How Heavy Metals Disrupt the Immune System: The Hidden Link to Autoimmunity and Chronic Infections

The immune system in the human body is composed of various types of cells that protect against harmful pathogens. While it is designed to defend the body from external threats, environmental factors—such as heavy metal exposure—can negatively impact the immune system, potentially leading to autoimmune disorders and persistent infections.

Among the most researched heavy metals are arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. These metals are widely used in manufacturing, agriculture, and building materials, including batteries, paints, and cosmetics. Human exposure to heavy metals typically occurs through ingestion, inhalation, or absorption through the skin. For individuals with implants, exposure can also result from joint replacement hardware, silicone breast implants, and dental work. Even pollutants in their smallest forms—such as particulate matter and nanoparticles—are believed to contribute to immune health problems.

When metal ores are purified for industrial use, they lose their natural chemical stability. As a result, when heavy metals enter the body, they attempt to regain their original stable state. They do this by binding to proteins, enzymes, and cell membranes. This interaction can alter the chemical charge at cell membranes, thereby influencing cell permeability and overall immune system function.

Heavy metals may contribute to autoimmunity by dysregulating the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis and inducing systemic inflammation. Infectious agents can already compromise the immune system, and environmental pollutants may further increase the body’s sensitivity to heavy metals [1]. Despite extensive research, there is no conclusive evidence that microorganisms alone cause autoimmune disorders. Therefore, exposure to heavy metals—acting in synergy with infectious agents—could be a critical, missing factor.

Cadmium, in particular, is a heavy metal that is widespread in the environment. It is commonly found in water, grains, leafy vegetables, potatoes, and seafood. Cadmium has a half-life of 10 to 35 years and is not metabolized by the human body, making natural excretion extremely difficult. It accumulates in immune cells and may alter immune function over time [2]. By triggering a cellular stress response, cadmium can impair the immune system by reducing the activity of natural killer (NK) cells and increasing neutrophil levels, leading to systemic inflammation.

In addition to potentially inducing autoimmunity, heavy metals have immunosuppressive effects. This may explain why individuals exposed to heavy metals often suffer from persistent infections. Although the exact mechanism by which heavy metals suppress the immune system remains unclear, it is speculated that metals like cadmium disrupt the function of macrophages, increasing susceptibility to infection. Higher exposure levels to lead and cadmium have been associated with a greater risk of persistent infections from pathogens such as Helicobacter pylori, herpes simplex virus, and hepatitis B [3]. In fact, studies have shown a positive correlation between increased heavy metal exposure and heightened immune inflammatory responses.

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Author: Dr. Kellyann Tomko, ND

References

1. Bjørklund G, Dadar M, Chirumbolo S, Aaseth J, Peana M. Metals, autoimmunity, and neuroendocrinology: Is there a connection? Environ Res. 2020 Aug;187:109541. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109541. Epub 2020 Apr 21. PMID: 32445945.

2. Wang Z, Sun Y, Yao W, Ba Q, Wang H. Effects of Cadmium Exposure on the Immune System and Immunoregulation. Front Immunol. 2021 Jul 20;12:695484. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.- 2021.695484. PMID: 34354707; PMCID: PMC8330548.

3. Zhang H, Wang J, Zhang K, Shi J, Gao Y, Zheng J, He J, Zhang J, Song Y, Zhang R, Shi X, Jin L, Li H. Association between heavy metals exposure and persistent infections: the mediating role of immune function. Front Public Health. 2024 Jul 22;12:1367644. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1367644. PMID: 39104887; PMCID: PMC11298456.

Disclaimer:

This information is generalized and intended for educational purposes only. Due to potential individual contraindications, please see your primary care provider before implementing any strategies in these posts.