Bismuth

Bismuth

What's

Bismuth

Bismuth is a naturally occurring element that has been used for centuries to treat various health issues. It's a heavy, brittle metal with a silvery-white appearance, often found in medications to help soothe upset stomachs, heartburn, and indigestion. Bismuth works by coating the lining of your stomach and intestines, creating a protective barrier that allows your body to heal and recover. This element is also known for its antibacterial properties, which can help eliminate harmful bacteria in your digestive system. In short, bismuth is a versatile and helpful element that can provide relief for common gastrointestinal problems and support your overall digestive health.

If Your Levels Are High

High levels of bismuth in the body could indicate an excessive intake of bismuth-containing medications, such as over-the-counter antacids and stomach relief products like Pepto-Bismol. It may also suggest exposure to bismuth through environmental or occupational sources. Elevated bismuth levels can disrupt the normal balance of your digestive system, potentially leading to an imbalance of gut bacteria or interference with the absorption of essential nutrients. In some cases, high bismuth levels may be associated with a condition called bismuth toxicity, which can affect various organs and systems in the body.

Symptoms of High Levels

Symptoms of high levels of Bismuth may include gastrointestinal disturbances, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, headache, dizziness, kidney damage, and neurological issues such as tremors, muscle weakness, and coordination problems.

If Your Levels are Low

Low levels of bismuth in your body could indicate that you are not getting enough of this element to support your digestive health. This might be due to a lack of bismuth-containing medications, such as antacids or stomach relief products, in your daily routine. Additionally, low bismuth levels could be a result of external factors like poor diet or insufficient intake of foods containing trace amounts of bismuth. In some cases, low bismuth levels might be associated with specific gastrointestinal issues, such as an imbalance of gut bacteria or a weakened stomach lining, which could benefit from the protective and antibacterial properties of bismuth.

Symptoms of Low Levels

Symptoms of low levels of bismuth may include digestive discomfort, poor gut health, weakened stomach lining, and an imbalance of gut bacteria.

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See References

Test for

Hair Elements by Doctor's Data

Hair

The Hair Elements profile provides information regarding recent and ongoing exposure to several toxic metals and the status of specific nutrient elements. This noninvasive screening test requires only .25 grams of hair.

Urine Toxic Metals - Timed by Doctor's Data

Urine

The Urine Toxic Metals test can be used to evaluate exposure to toxic elements and the efficacy of detoxification therapy. This test uses a timed urine collection. You MUST tell your patients how long you wish them to collect. It is also available as a random or 24-hour collection.

Metals - Toxic + Nutrient Elements - Hair by Mosaic Diagnostics (formerly Great Plains)

Hair

This test is a valuable and inexpensive screen for physiological excess, deficiency, or maldistribution of elements. It provides important information that can assist in the early diagnosis of disorders associated with aberrations in essential and toxic element metabolism.

Urine Toxic Metals - Random/FMV by Doctor's Data

Urine

The Urine Toxic Metals test can be used to evaluate exposure to toxic elements and the efficacy of detoxification therapy. This test uses a random urine collection. It is also available as a timed or 24-hour collection.

Metabolomix+ Add-On: Toxic Element Clearance by Genova Diagnostics

Urine

This test measures urinary excretion of 20 potentially harmful toxic metals. It can only be added to the Metabolomix+. You cannot order this test and the Comprehensive Urine Element Profile add-on. This test cannot be ordered for patients under two years of age.

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