Are You Having High Chromium Levels In Your Blood? Here’s The Solution
Chromium is an essential trace mineral that is required in small amounts for glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and protein synthesis. When there are high chromium levels in your blood it can be harmful to the body.
In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and solutions to high chromium levels in the blood.
What causes high chromium levels in the blood?
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There are several factors, one of the causes is exposure to a chemical such as chromate, which is used in electroplating and tanning industries.
Other factors are polluted water sources, poorly maintained municipal water systems, high use of chromium supplements and other medications that decreases the absorption of chromium.
Symptoms of high chromium levels in the blood
The symptoms are difficult to identify since they are often non-specific.
Some common symptoms include:
- Skin rashes
- Digestive problems
- Headaches
- Fatigue
In severe cases, high chromium levels can damage the kidney and liver, lead to anemia and cancer.
How to diagnose high chromium levels in the blood
To diagnose high chromium levels, a blood test is required. It measures the amount of chromium in the blood.
In some cases, a urine test may also be required to measure the amount of chromium excreted from the body.
What is the normal range for chromium levels in the blood?
The normal range for chromium levels in the blood depends on the method used for analysis.
For total chromium, both trivalent and hexavalent forms, the normal range in adults is usually between 0.05 and 0.5 micrograms per liter (μg/L).
For trivalent chromium, which is considered to be biologically active and beneficial, the normal range is usually between 0.1 and 0.4 μg/L.
Treatment options for high chromium levels
If you suspect that you have high chromium levels, here are some recommendations:
- Limit your exposure to an environmental source
- If your chromium levels are high due to a supplement you should stop taking it
- Drinking plenty of water to flush out excess chromium from the body
In mild cases, dietary changes and lifestyle modifications may be sufficient to lower chromium levels.
In severe cases, medical treatment may be necessary, this includes chelation therapy, which involves the use of succimer to remove excess chromium from the body.
The choice of chelating agent will depend on individual case and the severity of chromium toxicity.
Chelation therapy is typically administered intravenously, with the chelating agent being delivered through a vein over a period of several hours.
The treatment may need to be repeated several times over a period of weeks or months to achieve optimal results.
Prevention strategies for high chromium levels
There are several ways to prevent high chromium levels in the blood, some strategies include:
- Avoiding industrial chemicals like chromate
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Avoid eating foods containing high levels of chromium
- Drink clean water free from contaminants like chromium compounds
- Be cautious when taking supplements and medications that may contain chromium
By sticking to the average daily recommended intakes of chromium is also a better way to prevent high levels.
- Infants 0-6 months: 0.2-5.5 mcg/day
- Infants 7-12 months: 5.5-11 mcg/day
- Children 1-3 years: 11 mcg/day
- Children 4-8 years: 15 mcg/day
- Boys 9-13 years: 25 mcg/day
- Boys 14-19 years: 35 mcg/day
- Men 20-50 years: 35 mcg/day
- Men 51+ years: 30 mcg/day
- Girls 9-13 years: 21 mcg/day
- Girls 14-19 years: 24 mcg/day
- Women 20-50 years: 25 mcg/day
- Women 51+ years: 20 mcg/day
- Pregnant women: 30 mcg/day
- Lactating moms: 45 mcg/day
Herbal remedies for high chromium levels
Herbs like neem, ginseng, and cilantro have been shown to have detoxifying properties that can help to lower chromium levels in the blood.
These herbs can be consumed in supplement form or added to meals as a natural remedy to reduce the amount of chromium in the body.
Conclusion: Are you having high chromium levels in your blood?
High chromium levels in the blood can be harmful to your health if left untreated.
With the right diagnosis and treatment, it is possible to manage this condition and reduce the risk of long-term health complications.
By making dietary and lifestyle changes, avoiding exposure to industrial chemicals, and seeking medical treatment when necessary, you can maintain optimal health and wellbeing.
Lastly, you should monitor your chromium levels regularly to ensure that they remain within a healthy range.