We are seeing a serious rise in the environment of neuro-toxic chemicals and heavy metals. The resultant accumulation of heavy metals in the human body poses significant health risks. Chronic mercury exposure from occupational, environmental, dental amalgam, and contaminated food exposure is a significant threat to public health. A single dental amalgam filling with a surface area of only 0.4 cm2 is estimated to release as much as 15 micrograms of mercury per day primarily through mechanical wear and evaporation.i The average individual has eight amalgam fillings and could absorb up to 120 micrograms of mercury per day from their amalgams. These levels are consistent with reports of 60 micrograms of mercury per day collected in human feces.ii By way of contrast, estimates of the daily absorption of all forms of mercury from fish and seafood is 2.3 micrograms and from all other foods, air and water is 0.3 micrograms per day.
The mercury vapor from the amalgams is lipid soluble and passes readily through cell membranes and across the blood brain barrier.iv It is scientifically clear that amalgam mercury transfers to human tissues, accumulates with time, and presents a potential health threat. The scientific evidence is so overwhelming that, in 1994, the United States Public Health Service declared that mercury amalgam exposure was higher than their established minimal risk level standard for the general population. The U.S. Public Health Service and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation in July of 1999 to remove the mercury in the vaccines administered in the U.S. also demonstrates the U.S. government’s recognition of mercury as a toxic agent.
A “silver” filling, or dental amalgam, is not a true alloy. Amalgams are made up of 50% mercury, which is not, as most dentists believe, locked into the filling. Rather, the mercury escapes continuously during the entire life of the filling in the forms of vapor, ions and abraded particles.vi Chewing, brushing, and the intake of hot fluids stimulates this release.vii,viii,ix The absorption rate of inhaled mercury vapor is extremely high, with approximately 80% of the inhaled dose reaching the brain tissue within one blood circulation cycle. The amalgam also consists of 35% silver, 9% tin, 6% copper and a trace of zinc.6 More than 100 million mercury fillings are placed each year in the U.S. as over 90% of dentists use them for restoring posterior teeth.
Statements made by the dental profession, which claim that the amount of mercury exposure encountered by patients from dental amalgams is too small to be harmful, are contradicted by the scientific literature and are totally indefensible.xi Dentists do not receive training that would enable them to monitor for symptoms related to mercury toxicity. The fact that mercury amalgam fillings are banned in many countries in Europe is strong evidence of the clinical toxicity of this material.
Any metal restoration placed in the mouth will produce electrogalvanic effects. These subtle electric fields will adversely affect brain function. Brain cells have electric potentials of approximately one millivolt (millionth of a volt) and they communicate with each other through these minute electric fields. The current that is generated by metal restorations in the mouth (electrogalvanism) is far greater than the current that runs the brain. Ideally, the mouth should be metal restoration free to minimize these potentially disturbing influences, which will interfere with optimal brain function. Even if the metal is biocompatible and properly placed with no occlusion problems, the metal in the mouth will impair some elements of optimized brain function.
Contents
The Problem
Pathophysiology
Mercury Toxicity Symptoms
Mercury and Chronic Infections
Testing -- The Diagnostic Dilemma
Basics Of Treatment
Mercury Compartmentalization
Chlorella
Chlorella Dose
Cilantro
Porphryazyme
Minerals
Optimize Bowel Flora
Optimize Bowel Transit Time
MSM (Methyl Sulfono Methane)
Essential Fatty Acids
Vitamins
DMPS
DMSA and NAC
Potentiating Agents
Homeopathic Therapies
Amalgam Removal Protocol
The Day of Removal and After
