Urine test for heavy metals? Also, weight gain over the past few years

I went to the doctor today for a checkup. Despite eating healthier and LESS food than before, I've gained 11 pounds over the past 3 years. Lovely. A common problem I hear with mercury toxicity and candida sufferers, and I really want to reverse this trend.

But anyway, I asked about doing a test for heavy metals, and my doctor said he'd send away for blood and urine testing - I mentioned lead and aluminum rather than mercury (since mercury doesn't stay in the bloodstream).

Here's the thing though - I take algin (sodium alginate) every day, even took it shortly before my appointment since it happened to coincide with the time I take it anyway. Algin mops up heavy metals and pulls them out. Is it possible that the fact that I'd taken algin an hour and a half before I provided my urine and blood samples will reduce the chances of the metals showing up on a test? If so, could I have wasted my time?

And WHY am I gaining weight despite taking BETTER care of myself? I know it's a common candida/mercury problem, but how do I reverse this nonsense? Tweet