What are heavy metals and why are they in our food? In this episode Dr. Ashley Salomon, MD, provides examples of toxic heavy metals, the big food offenders, and the symptoms and illnesses associated with heavy metal exposure. You’ll learn what foods can protect us plus hear about some great alternatives to foods that are high in heavy metals. Brown or white rice? How should you rinse rice? If you’re a fan of sushi, seafood, rice and/or wine, you’ll want to listen to this one!

In this podcast you’ll hear:

1:00 - Dr. Salomon’s educational and professional background
3:25 - What is functional medicine
10:20 - Examples of heavy metals
12:00 - Symptoms and illnesses associated with heavy metal exposure
16:37 - Arsenic in rice; brown rice v. white rice
17:40 - Recommendation for soaking rice
18:45 - Mercury in fish; fish with higher metal levels v. lower metal levels
20:20 - Who should avoid foods with heavy metals
22:50 - Alternatives to foods with high heavy metal levels
24:00 - Water and water filtration
26:00 - Protective foods
29:00 - Pesticides and heavy metals
30:45 - Wine
31:40 - Heavy metals in medicinal herbs & supplements
34:00 - More on wine and heavy metals
37:30 - Testing for heavy metals