Could exposure to heavy metals be increasing your cancer risk? Dr. Michael Souza, a board-certified Family Physician and expert in Functional Medicine, will explore the potential links between heavy metals and cancer, and how you can take steps to protect yourself.

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Dr. Michael Souza presents this masterclass on heavy metals and their connection to cancer. He practices at East Bay Innovative Medicine in Rhode Island, focusing on total body health, wellness, and prevention. His approach integrates advanced anti-aging and functional medicine principles, prioritizing optimal function rather than just chasing numbers.

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Functional Medicine vs. Conventional Medicine

• Functional medicine looks at total body burden of metals over months or years, while conventional medicine focuses only on acute exposure.
• Heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, lead, aluminum, and arsenic have been linked to chronic diseases and cancer.
• These metals bind to proteins like metallothioneine, which are abundant in kidneys, bones, and brain tissue.
• Studies show that lead levels in human bones today are 1,000 times higher than those of people who lived 200 years ago.

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Health Risks of Heavy Metals

• Lead Exposure
  • Causes hypertension and atherosclerosis.
  • Impairs endothelial repair and increases blood clot formation.
  • Linked to cardiovascular disease (250,000 deaths annually in the U.S.).
• Mercury
  • Found in individuals with cardiomyopathy at 100 times higher levels than normal hearts.
  • Linked to kidney, liver, and gastric cancers.
• Cadmium
  • Common in soil, water, and food contamination.
  • Associated with breast, lung, stomach, and prostate cancers.
• Iron Overload
  • Excess iron generates free radicals leading to oxidative stress.
  • Increases risk of colorectal, lung, and breast cancer.
  • Example: Hemochromatosis leading to hepatocellular carcinoma.

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Metalloestrogens and Hormonal Disruptions

• Metalloestrogens activate estrogen receptors without estrogen, mimicking its effects.
• These include aluminum, cadmium, nickel, chromium, lead, mercury, and tin.
• Found in:
  • Food intake
  • Contaminated water
  • Airborne pollutants
• Linked to hormone-related diseases such as:
  • Breast and prostate cancer
  • Endometriosis
  • Diabetes
  • Reproductive dysfunction

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Sources of Heavy Metal Exposure

1. Environmental & Occupational Exposure
   • Lead pipes, industrial waste, air pollution.
2. Dietary Sources
   • Mercury in large fish (tuna, swordfish).
   • Arsenic in dark meat fish and rice.
3. Medical & Pharmaceutical
   • Amalgam dental fillings.
   • MRI contrast agents (gadolinium).

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Testing for Heavy Metals

• Blood Tests – Only detect recent exposure (past 7–14 days).
• Hair Sampling – Can indicate past exposure but less reliable.
• Provocative Testing (Preferred method)
  • IV chelation agent is administered.
  • Metals are excreted via urine and measured over 6 hours.
  • Provides a true measure of body burden.

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Chelation Therapy for Heavy Metal Removal

• EDTA Chelation (Calcium EDTA IV)
  • Removes lead, mercury, cadmium, and aluminum.
  • Given once a week to prevent kidney stress.
  • Also reduces atherosclerosis (as per the TACT trial).
• Glutathione Infusions
  • Neutralizes free radicals and binds metals for excretion.
• Alpha Lipoic Acid & Other Chelators
  • DMSA, DMPS, and Penicillamine for specific metals.

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Dietary and Lifestyle Strategies for Detoxification

• Sulfur-rich foods (Garlic, eggs, poultry, beans) help detox heavy metals.
• Leafy greens (Kale, spinach, collard greens) provide essential minerals.
• Lemon water supports detox by improving alkalinity.
• Fiber binds toxins for elimination (fruits, vegetables, lentils, nuts).
• Antioxidants (Vitamin C, E, CoQ10, selenium) reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.

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Preventing Heavy Metal Exposure

• Filter well water and test for heavy metals.
• Limit large fish consumption; opt for salmon, haddock, anchovies.
• Proper dental care – Remove silver amalgam fillings with a holistic dentist.
• Avoid aluminum cookware and canned foods.

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Q&A Highlights

• Testing Accuracy:
  • Provocative tests are highly accurate for detecting long-term heavy metal exposure.
• Can You Have High Heavy Metal Levels & No Symptoms?
  • Yes, but chronic exposure leads to long-term health issues.
• Best Ways to Remove Metals?
  • Chelation therapy, glutathione, diet, and hydration.
• How to Reduce MRI Contrast (Gadolinium) Burden?
  • Chelation, sulfur-rich foods, antioxidants, and hydration.
• Are Silver Fillings Harmful?
  • Yes. Mercury-based amalgams leach toxins into the body.

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Final Thoughts

• Heavy metals contribute significantly to inflammation, chronic diseases, and cancer.
• Regular testing and detox strategies can help reduce risk.
• Prevention is key: Limit exposure, support detox pathways, and optimize health.
• Chelation therapy and dietary changes are powerful tools for removing toxic metals and improving overall wellness.