Healthy Gut Inhibits Heavy Metal Toxicity - What You Need To Know

A study from 2013 links heavy metal toxicity with gut health.

Heavy Metal Detoxification - Why Your Gut Can Be Helpful

An article from 2013 published on Toxicology Letters under the name "Gut microbiota limits heavy metals burden caused by chronic oral exposure" reveals the association between heavy metal toxicity and gut.

The study was conducted by using 40 germ-free (without a well-established gut microbiota) and 40 pathogen free mices/SPF (with a well-established gut microbiota), which were isolated from each other. The mices had free access to gamma irradiated food and water, and for 8 weeks they were exposed to cadimum and lead contamination in water. Each of these two groups had control groups within them, for which the water was not contaminated with cadmium (Cd) or lead (Pb).

Cadmium and lead content in blood, kidneys, liver and spleen was investigated in pathogen free and germ-free mices.

Here are some of the findings:

Groups exposed to heavy metals and control groups both had similar drinking water consumption, for both germ-free and pathogen free mices.

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Germ-free mices showed a statistical significant higher level of contamination by cadmium and lead compared to pathogen free mices, in the bloodstream, kidneys, liver and spleen.

Therefore, mices with a well-established gut microbiota were more able to detoxify from heavy metals.

For more information, consult the article at: https://sci-hub.tf/10.1016/j.toxlet.2013.07.021

You want to know more about the benefits of a healthy gut, particularly for mental health? Then click here to learn about it and to understand how probiotics can be helpful against mental health issues.

Taking care of the gut can be greatly benefitial when it comes to detoxification from heavy metals, which unfortunately are abundant in the water we drink and food we eat. One way to do that is by consuming more probiotics.