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 Mercury is one of the most toxic substances. It is known to bioaccumulate in humans and animals that have chronic exposure. In fact, mercury is the second most toxic element next to plutonium!
Mercury is everywhere and can come from four main sources:
- Occupational exposure
- Food (mainly fish)
- Vaccinations
- Amalgam (silver) dental fillings
Mercury occurs naturally in the environment. According to FDA toxicologist Mike Bolger, Ph.D., approximately 2,700 to 6,000 tons of mercury are released annually into the atmosphere from the degassing of the Earth's crust and oceans. Another 2,000 to 3,000 tons are released annually into the atmosphere by human activities, primarily from burning household and industrial wastes, and especially from fossil fuels such as coal.
Fish absorb methyl mercury from water as it passes over their gills and as they feed on aquatic organisms. The methyl mercury binds tightly to the proteins in the fish tissue and muscle. Cooking does not reduce the methyl mercury content of the fish.
Mercury from vaccinations is thimerosal (ethyl mercury). It is an organic compound that contains mercury, or an "organomercurial" and can cause mercury poisoning. The compound was first introduced by the Eli Lilly Company and is 49.6% mercury by weight. In the body, it metabolizes into ethyl mercury and thiosalicylate. Mercury poisoning is believed to be a cause of certain types of autism.
Mercury poisoning from occupational exposure and dental fillings is primarily from elemental mercury vapor. Developmental and neurological conditions occur at lower levels of exposure from mercury vapor than from inorganic mercury or methyl mercury. Mercury in amalgam fillings has been found to be continuously vaporized and released into the body. The level of daily exposure of those with several amalgam fillings commonly exceeds the U.S. EPA health guideline for daily mercury exposure.
Interesting Facts
History reveals several examples of mercury poisoning. Miners working in a mercury mine in Phoenix, Arizona, were said to behave in a dreamy manner. Obviously, the mercury vapors, which they were inhaling daily, severely depressed their central nervous system. Even revisiting a famous fairytale "Alice in Wonderland" is provocative. During her travels, Alice encountered an individual who was described as "mad as a hatter." This came from the fact that years ago hat makers used to block top hats by rubbing mercury on the felt in order to stiffen it. They became psychotic due to repeated mercury exposure.
Mercury Poisoning Linked to Certain Diseases and Conditions
The harmful effects of mercury poisoning have been linked to many different diseases and conditions. High mercury toxicity can be an underlying cause of: autism spectrum disorders, ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS, lupus, arthritis, fibromyalgia (fatigue syndrome),
diabetes, and bipolar disorders.
Mercury Poisoning Symptoms
The chronic effects of mercury vary from neurological system damage to organ damage as well as sensorial, emotional and psychological systems. The types of symptoms reflect the degree of exposure. However, it must be pointed out that the level of sensitivity and mercury varies greatly from person to person. Some people who have had significant exposure to mercury show little signs of toxicity, while others have serious medical problems—including hospital admission.
Some of the most common mercury poisoning symptoms are paresthesia (numbness and tingling around the lips, fingers, and toes), inability to concentrate, short-term and long-term memory loss, depression, irritability, attention deficit, headaches, vision and hearing impairment, loss of taste, loss of smell, abdominal cramps, chest pain, allergies, irregular breathing, anorexia, fatigue, loss of appetite, dizziness, ringing of the ears, tremors, and convulsions. These neurological problems can frequently lead to coma and death.
Tests for Mercury Poisoning
Tests suggested for evaluation and treatment of mercury toxicity include:
- Hair tissue mineral analysis
Low hair mercury levels does not indicate low body levels. More than three essential minerals out of normal range indicates a metal toxicity. Also mercury can be so tightly bound that it could actually be "hidden" until a detoxification and or nutritional protocol releases it and only then will it show up. Use a lab that DOES NOT wash the hair. See Hair Analysis.
- CBC blood test with differential and platelet count
- Blood serum profile
- Urinary mercury
For a person with an average exposure with amalgam fillings, an average mercury level is 3 to 4 ppm. A lower test level than this likely means a person is a poor excretor and is accumulating mercury and is often mercury toxic.
- Fractionated porphyrin urine test and specific gravity of urine test
- Individual tooth electric currents
Protocols to Remove and Reduce Mercury Poisoning
Protocols to remove or reduce exposure to mercury toxicity can be:
- Numerous detoxification programs such as:
- Nutritional protocols for repletion of cellular chemistry as defined by your hair tissue mineral analysis. Cholorophyll and cilantro liquids are known to absorb the mercury loaded in your intestinal lining, but also crosses the blood-brain barrier and removes mercury from your brain. Mercury causes a rapid turnover of thiamin, so B1 (thiamin) is recommended. One of the most protective products for our body is Glutathione. Take this daily with plenty of Vitamin C and E.
- Foods that are protective and nourishing and that prevent or repair mercury toxicity are garlic, cilantro, eggs, seeds, nuts, and avocados. Eating certain foods high in sulfur is useful in helping your body remove toxic metals. These include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts, and onions. Remember that drinking plenty of fluids, particularly pure water, assists in the elimination of all toxins from your body.
- Removal of amalgam fillings
When amalgam fillings are removed, levels of mercury in the blood, urine, and feces rise temporarily but decline between 60 to 85% within 6-9 months. Find a dentist that specializes in this procedure.
- Reduce intake of foods contaminated by mercury, particularly inland freshwater, coastal (tuna and swordfish), and bottom feeders. Choose fish that historically contain lower levels of mercury, such as cod, mackerel, sardines, halibut, and red fish.
Dr. Akin recommends healthy and safe salmon from Vital Choice Seafood.
- Avoid vaccinations and shots that contain mercury.
- Avoid cosmetics, certain nasal and ear preparations, and antibiotics for the eyes that contain mercury.
- Use of a far infrared sauna to accelerate the elimination of mercury and other toxins from the body by way of perspiration can be advisable.
Many cases of chronic conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, CFS, Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, Autism, etc., have improved when protocols are followed.
If you have any questions or comments about mercury poisoning, please contact Dr. Akin.
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