**Denver’s "Detox": Altitude Hiding Heavy Metal Harm?**
By Franklin Everett ShawThe crisp mountain air of Denver, Colorado, often touted for its invigorating qualities, might be masking a hidden threat: heavy metal exposure. While the city boasts a vibrant outdoor culture, the unique geological composition of the surrounding area, coupled with historical mining activities, raises concerns about the presence of heavy metals in the soil and, consequently, our water supply. It’s time Denver residents take proactive steps to understand and mitigate this potential risk.
Denver’s high altitude exacerbates the effects of heavy metal toxicity. The lower oxygen levels at 5,280 feet place additional stress on the body, making it more vulnerable to the damaging effects of heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and mercury. These metals can interfere with oxygen transport, further compromising cellular function already strained by the altitude.
So, how can Denverites protect themselves? The first step is knowledge. Testing your water and soil is crucial to understanding your exposure risk.
Testing Your Water: A Step-by-Step Guide
Choose a Certified Lab: Don’t rely on DIY kits for accurate results. Opt for a state-certified laboratory. In Colorado, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) maintains a list of certified labs. A quick Google search for “Colorado certified water testing labs” will provide you with options. For Denver specifically, consider contacting the Denver Water Quality Lab for information, even if they don’t directly offer residential testing. They can often recommend reputable private labs.
Select the Right Test: A standard water test might not include heavy metals. Specifically request a heavy metals panel that includes arsenic, lead, cadmium, mercury, and chromium. These are common contaminants in the Denver area due to historical mining and industrial activities.
Collect Your Sample Carefully: Follow the lab’s instructions precisely. This usually involves running the cold water tap for several minutes before collecting the sample in a sterile container provided by the lab. Avoid touching the inside of the container to prevent contamination.
Submit Promptly: Deliver the sample to the lab as quickly as possible, ideally within 24 hours. Keep it refrigerated if necessary.
Understand the Results: The lab report will provide a list of detected metals and their concentrations, usually in parts per billion (ppb) or parts per million (ppm). Compare these values to the EPA’s Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for drinking water. If levels exceed the MCLs, take immediate action.
Testing Your Soil: Unearthing Potential Risks
Identify Potential Sources: Consider the history of your property and surrounding areas. Was it previously used for industrial purposes, agriculture, or mining? These activities can leave behind heavy metal contamination. Even seemingly innocuous sources like treated lumber used in raised garden beds can leach arsenic into the soil.
Collect Representative Samples: Don’t just take one sample from your entire yard. Collect multiple samples from different locations and depths (0-6 inches and 6-12 inches). Mix these samples together to create a composite sample that represents the overall soil composition.
Choose a Soil Testing Lab: Similar to water testing, use a certified lab. Colorado State University Extension offers soil testing services and can provide guidance on sample collection. Search online for “Colorado soil testing labs” to find other options.
Request a Heavy Metals Panel: Specify the heavy metals you want to test for, focusing on arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury.
Interpret the Results: The lab report will provide the concentration of each metal in parts per million (ppm). Compare these values to EPA guidelines or consult with a soil scientist to determine if remediation is necessary.
Practical Detoxification Strategies for High Altitude Living
Living in Denver requires a proactive approach to detoxification, given the combined stressors of altitude and potential heavy metal exposure.
Hydration is Key: Drink plenty of filtered water to help flush out toxins. Aim for at least half your body weight in ounces per day. Consider adding a pinch of Himalayan pink salt to your water to replenish electrolytes lost due to increased respiration at high altitude.
Prioritize Nutrient-Dense Foods: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. These foods provide essential nutrients that support the body’s natural detoxification processes. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale are particularly beneficial for liver detoxification.
Supplement Wisely: Certain supplements can aid in heavy metal detoxification. Chlorella and spirulina are algae that bind to heavy metals and help remove them from the body. Cilantro is another natural chelator. However, consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
Sweat it Out: Exercise regularly to promote sweating, which is a natural way to eliminate toxins. Consider infrared saunas, which can help you sweat more efficiently at lower temperatures, minimizing the stress on your body at high altitude.
Support Liver Function: The liver is the primary organ responsible for detoxification. Milk thistle is a herb that supports liver health and function.
Chelation Therapy in Denver: A Last Resort?
Chelation therapy is a medical procedure that uses chelating agents to bind to heavy metals in the blood and remove them from the body. While it can be effective in treating severe heavy metal poisoning, it’s not without risks and should only be considered under the guidance of a qualified medical professional.
Several clinics in the Denver area offer chelation therapy. However, it’s crucial to research the clinic and the doctor’s credentials thoroughly before undergoing treatment. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor to determine if chelation therapy is appropriate for you.
Challenges and Pitfalls
Misinterpreting Test Results: Lab reports can be confusing. Don’t hesitate to ask the lab or a qualified professional to help you understand the results and their implications.
Relying on Unreliable Information: Be wary of online sources that promote unsubstantiated claims about heavy metal detoxification. Stick to reputable sources like government agencies, universities, and peer-reviewed scientific studies.
Ignoring the Root Cause: Detoxification is important, but it’s equally important to address the source of the exposure. If your water or soil is contaminated, take steps to remediate the problem.
Overdoing Detoxification: Aggressive detoxification protocols can be harmful, especially at high altitude. Start slowly and listen to your body.
Denver’s unique environment presents both opportunities and challenges. By understanding the potential risks of heavy metal exposure and taking proactive steps to test your water and soil, adopt appropriate detoxification strategies, and seek professional guidance when needed, you can protect your health and enjoy all that the Mile High City has to offer. Remember, knowledge is power, and a healthy lifestyle is your best defense.