The Nardella Clinic - Calgary

Exposure to heavy metals and toxins in our environment are ubiquitous. 

Nardella Clinic naturopaths have been testing for heavy metal toxicity for decades. Patients are often stunned to find out how high their levels of lead can be. 

A recent study suggested that half of American adults were exposed to lead levels 5 times higher than the acceptable limit. So, where does this lead accumulation in our bodies come from?

Approximately 75% of homes built prior to 1978 have lead paint. Lead pipes were still used in Canada until 1975. Leaded gas was not banned in Canada until 1990. The United Nations called leaded gas “one of the most serious environmental threats to human health.” Many children’s toys and art supplies imported into Canada still contain lead paint.

The Flint water crisis in Michigan brought the issue of lead contaminated water to the forefront. Municipal lead water testing by public health agencies in Canada in 2019 found that 5 Canadian cities had levels of lead higher than Flint at the height of the crisis.

Exposure to lead can be through inhalation, ingestion, or placental transfer. All of our exposures add up. Unfortunately, lead is not easily excreted from our bodies. Lead accumulates in our organs and bones. The greater the exposure the more we retain.

The detrimental health effects of chronic lead toxicity are numerous. Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndromes have been attributed to lead toxicity. Kidney disease, heart disease, hypertension, iron disorders, fertility issues (lower sperm counts and higher rates of miscarriages) and osteoporosis can also be linked to lead toxicity. Lead targets our nervous system, leading to intellectual, auditory, motor, visual and behavioural issues in children. 

Naturopathic doctors Dr. Meghan Haggarty and Dr. Jennifer Nardella have been testing for heavy metals for many years. Testing involves taking an oral or intravenous chelating substance (EDTA and/or DMPS) then collecting a urine sample. The sample is shipped to a well-respected lab in the US and the results usually take a few weeks. The laboratory tests the levels of 20 different heavy metals, not just lead. If your levels are elevated beyond the acceptable ranges, a treatment plan is set up and further evaluation is considered.

Questions about lead or other heavy metal exposure? We can help.

Schedule a consult with the naturopathic doctors at the Nardella Clinic today to talk about how we might be able to help with lead and heavy metal exposure, or anything else at all. We’re here to help.