Aluminum Toxicity

Aluminum and Alzheimer's

The highest aluminum exposure is most frequently due to the chronic consumption of aluminum- containing antacid products and the use of aluminum cookware. Research shows that aluminum builds up in the body over time; thus, the health hazard to older people is greater.

D.R. McLaughlin, M.D., F.R.C.P. (C), professor of physiology and medicine and director of the Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases at the University of Toronto, states, "Concentrations of aluminum that are toxic to many biochemical processes are found in at least ten human neurological conditions." Recent studies suggest that aluminum contributes to neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, senile and presenile dementia, clumsiness of movements, staggering when walking, and inability to pronounce words properly. Behavioral difficulties among schoolchildren have also been correlated with elevated levels of aluminum and other neurotoxic heavy metals.

A disturbing pattern of aluminum accumulation and interference with normal neurological function appears to be supported in the literature. Dyslexic children were shown to have higher levels of aluminum in their hair compared with controls, and other behavioral difficulties in school also correlated with elevated levels of this element. Urine levels of aluminum are observed to be elevated in people with a history of antacid intake. The estimated half-life of aluminum found in the urine is 7.5 hours; however, the excretion kinetics varies according to the form in which the element was present in a worker�s environment.

There are geographical links between Alzheimer's disease and high aluminum in drinking water. Elevated hair aluminum has been observed in Alzheimer's patients, and some Alzheimer's patients experience stabilization of their symptoms following chelation treatment. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, another neurodegenerative disease, may also be linked to aluminum content of water supplies.

Aluminum is ubiquitous, being the most prevalent heavy metal in the Earth's crust. Sources of exposure may include drinking water (especially from areas exposed to acid rain), aluminum cookware, and aluminum- containing medications such as Maalox. The health and educational ramifications of these observations are of much current concern.

Sources:
Aluminum cookware
Aluminum foil
Antacids
Antiperspirants Click here for video

Baking powder (aluminum containing)
Buffered aspirin
Canned acidic foods
Food additives
Lipstick
Medications
Drugs (anti- diarrhea agents, hemorrhoid medications, vaginal douches)
Processed cheese
"Softened" water
Tap water.

Target Organs: Bones, brain, kidneys and stomach.

Signs/Symptoms:
Colic
Dementia
Esophagitis
Gastroenteritis
Kidney damage
Liver dysfunction
Loss of appetite
Loss of balance
Muscle pain
Psychosis
Shortness of breath
Weakness
Alzheimer's disease
Parkinson's disease
Senile
Presenile dementia
Clumsiness of movement
Staggering when walking
Inability to pronounce words properly
Behavioral difficulties among school children.

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RETURN TO FLU SHOTS

RETURN TO HEAVY METALS

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