Lead Toxicity

Lead toxicity occurs when lead builds up in the body over a period of months to years.  Individuals who work in automotive shops or preform home renovations may be especially vulnerable.  Lead based paint and contaminated dust in older buildings is also of concern.

Evidence of lead toxicity often is not apparent until levels are very high.  Symptoms include:  headache, high blood pressure, numbness and tingling in the extremities, abdominal pain and memory loss.  Toxicity can be diagnosed by a simple blood or urine test.  Treatment is usually with chelation therapy, which binds to the lead so it can be excreted in the feces and/or urine.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers lead toxicity testing and treatment to her patients.  Offices are maintained in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Please call the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Forms Of Mercury Toxicity

Mercury is a heavy metal occurring in several forms, all of which can be toxic in high doses.  The mercury in dental fillings is a blend of copper, silver and mercury that has been used for more than 150 years.  These fillings contain small amounts of inorganic mercury; which according to the American Dental Association is not easily absorbed.  The mercury in fish is methyl mercury which is more easily absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract.  Thus, it is easier to develop mercury toxicity from our diet than from dental fillings.  Predatory fish such as tuna, swordfish, and mackerel contain the highest concentrations of mercury.

Signs and symptoms of mercury toxicity include:  sensory impairment (hearing, vision and speech), numbness and tingling, and lack of coordination.  Testing for mercury toxicity can be performed with blood or urine.  Chelation therapy is the standard of care to treat mercury toxicity; chelation can be achieved through various routes.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers heavy metal toxicity testing and chelation therapy in the form of suppositories to her patients.  Offices are maintained in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Please call the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

How Do Chelation Suppositories Compare To IV Chelation Therapy?

Chelation therapy works by pulling heavy metals from damaged hearts and heart valves, as well as the kidneys and blood vessels. IV chelation therapy is given into the vein through a needle. Each dose is given slowly over three or four hours. This is generally done two to four times a week over 30-60 weeks. Chelation is usually more than $150.00 per session and patients must spend time away from work. Also, because a high dose of chelation is delivered over a short time period, stress is placed on the kidneys.
An alternative delivery method of chelation is through a rectal suppository. The suppository is absorbed through the sigmoid colon (during sleep) and works gently to detoxify any heavy metals. Utilizing a suppository formulation places less strain on our organs, including the liver and kidneys. Untreated toxic levels of lead and mercury may cause symptoms such as memory loss, muscle pain, numbness and tingling, fatigue, irritability and tremor.
Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers heavy metal toxicity testing as well as chelation therapy to her patients. Dr. Hermann maintains offices in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida. Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

How Can Vitamin and Nutritional Testing Help Me?

 

Our society perpetuates unhealthy eating habits due to our busy culture.  Often, we are not obtaining the proper type or amount of vitamins, minerals or amino acids.  Our bodies are bombarded daily with pollution and toxins which may leave the immune system vulnerable.  Nutritional imbalances can affect your body in many ways, some of which are outlined below.

Amino and fatty acids affect our emotional and cognitive well-being; early detection of imbalances may help prevent chronic illnesses from developing.  Dietary minerals help regulate many of our body’s processes and also serve as “building blocks”.  Minerals such as magnesium and manganese have been proven to be beneficial in alleviating joint pain and anxiety.   Antioxidants help protect our body from oxidative stress or free radicals.  Oxidative stress has been linked to neurological diseases and premature aging.  Testing can also be performed for heavy metal  ( such as  lead and mercury) toxicity.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, is pleased to offer vitamin and nutritional testing to her patients.  Dr. Hermann maintains offices in Tampa and St. Pete Beach, Florida.  Please call the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.