heavy metals and rls

[senders]

I am asking my dr for a heavy metal screen to see if there is something causing my symptoms. Does anyone know if this is a relevant test for rls. Of course my dr said no.

[ChrisColumbus]

The self-styled 'Medical Medium', Anthony William (Coviello), believes that a heavy metal detox helps RLS alongside many other conditions (probably including ingrowing toenail...). I find that listening to Simon & Garfunkel helps me more! 😉

Sorry to be flippant: hopefully someone else here has something more useful to contribute!

[SueJohnson]

I've never heard of this in all my research. There are OTC products labeled heavy metal detox. But truthfully I wouldn't worry about it.

[ironbrain]

Heavy metals poisoning amounts to nerve damage, I believe, but I don't remember anything about such damage relating to RLS. Onions and garlic can help remove them from the body (but possibly also "good" metals like zinc). Something I've not worked so much about since they stopped putting lead in petrol.

[Joolsg]

There was a 'trend' to blame heavy metal on many neurological diseases around 20 years ago.I wouldn't waste your money.

You have RLS because of your genes and probably faulty dopamine receptors.

[amrob123]

Possibly if you have excessively high levels of a particular metal but I wouldn't be relying on the test too much. I recall reading that high levels of mercury can cause motor dysfunction.

And there is evidence of a relationship between heavy metal exposure and autism spectrum disorder (also a neurological condition)

[amrob123 in reply to amrob123]

"Heavy metals can induce oxidative stress, disrupt neurotransmitter function, and alter immune responses".

[Goldy700]

If you are concerned that you have an overload of heavy metals you could undertake a hair analysis. If you find you have an overload of a toxic metal then you may consider undergoing chelation therapy with the help of your doctor of natural therapist. Whether reducing heavy metals would effect your RLS is totally unknown - I don't think there has been any such study but at least knowing the status of your heavy metal load could be useful to avoid future overload and to slowly chelate these metals from your body.