MERCURY TOXICITY AND DETOXIFICATION

Mercury is an element natural to planet Earth. Also known as quicksilver, it is a heavy metal in the periodic table of elements. It has no function in the body and is one of the more toxic substances to humans. Mercury has a wide range of toxic effects depending upon the constitution and genetic pattern of the person exposed. Acute mercury poisoning can be fatal whereas chronic mercury poisoning causes a variety of symptoms and may be difficult to diagnose.

We know about the toxic effects from the documentation of people with exposure to this toxic metal. The mining of mercury and the poisoning of Miamata Bay in Japan, has provided extensive documentation of the damage this metal can cause. The term "Mad as a Hatter" comes from the madness caused by hatters who used mercury in the manufacture of hats in the 1800's.

Currently, the major source of mercury is through the consumption of fish and the release of mercury vapors from dental amalgams. Mercury is also used as a preservative in drugs such as vaccines. It is believed that part of the toxic effect from the vaccine is due to the use of this preservative. Dental amalgams contain a combination of silver, tin, zinc, and copper dissolved in liquid mercury. Older fillings contain almost 50% mercury. Recently the American Dental Association announced that they have reduced the concentration  of mercury in the newer filling material and have instructed dentists to inform their patients regarding potential toxic effects. In the early days of dentistry, the use of mercury amalgams was considered quackery.

Mercury vaporizes at 10 degrees centigrade, so when we consume hot liquids, mercury vapor from the fillings is be released into the mouth, swallowed, inhaled and absorbed into the tissues. Much of the mercury we absorb comes from food sources and the vaporization of mercury from

dental amalgams. Mercury concentrates in the liver, kidney, bone and brain. Some of it will also be found in the gastrointestinal tract. Studies have shown that people with silver amalgam fillings have a higher concentration of mercury in their stools.

Mercury damages the cells of our body. Cells depend upon their ability to utilize oxygen for metabolism. Mercury interferes with cells by inactivating the mechanism that protects cells from oxidation. In each cell is a small mini-organ called the mitochondria. On the membrane of the mitochondria, energy is produced and free radicals are absorbed to protect the cells vital membranes and proteins. Mercury binds with these membranes making them inactive, eventually causing cell death. Mercury is considered a pro-oxidant and destroys the ability of the cells to protect themselves from damage.

Symptoms of chronic mercury toxicity are the following: fine tremors that often interfere with handwriting, coordination difficulties, depression, fatigue, irritability, moodiness, nervous excitability, memory loss, inability to concentrate, insomnia, gastrointestinal disturbances, mucous membrane ulcers, hearing and vision disorders, immune disorders including low levels of white blood cells, headaches, numbness, auto-immune and kidney disorders. Some theories indicate that diseases such as multiple sclerosis may be due to mercury toxicity. In addition, some people develop and allergy or sensitivity to mercury that persists especially with chronic exposure. Because there is such a wide range of effects from mercury exposure, symptoms will present differently in different people depending upon their own biochemical individuality.

One of the other problems with the silver amalgam filling is the bio electrical effect of "Oral Galvanism". First described at the Gustaf Werner Institute in Sweden, big-physicists measured the corrosion of fillings when other metals such as gold, platinum or titanium are in the mouth. The saliva serves as an electric conductor,  cause an electric current to be released in the mouth. Silver amalgams corrode over time and should be replaced within 5 years. This evidence suggests that dental amalgams give of mercury vapor.

THERE IS NO WAY OF DETERMINING HOW MUCH MERCURY IS IN THE BODY THERE IS NO WAY OF DETERMINING HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE OR HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED TO REMOVE MERCURY FROM THE BODY

DETOXIFICATION :

The first step in the detoxification of mercury from the body is to remove the source by reducing exposure. Removal of dental amalgams is essential but needs to be done in a careful way to avoid increasing the body's toxic load. Supplements can be used at the time of removal and vitamin C intravenously with minerals can be protective. Medications to remove mercury and other heavy metals are available that are chelators. Chelate means "claw" in Latin. Chelators are a class of substances that by their chemical nature they grab on to the molecule. The following is a list of substances that aid in the removal of mercury from the body: DMPS, DMSA, Sea Algae,  Chlorella, Garlic, Cilantro, Lipoic acid, Selenium, Vitamin C, N-acetyl cysteine