Hello..

Today we consider heavy metals in a way that’s clinically grounded, not fear-based.

Case #10 – The Tired Craftsman

Patient: Hana, 50-year-old jewelry maker
Chief complaints: Fatigue, headaches, brain fog
Duration: 4 years

She’s had many labs, mostly “normal.” You decide to ask more about her work.

1. What we knew on Day One

Works with metals and solders in a small studio

Ventilation is “probably not great”

Headaches and fatigue worse after long workdays

Some numbness/tingling in hands

Diet and sleep are okay but not perfect

Pause:
Would you have thought to ask about metals and fumes?

2. The upstream view

We explored:

• Workplace ventilation and protection
• Types of metals and solders used
• Duration and intensity of exposure
• Other sources (water, hobbies, etc.)

Where appropriate and within your scope, testing for heavy metals can be considered — but the key insight is:

If exposure is ongoing, no protocol will out-supplement it.

3. Plan and outcome

Plan:

• Improve studio ventilation and safety practices
• Reduce exposure time where possible
• Support general detox pathways (hydration, bowel regularity, nutrients)
• Address nutrient status that may be impacted
• Coordinate any chelation or advanced interventions with appropriate specialists if needed

Outcome:

• Headaches and fatigue improve with reduced exposure and better protection
• Brain fog lessens; function improves
• Patient understands the connection between work and health

4. Takeaways for your practice

Pearl #1: Ask about work and hobbies — they often hold key clues.

Pearl #2: Removing or reducing exposure is more important than any detox protocol.

Pearl #3: Heavy metal evaluation should be thoughtful, not reflexive.

Action step:
Add this to your intake:

“What kinds of dusts, fumes, or chemicals have you been around regularly in the last 10–20 years?”

FM 2.0 Lens

FMU goes deeper into:

• Genetic vulnerability to detox and oxidative stress
• Lab interpretation for environmental exposures
• Stepwise, safe support strategies and referral patterns

Clinical Rounds just gets you asking the right exposure questions.

Take care,

Ron Grisanti, D.C., D.A.B.C.O., D.A.C.B.N., M.S., DIANM, CFMP

P.S. If these Clinical Rounds are resonating and you’d like a step-by-step path to practice this level of upstream, terrain-based thinking with support and structure, the next FMU Fellowship cohort is now forming. You can hold your seat with a $150 deposit so you don’t miss the enrollment window. To learn more or reserve your seat, click here.

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