Oral Chelation

The most common source of heavy metal toxicity is from dental amalgam fillings and other metal dental appliances. In 1989, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declared that amalgams are a hazardous substance under the Superfund law. Scrap dental amalgam was declared a hazardous waste in 1988 by the EPA. Outside of your mouth it has to be: 1. Stored in unbreakable, tightly sealed containers away from heat. 2. It is not to be touched. 3. Stored under liquid glycerine or photographic fixer solution. So, once it is taken out of the mouth it is toxic, but when it is placed in the teeth it is labeled "nontoxic." You can't throw it in the trash, bury it in the ground or put it in a landfill, but they say it's okay to put it in people's mouths. It sounds like truth decay! Lead, mercury and cadmium exert most of their toxicity by destroying important proteins, many of which are enzymes, hormones, or cell receptors. Mercury will attach to sulfur amino acid building blocks in proteins. The sulfur amino acids are methionine, cysteine, and taurine. Sulfur is present in all proteins. Numerous enzymes require intact sulfur groups and many are inactivated by mercury.

Lead binds with the sulfur groups on proteins and inactivates them. Lead suppresses neuron clusters in the brain, hindering brain development in children by stunting the mapping of sensory nerves. One of the primary ways the body gets rid of metal compounds is through a pathway that goes from the liver into the bile where it is then transported to the small intestine and excreted in the feces. Inorganic mercury is complexed with glutathione in the bile, suggesting that glutathione status is a major consideration in the biliary secretion of mercury. This same pathway is affected by a mercury induced reduction of available taurine needed to produce bile acid (taurocholic acid). When the microflora of the intestine has been reduced through stress, poor diet, use of antibiotics and other drugs, fecal content of mercury is greatly reduced. Instead of being excreted in the feces, the mercury gets recirculated back to the liver. The person that is under stress, eating a poor diet, and/or taking antibiotics will tend to maintain a higher body burden of mercury derived from dietary sources--especially if they are eating diets high in fish.

Disposal of the body's burden of mercury is via the urine and feces, although minute amounts are detectable in expired air. Excretion via the liver occurs in bile and reabsorption of some of this mercury does take place. However, the kidney is equipped with an efficient, energy-dependant mechanism for disposing of metals such as mercury. Kidney tissue contains a thiol-rich protein called metallothionein; exposure to toxic metals triggers the production of this protein which binds tightly to the metal, retaining it in the kidney tissue in a relatively harmless form. As long as the kidney's capacity for production of metallothionein is not overwhelmed, mercury excretion can eventually balance intake, thereby limiting worsening of symptoms. However, acute high doses of mercury, or an increase in the chronic dose level can readily precipitate renal failure, one of the classic symptoms of mercury poisoning.

Detoxification systems such as metallothionein, cytochrome P-450, and bile are adversely affected by mercury. Metallothionein binds toxic metals in the body to prepare them for excretion. Mercury ties up this material so it cannot clear out other metals such as lead, cadmium, and aluminum. Mercury from amalgam binds to -SH (sulfhydryl) groups, which are used in almost every enzymatic process in the body. Mercury therefore has the potential to disturb all metabolic processes.

A small proportion of total body mercury is excreted in various forms directly in the urine without being bound to protein. In low dose, steady state conditions, such as the dentist who has worked at a similar exposure level for years, the urinary output very accurately reflects the total body burden and this is why urine monitoring is so important.

The following is a list of nutrients that facilitate the removal of heavy metals.

Mega H-: The negative hydride ions in Mega H- alter the water consumed with the food and supplements in our diet, to have a lower surface tension and an increased conductivity. A low surface tension in the extra cellular fluids is also important in the removal of toxins from the cells and into lymph and venous blood for removal from the body. Tap water has a surface tension of approximately 73 dynes/cm. The water around our cells has a surface tension of approximately 45 dynes/cm. It is necessary, that the body reduces the surface tension of water we consume in order for nutrients to pass through cell walls, and for toxins to pass out of the cells. Mega H- in water expedites this process. Glutathione: Contains cysteine, glycine and glutamic acid. The liver manufactures glutathione whenever extra cysteine is available. Blood glutathione levels change in direct proportion to the amount of cysteine is in the diet. One 50 milligram capsule or tablet, three times a day taken on an empty stomach. Individuals with insulin deficiency should not take glutathione.

Methionine: Methionine levels are a major determinant in the liver's concentration of sulphur-containing compounds, such as glutathione and cysteine. As methionine is the precursor for the manufacture of cysteine in the body, extra supplementation of this critical amino acid should increase available cysteine. Animal studies have shown that methionine protects rats from the toxic effects of lead and mercury. Chelating agents such as DMSA (dimercapto succinic acid) and DMPS (dimercapto-propane sulfonic acid) bind to cysteine for excretion. L-cysteine bound to mercury (L-penicillamine, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, DMSA and glutathione complexed with methylmercury) resembles the L-methionine molecule and can cross the blood brain barrier. L-methionine inhibits the transport of these complexes into the brain. Methionine increases the bioavailability of glutathione. Most of the cysteine required for the resynthesis of glutathione must originate from methionine and not from cysteine generated by the catabolism of glutathione. Patients taking only D-L-methionine increased mercury excretion in the urine by 60% over the excretion rate before taking the methionine. Lead excretion was also increased. The L-form is rapidly metabolized by the liver and does not offer a sustained antioxidant level. Over half of the D-form is slowly metabolized by the same pathways as excess L, and acts identical to L as an antioxidant. The benefit of the D-L form of methionine is the D form provides sustained blood levels allowing he L-form to be converted to other sulfur antioxidants. Babies need 22 mg/Kg body weight of methionine on a daily basis while adults need 10 mg/Kg of body weight daily.

N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC): NAC forms L-cysteine, cystine, L-methionine, glutathione (GSH), and mixed di-sulfides. Stimulates the body to produce large amounts of cysteine and glutathione, thus greatly augmenting plasma and red blood cell content of both cysteine and glutathione; Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): MSM, like fresh garlic, provides a bioavailable dietary source of sulfur. MSM exerts a direct beneficial effect in ameliorating a variety of allergic responsees and pain associated with systemic inflammatory disorders.

Milk Thistle (silymarin): Silymarin provides support and protection against liver toxins which can cause free-radical-mediated oxidative damage. Silymarin is many times more potent in antioxidant activity than vitamin E. In addition, it increases liver production of glutathione and protects red blood cell membranes against lipid peroxidation and hemolysis.

Chlorella: Is a food-like all purpose mild chelator of heavy metals; it is a specially processed green-algae type of food that is taken with meals and is quite tolerable and pleasant for many. But since chlorella is so easily contaminated, the manufacturer’s quality control is important. Nature’s Balance is a source of high quality chlorella that can be taken as a part of a person’d detox program. The detoxification capability of Chlorella is due to its unique cell wall and the material associated with it. The cell walls of Chlorella have been shown to have three layers of which the thicker middle layer contains cellulose microfibrils. Atkinson et al found a 14nm thick trilaminar layer outside the cell wall proper which was extremely resistant to breakage and thought to be composed of a polymerised carotene like material.....Laboratory studies showed that there were two active absorbing substances - sporopollenin (a naturally occurring carotene like polymer which is resistant to degradation) and the algae cell walls." Chlorella's ability to detoxify the body is very significant because of the large amount of chemicals we are exposed to in today's modern world. This ability to detoxify chemicals is also one of the important differences between Chlorella and other "green" products."

Cilantro: stimulates the body's release of mercury and other heavy metals from the brain and CNS into other tissue. This facilitates the ability to remove heavy metal from the body using other dietary protocols, such as Chorella and other chlorophyll containing herbs such as Nettles and Alfalfa. These herbs aid in detoxifying by denaturing the toxins, protecting and restoring normal cellular functions while promoting elimination. The major constituents of the volatile oils are: myrcene (1.71%), d-linalool (52.26%), citronellol (4.64%), geraniol (9.29%), safrole (2.67%), aterpinyl acetate (1.07%) and geraniol acetate. A typical dose is orally 6-15 drops 1/2 hr. before or 1 hr. after meals 2x/day. For 5 days. 2 day rest and continue. Or Apply ¼ to ½ dropper on wrists, joints, or affected areas twice a day.

Vitamin B₆: needed in the metabolic process that converts methionine to cysteine and then into glutathione. B₆ is capable of reducing and controlling the swelling and pain associated with the routine tissue and bone trauma resulting from normal dental operative procedures. You can also use Pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P5P), the active form that B₆ is converted to in the body. Vitamin B₁: is capable of reducing pain that may be associated with routine dental operative procedures. B₁ is one of two vitamins containing sulfur, the other is Biotin.

Magnesium: Magnesium availablility is essential for the proper functinoing of our immune system as well as hundreds of enzyme systems critical to human health. Organically amino acid-bound ones are more easily absorbed and are less irritating to the gastrointestinal tract as well.

Activated charcoal: taken immediately with chlorella, 15 minutes before drilling/chunking out amalgam, will bind any swallowed mercury and also prevent recirculation in the liver.

Refrain from taking any supplements that contain iron and copper. Mercury amalgam removal alone does not put an end to the mercury poisoning. The mercury which leached from the fillings in the mouth is stored in cells throughout the body and continues to exert its damaging influence. It is not unusual to see patients who have had their amalgam fillings removed and replaced ten to fifteen years prior to testing still having elevated levels of mercury in the body. Once mercury toxicity has been demonstrated, by tests such as high electrogalvanism, high mercury vapor emissions, and/or high mercury body burden, mercury amalgam removal and replacement with alternate, non-toxic materials is the recommended step. Botanical substances to assist in removing the mercury include cilantro and chlorella which are particularly effective.

Sweating

The skin is the body's largest detoxiification organs and sweating can help draw mercury from the body. Saunas are a useful adjunct to safe mercury removal because they induce copious sweating. Initiate sweating and increased circulation by exercising 20 minutes three times a day on a rebounder (mini trampoline). Immediately following the exercise, sit in a sauna or under infrared lights (infrared sauna) for up to 30 minutes, then take a cool shower. The temperature from a "low heat" sauna should be between 140 to 180 degrees F. in contrast to the 200 to 210 degree F. for a non-therapeutic standard sauna. The sauna may be followed by a plunge into a bath or under a shower whose temperature is 65 degrees F. Over a period of three to four days, increase your time in the sauna to a total of up to two hours, divided into 30-minute periods with a short cooling-off period in between. It's important to shower and towel dry because the removal of sweat prevents reabsorption of toxins. While doing the sauna program, consume adequate amounts of water to avoid dehydration. this is a minimum of two quarts before and after entering the sauna. Replace your electrolytes lost to perspiration with grape or prune juice and drink vegetable juices to replace calcium and magnesium lost through the skin.

Oral Metal Chelation

NDF (Nanocolloidal Detox Factors)

Based on the results of comparative 24 hour urine samples analyzed by an independent clinic and lab, a person can safely excrete up to 920% (9.2 times) more heavy metals per month taking NDF daily as compared to doing one DMPS intravenous injection per month. This greatly shortens the time required to achieve detoxification, an average toxic adult person requiring a maximum dose of 2 mls. twice a day for a period of about two months. NDF also removes other toxins from the system.

The predominant route of excretion is via the urine, thus accelerating the excretion rate of the mobilized metals as compared to the fecal route, decreasing the possibility of enzyme and leaky gut mediated resorption through the bowel, and decreasing the burden on the liver. The majority of the metals to be mobilized and eliminated per dose are quickly detectable in the first urination following the dose. Fecal Element studies show an average of 38.4% reduction in fecal metals following 5 days at maximum dosage while urine levels remain elevated. Individual pathways of elimination have been noted. Independent real time digital EEG studies show a beneficial effect on the electrical activity of the brain, specifically raises the heavy metal suppressed beta waves to normal levels (from within 5 to 113 minutes post ingestion and lasting at least 4 hours) with a concurrent dramatic increase in the urinary excretion of heavy metals and patient reports of subjective improvement. This proves that no "healing crisis" is required during heavy metal detox while using NDF.

Ingredients:

2 milliliters (2 droppers full or 52 drops) contain:

· 50 mgs. - Nanocolloidal cell wall decimated Chlorella Pyrenoidosa

· .12 mls. - Nanocolloidal Cilantro

· 10 mgs. - Nanocolloidal *PolyFlor

· 75 mgs/liter nanocolloidal Silica

· Grain neutral spirits 18% as a preservative

*PolyFlor microorganisms include: 12 strains of lactobacillus (including casei, acidophilus, salivarius, bulgaricus, sporogones and plantarum), 3 strains bifidobacterium including longum and bifidum, streptococcus thermophilus, and b. laterosporus.

Why "Nanonize" the Ingredients?

Chlorella is known in mining to bind heavy metals to its cell wall. Yet many people have taken Chlorella with no benefit. The reasons are that all of the available chlorella is not really "cell wall broken" and that most of it is already contaminated with heavy metals. Most of the cell walls are in tact, but the individual diatoms are tightly clustered in groups of about 500 units each. This is very difficult to digest and may explain why some people get gastro intestinal distress when taking normal chlorella but not with NDF. Nanocolloidal cell wall decimated chlorella has never been available so far! In addition to binding to heavy metals, Chlorella has other beneficial effects, augmented by putting it through this process, including: increased elimination of toxins, growth hormone regulation, a powerful nutritive impact and protection from radiation.

Why does it work?

The following is essential to the understanding of this supplement: The ingredients are in a nanocolloidal form. There is at least a 500-fold increase in available surface area and a dramatically reduced particle size, thus rendering each ingredient more bioavailable and effective. That means the effective bioavailable dose is roughly one five hundredth of the dose required compared to using a dose of the original ingredient. This is why 50 milligrams of nanonized chlorella achieves what 25 grams of normal chlorella cannot. Most toxin-burdened people have compromised assimilation and utilization and can't benefit from macromolecules.

In the past, Chlorella was only known to mobilize a small amount of heavy metals via the bowel. In NDF, because it is nanonized, "molecular components digested off the nano particles can be absorbed across the GI wall into the bloodstream and have a possibility to enter the brain depending on the molecule" - a possible explanation of why it can facilitate elimination via the urine.

PolyFlor contains fulvic acid. This could be the underlying reason why healthy bowel flora is so vital to good health. However, just taking a flora supplement will not provide heavy metal detox of the same magnitude as NDF (www.fulvic.com).

The major health benefits of both live and cell wall broken beneficial bacteria are described by recent clinical research in The Handbook of Probiotics. Lee, Nomoto, Salminen, and Gorbach. Pub. Wiley & Sons, Inc. '99. Unfortunately, once the amalgams are put into the teeth, or the toxic body burden becomes too great, or if a person only consumes processed and pesticide grown foods, these powerful allies no longer stand a chance of sharing their healing benefits with us.

Duration of Therapy

So far, only how much metal is being excreted can be measured, not the total body burden, so it is impossible to exactly predict the duration or cost of therapy. We do know that there is a linear relationship between the volume of the dose and the amount of excreted metals. Therefore, the more they can take, the quicker the detox will be. However, it is preferable to maintain the dose at the level that the patient continuously reports subjective improvement as a "healing crisis" is not required to effectively remove the heavy metals with NDF.

Cost Effectiveness / Compared to DMPS

It was recently determined by an independent, comparative 24-hour urine tests conducted by Dr. J. Wright via Doctors Data that a single, 2-dropper dose of NDF pulled out 20% as much metals as an IV dose of DMPS on the same patient. Since NDF can be taken daily, and DMPS only once a month (per the protocol presented by Drs. Klinghart and Mercola), this means that up to 920% (9.2 times) more metal can be excreted per month using 2 droppers of NDF twice a day (maximum dose) without the side effects and mineral deficiencies associated with DMPS. Since there is a linear relationship between amount of the dose and percentage increase in excreted metals, 6 drops twice a day would take out about 107%, or roughly the same amount of metals per month as DMPS, making NDF very cost effective, especially when you consider that very little additional supplementation is required while using NDF. Suggested retail is now $150 for a one-month supply, equal to the cost and efficiency of one DMPS IV push.

Rectal Chelation

New Delivery Method for Chelation Therapy

The newest, easiest, most convenient and efficacious technique for detoxifying heavy metals out of the body is by means of rectal chelation therapy. The method is to self-apply Detoxamin, a patented, trademarked and registered over-the-counter suppository. People exhibiting toxic metal burdens now are able to chelate themselves while sleeping by use of this non-prescription chelator. Merely insert the firm gelatin pill into the rectum, go to sleep, and awake in the morning partially detoxified. Repeat the procedure until testing show that there is no more metal poison remaining in the body. With this suppository method, the main obstacle to intravenous EDTA chelation therapy has been eliminated. Rather than spending three or more hours per infusion session in a clinic, hooked to an IV, you may take less than a minute to insert the Detoxamin suppository at home before bedtime. Since many people cringe at the thought of getting stuck with a needle for twenty or more such IV treatments, use of a suppository eliminates this psychologically stressful and time-consuming obstacle. Rectal administration is less invasive, in no way uncomfortable, and generally greatly preferred over IV treatments.

Taking 3-5 suppositories over a 30-day period. This is medically equal to approximately 2-EDTA IV treatments. When on Detoxamin maintenance one box of Detoxamin lasts 6 to 10 months. Taken every night for 90 days or every other night for 180 days provides the medical equivalence of approximately 30 IV Chelation treatments.

Rectal chelation therapy does the job of detoxifying in a low-cost way to effuse EDTA through the bowel’s walls and into your blood stream to clean toxic metals from all body cells. Detoxamin has a time-release mechanism that allows the EDTA to absorb through the colon wall over an eighty-minute period while you sleep. Almost all the blood from the rectum makes its way to the superior hemorrhoidal veins, a tributary of the portal system, so that absorption through the rectal wall carries the EDTA in Detoxamin to the portal vein.

The lower and middle hemorrhoidal veins bypass the liver-and do not undergo first pass metabolism. This means that the EDTA in Detoxamin goes directly to the organs of your body without being filtered through the liver first. Because of this, the EDTA contained in Detoxamin is very productive. Detoxamin also introduces EDTA directly into the systemic circulation, efficiently bypassing the portal circulation and the liver metabolism on the first pass. Rectal absorption may also occur through the lymphatic system and, in some cases, largely through the blood via the vena cava.

Detoxamin offers many advantages both over the expensive intravenous method of EDTA chelation. With the use of needles via the intravenous method, and risk of AIDS and other communicable blood-borne diseases, Detoxamin is becoming the logical choice over I.V. EDTA chelation and the poorly absorbed oral EDTA. The rectum has a more neutral pH and is not as acidic as the stomach, which makes this area much better for EDTA absorption because it is not buffered and has a neutral pH, unlike the stomach. It also has very little enzymatic activity, thus enzymatic degradation does not occur. The rectal mucosa (rectum) is much more capable than the gastric mucosa (stomach) of tolerating various drug-related irritations. This is why patients who can't tolerate oral pain medication are given the same medication in suppository form. In fact, absorption with any oral EDTA tablet is so low that 135 (500mg) oral EDTA tablets are equal to just 5 Detoxamin suppositories.

Detoxamin removes most harmful toxins from the body, safely and effectively. Detoxamin is taken at night prior to bedtime, each Detoxamin suppository contains 750mg of Calcium-disodium EDTA, and is made in a cocoa-butter base (melts on body contact), which is very therapeutic for the rectal mucosa and the colon wall. The Ca-sodium form is able to bond (chelate) effectively because it does not lower the blood pH to a level that would prohibit the bonding action. The Ca added to the salt is important in this mode of administration as it buffers the acidic quality of the active ingredient keeping the suppository from being abrasive to the mucous membrane of the rectum area. Ca-disodium EDTA has both a scientific justification for therapeutic effectiveness as well as a clinical history of effectiveness.

The Calcium EDTA in Detoxamin has an extra chemical bond compared to the older Disodium EDTA. This gives Detoxamin EDTA an affinity for Mercury. Mercury is also excreted from the body through the feces and, because Detoxamin utilizes the colon wall for EDTA assimilation; it is a powerful Mercury chelator.

Metal Removing Nutrients

Calcium & Vitamin C: Just as lead will displace calcium, calcium is an excellent nutrient to utilize for displacing mercury and lead. Utilizing a combination of minerals, such as magnesium and calcium, is even more effective in clearing metals from the body. Increasing vitamin C intake is a reasonable cost-effective way to control toxic metal levels in the population. Several studies implicate lead in causing cavities, and at least one study suggests that almost 3 million cavities in children result from lead. Vitamin C and Calcium supplementation are recommended for protection.

Chlorophyll: chlorophyll binds to heavy metals very well. In fact, it is imperative to choose a reputable source for your chlorophyll, which screens for toxins and heavy metals; or you may be getting more than you want. A good source is juiced raw, organic greens.

Fiber: Fiber, such as oat bran and apple pectin, will bind to metals and help draw them out of the body. Montmorillinite clay also binds extremely well to toxins and metals for clearance. Fiber such as red beet root fiber is high in proanthocyanidins and antioxidants and facilitates clearance of metals through the liver.

Lipoic Acid: Lipoic acid is a potent antioxidant and has a high affinity for binding to metals. This makes it an excellent choice as a supplement to bind and clear mercury and lead from the system. It is best utilized in combination with conjugating nutrients.

Minerals: A mineral-rich diet acts as a chelating agent. Many minerals will chelate metals, including calcium, magnesium, zinc and selenium. Mercury interferes with some functions of selenium, including its powerful antioxidant function and its ability to bind to metals. A good source of bioavailable minerals is from raw sea vegetables and grass juices from wheat, barley, alfalfa, kamut, etc.

Milk Thistle (silybum marianum): Milk thistle is a renowned liver herb, and supports this major detoxification organ. Milk thistle contains silymarin, a bioflavonoid that is a very potent remedy for the liver. Silymarin inhibits free radical damage; free radicals have an adverse effect on the detoxification enzymes of the liver cytochrome P450 system, while silymarin protects those enzymes. Glutathione is destroyed by lead. Silymarin not only prevents the depletion of GSH (glutathione), it even increased this liver-detoxifying enzyme. A sulfur pathway in the liver detoxes lead, and milk thistle helps to boost liver function.

Molybdenum: Large amounts of exogenous sulfur (from outside the body) will usurp the body's stores of molybdenum to metabolize it. An easier solution is to use the nutrients which will facilitate the homocysteine pathway. Homocysteine is a toxic substance, however the pathway itself, when properly supported, is essential for a host of metabolic functions. When the pathway is facilitated, sulfur is generated as a natural by-product at the end (molybdenum changes the toxic sulfite molecule to the much-needed sulfate). Vitamins B₁₂, B₆ and folic acid, along with trimethylglycine and dimethylglycine recycle homocysteine to methionine, and allow for Sam-e to methylate phosphatidylserine, an important brain nutrient. Usually the people who are the most deficient in sulfur will be the most sensitive to metal toxicity and vice versa.

Parotid Glandular: Parotid glandular is believed to accelerate the clearance of chemicals/heavy metals from tissues. It is best utilized in combination with detoxification nutrients that will pull the metals out of the body by detox pathways such as the bowel, kidney, lymph, lungs, blood, skin, and liver.

Sulfur: Lead, mercury and cadmium steal sulfur from important proteins, which could be enzymes, hormones, or cell receptors. Conversely, sulfur is needed in the liver detox pathway to hook onto these metals and clear them from the body. So, lead, mercury and cadmium depletes sulfur, the very nutrient needed to detox the metal overload. A depletion of sulfur will also adversely affect joint connective tissue growth, since sulfur is an essential precursor to the building blocks of cartilage, namely glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid. Good sources are egg yolks, garlic, kelp, kale, turnip, raspberries, onions, cabbage, and mustard.

Zinc: Zinc and copper get displaced from metallothionine, the protein that binds and carries them. This destroys many of the zinc-dependent enzymes. Zinc is important for proper functioning in a host of major metabolic pathways; it is a component of over 90 metalloenzymes in the body. Lead has always been known as a neurotoxin, with the brain being particularly susceptible to attack. Lethargy is a common symptom of lead toxicity; lead inactivates the zinc-dependent enzymes of the Kreb's cycle, which produces our energy. Zinc is also a part of the antioxidant enzyme, Zn-SOD, which fights superoxide radicals. Symptoms of lead toxicity are similar to zinc deficiency symptoms because lead can bring on a zinc deficiency. Zinc deficiency has been implicated in a wide variety of neuropsychiatric disorders, including dyslexia, epilepsy, mental depression, and attention deficit disorder. The symptoms of lead toxicity are similar to zinc deficiency because the lead destroys the zinc-dependent enzymes.

Mercury Poisoned.

Heavy metals not only affect the brain, but mercury impairs the functioning of enzymes that have sulfur and hydrogen (-SH) at the end of the molecular chain. These include glutathione, lipoic acid, and Coenzyme A. These toxic metals also impair the enzymes sulfite oxidase and cysteine dioxygenase interfering with sulfur oxidation, creating a lack of sulfate. Many people who are mercury toxic are sensitive to foods that are high in sulfur, which includes all dairy products and most green vegetables. We fret about the heavy metals in vaccines, yet we allow the kid to drink from aluminum cans! The Environmental Protection Agency requires that public water have less than 50 ppb [Parts Per Billion] of aluminum, yet canned beverages contain as much as 6,160 ppb! 

Paresthesia, or abnormal sensation, tingling, and numbness around the mouth and in the extremities, is the most common sensory disturbance in Hg poisoning, and is usually the first sign of toxicity (Fagala and Wigg, 1992; Joselow et al., 1972; Matheson et al., 1980; Amin-Zaki, 1979). In Japanese who ate contaminated fish, there was numbness in the extremities, face and tongue (Snyder, 1972; Tokuomi et al., 1982). Iraqi children who ate mercury-poisoned bread experienced sensory changes including numbness in the mouth, hands, and feet, and a feeling that there were “ants crawling under the skin.” 

Methyl Mercury (MeHg), like cadmium, binds to sulfhydryl groups on cysteine, which may compromise the function of enzymes and ion channels. MeHg also interacts with DNA and RNA, resulting in reductions in protein synthesis. Metallothioneins (MT) are a group of low molecular weight, cysteine-rich, metal-binding proteins that bind a variety of metal ions. Zinc is probably the most important nutrient that protects the body against mercury and cadmium, for zinc can induce protective levels of metallothionein even before the body is exposed to cadmium. Copper can do this as well, but to a lesser extent. A search will turn up more than 600 references to inositol and metallothionein as well (caffeine depletes the body of inositol, so no soft drinks or coffee!). Zinc, copper, and manganese can all interfere with the absorption of cadmium. Iron, ascorbic acid, and protein also can reduce the absorption of low levels of dietary cadmium. Calcium and thiols like cysteine reduce the toxicity of oral cadmium.  

One of the greatest effects of cadmium and mercury is that they deplete selenium in the body because selenium is essential for their removal. Selenium atoms combine with cadmium and mercury atoms and escort them out of the body via the bile system. When selenium is depleted by cadmium and/or mercury, there is less selenium to form the deiodinase enzymes that convert T4 to T3, resulting in low T3 and hypothyroidism. Also there is less selenium to form glutathione peroxidase, one of the body’s prime antioxidants. 

Many have expressed the fear that continued supplementation of vitamin B₁₂ and TMG would change systemic mercury to methyl mercury, its most toxic form. Methylation of mercury does not occur at a physiologically relevant rate in mammals according to Mr. Andy Cutler, Chemist, and PH.D. Methylation in general, he says, will benefit about 80-90% of the people, but the rest need to avoid it. People with problems who need more will usually have some of the classic signs and symptoms of B₁₂ deficiency (like a smooth, shiny tip of the tongue). 

“(Edited) In this study, we have examined the effect of mercury as an inducer of oxidative stress, and the resultant effect on ß-Amyloid (Aß) production and phosphorylated tau levels in neuroblastoma cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that these effects are reduced and/or reversed by the pineal indoleamine melatonin.  

“A 24-hour exposure to 50 µg/L mercury induced significant cell cytotoxicity in neuroblastoma cells. Treatment of cells with melatonin before administration of mercury greatly reduced the mercury-induced cytotoxicity. Mercury treatment of cells produced another as yet undocumented phenomenon, that of inducing oxidative stress, as measured by the loss of reduced glutathione (GSH) from cells. This was a rapid process, requiring only 30 minutes of exposure to mercury. Similarly, pretreating the cells with melatonin...before administration protected cells from the mercury-induced oxidative stress. Melatonin’s mechanism of action is at present unclear; however, melatonin is known to bind heavy metals (Limson et al., 1998REF15) and to increase intracellular GSH levels through an up-regulation of GSH-synthesizing enzymes (Todoroki et al., 1998REF3). It is thus possible to speculate on two mechanisms for melatonin’s antioxidant action, namely, (a) melatonin as a chelating agent binding mercury, thus eliminating its cytotoxic properties, or (b) melatonin causing production of increased levels of intracellular antioxidants such as glutathione (Todoroki et al., 1998REF30). It is not excluded that both these mechanisms could be operating simultaneously.  

“The release of both Aß 1-40 and Aß 1-42 into the culture medium was increased by exposure of SHSY5Y cells to mercury. Melatonin preincubation resulted in a significant decrease in Aß release....Mercury has previously been shown to be a potent inhibitor of enzymes, especially those containing sulfhydryl groups (Edstrom and Mattsson, 1976REF9). Protein kinase C activity in vitro and in brain tissue is markedly reduced in a concentration-dependent manner by mercury (Rajanna et al., 1995REF21).....Mercury induces both Aß production and oxidative stress; thus, the chelation of mercury by melatonin could shift the APP metabolism back toward the secretase pathway, reducing Aß production and the concomitant oxidative stress-inducing effects of mercury and Aß. Aß-Fibrillogenesis is also inhibited by melatonin, thereby potentially reducing the toxic buildup of Aß 1-40 and Aß 1-42 fibrils (Pappolla et al., 1998REF20). Furthermore, melatonin has been shown to reduce the release of soluble APP from cells in culture and to reduce the levels of APP mRNA and other housekeeping protein mRNAs (Song and Lahiri, 1997REF24). These data suggest that melatonin may be involved in metabolic mechanisms regulating APP and other essential cellular protein production, over and above its antioxidant capacity.  

“In a similar fashion, mercury induced an increase in tau phosphorylation as compared with untreated cells. Melatonin treatment was able to protect cells from the mercury-induced tau hyperphosphorylation. Mercury’s influence on tau phosphorylation remains unclear; however, it may be an indirect effect via oxidative stress and Aß production. Both Aß and oxidative stress have been shown to influence tau phosphorylation (Busciglio et al., 1995REF6; Takashima et al., 1996REF26)”—Journal of Neurochemistry, Vol. 74, No. 1, 2000 231-236 © 2000 International Society for Neurochemistry.”  

Melatonin is concentrated in the mitochondria, and protects them from oxidative damage. Dr. Reiter found melatonin to be 5.9 times more effective than glutathione and 11.3 times more effective than mannitol in fighting dangerous, hydroxyl radicals.  

A direct mechanism involving mercury’s inhibition of cellular enzymatic processes by binding with the hydroxyl radical (SH) in amino acids appears to be a major part of the connection to allergic/immune reactive conditions. For example, mercury has been found to strongly inhibit the activity of xanthine oxidase and dipeptyl peptidase (DPP IV) that are required in the digestion of the milk protein casein, and the same protein that is cluster differentiation antigen 26 (CD26) which helps T-lymphocyte activation. CD26 or DPP IV is a cell surface glycoprotein that is very susceptible to inactivation by mercury binding to its cysteinyl domain.  

DPP IV has many different functions in the body besides digesting gluten and casein. As stated, this protein is known to influence T cells of the immune system. It is also a binding protein for purine and adenosyl deaminase. Because of this, a problem with DPP IV can throw off the immune system, the amino acid profile, and methylation. To improve methylation when this DPP IV is hampered, these nutrients may be helpful: Tri-Methyl-Glycine (TMG), B₆, folic acid, B₁₂, magnesium, and serine. A supplement of a little methionine or S-Adenosyl-Methionine (SAM) may help, however, Dr. Pangborn said that it is not clear at this point whether the addition of large doses of methionine or SAMe will help or harm. 

Mercury and other toxic metals also inhibit binding of opioid receptor agonists (mimics of the real thing) to opioid receptors, while magnesium stimulates binding to opioid receptors. Studies involving a large sample of autistic and schizophrenic patients found that over 90% of those tested had high levels of the milk protein beta-casomorphin-7 in their blood and urine, and defective enzymatic processes for digesting milk protein, and similarly for the corresponding enzyme needed to digest wheat gluten. The studies found high levels of IgA antigen-specific antibodies for casein, lactoalbumin, and beta-lactoglobulin, and of IgG and IgM for casein. Beta-casomorphin-7 is a morphine-like compound that results in neural dysfunction, as well as being a direct histamine releaser in humans, and it induces skin reactions. Minerals are also involved in the enzymatic processes involved in utilization of B₆, B₁₂, and Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD). Mercury blocks these enzymatic processes, and it affects cellular membrane influx/efflux of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. Mercury also affects the ATP energy system and neurotoxicity by affecting the distribution and utilization of these minerals. 

Elimination of milk and wheat products and sulfur foods from the diet has been found to improve the condition. A double blind study using a potent opiate antagonist (which blocks a receptor without having any effect on the cell), naltrexone (NAL), produced significant reduction in autistic symptomology among the 56% most responsive to opioid effects. The behavioral improvements were accompanied by alterations in the distribution of the major lymphocyte subsets, with a significant increase in the T-helper-inducers and a significant reduction of the T-cytotoxic-suppressors (Alpha Lipoic Acid also provides this same shift in these ratios—WSL), and a normalization of the CD4/CD8 ratio. (If naltrexone is used, it should be only in low doses of 3 to 6 mg per day in conjunction with a Gf/Cf dietary. Higher doses of 25 to 50 mg, usually prescribed, can cause children to have pain and headaches according to Dr. Bruce Semon, Child Psychiatrist—WSL.) Studies have found mercury causes increased levels of the CD8 T-cytotoxic-suppressors. As noted previously, such populations of patients have also been found to have high levels of mercury, and to recover after mercury detoxification. As mercury levels are reduced the protein binding is reduced, and improvement in the enzymatic process occurs. 

Another effect of mercury and toxic metals is a reduction in B-lymphocytes. One of these studies dealing with autistic patients has found this causes a tendency to be more seriously affected by viruses, and to develop intestinal disorders including leaky gut, lymphoid modular hyperplasia (measles lesions in the gut), and a high incidence of parasites.  

Additional, cellular-level enzymatic effects of mercury’s binding with proteins include blockage of sulfur-oxidation processes which have been found to be significant factors in many autistic, plus enzymatic processes involving vitamins B₆ and B₁₂, with effects on the cytochrome-C energy processes as well. Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) baths, supplementation with the P5P form of Vitamin B₆, and with vitamin B₁₂ shots are methods of dealing with these enzymatic blockages that have been found effective by those treating such conditions. Mercury has also been found to have adverse effects on cellular mineral levels of calcium, magnesium, zinc, and lithium. [By heavily depleting magnesium, excess calcium is allowed into the cells. Supplementing with these minerals, especially with high amounts of magnesium (preferably as glycinate), and zinc, has been found to be effective in the majority of cases—WSL]. Another of the results of these toxic exposures and enzymatic blockages is the effect on the liver and dysfunction of the liver detoxification processes which autistic children have been found to have. All of the autistic cases tested were found to have high toxic exposures/effects and liver detoxification profiles outside of normal.—Immune Reactive Conditions: The mercury connection to eczema, autism, schizophrenia, lupus, asthma, and allergies (snipped from larger study)—Bernard Windham, Chemical Engineer.  

This abstract adds to Bernard’s thoughts: Ciba Found Symp 1977 Apr 26-28;(46):243-61; “Gastrointestinal complications of immunodeficiency syndromes”. Katz AJ, Rosen FS. Patients with B-cell deficiency have a high incidence of prolonged Giardia lamblia infection of the gastrointestinal tract that causes symptoms of malabsorption with villus flattening. The changes are reversible with therapy directed against Giardia. There is a high incidence of pernicious anemia in patients with agammaglobulinaemia. Those with abnormal B-lymphocytes tend to develop lymphoid nodular hyperplasia (measles in the gut). Gastrointestinal disease is rare in boys with X-linked agammaglobulinaemia when compared with adults with the ‘acquired’ or common variable form of the disease. T-cell deficiency results in intractable diarrhea and monilial infection of the gastrointestinal tract. End of abstract. Pernicious anemia occurs 20 times more frequently in patients with hypothyroidism than generally. In another study, a significant reduction in the number of B-lymphocytes was observed in mercury-exposed individuals.  

Heavy metals inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes and mitochondrial energy production; and they are neurotoxins. The stress pattern spoken of, indicative of adrenal stress, is presented in hair analysis by a marked, paired deviation in calcium and magnesium with an opposing deviation in sodium and potassium in the opposite direction. This pattern is accompanied by an increased level of zinc (which is displaced from functional sites by cadmium, nickel, lead, and mercury), and elevated boron. Very low levels of calcium, manganese, cobalt, chromium, copper, and sometimes zinc characterize the malabsorption pattern. Copper is essential for production of monoamine oxidase that degrades hormones after they have fulfilled their function. The malabsorption pattern can be associated with intestinal yeast overgrowth, hypochlorhydria, achlorhydria (B₁₂, thiamin, zinc, or histamine deficiency), food allergies (increased with heavy metal burden), or inflammatory bowel disease.  

Nickel exposure is common, and nickel exposure has been found to be significantly related to perinatal unthriftiness (failure to thrive) and mortality in animal studies, and to large numbers of people affected by allergic conditions such as eczema and psoriasis vulgaris and serious autoimmune conditions such as lupus and CFS. 

Hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, kidney failure, acute pancreatitis, or inadequate amounts of plasma magnesium and protein may also cause a deficiency of calcium in the serum. Mild hypocalcemia is asymptomatic (or shows as nocturnal cramps—WSL). Severe hypocalcemia is characterized by cardiac arrhythmias and tetany with hyperparesthesia (tingling as if “asleep”) of the hands, feet, lips, and tongue. The underlying disorder is diagnosed, and calcium is given by mouth or intravenous infusion. Hypocalcemia is also seen in dysmature newborns, in infants born of mothers with diabetes, or in normal babies of normal mothers delivered after a long or stressful labor and delivery. The condition is signaled by vomiting, twitching of extremities, poor muscle tone, high-pitched crying, and difficulty in breathing—1998 Mosby-yearbook, Inc. 

The very lack of calcium increases a parathyroid hormone that opens the L-channels allowing uncontrolled amounts of calcium into the cells of smooth muscles causing contraction, and high blood pressure for example. This would also contribute to a spastic colon. Contrariwise, mercury and PCBs block the L-channels contributing to low muscle tone. Supplementing calcium, manganese, magnesium, and vitamin B₆ controls influx of calcium into cells. 

Heavy-metal overloads can effectively be treated using oral supplements of zinc, manganese, cysteine, serine, and vitamins B₆, C, and E. The initial treatment must be gradual to avoid a sudden dumping of metal toxics from tissues, which could cause kidney damage and a worsening of symptoms—Dr. Wm. Walsh. 

Inexperienced doctors trying to detoxify mercury with DMSA, and possibly DMPS, may damage these children irreparably! Natural medical physicians throughout the US have reported MS symptoms in adults and intractable seizures in pediatric patients with high dose and extended use of DMSA (2, 3-dimercaptosuccinic acid), Chemet, or Succimer. Irresponsible use of these toxic drugs will damage the sulfoxidation system of PST children beyond repair. One reason to be careful is that DMPS takes the metals out in a certain order: zinc, tin, copper, arsenic, mercury, plumbum (lead), iron, and cadmium, creating damaging deficiencies in necessary metals (minerals). DMPS takes considerable glutathione (GSH) to metabolize it, in addition to folic acid, vitamins B₆, and B₁₂, and molybdenum. Furthermore, “Urinary values, without looking at the cellular mercury/low weight, free-thiols, and therefore susceptibility to the metal, are useless. One who has 1 mcg/l coming out in the urine, due to depleted thiols, can be more toxic from mercury than one with 50 mcg/l coming out who has normal or high cellular thiols. Thus, it would be very important to test cellular thiols in some cellular samples OTHER THAN BLOOD. Since red cells are renewed every 120 days, the red cell pool is not usually affected by the chronic mercury that accumulates in thiol-richer and/or more stable cells of the organs of the kidneys, liver, brain, colon surfaces, oral cavity gums, and alveolar bone. Unless you check those cells, and look at mercury/low weight, free-thiol ratios in those, and get some real indicators of toxicity and susceptibility, the urine measurements are useless.”—Ray Saarela, Biochemist who has experienced DMPS damage, and developed a safe protocol for detoxifying mercury. Ray has this to say about DMPS and DMSA: “You may want neither of the two, as both worsen the kidneys (DMPS horribly, and DMSA does also cause kidney pain and worsening each time I take even just very small doses in 25-150 mg range).  

These are the recommendations of the DAN! Mercury Detoxification Position Paper (May 2001): “DMSA should be given in doses of no more than 10 mg/kg/dose and no more than 30 mg/kg/day with a maximum dose of 500 mg (1500 mg/day maximum). Exceeding these limits has been associated with a significantly higher incidence of side effects and toxicity. The dosing interval can be any convenient period, as long as the dose limits are not exceeded. There is no convincing evidence to suggest that dosing intervals shorter than eight hours provide any inherent benefit, although a lower dose given more frequently may help to reduce troublesome side effects. In addition, the subset of children who experience improvement only while receiving DMSA may benefit from more frequent dosing. Clinical experience supporting 3- or 4-hour dosing intervals is matched by equally good results with 8-hour dosing. As always, the dosing interval should be based on the clinical response of the individual patient.”  

Phase II of the DAN! protocol calls for adding Alpha Lipoic Acid to the treatment: “Start with 1 to 3 mg/kg/day of alpha-lipoic acid and increase to 10 mg/kg/day as tolerated. Alpha-lipoic acid is a natural product of human cells and so has minimal toxicity; doses of up to 25 mg/kg/day given over more than three years have been studied in adults with no detectable toxicity. There is a theoretical concern that alpha-lipoic acid may bind to DMSA and reduce the availability of both, but this has not been seen clinically. Another concern is that alpha-lipoic acid reduces the removal of methyl-mercury by glutathione, which is a reason why it should be given with DMSA. There is also evidence that alpha-lipoic acid reduces copper excretion. Since DMSA increases copper excretion (it has been used to treat the copper intoxication of Wilson’s disease), this should not be a problem if alpha-lipoic acid is used with DMSA. 

“A serious concern with alpha-lipoic acid is that it can facilitate the movement of mercury out of and into the cells. It can be very useful in mobilizing mercury from within the cells and making it available for DMSA to chelate. Without the DMSA to ‘grab’ the mercury from lipoic acid, it may readily enter other tissues.” 

Kidney side effects and lowering of neutrophils are both known documented DMSA side effects. Extended use of DMSA can cause mild to moderate neutropenia with increased  SGOT, SGPT, Platelet count, Cholesterol, Alkaline Phosphatase, and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN). Adverse reactions to DMSA include ataxia (inability to coordinate muscular movement that may indicate a copper deficiency), convulsions, rash, nausea, diarrhea, anorexia, headache, dizziness, sensorimotor neuropathy, changes in urination, arrhythmia, infection, redness of the face and extremities, heartburn, vomiting, loose stools, metallic taste in mouth, hemorrhoids, rash, stomach and abdomen cramps, flu like symptoms, tremors and twitches (magnesium depletion), and headache. Based on experiences and literature studies and studying people’s reactions to chelators, red itchy skin, swollen faces and hands are most probably reaction to DMSA, metabolic or immunological intolerance to it, rather than an ACTION of cleansing. Those people who tolerate DMSA OK have not developed itches or swollen body areas.  

According to the DAN! protocol, these are the common side-effects of DMSA: “nausea, diarrhea, anorexia, flatulence and fatigue. If these become serious enough, reducing the dose will usually make the symptoms tolerable. Occasionally, patients develop a maculopapular rash during treatment; this should not to be confused with an allergic reaction. Some autistic children are reported to experience a transient regression in language and behavior during and shortly after treatment. Reducing the dose may also make these symptoms less bothersome. Clinical experience suggests that most children who experience regression at the start of therapy will have less regression with each subsequent cycle of treatment.” Beneficial “side-effects” reported with DMSA therapy in autistic children include rapid progression of language ability, improved social interaction, improved eye contact, and decreased self-stimulatory behaviors (“stimming”). Children with motor problems have experienced significant improvement in both strength and coordination. If intestinal dysbiosis (particularly candida) is not adequately treated prior to starting DMSA, any improvement from the DMSA may be masked when the intestinal dysbiosis worsens on exposure to a rich culture medium such as DMSA, cysteine, cystine, or NAC. It is interesting to note a report that NAC can stimulate lymphocytes or inhibit them, usually the later in the limited tests done.  

Consult your physician if there are bothersome effects. Erythema multiforme (Stevens-Johnson syndrome) is a self-limited inflammatory disorder of the skin and mucous membranes. It is thought to be induced by immune complexes and mediated by lymphocytes. Distinctive target-shaped skin lesions, sore throat, mucous ulcers, and fever characterize it. It usually begins a week or more after therapy starts and will usually resolve spontaneously if the inciting medication is stopped. 

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is the most serious cutaneous drug reaction and may be fatal if not recognized. Its onset is generally very acute and characterized by epidermal necrosis without significant dermal inflammation. Its pathology is poorly understood but it also usually resolves when the inciting agent is stopped.  

TEN and Stevens-Johnson syndrome are absolute contraindications to continued therapy. There are no specific treatments other than supportive therapy and symptom relief. It is reported that some are using DMSA in liquid form. This may be an expensive mistake as DMSA in liquid is said to lose up to 20% of its potency each 24 hours! 

Zinc excretion doubles during the administration of DMSA. This can cause kidney dysfunction where the hair zinc/copper ratio is less than 5:1. Patients must be kept hydrated as renal function can be compromised. DMSA removes mercury from the “extracellular compartment,” which is about half the body. DMSA is completely useless for brain detox, and if not used on the every 4-hour schedule may increase brain mercury levels according to Andy Cutler and others. Your child may also show an increase in autistic symptoms (may become more “stimmy” or show more oppositional behavior). If the side effects are severe or difficult to deal with, stop the cycle and allow a rest time, then start the next cycle with a lower dosage. You may also want to try a shorter chelation cycle, with a larger rest period in between. The main target for mercury is the kidney. Mercury has been shown to cause a 50% reduction in kidney filtration function after just two months with new amalgam fillings in the mouth. It would be wise to support the kidneys by supplying kidney glandular supplements and other nutrients. Dietary fiber and apple pectin can aid the organs of elimination.  

According to Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt, regarding challenge tests with chelating agents (administration of appropriate agent followed by mercury urinalysis), “Our clinical experience has shown that when a patient is mineral deficient (especially sodium, calcium or potassium), the body is unable to effectively mobilize toxic metals with a challenge test! The patient’s mineral status needs to be corrected before successful mobilization [via a challenge test or actual detoxing] for mercury should be attempted.” A failure to ensure that adequate copper, molybdenum, zinc, selenium, manganese, magnesium, and glutathione stores exist before chelation can induce a dangerous lack of these essential nutrients. Selenium also assists in reducing the amount of zinc and copper excreted through the urine in the presence of mercury. Seleno-methionine is more readily incorporated into the system than are other forms of selenium. This is particularly evident in the kidney. In workers who are occupationally exposed to mercury, their mean urinary selenium was lowered. By increasing their selenium, through the diet, urinary mercury excretion increased and blood levels of mercury reduced. Most children are dehydrated, and efforts to rehydrate them should be made before chelation is begun. 

The DAN! protocol states, “Selenium supplementation should be limited to 1-4 mcg/kg/day. Magnesium, molybdenum, manganese, vanadium and chromium are all among the minerals that are deficient in autistic children; these can be supplied by a multi-mineral supplement. Be sure that this supplement does not contain copper. Copper is the one mineral that autistic children often have in excess and additional supplements will only worsen the excess.”  

Urgent warning: Chelation sucks minerals such as zinc, copper, calcium, selenium, magnesium, and molybdenum out , so if he is short to begin, he becomes dangerously deficient using DMSA. This damages kidneys in particular. Kids with sulfation problems (PST) are the ones being damaged. The only protection from this damage is to know that his molybdenum, selenium, and other mineral levels are high normal going in, and remain normal during chelation. Another mother reports that she knew the child was low on selenium, but she chelated anyway. The result was a dangerously high T3 Thyroid hormone reading. This is damaging to the thyroid, liver and other organs. If anyone is experiencing this reversal of usual response, or has any complaint of kidney pain, they must immediately cease chelation, and never touch it again until all mineral levels are normal to high normal. Doctors who are not monitoring mineral levels should be made aware of this problem, and the serious damage this can cause. 

Get the Lead Out

These are the symptoms of lead poisoning—do they look familiar?

General cognitive, verbal, and perceptual abilities decrease as lead in the system increases.  

These brain functions are impaired by lead significantly reducing zinc, copper, and iron in the brain, interfering with the zinc, copper, and iron-dependent enzymes that regulate mental processes. Lead also interferes with calcium, magnesium, and zinc, the sedative elements, leading to convulsions. Hyperactivity and epilepsy are among the first presenting symptoms of lead poisoning.  

Addition of silicofluoride to the water of many communities causes people to absorb more lead. The lead blocks the action of calcium atoms in fostering the production of neurotransmitters in the brain—such as dopamine and serotonin. As a result, mental processes are seriously interfered with, and nerve reactions throughout the body depressed ... this sort of toxicity is shown by research to play a role in epileptic seizures and other convulsions." [Ref: Fluoridation and Truth Decay, 1974, p.93]  

In one study, after 7 months of fluoride treatment, the protein content of brain with fluorosis decreased, and the total brain phospholipid content (the stuff brains are made of) decreased by 10% and 20% in the 30 and 100-ppm fluoride groups, respectively. The main species of phospholipid influenced by fluorosis were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylserine. The results demonstrate that the contents of phospholipid and ubiquinone are modified in brains affected by chronic fluorosis and these changes of membrane lipids could be involved in the pathogenesis of this disease. Most physicians do not recognize fluoridation’s adverse health effects, but they are documented in blind and double-blind studies. Allergy, hypersensitivity, gastrointestinal and skin irritation are known side effects of fluoride ingestion. It impairs memory and concentration and causes lethargy, headache, depression, and confusion. Fluoride accumulates in human and animal pineal glands where it impairs melatonin production.  The toxicity of fluoride is increased in people with inadequate nutrition (substandard vitamin-mineral intake), or who are immune-compromised (e.g., diabetics, renal disease, etc.). When inorganic fluoride compounds combine with gastric HCl, hydrofluoric acid is formed which exerts an irritating action upon the mucous of the stomach and the upper gastrointestinal tract. All these effects can be antagonized by giving calcium and magnesium combined (50 mg/kg each). Rather than giving such high amounts of these minerals, you must remove all fluoride from your child’s drinking and bath water, toothpaste, and prepared breakfast cereals (that have up to three times as much as is legal for drinking water). Supplementing the above-mentioned phospholipids may be wise.  

A challenge test for lead will only reveal what is in the blood, and blood tests may be nil. Lead is quickly stored in tissue, bone, and brain, and only found in testing if something has stirred it up. The best test for lead is hair analysis, often reading 10 times higher than in the blood. Nevertheless, it may take a year or more of nutritional therapy before lead is released from tissue storage and becomes detectable on hair tests. During chelation, it may appear to all be gone, only to be released from another reservoir and show high readings again a year later! It is of importance to note that children retain up to 50% of lead ingested, probably 5 times higher than adults, and they retain much more of that ingested between meals or with high fat, or with low casein diets, or when iron deficient. Lead can displace manganese and copper, both required for optimal adrenal function. Lead and fluoride are frequently associated with hypothyroidism, impairing the uptake of iodine by the thyroid. Lead is frequently associated with low zinc levels, and this low zinc is frequently associated with hypoglycemia. A low calcium/phosphorus ratio causes more lead to be incorporated into the skeleton, and adequate calcium, magnesium, and alginate must be present to eliminate lead. 

If any heavy metal readings are “high normal” or more, they must be detoxified—preferably by nutritional means (see my Chapter “Heavy Metals Poisoning?” from my Electronic Book “Self-help to Good Health” ($21.95 US). Reducing lead from “high normal” will remove a number of the above listed symptoms. Do not use the chelators DMPS or high dose DMSA as these will likely further damage the gut, and they will impair Phase I liver enzyme function causing a further buildup of toxins. They can also further damage the sulfur oxidation system (especially DMPS) by draining the system of copper, molybdenum, zinc, and other mono-oxidase Phase I liver catalysts. The Physician’s Desk Reference documents that DMSA can cause neutropenia as a side effect. Neutropenia is a deficiency in neutrophil cells, the immune cells that kill foreign organisms like fungus. Under no circumstances use DMPS and then Tylenol™ for pain. Tylenol™ toxicity from such a combination is a very real danger.  

EDTA is not a good choice for chelating mercury, nor for removing lead for it removes 8 to 12 essential minerals, and only chelates what is in the blood and on arterial walls. It does not reach into the body tissues and, by removing calcium, it encourages deposition of lead. In addition, studies have found that use of EDTA by patients with high levels of mercury can cause serious side effects, so EDTA should be used only when mercury levels have been found to be low. In addition to the nutrients listed above, battery manufacturers found zinc, with vitamin C very helpful. While using 2000 mg vitamin C and 60 mg zinc, the blood level of lead dropped 25% in 24 weeks, even as they continued working in the high lead atmosphere. (This much vitamin C and zinc should be balanced with 8 mg copper and 30 mg manganese.) Vitamin B_1, 50–100 mg (in form of a B–complex supplement), detoxifies lead also. 

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a medium-chain, fatty acid that is a powerful antioxidant soluble in both water and fat, and an effective metals chelator. It regenerates both vitamins C and E, keeping them effective longer. A deficiency of lipoic acid results in reduced muscle mass, brain atrophy, failure to thrive, and increased lactic acid and pyruvate accumulation. Supplemental ALA enhances glutathione production, and regenerates glutathione and CoQ10 giving cells a double dose of antioxidant protection. It inputs nutrients (glucose) into the cells to improve the mitochondrial function, increases plasma ascorbate, plasma sulfur, and T-helper lymphocytes/T-helper-suppressor cell ratios. A supplement seems desirable, but do not use more than one milligram per pound of body weight in any one serving (it may be better to use only half that). Its short half-life indicates it should be taken several times a day. If any adverse responses are observed, cut that amount in half. Alpha-lipoic acid is very safe at these recommended dosages, although occasionally it causes mild stomach upset, and in rare cases it can trigger an allergic skin rash. If you experience any of these reactions, reduce the dose or stop taking the supplement. It is reported that large amounts can significantly alter thiol (sulfur) metabolism, distribution, and excretion—significantly increasing plasma cysteine levels, and by increasing bile excretion of glutathione, it may result in depletion of the liver stores of glutathione. Opioids have been shown to decrease hepatic glutathione also. This will seriously affect the availability of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4, and of the enzyme, aconitase that is dependent upon glutathione. A deficiency of aconitase will allow citric and aconitic acids to build up.  

The human body can make enough alpha lipoic acid to prevent a recognizable deficiency disease, though not enough to perform all its functions. The optimal level of alpha lipoic acid varies with each person depending on biochemical differences, lifestyle, exercise, and how much oxidative stress they experience. The requirement of NADH and NADPH as cofactors in the cellular reduction of alpha-lipoic acid to dihydrolipoate in various cells and tissues has been reported. These cofactors can be lacking and block effectiveness of ALA. Certain diseases, environmental conditions, and age can cause a deficiency in lipoic acid, and thus the body often doesn’t make enough to meet all its metabolic and antioxidant needs. 

When sugar is metabolized in the production of energy, it is converted into pyruvic acid. An enzyme complex that contains lipoic acid, niacin, and thiamine breaks down the pyruvate. Pyruvic acid can be elevated for a number of reasons, but mercury is notorious for interfering with the mitochondrial, pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, where it binds to and deactivates the lipoic acid coenzyme, resulting in elevated pyruvic acid. Since the human body tends to have only the minimum amount of alpha lipoic acid to prevent recognizable disease, supplementation may help improve energy metabolism. This is particularly applicable in people with lower than normal levels, for example, individuals with diabetes, liver cirrhosis, heart disease, mercury toxicity, and HIV.  

Nevertheless, there is compelling scientific evidence that high and constant doses of lipoic acid have the potential to seriously disrupt a number of key minerals including copper, zinc, and molybdenum, possibly elevating copper or zinc to potentially toxic levels. More than the recommended amounts will compete excessively with biotin, creating a deficiency of this vital B-complex vitamin. It may also impair a vital enzyme, Carboxylase. It can deplete copper stores of the liver and distribute it to other tissues, creating a potential toxicity. Large supplemental amounts can also deplete the liver of vital glutathione, defeating the very thing for which it is being used. Do not use ALA if known to have high levels of these minerals, or high levels of cysteine. If one has high levels of methyl-mercury (inorganic mercury from fish), ALA can hurt as well. A German study reports that six months of lipoic acid causes a vitamin B₁₂ deficiency [M Siepmann, W Kirch]. It decreases lipoic acid serum levels of vitamin B₁₂ [Aktuelle Neurologie, 2000, Vol 27, Iss 1, pp 33-35. www.drmirkin.com/diabetes/8310.html]. It would thus be wise to supplement vitamin B₁₂ and biotin with the lipoic acid. It might be helpful to supplement reduced (hydrogenated) glutathione, except where there is high cysteine. One of the concerns is the capacity of ALA to chelate mercury. This mercury will attach to available selenium. Unless adequate selenium is being supplemented, the mercury may not be promptly excreted, and a selenium deficiency could be induced.  

Many of the “backfires” from using DMPS indicate a loss of the sulfur-oxidizing enzyme “sulfite oxidase”, a molybdenum-histidine containing enzyme, and a dose dependent reduction of cellular, low-weight thiols including that vital antioxidant glutathione. This will compound the PST/sulfate problem. Antibiotics should be avoided for the same reason, and steroids will do more harm than any long-term good. Giving steroids might reduce the rate of demyelination, if that exists, or “cool” an inflamed gut, but giving steroids can also further disrupt the immune function and exacerbate an underlying infection such as HHV-6 or blood-brain-barrier, localized measles. Save the drugs until all else recommended herein fails (it won’t).  

The best detoxifier of all in this instance is glutathione, but don’t take the glutathione precursors that contribute directly to the cysteine pool. Both L-cysteine and whole glutathione do this.  N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) produces glutathione, and is a mercury chelator in its own right. It should completely clear the body within 24 hours if it is not utilized in making glutathione (according to published pharmokinetics study). NAC does not contribute directly to cysteine toxicity unless you take massive amounts of it. Around 500 mg/day (adult) stands to benefit without significantly increasing risk of cysteine toxicity. NAC should not be used initially or by itself with anyone suspected of having a significant body burden of mercury. Like alpha-lipoic acid, cysteine and cystine, NAC can bind with mercury and carry it across cell membranes. NAC is also a good culture medium for yeast, like its parent molecule, cysteine.  

Build glutathione and “cool” the inflamed gut and the autoimmune response with Ambrotose®, or AmbroStart™, and Phyt•Aloe® by Mannatech™. Plus, by Mannatech™ supplies plant sterols that detoxify mercury. PLUS and Ambrotose™ detoxify lead. PLUS, Ambrotose™, and Phyt•Aloe® protect against organic solvents as well as heavy metals. I should note that Phyt•Aloe® bears several high sulfur, phenol-content vegetables, and may be contraindicated for some PST kids, or to those allergic to any of these foods. 

Dr. Yoshiaki Omura discovered that the leaves of the coriander plant could accelerate the excretion of mercury, lead, and aluminum from the body. He had been treating patients for an eye infection called trachoma (granular conjunctivitis), which is caused by the microorganism Chlamydia trachomatis. Following the standard treatment with antibiotics, Dr. Omura found that the patients’ symptoms would clear up initially, and then recur within a few months. He experienced similar difficulties in treating viral related problems like Herpes Simplex types I & II and Cytomegalovirus infection (Does this recurrent infection sound familiar?). Dr. Omura found those organisms seemed to hide and flourish in areas of the body where there were concentrations of heavy metals like mercury, lead, and aluminum. Somehow, the organisms were able to use the toxic metals to protect themselves from the antibiotics! Dr. Omura noticed the mercury level in the urine increased after patients consumed a healthy serving of Vietnamese soup containing Chinese parsley, better known as cilantro, or coriander, since it comes from the leaves of the coriander plant. Further testing revealed that eating cilantro also increased urinary excretion of lead and aluminum. When cilantro was used concurrently with antibiotics or natural anti-viral agents and/or fatty acids like EPA with DHA, the above infections could be eliminated for good. (Acupnct Electrother Res. 95:20 (3-4): 195-229.) Further testing with those who had high levels of mercury following amalgam removal, showed that, without the help of any chelation agents, cilantro was able to remove the mercury in two to three weeks. (Acupunct Electrother Res 96;21 (2): 133-60.) I think this removed only the free mercury from the amalgam removal in this short time, however, Cilantro Extract has been shown in clinical trials and research to mobilize mercury, tin, and other toxic metals stored in the brain and spinal cord, and it moves them rapidly out of those tissues. This is a revolutionary discovery and makes cilantro the first known substance that mobilizes mercury from the Central Nervous System (CNS). 

Be aware that mercury readings from the hair or blood will only reflect a current or recent exposure within approximately three months, or the body’s active detoxification of mercury. A negative reading may be meaningless. 

In addition to soup, one may use a Cilantro Pesto:

    1 clove of garlic;

      1/2 cup of almonds, cashews, or other nuts;

      1 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves;

      2 tablespoons lemon juice;

      6 tablespoons olive oil.  

Put the cilantro and olive oil in blender, and process until the cilantro is chopped. Add the rest of the ingredients, and process to a lumpy paste. (You may need to add a touch of hot water and scrape the sides of the blender.) You can change the consistency by altering the amount of olive oil and lemon juice, but keep the 3:1 ratio of oil to juice. (It freezes well, so you can make several batches at once.)  

Cilantro is a very popular herb in Mexican cooking, and due to their large Mexican populations it is easy to find anywhere from Texas to California. In other areas, you may need to visit an Oriental market or specialty supermarket where is may be called Chinese parsley. 

Dr. Klinghardt suggests making this “pesto” to increase your intake of cilantro: 

Start with fresh, organic cilantro and wash it thoroughly. Place the cilantro in a blender, along with water, sea salt and olive oil. Blend the ingredients until creamy. Dr. Klinghardt recommends taking 1-3 tablespoons of this cilantro pesto, three times daily with meals. For those suffering from neurological problems, such as Alzheimer’s, or brain “fogginess” and difficulty concentrating, the pesto may be taken more often, he says.  

The best form of cilantro is a tincture available from Dragon River (505-583-2348) www.dragonriverherbals.com. The dose is one dropper applied on the wrists and rubbed in twice a day. The tincture is also particularly useful for any joint pain, and could be rubbed on the joint that is hurting as an alternative. You can also augment the tincture with using the herb. It is not as potent, but certainly will add to the program. However, like with chlorella, many people are sensitive to oral cilantro. So, if you develop any nausea or discomfort after eating cilantro, do not use it orally. 

Garlic is one of the best chelators, and Kyolic™ aged garlic (800-421-2998) is a deodorized form that concentrates its chelating ability to 200 times that of a fresh garlic clove. It is shown to increase fecal excretion of mercury to 400%, and to completely protect blood cells against high levels of lead. It provides large amounts of selenium (prevents recycling of mercury into the system), germanium, and sulfur. The liquid extracts of garlic are said to contain less sulfites. Cilantro, garlic, selenium (selenomethionine), zinc, copper, manganese, magnesium, calcium, NAC, and glutathione are all effective mercury chelators, and I.V. vitamin C, has been helpful in preventing brain fog.