Arsenic Toxicity
What Does It Mean?
Arsenic toxicity results from exposure to arsenic through contaminated water, food, air, or occupational hazards. Chronic exposure can lead to systemic toxicity, affecting multiple organs, including the liver, kidneys, nervous system, and skin. It disrupts cellular metabolism, increases oxidative stress, and interferes with enzyme function, leading to long-term health issues.
How Did We Get There?
Root Causes:
- Chronic Exposure to Arsenic
- Contaminated drinking water (especially groundwater sources)
- Industrial exposure (smelting, mining, pesticide manufacturing)
- Rice and seafood consumption (bioaccumulation of arsenic)
- Herbal and traditional medicine contamination
- Impaired Detoxification Pathways
- Inefficient methylation and glutathione depletion
- Liver overload due to high toxic burden
- Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress
- Nutrient Deficiencies
- Low selenium, zinc, and folate levels impair arsenic detoxification
- Methylation pathway dysfunction due to B-vitamin insufficiencies
Signs & Symptoms:
- Chronic fatigue and weakness
- Skin changes (hyperpigmentation, keratosis)
- Neurological symptoms (numbness, tingling, cognitive decline)
- Gastrointestinal distress (abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea)
- Cardiovascular issues (hypertension, arrhythmias)
- Liver dysfunction (elevated liver enzymes)
Lab Test Findings
| Lab Test Name | Expected Changes | Optimal Range |
| Arsenic, Blood | Increased | 0-3.0 ug/L |
How Do We Treat It?
Functional Medicine Approach:
Treatment focuses on eliminating exposure, enhancing detoxification, and restoring essential nutrients.
Supplement Protocol
| Supplement | Function | Dosage & Frequency |
| Vita-Glutathione | Master antioxidant that enhances detoxification and reduces oxidative stress | 3 capsules with or without food, daily |
| Vita-Binder | Broad-spectrum binding formula to remove arsenic and other heavy metals | 2 capsules (2hrs apart from supplements or food), daily |
| Vita DIM | Supports liver detoxification and hormone balance | 2 capsules with or without food, daily |
| V-Inflamma | Anti-inflammatory support to mitigate arsenic-induced oxidative damage | 1 capsule with food, daily |
| Advaclear | Enhances phase I & II liver detox pathways for effective arsenic clearance | 2 capsules with or without food, daily |
| Vita Buff-C Caps | Support immune health and reduce stomach irritation | 2 capsules without food, daily |
| Vita B Methyl | Supports methylation & energy production | 1 capsule without food, daily |
| Magnesium | Supports muscle function & relaxation | 2 capsules with or without food, daily |
| V-Pax | Neurotransmitter & adrenal support | 2 capsules without food, twice daily |
Additional Lifestyle Interventions:
- Eliminate exposure: Filter drinking water, reduce contaminated food intake.
- Support methylation: Increase folate, B12, and betaine-rich foods.
- Enhance detoxification: Promote sweating (sauna), hydration, and liver support.
- Monitor heavy metal burden: Retest blood arsenic levels after intervention.