What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your heavy metal levels mean for your health and whether any detected metals require attention. These notes include personalized recommendations like dietary changes, chelation therapy considerations, or avoiding specific exposure sources. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your metal levels over time using our trends feature to monitor detoxification progress.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is important for people who work in industries with metal exposure like manufacturing, construction, or mining, live in areas with contaminated water or soil, or regularly consume fish high in mercury. It's also valuable for anyone experiencing unexplained neurological symptoms, digestive issues, or fatigue that might be related to toxic metal accumulation, or those undergoing detoxification programs who want to monitor their progress.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms of heavy metal exposure include persistent fatigue, headaches, brain fog, memory problems, digestive issues like nausea or abdominal pain, and muscle or joint pain. You might also experience tingling in hands or feet, mood changes, difficulty concentrating, or weakened immune function. If you have unexplained symptoms and known exposure risks, this test can help identify if metals are contributing.

How can I naturally support detoxification from heavy metals?

Supporting natural detoxification involves eating plenty of fiber-rich foods, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale, and cilantro which may help bind metals. Staying well-hydrated helps your kidneys eliminate toxins, and foods rich in antioxidants like berries and green tea protect against metal-induced damage. Regular exercise, sauna use, and ensuring adequate intake of minerals like zinc, selenium, and magnesium can also support your body's detox pathways.

What are heavy metals and why do they matter?

Heavy metals are toxic elements like lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium that can accumulate in your body over time from environmental sources, contaminated food and water, or occupational exposure. Unlike nutrients your body needs, these metals serve no biological purpose and can damage your nervous system, kidneys, liver, and other organs even at low levels. They're particularly concerning because they can persist in your body for years and interfere with normal cellular function.

What does high heavy metal exposure mean?

Elevated levels of heavy metals in your urine indicate your body is being exposed to and attempting to eliminate these toxic substances. High levels may suggest ongoing exposure from your environment, diet, or workplace that needs to be identified and reduced. Depending on which metals are elevated and how high the levels are, your doctor may recommend further testing, chelation therapy, or strategies to reduce exposure sources.

How often should I retest my heavy metal levels?

If you have elevated levels, your doctor will typically recommend retesting every 2-3 months while undergoing detoxification or removing exposure sources to monitor progress. Once levels normalize, annual testing may be appropriate if you continue to have exposure risks from your occupation or environment. For those using this test as a baseline or preventive measure with normal results, retesting every 1-2 years is reasonable unless new exposure concerns arise.