Heavy Metal Toxicity Testing & Treatment in NYC
Accumulated exposure to mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium, and aluminum can impair cellular energy production, immune regulation, and neurological function — often without ever being tested for.
Wondering whether something in your environment is behind your symptoms?
- Fatigue, brain fog or tingling with no clear cause
- A history of high fish intake, old fillings or occupational exposure
- You want testing interpreted by someone who looks at the whole picture
You’re not alone. Many of Dr. Kellman’s patients arrive after years of unexplained symptoms and being told their labs look normal. His job is to keep looking.
A burden that accumulates quietly
Metal exposure is chronic and low-grade for most people: dental work, older plumbing, occupational contact, certain fish, environmental sources. The body stores what it cannot clear.
Symptoms are non-specific — fatigue, cognitive fog, neuropathy, mood change, immune dysfunction — which is why heavy metals are rarely the first consideration in an unexplained-symptom workup.
The Kellman approach
Dr. Kellman's practice is built around unexplained symptoms, and toxic burden is a standard part of that investigation rather than a last resort.
Testing establishes both exposure and the body's capacity to clear it. Treatment supports detoxification pathways, mitochondrial function, and the microbiome, which plays a direct role in binding and eliminating metals.
What is heavy metal toxicity?
Heavy metal toxicity happens when metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic or cadmium build up in the body to harmful levels. Exposure can come from the environment, food, water, work, hobbies or older homes. Many people have small exposures that the body clears; problems arise when exposure is higher or ongoing.
Common sources of exposure
- Lead: older paint and pipes in pre-1978 homes, some imported spices, ceramics and cosmetics
- Mercury: some large predatory fish, such as swordfish and king mackerel
- Arsenic: some well water, and rice in large amounts
- Cadmium: smoking and certain occupations
- Workplace exposure in construction, manufacturing, renovation and some crafts
Possible symptoms
- Fatigue and weakness
- Brain fog, memory or mood changes
- Headaches
- Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
- Abdominal pain, nausea or constipation
- Anemia
These symptoms are not specific to metals, so testing is guided by your history and exposure risk.
How heavy metal exposure is tested
Testing is chosen based on which metal and what kind of exposure is suspected. Blood tests are standard for recent or ongoing lead and mercury exposure, and urine tests are used for metals such as arsenic. Results are interpreted against your exposure history and symptoms. Some commercial tests, especially “provoked” urine tests given after a chelating drug, can be difficult to interpret, and Dr. Kellman explains which tests make sense for you.
Detox and treatment
The first and most important step is finding and removing the source of exposure. From there, care supports the body's own pathways for clearing metals, including nutrition, gut and microbiome health. Chelation therapy is a medical treatment reserved for confirmed, significant toxicity and is done only under close medical supervision because it carries real risks.
Common questions
How is heavy metal toxicity tested?
Through testing that assesses both current exposure and stored burden, alongside markers of the body's detoxification capacity. Interpreting the two together is what makes the result clinically useful.
Is chelation the only treatment?
No. Dr. Kellman's approach emphasizes supporting the body's own detoxification pathways, mitochondrial function, and the microbiome's role in binding and eliminating metals, with intervention matched to the individual's burden and capacity.
What are signs your body is clearing heavy metals?
There isn't a reliable symptom that shows metals are being cleared. Progress is best tracked with repeat testing and with how your original symptoms change over time.
Is a heavy metal detox safe?
Removing the source of exposure and supporting good nutrition are safe first steps. Aggressive detox products or chelation without medical supervision can be harmful, so any treatment should be guided by a doctor.