Lead poisoning is a condition that develops as a result of exposure to lead in the environment. While products such as paints, gasoline and water pipes are no longer made with lead, there are still some lead-based products in the world that can be hazardous to one's health. Aside from that, a good amount of lead remains in the environment even years after its initial us.

Children are at higher risk of developing lead poisoning because leads can build up in their nervous system as they grow and develop. While fatal cases of lead poising are rare, dangerous levels of lead in children can result in other problems that may affect a child's intelligence.

In the U.S., most cases of lead poisoning in children comes from lead pipes, deteriorated lead-based paint in older homes and high levels of lead-contaminated house dust.

Initially, lead poisoning may not be so easy to detect as children who appear healthy can have high levels of lead in their bodies. Lead accumulation usually happens gradually, and the build up can go unnoticed for some time. Once the levels become dangerous, signs and symptoms may begin to appear which in children can include abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, irritability, sluggishness, vomiting, constipation, learning disabilities and unusual paleness from anemia.

While risk of developing lead poising is higher in children, the condition is also problematic for adults who may exhibit symptoms including headache, pain, numbness or tingling of the extremities, abdominal pain, memory loss,
muscular weakness, reduced sperm count, abnormal sperm and mood disorders.

Numerous locations in the environment can serve as sources of lead poisoning. They include:

Soil - Lead particles can remain on the soil from gasoline or paint used years ago for many years after. Major highways and old homes and in some urban settings are places that typically contain high concentrations of lead in soil.

Water - Tap water can become contaminated with lead if the pipes, plumbing fixtures and water systems contain lead. Have your water tested to ensure the level of lead and minerals is safe.

Lead paint - The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned the sale of lead-based paints for use in residences, children's toys and household furniture in 1978 but lead-based paint still remains on the interior of many older homes and apartments.

Household dust - Lead from paint chips or soil brought in from outside can sometimes be found in household dust.

Certain cosmetics and medications - Certain ayurvedic (traditional) medicines from India and other South Asian countries that may contain lead have also played a role in some cases of lead poisoning. Kohl is a traditional cosmetic, which is often used as eyeliner has been found to contain high levels of lead.

The regimen outlined below includes a safe, natural approach to treating & preventing lead poisoning:

Lead isn't biodegradable and if it's not properly removed or contained it can still be very hazardous so the first step is to hire a professional to thoroughly remove all lead-based paint from homes and workplaces.

Eat a healthy diet high in fiber consisting of beans, broccoli and cauliflower. Also drink plenty of pure water.

If lead poisoning is suspected, have a hair analysis to determine lead levels in the body.

Do not smoke and avoid second-hand smoke.

The following supplements may also be beneficial:

Alpha Lipoid Acid (take as directed on label) - Helps detoxify the body of metallic pollutants.

Calcium (2,000 mg daily ) and Magnesium (1,000 mg daily) - Prevents lead from being deposited into the body.

Garlic (2 capsules, 3 times daily) - Shields the body's immune system. Use Kyolic by Wakunaga of America, which is an odorless organic garlic supplement.

Kelp (take as directed on label) - Removes unwanted metal deposits.

MSM (take as directed on label) - Helps the body detoxify harmful metals from the body.

SAMe (take as directed on label) - Helps remove heavy metals out of the body.

Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids (5,000 - 20,000 mg in divided doses daily) - Helps neutralize the effects of lead.

Glutathione plus L-Methionine (take as directed on label on an empty stomach. Take with water or juice & never with milk) - Powerful antioxidants that shield the liver, kidneys, heart and central nervous system.

Alfalfa - Rich in vitamins, minerals and other valuable nutrients, and it has a detoxifying effect on the body.

* Important notes: It is recommended that you seek the advice of a qualified healthcare practitioner prior to using any alternative therapies. The recommended doses are for those over age 18. Lower the doses to three-quarters of the recommended amount for children between the ages of twelve and seventeen. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.