Home Articles Wellness::General Wellness

Mercury is a toxic heavy metal and a widespread environmental contaminant. It enters your body via dental fillings, vaccines, pharmaceutical drugs, cosmetics, food, water and air. It has been found to cause brain damage, autoimmune disease and many degenerative diseases. Removing it from the body by way of detoxification can stop further damage and reverse many chronic health problems.

Common Sources of Mercury

Its metallic (inorganic) forms are less toxic, however, the organic forms Methyl or Ethyl Mercury are more toxic. Agricultural fungicides and pesticides produce methyl mercury. Fungicides are the most polluting. Thimerosal, a preservative commonly used in vaccines, produces Ethyl mercury. Silver amalgam based dental fillings release this element in the form of vapor which eventually becomes organic methyl mercury in the body.

Both fresh and salt waters are contaminated by mercury from industrial waste, thus affecting plants and fish. Fish are a big source of mercury because the sea waters are polluted with this toxic metal. Mirrors, latex paints, fabric softeners, floor waxes polishes, laxatives containing calomel, cinnabar jewellary and tatoo dyes, contain mercury and contaminate the environment. Coal burning plants release large amounts of this heavy metal into the atmosphere and are considered among the biggest polluters.

Health effects and symptoms of mercury toxicity

It is well known that mercury suppresses the immune system (1). It can be a factor in MS (Multiple Sclerosis) and other autoimmune disorders. Inhaling high levels of this metal, in an Industrial environment or in Dentist’s office, can be responsible for  acute symptoms which could include fevers, chills, and chest pain. Chronic exposure from dental amalgams has been found to induce immune suppression and autoimmunity (2).

Thimerosal, which contains 49.5% ethyl mercury, in vaccines has been linked with the rising rates of autism in children (3).

With low levels of exposure over a prolonged period can cause more subtle symptoms like headaches, insomnia, fatigue, nervousness, impaired judgment and coordination, loss of sex drive and emotional instability.

Upon ingestion, it may cause stomatitis and GI inflammation, with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea and progression to neurological problems. These symptoms are called as micromercurialism.

Severe toxicity causes brain and kidney damage, as well as a higher incidence of birth defects among pregnant women. Blood levels of mercury must be below 0.02 ppm (parts per million) while hair levels can be up to about 3-5 ppm. Over 5 ppm becomes a concern.

Treatment and Prevention

• Drinking milk helps reduce the acute symptoms of toxicity, as it will act on the protein in the milk instead of on the stomach and intestinal lining. It will also relieve GI symptoms.
• Replacement of dental amalgams has been found to reverse autoimmune and many chronic health problems (4).
• Vitamin C, Selenium and fibers like pectin and algin help reduce mercury levels in the body.
• While getting vaccinated, discuss Thimerosal free vaccines with your doctor.

References

1. Shenker BJ., and others. Immunotoxic effects of mercuric compounds on human lymphocytes and monocytes. III. Alterations in B-cell function and viability. Immunopharmacology Immunotoxicology. 1993 Jan;15(1):87-112.
2. Hultman P., and others. Adverse immunological effects and autoimmunity induced by dental amalgam and alloy in mice. The FASEB Journal. 1994 Nov;8(14):1183-90.
3. Mutter J., and others. Mercury and autism: accelerating evidence? Neuro Endocrinology Letters. 2005 Oct;26(5):439-46.
4. Prochazkova J., and others. The beneficial effect of amalgam replacement on health in patients with autoimmunity. Neuroendocrinology Letters. 2004 Jun;25(3):211-8.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.