ARE THERE HEAVY METALS IN MY PROTEIN POWDER?

There has been a lot of concern lately about heavy metals in protein powders. Consumer Reports recently published an article about finding disturbing levels of arsenic and lead in certain brands of protein powder. Naturally, our customers want to know: does Organifi Complete Protein contain heavy metals?

The short answer is: Organifi contains barely detectable amounts of heavy metals, and the amounts contained are no more than you would find in any plant or even organic vegetable (all plants contain minute amounts of heavy metals). Any amount of heavy metals in our products are far below the maximum amounts allowed by Prop 65 guidelines. Specific numbers are given below. 

Let's dive into some of the dangerous chemicals and metals that are of greatest concern to our consumers and why they are so problematic. 

HEAVY METALS AND CHEMICALS IN CONSUMABLE PRODUCTS

There are a few top offenders in the heavy metals and chemicals category that have been tested for in recent studies. If consumed, these can linger in the body for months or years, eventually leading to serious health problems.

Remember, heavy metals are naturally occurring substances in the earth's surface. You will come in contact and consume some of them no matter what. The problems arise when high amounts of these are consumed over time.  

Arsenic

Arsenic is a natural component that comes from the earth's crust. Inorganic arsenic is highly toxic to human beings and has been linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, developmental delays, higher risk of death in young adults, cancer and skin lesions. 

What's the difference between organic and inorganic

Cadmium

Cadmium is another natural element from the earth's crust. All soils, rocks, fertilizers and coal contain small amounts of cadmium. It is highly toxic to people because it mimics zinc in the body and can build up in certain organs like the kidneys and cause severe damage overtime. It has also been linked to several forms of cancer. 

Mercury

Mercury is a heavy metal that occurs naturally in nature. It can cause severe alterations in tissues in the body and cause many adverse health problems. It is particularly harmful to unborn babies and young children. Mercury has toxic effects on the nervous, digestive and immune system and may also negatively affect the lungs, kidneys, skin and eyes.  

Lead

Lead is a cumulative toxin that is naturally occurring in the earth's crust. It is extremely toxic to human beings and there is NO known level of lead exposure that is considered safe. Lead can cause health problems in the brain, liver, kidneys and bones.

Bisphenol A (BPA) 

BPA is widely used in plastics and epoxy resins. A large number of studies have been performed on the potential toxicity of BPA in humans. BPA is metabolized by the liver and affects estrogen receptors, leading to endocrine disruption, including infertility for both women and men and PCOS. It may also be linked to brain and behavioral development issues. 

THE CLEAN LABEL PROJECT

The Clean Label Project is a company that tests best-selling products in America for potentially dangerous contaminants. Their goal is to keep companies honest and customers aware and educated. They recently did a study of protein powders and drinks, testing for about 150 contaminants, including heavy metals and BPA. 

Researchers measured contaminant content per serving size, which varied depending on the company and product tested. Here are some interesting things they discovered:

• Plant-based products (i.e. soy and hemp) had a higher likelihood of containing some level of contaminants than animal-based products (i.e. whey and egg). This is believed to be because plants can absorb heavy metals from the soil they are grown in, while animals from whom the whey or eggs come from may digest out some of the contaminants and/or there isn't much in their feed to start with. 

• Buying organic doesn't reduce the chances of getting a contaminated product. Some organic brands have even higher levels of heavy metals than their non-organic counterparts. This is thought to be more related to the fact that they are plant-based than organic, however.

You can read more about the study here. 

DOES ORGANIFI CONTAIN HEAVY METALS/BPA?

Organifi Complete Protein only has extremely low, almost undetectable amounts of heavy metals. Amounts are nowhere near the strict Prop 65 limits. Your health is safe with us.

Heavy Metals In Organifi:

ChemicalVanilla ProteinChocolate ProteinProp 65 limit parts per millionparts per millionparts per millionLead0.0020.0210.5Arsenic0.0040.00710Cadmium0.0340.0734.1Mercurynd0.005

Read on to learn more about Prop 65.

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH? PROP 65 GUIDELINES 

There is no way to avoid heavy metals entirely. We all have some in our bodies. Every plant and living organism has some amount of heavy metal in them...

If you eat food that comes from the ocean, you are going to consume some mercury. If you eat leafy green vegetables or food that grows in the ground, there will be some heavy metal contamination. We will come into contact with heavy metals no matter what, so what is more important to understand is how to avoid overexposure. 

First, how much is too much?

The Prop 65 standards are much more strict than other standards. For example where Prop 65 allows 0.5 mcg/day, the European Union, Food and Agricultural Organization and World Health Organization allow way more at 250 mcg/day, the FDA limit is still more significant at 75 mcg/day and Canada's Natural Health Directorate still draws the line at 40 times higher at 20 mcg/day.

You can be sure that Prop 65 guides keep your health in mind.

How do our products fair? Organific Complete Protein has only between 0.003 and 0.0001 percent of the Prop 65 limit for each heavy metal. This amount is practically undetectable and can keep you safe.

4-STEP HEAVY METAL DETOX

Heavy metal toxicity can come from various sources, not only products. Mercury poisoning, for example, can happen from amalgam dental fillings and certain fish. Heavy metal toxicity can happen through environmental pollution (such as radiation, aid pollution, cigarette smoke and traffic fumes), drinking contaminated water, from birth (passed down from mother to child in utero), household products (such as cosmetics, felt, fabric softeners, air condition filters) and floor polish, vaccination, certain household items (such as antiperspirants, baking powder, antiacids, coins and plastic toys), getting tattoos and exposure to substances that carry lead (such as ceramic, old paint, toothpaste, old pipes and some pottery). 

No one can completely avoid exposure to heavy metal toxins. Detoxification can be a beneficial practice for all. Here is how you can detoxify your body from heavy metals.

Step One: Fill Your Diet With Detoxifying Foods 

• Lots of leafy greens: they are extremely powerful in detoxifying heavy metals from your body. Broccoli sprouts, beet greens, kale, Swiss chard, mustard greens, arugula and spinach are particularly potent.

• Herbs and spices: herbs and spices that help your heavy metal detox and lower inflammation in your body include cilantro, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, basil, parsley, oregano, rosemary, thyme and oregano.

• Foods rich in vitamin C: foods, such as oranges, lemon, grapefruit, kiwi, guava, spinach, kale and berries can help detoxification through antioxidants.

• Garlic and onion: garlic and onion can help detoxification with the help of sulfur.

• Flax and chia seeds: flax and chia seeds can help your detoxification process through fiber (helping elimination) and omega-3s (helping inflammation).

• Bone broth: bone broth helps hydration, adds minerals to your body, supports the liver and helps fight toxins.

• Water: hydration is crucial when detoxing. Drink 8-10 oz of water every 2 hours. You may sub some of the water with green juice.

Step Two: Reduce/Eliminate Consumption Of Certain Foods

• Farmed fish: farmed fish, especially from certain countries are not always monitored and can put you at risk of toxicity.

• Food allergens: food allergens can cause inflammation that makes detoxification more difficult. 

• Processed foods and additives: processed food can fill your system with unwanted junk and aggravate toxicity.

• Alcohol: alcohol makes it more difficult for your liver to aid detoxification.

Step Three: Take Supplements That Help Heavy Metal Detox

Always work with a medical professional when starting supplements to determine the best regimen for you and your unique needs. 

• Chlorella (1-4 g)

• Vitamin C (3000 mg a day)

• Cilantro (as a tincture twice a day)

• Milk Thistle (150 mg twice a day or a cup of tea 1 - 3 times a day)

• Probiotics (with 50 billion units once a day)

• Shilajit (100-500 mg once a day)

Step Four: Try The Following Treatment Methods

• Activated charcoal: drinking 12-16 oz of water with activated charcoal a day can help pull heavy metals and other toxins out of your body.

• Bentonite clay: drinking 1/2 teaspoon of bentonite clay mixed with water twice a day can help absorb and eliminate internal toxins.

• Chelation therapy: Chelation therapy is one of the most effective ways to help serious cases of heavy metal toxicity with the help of EDTA, a chemical solution administered via injection.

• Triphala: Triphala is an Ayurvedic herbal mixture of gallic acid, chebulinic acid and ellagic acid to help cleanse and remove internal toxins.

• Homemade anti-itch cream: sometimes heavy metal toxicity can lead to symptoms on your skin, a mix of coconut oil and Shea butter, apple cider vinegar, bentonite clay and essential oils can help with such irritations.

• Removal of dental fillings: if you have amalgam fillings make sure to visit a biological dentist who can safely remove and replace them. Safety is the key: make sure to go to a biological or natural dentist instead of a regular one. 

CONCLUSION

You can put your worries at rest. Our goal is to protect and enhance your health. Organifi Complete Protein has a very low, insignificant and almost undetectable amount of heavy metal in it. It is completely safe to consume. 

Since the world is filled with toxins, including heavy metals, a heavy metal detox is an excellent idea for you. Following our 4-step process, you can detoxify your system and enhance your health significantly. Keep these principles in mind not only during your cleanse, but your everyday diet as well to enhance your health and well-being.

Have you ever done a heavy metal detox diet? What benefits have you experienced as a result? Do you have any more questions about heavy metals and our protein drinks? Share and ask away in the comments below. We would love to hear from you and answer your questions. 

Call our Customer Success Team:

Phone:  1-866-249-2409

7 a.m. – 6 p.m. PST Monday – Friday

And remember, we are in this together.

With Love