Do you feel like the words “heavy metals” are getting a lot of buzz lately? It seems like it's hot topic that you read about on social media where everybody's like, “Maybe I do have mercury poisoning? Maybe I have lead poisoning?” My guest today is going to give you the lowdown on how heavy metals and other toxins affect gut health and what you can do about it. Today's guest, Dr. Sonza Curtis, ND, PA-C, IFMP, has a doctorate in Naturopathy for Healthcare Professionals and was certified through the Institute of Functional Medicine. She completed her undergraduate and master of Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She has additional advanced training and specializes in Gut, Autoimmune, and Hormone health. Dr. Sonza has always been committed to helping people get better naturally and has many techniques built into her practice designed to help patients get back to health better than before they came through her doors. Her ability to listen carefully to her patients, along with the mix of western medicine and naturopathy, make her a top Functional Medicine doctor in the Atlanta metro area. Join us as we discuss everything surrounding heavy metals. Have you ever done heavy metal testing or tried a heavy metal detox? What worked or what did you learn? Tell me about it in the comments! In this episode: What are heavy metals specifically and how do they differ from minerals like zinc, sodium, or potassium What are the most common origins for heavy metal toxicity? Why heavy metal toxicity is higher in women during menopause Important things you should do before a heavy metal detox When to see a Functional Medicine Doctor Quotes “We're full of metals, even as we're talking in the EMFs and different things of that nature, if a person is very sensitive sometimes they can't even take that… The two negatives repel. Sometimes even the conductivity in electronics can cause patients issues that can trigger, even intensify their heavy metals.” [7:30] “If you're not pooping on a regular basis, guess what you're doing with that toxin? You're recirculating the toxins, and it's going to stay in there stronger. You have to make sure all the process of where you're detoxing is optimal before you start pushing things and trying to get it out.” [20:05] Links Connect with Dr. Sonza Curtis online Follow Dr. Sonza on Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn Healthy Skin Show ep.147: Could Breast Implant Illness Be Your Rash Trigger? w/ Dr. Anthony Youn