Begin with one change per category (e.g., filtered water, eco-detergent, organic pajamas) to build momentum while respecting bio-individual needs and lifestyle constraints.
Most importantly, what are your specific needs and urgent considerations…. make your choices from those immediate goals.
Maree Frawley 