Facts About Mercury Detoxification

Mercury is a type of heavy metal found in the environment, including minerals, soil, and fossil fuel. This metal is absorbed by the body via inhalation, skin contact, and from the food we eat.

There are three types of mercury found in our environment. These are: elemental, inorganic, and organic mercury. Mercury is harmful to the body because it damages the tissues and organs. Unfortunately, pollution and mining led to the excessive emission of mercury into the atmosphere. The metal floats in the air, eventually ending up in water sources and ingested by marine animals.

This metal is dangerous because it accumulates in tissues – in both humans and animals. Larger animals that are exposed longer to this metal will accumulate more mercury.

Causes of Mercury Poisoning

The most common cause of mercury poisoning is ingesting contaminated meats. Usually, livestock who are fed contaminated fishmeal result in contaminated meat. Plants grown in a mercury-contaminated soil also causes heavy metal poisoning. Foods stored in pots coated with mercury-based paint will become contaminated too. Consuming deep-sea fish and fish oil may also lead to heavy metal poisoning.

Signs, Symptoms, and Complications of Mercury Poisoning

Once the body absorbs mercury, the metal passes through the gastrointestinal wall. It is distributed to other parts of the body in as little as 30 hours. Eventually, the metal will affect all organs, causing irreversible damage to the tissues.

The most common signs of mercury poisoning are tremors, numbness or painful extremities. It could cause memory loss, insomnia, headaches, gingivitis, loss of taste, and hearing problems. Once the brain is affected, mercury poisoning could cause abnormal shyness, emotional instability, and personality changes.

Chronic mercury poisoning will lead to serious health problems, affects the brain and the kidneys in particular. Mercury poisoning could also cause cardiovascular disorders and DNA damage.

Remedies and Therapies for Mercury Poisoning

Chelation Therapy

Chelation therapy utilizes chelating agents to attract and get rid of heavy metals in the body. These chelating agents include certain herbs and minerals. Sodium edetate is a common chelating agent. This chemical binds with free metal ions that circulate in the bloodstream. Potphine is another chelating agent that binds with heavy metals. The chelating agents are usually given in pill form or intravenously. The therapy will last for many months, depending on the severity of the condition.

Sodium Bentonite Bathing Clay

Another popular remedy for mercury poisoning is bentonite bathing clay. The clay removes heavy metals by absorbing the poison through the pores. The treatment involves soaking in bentonite bath water. The warmness of the water will open up the pores. Because the clay is negatively charged, it will draw out the toxins through the pores. Then, the clay will absorb the toxins.

Glutathione

Glutathione is a type of amino acid that helps detoxify the body. It removes pollutants, toxins, and chemicals in the system. Increasing the level of glutathione helps eliminate heavy metals from the body. But to maximize the detoxifying effects of glutathione, the nutrient has to be administered intravenously. Taking glutathione pills will not work because the gastrointestinal tract will destroy the nutrient before it reaches the bloodstream.