What is arsenic poisoning?
Arsenic is a highly poisonous metallic element found at varying levels in a wide variety of sources, including, pesticides, laundry aids, smog, tobacco smoke, bone meal, dolomite, kelp, table salt, beer, seafood, and even drinking water. When ingested, inorganic arsenic is deposited in the hair, skin, and nails. Once it makes its way into the hair follicles, it’s presence can be detected in the hair shaft for years.
We all take arsenic in very small regular doses. Arsenic is difficult to detect as it is usually odorless and tasteless. Arsenic has been known of and used since 3000 BC. Arsenic poisoning is usually determined by a hair analysis. If arsenic is found in the hair follicles it will stay there for years. If it is in your hair follicles it is usually in your body as well. Arsenic is also deposited in the fingernails and skin.
Arsenic Poisoning Signs and Symptoms
Headaches, confusion, drowsiness, convulsions, and changes in fingernail pigmentation may occur with chronic arsenic poisoning. Symptoms of acute arsenic poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, bloody urine, muscle cramps and/or weakness, fatigue, hair loss, dermatitis, gastrointestinal pain, and convulsions. Arsenic poisoning primarily affects the lungs, skin, kidneys, and liver. The accumulation of toxic levels of arsenic can result in coma and death.
Exposure to arsenic has been implicated in the development of certain types of cancer as well. Workers involved include production, agricultural insecticide spraying, copper smelting, mining, sheep dipping, and metallurgical industries are at a high risk for skin cancer, scrotal cancer, a type of liver cancer, cancer of the lymphatic system, and lung cancer due to arsenic exposure. The toxic effects of arsenic are cumulative.
Home Remedies for Arsenic Poisoning
- Eat eggs, onions, beans, legumes, and garlic to obtain sulfur. You can also obtain sulfur from garlic supplements. Sulfur helps eliminate arsenic from the body. The amino acid cysteine also provides sulfur. Sulfur can be purchased in tablet form as well.
- If you have symptoms of chronic arsenic poisoning, have a hair analysis performed to determine the level of toxic metals in your body.
- Chelation therapy is an option if you have arsenic poisoning. Chelation therapy is used to remove toxic metals such as cadmium, arsenic, lead and mercury from our bodies. Metals and minerals can clog our systems and can be removed with chelation therapy.
- In case of accidental arsenic ingestion, immediately take 5 charcoal tablets, and take 5 more every fifteen minutes until you reach your health care provider or the emergency room of the nearest hospital. Charcoal tablets should be kept on hand in every household in case of accidental overdose of drugs.
- Supplement your diet with plenty of fiber daily.
Note: Always take supplemental fiber separately from other supplements and medications.
Useful References