Every day, we’re exposed to substances in food, water, and the environment that can affect our health. For some, heavy metals such as mercury, lead, or arsenic accumulate and disrupt normal body functions. This can lead to fatigue, brain fog, digestive issues, or even long-term organ stress. While these toxins are often overlooked in standard medicine, functional medicine investigates their role in chronic symptoms.
Dr. David M. Creech at Delaware Functional Medicine and Longevity helps patients in Wilmington identify heavy metal exposure. As a board-certified physician, he is an expert in safe detoxification strategies.
What Is Heavy Metal Toxicity?
Heavy metal toxicity occurs when harmful metals build up faster than the body can eliminate them. Common sources include:
- Mercury in certain fish or old dental fillings
- Lead from old paint, pipes, or contaminated soil
- Arsenic from water or industrial exposure
- Cadmium from cigarette smoke or some foods
Over time, these exposures may overwhelm the body, contributing to fatigue, neurological changes, or immune dysfunction.
Signs Detoxification May Be Needed
Heavy metal buildup can cause vague symptoms that mimic other conditions. Patients sometimes report:
- Chronic fatigue or weakness
- Digestive problems or food sensitivities
- Frequent headaches or brain fog
- Numbness, tingling, or joint pain
- Difficulty concentrating or memory changes
Because symptoms are nonspecific, advanced testing is essential.
Candidates for Heavy Metal Detox
Evaluation for heavy metals may help if you:
- Have a history of occupational or environmental exposure
- Eat large amounts of fish known to contain mercury
- Live in an older home with possible lead paint or plumbing
- Experience unexplained chronic fatigue, pain, or neurological issues
- Want proactive testing as part of a wellness plan
Functional Medicine Detox Strategies
Dr. Creech begins with a comprehensive evaluation and testing for heavy metal exposure. Based on results, care may include:
- Nutritional support to improve natural detox pathways
- Use of supplements or binders to help the body eliminate toxins (when appropriate)
- Hydration and dietary strategies to reduce toxin load
- Sauna or other recovery therapies to encourage circulation and sweating
- Ongoing monitoring to ensure detox is safe and effective
Detoxification is always guided carefully to prevent overwhelming the body.
Why Choose Delaware Functional Medicine and Longevity?
At many clinics, heavy metal toxicity is rarely considered unless exposure is obvious. At our Wilmington practice, Dr. Creech understands that subtle, chronic exposure can play a major role in ongoing illness. His medical background, combined with functional medicine expertise, allows him to create personalized detox plans that are both safe and effective.
Patients choose Delaware Functional Medicine and Longevity because they want answers beyond routine care, and they trust Dr. Creech to provide thorough evaluation and evidence-based strategies.
Restore Balance, Reduce Toxins
If you suspect heavy metal exposure may be affecting your health, you don’t have to live with unanswered questions. Delaware Functional Medicine and Longevity in Wilmington, Delaware, provides safe testing and detox strategies. Call (302) 599-9542 to learn more about heavy metal detoxification and schedule your appointment.