Do you know the origins of the phrase “mad as a hatter”? The character from Alice in Wonderland actually suffered from mercury exposure. Before the novel was published in 1865, hatters in 19th-century England experienced symptoms such as tremors, irritability, and mental instability due to the mercury used in the process of making felt. While mercury is undoubtedly dangerous, it can also have more subtle effects, and it is essential to avoid exposure.
Surprisingly, even inorganic mercury, which was previously considered less dangerous than organic mercury (found in fish), has now been found to damage our cellular processes. According to a study comparing the effects of inorganic and organic mercury compounds, inorganic mercury blocks thiol function.
The Importance of Thiol Function
Thiol function might not mean much to you, but you may recognize the word “glutathione”. This powerful antioxidant is created by your body and is crucial for your overall health. Inorganic mercury exposure blocks glutathione, which can have detrimental effects on your body. Blocking thiols would also disrupt the process of creating energy within the cell.
As a result, mercury exposure can cause headaches, insomnia, and tingling in the extremities. It may also lead to problems with speech, hearing, vision, balance, and other neurological symptoms. Additionally, you could experience fatigue, memory loss, depression, and hair loss.
If you notice any of these symptoms, consider talking to an integrative physician about testing for mercury exposure.
Detoxifying Your Body from Mercury
An easy and efficient way to boost your body’s natural elimination of these types of chemicals and toxicants is through natural cleansing and detoxification. There are many ways to help your body get rid of mercury effectively.
Support Your Liver
Your liver plays a pivotal role in detoxification processes. By consuming a diet that contains nutrients and antioxidants, you can help support your liver’s health. Some beneficial foods for the liver include cruciferous vegetables, dark leafy greens, berries, garlic, beets, and certain herbs such as turmeric and milk thistle.
Increase Glutathione Levels
As previously mentioned, glutathione is a powerful antioxidant affected by mercury exposure. By increasing your glutathione levels, you can help your body remove toxins more effectively. Consuming foods rich in glutathione, such as asparagus, avocado, spinach, and broccoli, is a great step towards this goal.
Additionally, supplements containing N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) have been shown to help raise glutathione levels in the body. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.
Try Chelation Therapy
Chelation therapy involves taking chelating agents that bind to heavy metals in the body, helping to remove them. This can be especially helpful for removing mercury. Chelation therapy is administered under the care of a healthcare professional and usually consists of orally or intravenously taking the chelating agents.
Consider Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is a form of carbon treated to have a high surface area, making it extremely effective at absorbing chemicals and toxins. It has been used for centuries as a treatment for various poisoning cases. When taken as an oral supplement, activated charcoal can help bind to mercury and other heavy metals, facilitating their removal from the body.
Incorporate Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas use infrared light to create heat, promoting sweating as a form of detoxification. Infrared saunas have been shown to help excrete heavy metals, including mercury, through sweat. Sweating can be an effective way of removing toxins from your body.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is crucial for your overall health and for supporting the detoxification process. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of purified water each day to help flush toxins from your system.
Takeaways
Mercury can have harmful effects on your body, even in inorganic forms. It’s vital to be aware of the symptoms of mercury exposure and to seek testing if necessary. By supporting your body’s natural detoxification processes, you can help eliminate mercury and other toxicants, promoting better overall health.
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