The Impact of Environmental Toxins on Heart Health

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Heart disease is the leading cause of death, worldwide, killing 18 million people each year. And even living the healthiest lifestyle can’t guarantee you’re protected.

That’s partly because we’re all exposed to a lesser-known risk factor beyond diet and habits daily: environmental toxins. Read on to discover the most common toxins that affect the heart, and natural detox methods to help you live a longer, healthier life.

Top environmental toxins that affect the heart

Environmental toxins are harmful substances and organisms in our surroundings–such as heavy metals, pesticides, and mold–which impact our health through air, food, water, and direct contact.

These toxins can accumulate in the body, potentially leading to cardiovascular issues and other health problems. Here are the most common ones that affect the heart, and where they’re typically lurking.

Heavy metals

The American Heart Association confirms that heavy metals can negatively affect cardiovascular health–even in small amounts. Some of the most common varieties are:

Lead: Present in old paint, contaminated soil, and certain consumer products, this metal can cause high blood pressure and atherosclerosis (thickening or hardening of the blood vessels), which can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Cadmium: Found in cigarette smoke, industrial emissions, and certain foods like shellfish and organ meats, cadmium can cause high blood pressure, increasing cardiovascular disease risk.
Arsenic: Mainly found in contaminated drinking water, certain kinds of rice, and seafood, this metal is associated with impaired heart and blood vessel function.
Mercury: Found in amalgam dental fillings and contaminated seafood, mercury exposure contributes to high blood pressure and a heightened risk of cardiovascular events.
Nickel: Present in certain foods and processing for industrial purposes, nickel exposure has been linked to negative changes in heart rate and function.

Studies show that exposure to even small amounts of these elements can lead to:

Oxidative stress (damage to cells)
Chronic inflammation
Dysfunction of the endothelium (the inner cellular lining of blood vessels)
High blood pressure
Dyslipidemia (imbalances of blood lipids, such as cholesterol)
Altered heart muscle function

Air pollution

Air pollution–both outdoors and indoors–significantly impacts heart health. Common toxins include:

Particulate matter (PM2.5): Found in car exhaust and smoke, these tiny particles can cause inflammation and stress in the body, leading to heart disease.
Industrial pollutants: Chemicals from burning coal and fossil fuels can build up in our bodies, impacting cardiovascular health.
Black mold: A specifically indoor concern, black mold produces mycotoxins that can be especially harmful to the heart. They can trigger inflammation and an overactive immune response, potentially leading to heart issues.

Other environmental toxins

We’re also frequently exposed to other toxins that affect the heart, including:

Pesticides: Used in agriculture and found in many consumer products, these chemicals can disrupt cardiovascular function.
Plastics and phthalates: Present in personal care products, long-term exposure to certain plastics and related additives can contribute to atherosclerosis–a major risk factor for coronary artery disease.
Bisphenol A (BPA): Found in plastic containers, this chemical leaches into food and beverages, potentially leading to vasoconstriction and reduced blood supply to the heart.
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs): Previously used in electrical equipment, these pollutants were banned in 1979 due to their association with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. You may still come into contact with them if you use older electrical devices or circuit breakers.
Dioxins: Dioxins are highly toxic industrial byproducts found in certain foods, soil, and household products. They’re known to contribute to heart disease, hormonal imbalances, and other health problems.

Now that we’ve discussed the most common environmental toxins that affect heart health, let’s dive into some practical methods to reduce their effects and support the body’s innate detoxification capabilities.

Natural detox methods to boost heart health

Limit exposure.

While many environmental toxins are unavoidable, you can limit your exposure and significantly protect your cardiovascular health. Some simple ways to do this include:

Choosing organic foods whenever possible
Using high-quality water filters to remove contaminants
Avoiding plastic containers to minimize BPA exposure
Investing in an air purifier with HEPA filter to cleanse indoor air
Steering clear of cigarette smoke and pollutants like car exhaust and industrial emissions

Detox through diet.

Foods rich in antioxidants, fiber, and other essential nutrients keep inflammation to a minimum while supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes. Some (such as garlic) have even been shown to help remove heavy metals from the body.

Eat plenty of:

Garlic
Cilantro
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts
Leafy greens
Berries
Nuts, and seeds

And, if you eat seafood, reduce your mercury intake by choosing smaller fish that are wild-caught or sustainably farmed, such as:

Salmon
Trout
Tilapia
Cod
Shellfish

Detox with supplements.

Certain supplements can support the body’s detoxification processes, improving cardiovascular health. These include:

Modified citrus pectin (MCP): While more research is needed, some studies suggest MCP can bind to heavy metals, speeding up their elimination from the body.
Glutathione: A powerful antioxidant produced by the liver, increased glutathione levels through supplements can improve liver detoxification and heart health by reducing stiffness in blood vessels, lowering cholesterol, and improving blood flow.
Activated charcoal and/or bentonite clay: These substances bind to toxins in the digestive tract, facilitating their removal. Activated charcoal, in particular, is so effective at absorbing toxins, it’s even used in emergency situations for rapid poison elimination.
Medicinal mushrooms: Mushrooms have become a health trend in recent years for good reason. Reishi and cordyceps, in particular, support detoxification, as well as healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Milk thistle: Milk thistle contains silybin, an antioxidant that helps protect the liver from damage and supports its detoxifying functions.
Kelp: This seaweed binds to heavy metals and other toxins in the digestive tract, speeding up safe elimination from the body.

Keep in mind that, while you’re detoxing with certain supplements, you might notice temporary symptoms like digestive discomfort or fatigue. These should pass quickly, leaving you with improved cardiovascular health–and feeling better, in general.

Stay hydrated.

The body naturally flushes out toxins through urine, so drinking plenty of water is vital. Hydration also supports kidney function, an essential part of the body’s detox system.

Just remember to use a water filter that reduces arsenic, lead, and other pollutants.

Exercise regularly.

Exercise supports the body’s natural detox processes by increasing sweat and blood flow, while also boosting heart health. So stay active, and aim for at least 150 minutes of strenuous exercise each week.

Try other detoxifying strategies.

Some other lifestyle strategies that boost the body’s natural detoxifying capabilities include:

Sauna therapy: Many studies show that infrared and steam saunas help the body purge a wide range of toxins–including heavy metals, phthalates, Bisphenol A (BPA), pesticides, and PCBs–through sweating.
Medical detoxification treatments: Specialized detoxification treatments, such as chelation therapy, can be extremely helpful for those with higher heavy metal toxicity. Chelation therapy involves using specific agents to bind and remove heavy metals from the body, either intravenously or orally. Keep in mind: these treatments are intense, and should only be employed under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider.
Stress management techniques: While not a physical detoxification strategy, per se, calming activities like meditation and yoga help detoxify the mind. They also lower the body’s stress response, which supports a smoother, more peaceful physical detoxification process.

Related: 5 Facts for Heart Health

Environmental toxins like heavy metals and air pollutants are a major factor in heart disease, contributing to high blood pressure, oxidative stress, and inflammation. But with knowledge and the right approach, you can significantly reduce their effects and maintain a healthy heart–and overall well-being.

Try the above natural detox methods to protect your heart, and enjoy a longer, healthier life.

References:

The Spectrum of Epidemiology Underlying Sudden Cardiac Death – PMC

Cardiovascular diseases – World Health Organization (WHO)

Lifestyle Strategies for Risk Factor Reduction, Prevention, and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease – PMC

Heavy Metals Toxicity and the Environment – PMC

Contaminant Metals as Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Contaminant Metals as Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

How Your Surroundings Could Be Harming Your Heart — the Hidden Threat of Environmental Toxins – Dr. Isaac Eliaz

Environmental risk factors for heart disease

The Impact of Environmental Toxins on Cardiovascular Diseases

Higher cardiovascular risk linked to toxic metals found in everyday life | American Heart Association