THE HEALTH IMPACT OF MERCURY
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and includes the opinion of the author. Information is not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or disease. It is simply information found through experience and/or research. Always follow the directives of a licensed health professional. Neither Anita Bastian nor the publisher of the information takes any responsibility for actions readers take in regards to how they use or perceive the information. Readers are encouraged to do their own research.
Toxic metals like mercury, aluminum, lead, and arsenic have a long history of wreaking havoc on the health of humans. In this article, we will look at the ways that we can be exposed to mercury, the signs of potential mercury toxicity to watch for, and the steps that can be taken to address toxic metal stress.
WHAT IS MERCURY AND WHY IS IT SO DANGEROUS?
Mercury is an element found on the earth. It is silvery-white in color. There is no level of mercury that has been shown to be safe. Exposure to mercury can lead to subtle and even life-threatening conditions.
HOW ARE WE EXPOSED TO MERCURY?
Mercury is commonly used in electronics, fluorescent lighting, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), thermostats, batteries, and high intensity discharge (HID) bulbs. HID bulbs are often used in street lights, parking lots, flood lights, and industrial lighting, neon lights, or argon lights,.
It is also in the following:
Amalgam or silver dental fillings. The silver fillings are made of about 50% liquid mercury. Source. Generally, tin, copper, and silver are used in the other 50%. It appears that the UK plans to ban silver dental fillings and to phase out the use of them by 2025. Source.
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) or any foods sweetened with HFCS, like “soft drinks, yogurt, cookies, ice cream, salad dressing, soup, and even soup.” Source.
Commercial juices. Source.
Fish. Tuna, swordfish, shark, and other larger fish often contain higher levels of mercury. Source.
Baby food. A number of brands of baby food have also been found to contain mercury. In a recent study, 168 baby foods were tested. “The testing found 95% of sampled baby foods contained lead, 73% contained arsenic, 75% contained cadmium and 32% contained mercury. One fourth of the baby foods contained all four heavy metals.” Apparently, companies may have known about the toxins in the food, but they did not remove it from the shelves. Source. Since 1990, there have been some lawyers who are seeking compensation for people whose babies later “later developed a form of autism” after being given “toxic food.” Source.
Water. “Ground water can easily absorb heavy metals from the soil, and old lead pipes leak, so drinking water is a key exposure to heavy metals.” Source. Keeping this in mind, tap water and any product you consume that is made with water is at risk of containing mercury and other toxic metals.
Rice. Higher levels of methylmercury, which is by some considered bey some to be the most toxic form of mercury has been found in rice. Source. It didn’t seem to matter which type of rice.
But wait, there’s more…
According to this 2012 article published in the National Library of Medicine, mercury compounds are used in “various medications, ointments, dental fillings, contact lens, cosmetics, paints as well as in different instruments like thermometer and sphygmomanometers.” The article also states, “Compounds of mercury tend to be much more toxic than the element itself.”
Thimerosal is part mercury. It is used in vaccines and “biological products.” On labels, ingredients containing mercury may be abbreviated. “The mercury ingredients are abbreviated as TM for thimerosal, PMA for phenylmercuric acetate, PMN for phenylmercuric nitrate, MA for mercuric acetate, MN for mercuric nitrate, MB for merbromin, and MOY for mercuric oxide yellow.” Source.
Nasal sprays. Source.
After reading this list, it is truly daunting to think of the possible impact to human health, given that there is no amount of mercury known to be safe. It stands to reason that the accumulative effect from multiple sources has to have some impact on our health.
SIGNS OF MERCURY-INVOLVED TOXICITY MAY INCLUDE SOME OF THE FOLLOWING:
Poor coordination or loss of coordination
Muscle weakness
Numbness in hands, feet, or limbs
Anxiety
Neurological damage, dysfunction, and memory issues
Irritability
Changes in personality
Eye pain, vision issues
Trouble speaking, speech impairment
“Allergic reactions, resulting in skin rashes, tiredness and headaches” Source.
Reproductive issues, including miscarriage
Birth defects
Damage to kidneys and the digestive tract
WHAT NOW?
By now you may be feeling pretty bummed out and defeated. It seems crazy that something so toxic is in so many things! How can this be? It feels like there is no way to completely avoid it. Perhaps that is true. But there is good news! There are natural ways to help support the body to safely remove toxins like mercury.
We are fearfully and wonderfully made. Our bodies have the potential to recover much of what was lost, and sometimes when the toxins are removed, the body can perform even better than it did prior to the toxic assault. The body can then begin to heal and restore its internal processes.
The process of detoxing toxic metals like mercury can take some time, but it can be so worth it! Just imagine the potential that can be freed up when toxins are removed and the body functions more the way God created it to. Detoxing can give the body this chance. A chance to reclaim lost function. How cool is that?
We can support the kidneys and our elimination system, and we can offer other tools to the body, such as binders designed to target toxic metals. My personal favorite binder for toxic metals is HMET Binder. Always work with a practitioner who is trained to support the detox process so that you receive the help you need to safely remove harmful toxins.
If you want to learn more about the detoxification of toxins like mercury, reach out. I look forward to hearing from you.
Blessings in your journey to greater wellness,
--Anita
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information is for educational purposes only and is the opinion of the author. All sources listed were accessed in January of 2024.