| AVOID PORK PRODUCTS, SUCH AS BACON, SAUSAGE, AND HAM, AND SHELLFISH, SUCH AS LOBSTER, SHRIMP, AND CRAB
Pigs can be a breeding ground for potentially dangerous infections, and shellfish have been found to contain high mercury levels. (See Ten Common Myths About Health/Pork).
MINIMIZE OR AVOID ALL PASTEURIZED DAIRY PRODUCTS39
Only use such foods if you get them raw, right from the farm, prior to the pasteurization process (eggs are poultry not dairy). Raw organic butter from grass-fed cows is very nutritious and an exception to the no-dairy rule, but minimize all pasteurized dairy products. |
Brenda Watson and Leonard Smith
See book keywords and concepts |
 The MercOut Detoxification Program in particular can safely remove mercury as well as lead and arsenic from your body. It's been designed by a medical doctor and the program is physician-monitored. I recommend checking out the site if you are concerned that you may have high levels of mercury in your system. MercOut also offers detection tests that can give you a more accurate result than what your regular doctor can find through blood tests alone. |
by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| Some children tested were found to have mercury levels greater than forty times the national mean. In another study of sixty-nine subjects conducted at the Harvard Medical School, eleven were found to have blood mercury concentrations greater than 15 micrograms per liter. The EPA and the National Academy of Sciences recommend keeping the whole blood mercury level less than 5 micrograms per liter. Ten of the eleven cases were explained by regular to heavy fish consumption, and six of these ten subjects ate swordfish regularly.
Please see page 530 for other safety concerns. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
See book keywords and concepts |
 Signs that indicate the presence of toxic mercury levels include behavioral changes, depression, confusion, irritability, and hyperactivity. People with this toxicity may also experience allergic reactions or asthma. They may complain about a metallic taste in the mouth, and their teeth may loosen. These symptoms can occur within a few minutes, or they can take as long as thirty minutes to appear.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), amalgam dental fillings are a prime source of mercury exposure. More than 180 million Americans have mercury amalgam dental fillings. |
| High mercury levels have been linked to candidiasis. (See candidiasis in Part Two.)
Q The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a warning to consumers to inform them of the dangers of inhaling mercury vapors. Certain ethnic and religious customs involve using a product called azogue, which in reality is metallic mercury. This product is sold in herb shops, or botanicas. Azogue is sprinkled throughout the home for religious purposes. |
David Brownstein
See book keywords and concepts |
 I have consistently seen higher mercury levels in those who surfer from a chronic illness. A question to ponder is this: "Is mercury the causative factor in these illnesses, or is it one of many other factors?" I am not sure of the answer, but I have seen very positive results when mercury is removed and mercury levels are lowered.
Mercury levels can be assessed through hair and urine testing. I have found two substances extremely useful for chelating (i.e. |
Russell L. Blaylock, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 If your mercury levels indicate that you are at a significant risk of mercury toxicity, you will have to determine the source of the mercury.
Treating Mercury Toxicity
Start DMSA at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day on an empty stomach. Divide this into two equal doses. Do not eat for at least one hour after taking the DMSA and drink only distilled water during that time. Take the DMSA for four days and then stop. After two weeks, start again for four more days and then stop. At that point you should be re-tested. You can start the urine collection on the last day you take the DMSA. |
| Continue this until your mercury levels are undetectable. Some suggest that chelation must be continued for several months or even a year in cases of obvious neurological problems. Instead, I recommend taking garlic extract at a dose of 600 mg three times a day for at least one year. You can take it permanently without experiencing any side effects. Garlic is also excellent for reducing atherosclerosis.
You should take 50 mg of zinc with each dose of DMSA. This is because DMSA also binds to zinc and can cause significant zinc loss as well. |
| My experience has been that many doctors tend to shrug off patients' symptoms that do not fit the disorders and diseases with which they are familiar, and I have seen numerous patients whose doctors had attributed chronic symptoms to stress, and whose illnesses actually ended up being tied to very high lead and/or mercury levels. Had these patients' elevated metal levels not been discovered and treated, these hapless people would have spent the remainder of their lives miserable and sick. |
| Hair mercury is also a poor measure of brain mercury levels: in such cases, one must go by clinical responses.
Studies of autistic children have frequently shown very high levels of mercury, with no other source but vaccines found for the exposure. These levels are equal to those seen in adults during toxic industrial exposures. Several autism clinics have found dramatic improvements in the behavior and social interactions in children from whom the mercury was chelated. |
| If you have dental amalgams, especially if they are new, you should be checked for mercury levels. It is also important that you have gastrointestinal functional studies to assure adequate digestion, absorption, and the proper distribution and amounts of "friendly" bacteria in your colon. Yeast overgrowth in the colon can produce serious problems and must be attended to.
Your diet must consist of at least seven servings of fruits and vegetables daily, especially vegetables. Concentrate on eating as many nutrient-dense vegetables as possible. |
Michael T. Murray
See book keywords and concepts |
 Methyl mercury levels have also been rising dramatically in freshwater fish worldwide. As a general rule, freshwater fish should be assumed to be mercury laden unless specifically proven otherwise.
We suggest limiting fish intake to no more than about 2 pounds per week. That translates to four 8-ounce servings per week maximum. |
Eric R. Braverman
See book keywords and concepts |
 Elevated mercury levels may occur in some individuals who have problems with dental fillings. Aluminum has been implicated in memory loss.
THE RAINBOW DIET
One of the simplest ways to maintain your neurotransmitters, and subsequently slow down the pauses, is through your diet. In the nature chapters, there were specific diets recommended for boosting each of the biochemicals. The basic nature diet strategy to remember is that dopamine is boosted by a high-protein diet with fruit sugars; eggs, caviar, sardines, fish oils, and olive oil all raise acetylcholine. |
Russell L. Blaylock, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| When she was tested, the doctor was shocked to see that she had enormously high mercury levels in her readings. Thinking it might be the pizza that contained the mercury, he had it tested. When the levels came back negative, he had her repeat the breath test, but this time had her chew on a piece of rubber tubing. Once again her mercury vapor levels were sky high.
Based on this "chewing gum study" other researchers repeated the experiment under better controlled conditions and found similar results7: chewing dramatically increases release of mercury from dental amalgams. |
Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 One study found that mercury levels in the hair of people with MS are higher than in the hair of healthy people.19 This same report found that people with MS who had their amalgam fillings removed experienced one-third fewer relapses than people who kept their fillings. Another preliminary study found that people having a large number of fillings that had been in place for a long time appeared to be at increased risk for MS compared with those having fewer fillings.20 Preliminary evidence has also identified an association between tooth decay (page 431)—as opposed to fillings—and MS. |
Abram Hoffer, PhD, MD, FRCP(C) and Dr. Jonathan Prousjy, DPHE, DSC, ND, FRSH
See book keywords and concepts |
 It has been shown to reduce pubic hair mercury levels in just 4 months of continued use. Shark liver oils contain compounds known as alkylglycerols, which reduce the tissue deposition of metallic mercury and increase excretion through the urine and feces.
®
AMINO ACIDS
Eight of the 22 amino acids that have been identified are considered essential supplements because they cannot be made in the body and adequate amounts must, therefore, be present in the food. These are isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. |
Schuyler W. Lininger, Jr. DC
See book keywords and concepts |
 One study reports that mercury levels in the hair of people with MS are higher than hair mercury levels in healthy individuals.20 This same report found that people with MS who had their amalgam fillings removed experienced one-third fewer relapses than individuals who kept their fillings. Another preliminary trial found that people with a large number of fillings that had been in place for a long time appeared to be at increased risk for MS compared with those with fewer fillings. |
Ralph Golan, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Laboratory tests revealed that Terri was suffering from intestinal yeast overgrowth, food allergies (to eleven common foods), low adrenal function, low stomach acid, and elevated mercury levels. Her elevated mercury levels were likely caused by years of mercury exposure as a dental assistant as well as the silver-mercury amalgam fillings in her own mouth.
Initially, Terri's treatment consisted of the Ultra Clear cleansing program to eliminate her food allergens and enhance her liver detoxification capacity. |
Earl L. Mindell, RPh, PhD with Virginia Hopkins, MA
See book keywords and concepts |
| Fish at the top of the marine food chain are the most contaminated, with mercury levels in their flesh that can exceed one part per million (ppm). The FDA has recommended that pregnant women completely avoid swordfish, shark, tilefish, and king mackerel. Pregnant women are also warned to avoid eating more than 12 ounces per week of smaller saltwater fish, such as cod and tuna, which can contain between 0.17 and 0.60 ppm of mercury. Shellfish are no exception to mercury contamination, with one delicacy—lobster—leading the
FDA's list with an average of 0.31 ppm. |
Mark Hyman, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Within six months, Jerry's mercury levels had dropped significantly and his mental functioning had improved.
Jerry and Dorothy were convinced that because Jerry had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, he was going be sick for the rest of his life. But here's something you must remember for the rest of your life:Just because you've been told you have a certain disease doesn't mean you know the cause.
What do we mean by the word diagnosis? It's that moment when doctors name the disease they think you have. But having a diagnosis doesn't mean you know what's wrong. |
Walter Last
See book keywords and concepts |
 Nevertheless, both of these chelators can activate very high mercury levels from the bones and cause serious problems, especially in sensitive individuals and neurological diseases. Therefore, I generally prefer the slower but safer method of using careful cleansing diets together with detoxifying natural supplements.
The pink color of dentures may be due to heavy metals, possibly mercury or cadmium. If you cannot get a guarantee that the coloring is free of heavy metals, it is safer to ask for clear plastic dentures made of methyl methacrylate or flexite for partial dentures. |
| For fish species with acceptable mercury levels, check; www.ewg.org.) Chicken or other fowl should preferably be organically raised or otherwise free of chemicals.
Eggs in your diet should be genuinely free-range or organic and not from chickens fed any commercial pellets. Fresh, raw egg yolk is a health food that improves vitality and immune function; it can be used as part of a salad dressing. It does not increase but helps prevent the risk of heart disease. Alternatively, eat eggs soft-boiled or coddled. |
Patrick Holford
See book keywords and concepts |
 Mercury is used in a number of chemical processes, and accidents and illegal dumping have led to increased mercury levels in some areas, including the seashores and lakes of the U.S. Fish, especially larger species like tuna, store the mercury, which we then ingest. Fortunately, tuna is high in selenium, a mercury protector. Mercury has also been used as a constituent of thimerosal, found in diphtheria and hepatitis vaccines. This practice has recently been stopped.
Sadly, owing to widespread pollution, fish are one of our biggest sources of mercury. |
The Life Extension Editorial Staff
See book keywords and concepts |
 Researchers reported finding "no significant association of Alzheimer's disease with the number, surface area, or history of having dental amalgam restoration" and "no statistical significant differences in brain mercury levels between subjects with Alzheimer's disease and control subjects" (Saxe et al. 1999).
Interestingly, the metallic mercury used by dentists to manufacture dental amalgam is shipped as a hazardous material to dental offices. |
Schuyler W. Lininger, Jr. DC
See book keywords and concepts |
| One study reports that mercury levels in the hair of people with MS are higher than hair mercury levels in healthy individuals.20 This same report found that people with MS who had their amalgam fillings removed experienced one-third fewer relapses than individuals who kept their fillings. Another preliminary trial found that people with a large number of fillings that had been in place for a long time appeared to be at increased risk for MS compared with those with fewer fillings. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 1Michael T. Murray, ND
See book keywords and concepts |
| There is other support that mercury from dental fillings results in increasing body burden: scalp hair mercury levels of British dentists and dental hygienists were two to three times higher than those of the support staff.49 A study of dentists, dental nurses, and assistants showed that the average elevation of urine mercury levels were significantly related to the number of amalgam fillings the subjects had.50
Both hair and urinary mercury have been associated significantly with elevated titers of immune complexes containing oxidized LDL. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2Michael T. Murray, ND
See book keywords and concepts |
| Raised mercury levels were found in the blood and urine and a diagnosis of acrodynia was made. A thyroid nodule was noted and a thyroid test indicated possible hyperthyroidism. A thyroid scan found an enlargement of the gland and the increased uptake of the isotope.14 Chelating agents returned his mercury levels to normal and carbimazole treatment alleviated symptoms after 4 weeks.
Drugs
In older patients with hyperthyroidism, a toxic reaction to prescription drugs must be considered. |
Mark Hyman, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| We dealt with toxicity issues by treating his mercury levels (through medications as well as an increase in his vitamin C, fluid, and fiber intake). We also supported and enhanced his liver function with specific nutrients, and reduced the workload of his liver by removing the chemicals, preservatives, heavy metals, and unnecessary medications from his life. And we put Stan on therapeutic antioxidants (to deal with his free radical damage). |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 1Michael T. Murray, ND
See book keywords and concepts |
| Organic mercury levels in human hair with and without storage for eleven years. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 1982; 28:186-188
3. Airey D. Mercury in human hair due to environment and diet. A review. Env Health Perspectives 1983; 52: 303-316
4. Suzuki T, Yamamoto R. Organic mercury levels in human hair with and without storage for eleven years. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 1982; 28: 186-188
5. Airey D. Mercury in human hair due to environment and diet. A review. Env Health Perspectives 1983; 52: 303-316
6. US EPA-600/4-79-049, August 1979
7. Katz S, Chatt A. |
The Life Extension Editorial Staff
See book keywords and concepts |
| Blood mercury levels should not exceed 50 mcg/L (see the ASTDR Medical Management Guidelines).
Cadmium
Laboratory testing procedures for cadmium toxicity include collection of a 24-hour urine specimen, CBC, and hair and fingernail clippings. Blood levels show recent exposure; urine levels show both recent and earlier exposure (ASTDR). Blood levels of cadmium above 5 mcg/dL and creatinine levels in urine above 10 mcg/dL suggest cadmium toxicity (Dupler 2001). Note: The ASTDR is unsure of the reliability of tests for cadmium levels. |
Email this page to a friend
