Elevated Bismuth Levels in Hair Analysis

When a feeling of malaise comes over you and you don't know why, it may be possible that you suffer from an element imbalance. One or more of those elements, e.g., bismuth, may be causing your feelings of depression and tiredness.

What is Bismuth?

• Known as a silvery-white metal with a pinkish tint, bismuth is a chemical metal with a low toxicity. Its many uses makes it a common element found in many households. Bismuth comes from South America and is also a by-product from smelting other metals.

Where is Bismuth Found?

• Bismuth is found in a number of products we use every day. Products designed to treat diarrhea in adults and to treat the symptoms of stomach upset contain bismuth. It is available over the counter, without a prescription. Bismuth is also found in cosmetics, namely lipstick.

Symptoms of Elevated Levels

• Even though bismuth is a common metal found in many health products, it is possible to have elevated levels and experience side effects. Moderate bismuth toxicity might result in constipation or irritable bowels, bad breath, blue gums and a general feeling of discomfort or not feeling well. High levels of bismuth can cause neurological problems such as memory loss, tremors, dementia and nephrosis or protein loss through the urine.

Hair Analysis

• Hair analysis is an inexpensive and non-invasive way of detecting and measuring elements and may provide a detailed look inside the body to show proportionately how much of an element is present in bodily tissues. Hair analysis is used primarily for investigative purposes for bismuth detection. This is because elevated levels do not correlate exposure with hair bismuth levels. Unfortunately, hair can be contaminated by outside sources such as dyes and other chemical processes that make a hair analysis less accurate. If it has been less than two months since chemically treating the hair, the doctor may order a blood or urine test instead.

What To Do If Levels Are High

• If a hair analysis shows an elevated bismuth level in the body, your health care provider may prescribe a binding agent to absorb the toxic chemical in your system so it can be eliminated properly. Your doctor will also tell you to avoid exposure to the substance, so if you're taking a lot of antacids, he may prescribe something else to help with that issue. Once your body rids itself of the bismuth, your doctor may order another hair analysis to be sure. Supplements may be given as well to balance your nutritional needs.