Heavy metals are no joke (and despite popular belief, they're not invisible, woo-woo compounds that only biohackers worry about). In a recent Molecular, Clinical and Environmental Toxicology journal article Heavy Metals Toxicity and the Environment, the authors report that:

"Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements that have a high atomic weight and a density at least 5 times greater than that of water. Their multiple industrial, domestic, agricultural, medical and technological applications have led to their wide distribution in the environment; raising concerns over their potential effects on human health and the environment. Their toxicity depends on several factors including the dose, route of exposure, and chemical species, as well as the age, gender, genetics, and nutritional status of exposed individuals. Because of their high degree of toxicity, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, and mercury rank among the priority metals that are of public health significance. These metallic elements are considered systemic toxicants that are known to induce multiple organ damage, even at lower levels of exposure. They are also classified as human carcinogens (known or probable) according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer. This review provides an analysis of their environmental occurrence, production and use, potential for human exposure, and molecular mechanisms of toxicity, genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity."

Since it's been a little while since we've visited the topic of heavy metals, and since I've personally found everything from high levels of bacterial iron to manganese in my own well water, I figured I'd bring on an expert doc when it comes to the topic of heavy metal testing and chelation. My guest, Dr. Greg Mongeon is a wellness physician who has been providing healthcare services for more than a decade. He's an Ironman triathlete, team doc for CompetitiveCyclist, and incredibly proficient at diagnosing the hidden root cause of numerous health challenges by utilizing cutting-edge diagnostic approaches with research-based laboratory analysis. During our discussion, Dr. Greg and I talk about... -The urine heavy metal test kit Dr. Greg sent me, and how I'm supposed to be using it.. -How you test for heavy metals, and the important difference between provoked and non-provoked testing... -What chelation is and what products are used to chelate, including the warnings about DMSA... -Who should be concerned about heavy metal toxicity... -Why heavy metal testing is NOT for everyone... -How long it takes to properly chelate heavy metals... -Why IV Chelation can be dangerous... -If it's safe to chelate if you have silver fillings in your mouth... -And much more!

Resources we discuss in this episode: -If you want Dr. Greg to walk you through your own heavy metal testing, then visit DrMongeon.com. An initial evaluation is normally $395, but if you enter code "Ben100", you will receive $100 off your evaluation. -The heavy metal chelation spray called MetalFree. -iaomt.org for biological dentistry. -The NatureBeat heart rate variability (HRV) app. -Here's what a sample urine toxic metals report looks like: Do you have questions, comments or feedback about heavy metal testing and heavy metal detoxification? Leave your thoughts at BenGreenfieldFitness.com and Dr. Greg or I will reply!