What is the most deadly form of mercury toxicity?
Mercury is a toxic heavy metal which is widely dispersed in nature. Most human exposure results from fish consumption or dental amalgam. Mercury occurs in several chemical forms, with complex pharmacokinetics. Mercury is capable of inducing a wide range of clinical presentations. Diagnosis of mercury toxicity can be challenging but can be ...
How can turmeric in help in mercury toxicity?
· Mercury Toxicity Treatment. Chelation therapy is the recommended treatment for any heavy metal toxicity, including mercury. Before opting for a chelation treatment, our center’s doctors carry out a comprehensive diagnostic work-up, laboratory testing, and various treatments to tackle different aspects of the disease.
What level of mercury is considered toxic?
· You can also try doing a simple mercury detox without any special products by: Eating more fiber. Your body naturally gets rid of mercury and other potentially toxic substances through feces. Eating... Drinking more water. Mercury is also eliminated in urine, so drinking extra water can help to ...
What are the possible outcomes of mercury toxicity?
In mercury poisoning treatment, neostigmine can be used to facilitate motor function, while polythiol can be used to bind methylmercury in bile secretions. If the person has inhaled mercury in significant amount, he is put on emergency respiratory support to …
How do you rid your body of excess mercury?
If you have mercury poisoning with a very high level of mercury in your blood, your doctor will probably recommend chelation therapy. This method involves using medications, called chelators, that bind to mercury in your body and help it to exit your system. Chelators can be taken as a pill or injected.
What is the best antidote for mercury poisoning *?
There is no antidote for mercury. Treatment consists of cessation of exposure, supportive care, and timely chelation therapy when warranted.
Are there treatments for mercury?
Treatment for exposure to organic mercury usually consists of medicines called chelators. These remove mercury from the blood and move it away from the brain and kidneys. Often, these medicines will have to be used for weeks to months.
Is mercury toxicity treatable?
There's no cure for mercury poisoning. The best way to treat mercury poisoning is to stop your exposure to the metal. If you eat a lot of mercury-containing seafood, stop immediately.
What is mercury chelation?
When metals like lead, mercury, iron, and arsenic build up in your body, they can be toxic. Chelation therapy is a treatment that uses medicine to remove these metals so they don't make you sick. Some alternative health care providers also use it to treat heart disease, autism, and Alzheimer's disease.
Does chelation therapy work for mercury poisoning?
Chelation therapy has long been used as a treatment for mercury and lead poisoning, but it isn't a proven treatment for heart disease. It can potentially cause serious side effects when used as a heart disease treatment.
What kind of doctor treats mercury poisoning?
In patients with moderate to high suspicion for mercury toxicity, a validated test for mercury, such as a 24-hour urine mercury level, or referral to a medical toxicologist is the most appropriate approach.
How long does it take for mercury to leave the body?
Mercury does not stay in the body forever. It takes about six months to a year to leave the bloodstream once exposure stops. Some researchers think mercury can permanently damage the nervous system in children.
How is mercury absorbed?
Approximately 80% of metallic mercury vapor outgassed from amalgams is absorbed through inhalation [10, 14, 15], compared with about 7 to 10% absorption of ingested metallic mercury [5], and about 1% absorption of metallic mercury through skin contact [5]. On entry to the body, mercury vapor has great affinity for sulfhydryl groups and bonds to sulfur-containing amino acids throughout the body. Mercury vapor is transported to the brain [16], either dissolved in serum or adherent to red cell membranes. Metallic mercury passes easily through the blood brain barrier [17] and through the placenta, where it lodges in the fetal brain [18]. Metallic mercury is, however, rapidly oxidized to mercuric mercury on entry to the blood stream [5], although not so quickly as to prevent considerable uptake by the central nervous system while still in the metallic form.
How much mercury is absorbed by humans?
Most human metallic mercury exposure comes from mercury vapor outgassing from amalgam fillings, at a rate of 2 to 28 micrograms per facet surface per day, of which about 80% is absorbed, according to the World Health Organization [7, 8] and Berglund et al. [10].
What organs are affected by mercury?
The target organ for inhaled mercury vapor is primarily the brain [5]. Mercurous and mercuric salts chiefly damage the gut lining and kidney [5], while methyl mercury is widely distributed throughout the body [5]. Toxicity varies with dosage: large acute exposures to elemental mercury vapor induce severe pneumonitis, which in extreme cases can be fatal [5]. Low-grade chronic exposure to elemental or other forms of mercury induces subtler symptoms and clinical findings, as discussed hereinafter.
How long does mercury stay in your system?
Half lives appear to be multiphasic, as with metallic mercury, with human studies suggesting an effective half life of 42 days for 80% of an oral tracer dose; the other 20% did not appear to have a measureable rate of excretion [44]. This may reflect demethylation to metallic mercury in the brain and other organs or mechanisms yet to be determined.
Where does mercuric mercury accumulate?
Mercuric mercury does not cross the blood-brain barrier efficiently, but it does accumulate in quantity in the placenta, fetal tissues, and amniotic fluid [35]. Evidence exists showing transport of mercuric mercury via one or more amino acid transporters [39], particularly that for cysteine, which may account for accumulation in the brain [5]. Much of the body burden of mercuric mercury resides in the proximal convoluted renal tubule [40] bonded to metallothionein [41]. Significant deposition also occurs periportally in the liver [42] and lesser amounts in epithelial tissues, choroidal plexus, and testes.
What is the source of mercury?
Most human exposure to mercury is caused by outgassing of mercury from dental amalgam, ingestion of contaminated fish, or occupational exposure, according to the World Health Organization [7, 8].
Where does mercury go in the brain?
Metallic mercury passes easily through the blood brain barrier [17] and through the placenta, where it lodges in the fetal brain [18].
What is the best treatment for mercury?
Chelation therapy is the recommended treatment for any heavy metal toxicity, including mercury. Before opting for a chelation treatment, our center’s doctors carry out a comprehensive diagnostic work-up, laboratory testing, and various treatments to tackle different aspects of the disease. Any heavy metal toxicity, including mercury, can become fatal if not given expert treatment. Therefore, always consult experts in the field if you happen to suffer from any heavy metal toxicity.
What are the symptoms of mercury poisoning?
Symptoms of mercury poisoning generally include fatigue, sluggishness, depression, headaches, and irritability . Inhalation of mercury vapors also causes respiratory symptoms like breathlessness, coughing, burning pain and tightness in the chest. Some people may also experience pulmonary edema, fibrosis, and pneumonia.#N#Mercury poisoning can affect adults, children, and infants alike. Some of the common mercury toxicity symptoms are discussed briefly below:
How does mercury affect humans?
Mercury toxicity to humans varies according to the type of mercury concerned, the dose, the age of the person, and the route and rate of exposure . Mercury vapors inhaled usually target the brain, whereas mercuric salts primarily damage the kidney and gut lining. Also, remember that significant acute exposures to mercury can cause severe pneumonitis, which in severe cases can be fatal. However, low-grade chronic exposures cause subtler symptoms#N#Mercury toxicity treatment primarily consists of removing the patient from the source of exposure, chelation therapy, and supportive care.
Is mercury a heavy metal?
Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that is widespread in nature. Most mercury exposure to humans is due to the ingestion of contaminated fish, the release of mercury from dental amalgam, or occupational exposure.
What to do if you have mercury poisoning?
If you have mercury poisoning with a very high level of mercury in your blood, your doctor will probably recommend chelation therapy . This method involves using medications, called chelators, that bind to mercury in your body and help it to exit your system. Chelators can be taken as a pill or injected.
What are the best ways to reduce mercury levels?
Air, water, and soil around industrial sites may contain higher levels of mercury than found elsewhere. Use water filters that specifically filter mercury, like this one on Amazon. If you do a lot of gardening, wear gloves when digging in soil to limit skin absorption.
What is the normal mercury level?
According to the Mayo Clinic, blood mercury levels of 0 to 9 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) are normal and do not present a concern. A level of 10 to 15 ng/mL indicates mild exposure. Anything over 50 ng/mL may indicate heavy exposure to organic mercury.
What is mercury detox?
A mercury detox refers to any process that helps to remove mercury from your body.
How does the body filter out toxic substances?
Your body is designed to filter out toxic substances, usually with the help of your kidneys and liver. Unless you have a condition that affects your kidney or liver function, your body’s natural detox system is very effective at removing toxins, including extra mercury, through urine and in bile excreted to the feces.
How to get rid of mercury in urine?
Drinking more water. Mercury is also eliminated in urine, so drinking extra water can help to speed up the process. Avoiding exposure. The best way to get rid of mercury in your body is to avoid sources of it whenever you can. As you reduce your exposure, the level of mercury in your body will decrease as well.
How to know how much mercury is in your body?
Having your doctor test for mercury levels is the only way to know how much mercury is in your body. Here are several tests your doctor may use: Blood test. A blood test indicates whether you’ve been exposed to mercury in the last few days.
How to treat mercury poisoning?
Furthermore, activated charcoal is used to absorb mercury in the body and pass it out before it does further damage . Psychotropic medication are prescribed if the patient shows any signs of emotional or cognitive problem. At times, the removal of the source of poisoning may require surgical intervention as well, especially when it is lodged in the patient’s intestine.
What happens if you ingest mercury?
If the person has ingested caustic inorganic mercury, the knee-jerk reaction is to make him vomit. While that may come across as logical at first, that is not the case. It only leads to further exposure of the tissues to the caustic toxin and hence, should be strictly avoided.
What is the phone number to call if you suspect mercury poisoning?
If you suspect mercury poisoning, immediately call the National Poison Control Center on 1-800-222-1222 for further instructions.
What are the effects of mercury?
A heavy metal that occurs in various forms, mercury is known to produce several toxic effects on the body, including severe damage to brain or kidney that may eventually result in death. Additionally, the metal is also responsible for diseases like the Hunter-Russell syndrome and acrodynia.
Is mercury harmful to the body?
As for exposure to inorganic mercury, it can cause skin rashes, result in loss of memory, mental disturbances, dermatitis, and muscle weakness. Exposure to organic mercury can also lead to similar effects, but the fact that is more readily absorbed by the body makes it relatively less harmful as compared to other forms; harmful nevertheless. While methylmercury exposure is often traced to fish consumption, one is more likely to come in contact with elemental mercury by inhaling it when handling products containing the same.
Can you be relocated from methylmercury poisoning?
In case of methylmercury poisoning, the patient is first relocated from the source of poisoning as the symptoms of this condition are known to worsen when subjected to new exposure. (Even those near the affected person have to be careful in this case.) The source of mercury is promptly disposed and the surroundings are thoroughly cleaned of all traces of this heavy metal. As for the use of medication, it will differ from case to case, and thus, is best left to the medical professional.
Does mercury cause headaches?
While exposure to methylmercury can result in impairment of peripheral vision, lack of coordination in movement, speech impairment, and muscle weakness, exposure to elemental mercury cause mood swings, irritability, nervousness, insomnia, headache, and neuromuscular changes. At higher levels though, even elemental mercury can trigger kidney ...
How to treat mercury toxicity?
Treatment of mercury toxicity consists of removal of the patient from the source of exposure, supportive care, and chelation therapy. Patients with cognitive and emotional sequelae may require psychotropic medications.
Who to consult for poison control?
Consult with the regional poison control center or a medical toxicologist (certified through the American Board of Medical Toxicology and/or the American Board of Emergency Medicine) for additional information and patient care recommendations.
How can minamata be prevented?
Minamata disease can be prevented by reducing or eliminating one's consumption of fish caught from bodies of water that are contaminated with high concentrations of mercury. Other forms of mercury exposure, such as elemental mercury vapor inhalation, occur when people vacuum or sweep mercury spills in an enclosed space.
Why should chelating agents be administered early in treatment?
Because mercury binds to the body's ubiquitous cellular sulfhydryl groups, chelating agents should be administered early in treatment.
Why is exchange transfusion used?
Because mercury-chelating agent complexes are large molecules, they may fail to be filtered out by standard hemodialysis membranes, rendering conventional hemodialysis ineffective. [ 94]
What should be done after an unstable patient is admitted to the ICU?
After the patient is admitted, supportive measures, decontamination, and careful monitoring should be continued. In cases of inorganic mercuric salt ingestion, carefully monitor the patient's renal function.
Why is hemodialysis used in severe cases of toxicity?
Hemodialysis is used in severe cases of toxicity when renal function has declined. The ability of regular hemodialysis to filter out mercury is limited because of mercury's mode of distribution among erythrocytes and plasma. However, hemodialysis with L-cysteine compound as a chelator has been successful.
How long does it take for mercury to be tested in homeopathy?
This process often takes months but the reward for waiting is worthwhile.
What is hepar sulph used for?
If the pathology is paralysis, one of the most valuable remedies is Hepar sulph. Given in proper dosage and timing, it can be most beneficial for those who also are hyper-sensitive. This can include sensitivity to weather changes, sensitivity to pain and to the odors of chemicals, as well as to food and even animals. The need for Hepar sulph may also present with painful and swollen lymph glands. Once the practitioner determines that Hepar sulph is the best match, the patient usually takes it monthly for a specific amount of time, depending on the needs of the sufferer.
Can sulfur be used for mercury poisoning?
Homeopathic Sulphur should be considered if mercury poisoning is associated with heat. For example, the person may experience heat in an uncomfortable way. He may find that perspiration is excessive and that his odors are of an offensive or metallic nature. This is a remedy that has been shown clinically to provide immeasurable relief for children who have had reactions to vaccines laced with mercury. It can be of value even years after the time of the inoculation.
Can mercury poisoning cause memory loss?
Each person with mercury poisoning will present in her own way. One, for example, will have ataxia (a type of paralysis), another may have excessive perspiration, a swollen tongue and profuse saliva, while another may have memory loss and foggy thinking. Choosing the correct remedy is best left to a homeopath with solid credentials and experience. However for the sake of interest, let us examine the possibilities.
Is nicum acidum good for you?
Metal poisoning can also cause psychological pathology. Nitricum acidum is a powerful remedy that aids someone who has had a disturbance of the central nervous system as a result of mercury poisoning. Its need is determined by behavior associated with strong and persistent fears of death. It may also be appropriate for someone who worries immensely about their health, often expressed in panic attacks. Nitricum acidum is a mains tay treatment in the homeopat hic literature.
What to take for mercury poisoning?
You should also take a multi-vitamin/mineral formula during the treatment for mercury poisoning to support your body the entire time you do this.
How long does it take for mercury to be removed from the body?
In severe cases, this can take 6 months.
How to clean your gut after a cleanse?
Follow up the cleanse by taking a high dose probiotic. The probiotics keep the detox pathways open and will help you maintain 2 bowel movements per day. They also help remove yeast from the microbial population of the gut.
How long can you take DMSA?
Depending upon your level of mercury toxicity you might not be able to handle taking dmsa for a week straight. If this is the case, take it for 3 days and then take 10 days off. During the off days take zeolite.
Can you get DMSA and Zeolite?
If you don't want to learn about DMSA or zeolite and would rather just get to it. You can get DMSA here and Zeolite here . If you prefer capsule over powder I strongly recommend Zeolite-AV or Royal Detox.
Can you use a sauna for mercury poisoning?
If you have access to a sauna it is a good idea to use it daily while doing this treatment for mercury poisoning. Mercury will be released as you sit in it and sweat.
Do you have to do a metal poisoning test?
Note: You do not have to do the tests if you would rather just treat yourself for heavy metal poisoning. But the test is valuable because it gives you a starting point to monitor your progress with further testing as you treat yourself.
