Mercury

Current mercury concentrations in the United States

No metabolic functions are known for which mercury is required. At high concentrations, mercury causes liver and kidney damage and neurological symptoms. Interest has grown in the possible ill health effects of mercury liberated from dental amalgam fillings as well as the increased consumption of fish contaminated with mercury. Hair is used as an index of internal accumulation of mercury provided it was not externally contaminated by exposure to mercury vapor. There is intriguing research correlating increased hair mercury levels with certain disease conditions. For instance, chronic mercury ingestion may be related to cardiovascular disease. Recent data suggests that a high intake of mercury from non-fatty freshwater fish and the consequent accumulation of mercury in the body is associated with an increased incidence of acute myocardial infarction, as well as death from cardiovascular disease in general. This correlation has been proposed to be due to the promotion of lipid peroxidation by mercury.

Stop the Mercury, Start the Cure

Mercury poisoning

Mercury poisoning in our mouths

Collaborative evidence for this finding comes from a Finnish case-controlled study in which higher numbers of dental fillings in individuals was associated with increased occurrence of acute myocardial infarction. There is additional support that mercury from dental fillings results in increased body burden: scalp hair of British dentists and dental hygienists were 2-3 times higher in mercury than those of the support staff. A study of dentists, dental nurses, and assistants showed the average elevation of urine mercury levels were significantly related to the number of amalgam fillings the subjects had. Both hair and urinary mercury have been associated significantly with elevated titers of immune complexes containing oxidized LDL. Other evidence indicates that mercury can induce autoimmune disease both in humans and experimental animals. Mercury from dental fillings may also be a factor in multiple sclerosis, since hair mercury was found to be significantly higher in MS subjects compared to the non-MS controls. These studies also support the utility of hair and urine mercury measurement in situations of dietary, dental, or environmental exposure.

Mercury Sources

Adhesives
Air conditioner filters
Body powders
Broken thermometer
Cosmetics
Dental fillings
Diuretics
Eye contact solution
Fabric softeners
Felt
Floor waxes-polishes
Fungicides
Industrial wastes
Laxatives
Mercurochrome
Paints
Photoengraving
Psoriatic ointments
Sea foods
Sewage disposal
Skin lightening cream
Tanning leather
Tattooing
Wood preservatives

Reference:
Published in the August issue of Alternative & Complimentary Therapies (magazine for doctors) and Published in Townsend Letter for Doctor's and Patients

Health conditions associated with Mercury exposure

Psychiatric Disturbances:

Aggressive behaviors
Anorexia
ADD
ADHD
Chronic fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Delirium
Depression
Flat affect
Hallucinations
Impaired facial recognition
Impaired visual fixation
Irritability
Lacks eye contact
Loss of appetite/weight
Malaise
Mood swings
OCD-typical behaviors
Preservatives
Repetitive
Schizoid tendencies
Sleep difficulties/disturbances
Social Deficits
Social withdrawal
Stereotyped behaviors
Suicidal Behaviors
Symptoms reflecting eating disorders
Temper tantrums
Weakness

Speech and Language Deficits:

Speech disorders
Loss of speech
Developmental problems with language
Speech comprehension deficits
Dysarthria
Articulation problems
Slurred speech
Unintelligible speech

Cognitive Impairments:

Mental retardation
Borderline intelligence

Sensory Abnormalities:

Hearing loss
Difficulty hearing
Abnormal touch sensations
Diminished touch sensations, aversion to touch
Blurred vision; sensitivity to light

Motor Disorders:

Choreiform movements
Myoclonal jerks
Unusual postures
Difficulty walking
Swallowing
Talking
Flapping
Circling
Rocking
Rocking
Toe walking
Problems with intentional movements or imitation
Abnormal, gait/posture
In-coordination
Loss of balance; problems sitting
Crawling and walking
Convulsion; seizure

Physiological Impairment, Brain and Central Nervous System:

Accumulates in CNS structures
Autonomic disturbances
Cerebrovascular disease

Peripheral Nervous System:

Peripheral neuropathy
Loss of felling/ numbness in the extremities; paresthesia

Gastrointestinal Tract:

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite abdominal pain
Stomach cramps
Burning of the throat of the mouth
Esophagitis
Gastroenteritis
Colitis

Renal and Hepatic Impairment:

Kidney disease; kidney failure

Respiratory System:

Pneumonia
Laryngitis
Pharyngitis
Bronchitis

Reproductive System:

Disturbances in menstrual cycle
Menstrual pains
Birth defects
Premature births
Spontaneous abortion

Other Physical Disturbances:

Hypotonia or hypertonia
Rashes
Contact dermatitis eczema
Itchy/irritating skin

RETURN TO FLU SHOTS

RETURN TO HEAVY METALS

The information on MY PATIENTS WEBSITE with Dr. Tindall, D.C., C.C.S.T. are provided for the purposes of education only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. Any products recommend or claims made about specific products on or through this site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. . You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.