Mercury is Stored in Cells and Membranes

by Carolyn Pierini, CLS (ASCP), CNC

Mercury is one of the most toxic substances on the planet. Mercury, in all forms, is an environmental toxin for which there are no safe levels, and yet it is consistently found in people tested randomly in global studies. One of the main reasons for its toxicity is the fact that it is easily-absorbed with a high affinity for tissues where it damages the ATP energy-producing mitochondria in the cell. It also intensely binds to DNA, damaging chromosomes. Thus, mercury reduces cellular energy vital to the neurological, immune, cardiovascular, endocrine, renal, gastrointestinal and other systems, contributing to dysfunction. We are exposed everyday through sources such as the atmosphere (earth’s crust, coal burning, refineries), agricultural and industrial chemicals, dental amalgams, vaccines, cosmetics, household products, even mirrors and light bulbs. Fish is a major source of exposure and the public gets mixed messages about mercury when the medical establishment recommends eating fish twice a week while the EPA warns us about the mercury content in fish.

So what can we do about mercury? Since mercury tends to be stored in cells and membranes, we need to be intentional in our efforts to clear it out and reduce future exposures. Start by eating antioxidant-rich plant foods that also supply natural chelators (binders) of mercury such as fresh greens especially cilantro and spinach. Eat more sulfur-containing foods such as cruciferous vegetables, onions and garlic. Supplement with extra vitamin C, B6, lipoic acid, MSM, phosphatidylcholine, zinc, selenium and N-acetyl cysteine. Check zinc status with a zinc taste test. Nutrients such as these support healthy glutathione and zinc-metallothionein levels, which bind mercury for elimination. Also, gut probiotics help demethylate mercury decreasing its absorption rate. These nutrients can be found in Detox Complex and AL-CoFactors™ for convenience and overall detoxification support. Detox Complex contains modified citrus pectin, shown in studies to chelate mercury. Additionally, some doctors recommend that their patients take one capsule of DMSA with a serving of fish. DMSA is the premier oral chelator of metals such as mercury and should otherwise be taken under the supervision of a physician trained in chelation therapy.