Following decades as a private practice physician, American Board of Bariatric Medicine member Stephen Petteruti, DO, established Intellectual Medicine, an integrative health clinic in Rhode Island. Under Dr. Stephen Petteruti’s direction, patients can access a range of testing services such as food sensitivity and toxic metals analyses.
Humans may absorb heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury from their environment and diet. Over time, levels can become too high for the body to excrete. Metals can travel through the body’s tissues and organs and disrupt functioning at the cellular level. High-levels of heavy metals can also impair the endocrine system and cause hormonal dysfunction.
When these scenarios occur, people may experience symptoms of heavy metal toxicity, which include cognitive problems, depression, and kidney issues. Long-term exposure to heavy metals can also increase the risk of developing certain cancers.
While everyone can benefit from heavy metal testing, chronic smokers, people who work in high-risk occupations such as manufacturing or construction, or people living in areas with high levels of air and water pollution are especially at risk of developing heavy metal toxicity.
Dr Stephen Petteruti 