How Does One Get Barium Toxicity?

Introduction to Barium

Barium is not a common heavy metal that many people talk about. Unlike mercury, iron, cadmium, aluminum- even lead, these are major metals that the majority are aware of, but barium is a lesser common one that, when tested and mentioned, many are perplexed on as to how it is even possible they are showing up as toxic on a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA).

Believe it or not, barium is wide spread in our crops, air, and more, and so we thought today we'd help educate you on this.

Why Barium is Harmful

First, let's understand why barium is bad for us.

Barium can be harmful to humans, particularly when it is in a soluble form. Soluble barium compounds, such as barium chloride or barium nitrate, are highly toxic because they can dissolve in water and be absorbed by the body. Once inside, barium interferes with the body's potassium channels, which are essential for normal muscle and nerve function. This disruption can lead to serious health problems, including muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and, in severe cases, paralysis or death. In contrast, insoluble barium compounds like barium sulfate are not toxic because they do not dissolve in bodily fluids. Barium sulfate is even used safely in medical imaging procedures. However, people who work in industries that handle barium or live near contaminated sites may be at risk of inhaling barium dust or drinking water with elevated barium levels. Prolonged exposure can lead to chronic health issues, so regulations like the EPA's limit of 2 mg/L in drinking water help protect public health.

Sources of Barium Exposure

Barium is used in various industrial processes, including mining, refining, and oil and gas drilling, where barite is a key component of drilling fluids. It is also used in the manufacturing of ceramics, glass, rubber, electronics, and fireworks, where it helps create vibrant green colors. In the medical field, barium sulfate is safely used in X-ray imaging of the digestive system due to its insolubility and low toxicity. Some agricultural products, such as older pesticides and rodenticides, also contained barium compounds, though many of these have been phased out because of health concerns. That being said barium is still being found in chemtrails.. Additionally, the combustion of coal and diesel fuel can release trace amounts of barium into the air. From these sources, barium can enter the environment and potentially impact human health if exposure is not properly controlled.

Barium's Impact on Other Minerals

Barium also has an affinity and an antagonistic nature to specific minerals, meaning it can prevent absorption, or push them out and replace them, which can lead to deficiency down the line.

First one is calcium because it interferes with calcium metabolism and prevents calcium from being bound to its binding sites at the cellular receptors. Second, we have potassium, similarly to how it affects calcium. Lastly, zinc, for barium replaces zinc in some enzyme systems.

Addressing Barium Toxicity

The best thing to do if you know you're exposed to barium and have toxicity is to verify if you need extra calcium, potassium or zinc, which we can definitely help you with by grabbing our:
Upgraded Calcium
Upgraded Potassium
Upgraded Zinc

That being said, if you're concerned about barium toxicity and want it checked, run an HTMA with us!