Annually afflicting 310,000 American children under six, lead poisoning from corroding pipes and lead-based paints can cause developmental delays, learning disabilities, and even death. Because preschoolers lack adults’ ability to purge toxins, nearly 60 percent of the lead they ingest accumulates in their bodies.

Now the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has made testing for lead easier and more available to clinics, health fairs, practitioners, and schools. If your child shows symptoms of lead poisoning—anxiety, arthritis, confusion, chronic fatigue, diarrhea, gout, insomnia, loss of appetite, metallic taste in the mouth, seizures, tremors, and vertigo—seek testing.

“If your child has been exposed to high levels of lead, increase calcium and iron in the diet, as deficiencies allow the body to absorb lead,” advises Lauren Feder, MD. Balance calcium with half as much magnesium. Zinc also helps displace lead in the body.

The antioxidant alpha lipoic acid helps detoxify lead, as do methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and vitamin C with bioflavonoids. Also make sure your child’s diet is high in fiber, particularly apple pectin, which binds toxic metals and removes them from the body.

“Consider also seeing a homeopath or holistic doctor as there are many remedies and additional treatments to be used in conjunction with standard protocols,” adds Dr. Feder. She suggests homeopathic Alumina, Causticum, and Plumbum for lead poisoning.