Symptoms of mercury poisoning can vary, depending on how the mercury entered the body, the length of exposure, and how much mercury has built up in the tissues and organs. The most common symptoms of being poisoned by this toxic metal are mood swings, skin rashes, gastrointestinal problems, poor memory, mental confusion, muscles weakness, and a feeling of pins and needles in the hands, feet and around the mouth.
Mercury is the most poisonous non-radioactive substance on Earth and any amount in the body is considered unsafe. It isn't flushed from the body. Instead, it binds with the tissues of your liver and kidneys, building up over time until it compromises the immune system, causes liver impairment, and in some cases, permanent neurological damage. There may also be a link between autism and mercury poisoning.
Autism and Mercury Poisoning
Abnormal movements, social and language impairment, and a need for routine and sameness are found in both autism and mercury poisoning. This isn't to say that mercury poisoning causes autism, but that they share many of the same symptoms. A child who may be thought to have autism could have mercury poisoning. One way very young children are exposed to high levels of mercury is through vaccinations. Thimerosal, a preservative used in vaccines and other medication, is fifty-percent mercury by weight. Urine or hair testing can show if a seemingly autistic child or adult has mercury in their system.
Another way children and adults are exposed to mercury is through fish. Organic mercury, such as that found in fish like tuna, mackerel, shark, and sea bass can cross over from the blood into the brain and cause irreversible nervous system and brain damage. Cooking doesn't take the mercury away or reduce it. It's recommended that fish of these types be eaten only once or twice per week.
Mercury Poisoning Treatments
A Porphyrin Analysis done through a urine test can show whether or not there is a high level of mercury present in the liver and kidneys. If there's a positive diagnosis for mercury poisoning, removing the source is important. To cure a patient with severe toxic overload of mercury intravenous chelation therapy is given over a long period of time.
Eating foods high in sulfur such as eggs, nuts, seeds, garlic, broccoli and avocados can treat lower levels of mercury poisoning, along with ongoing chelation therapy which removes toxic metals from the body.
Some other natural chelators are vitamin C, selenium, and Alpha-lipoic Acid, all which can be purchased over the counter and has the ability to cross over the blood-brain barrier so it can remove mercury from the brain. Treatment lengths vary, although 90 days is usually the minimum time recommended. Chelation works best when done in cycles of three or four days on therapy and an equal number of days off.
Countless children are diagnosed with autism every year and thousands of people in general are diagnosed with mercury poisoning. If you suspect that you or a loved one is a victim, seek medical attention and get tested. It's important to begin treatment as soon as possible.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Resources:
Vaccination News, Autism A Unique Type Of Mercury Poisoning (accessed 12/04/2010)
MedicineNet, Mercury Poisoning Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention (accessed on 12/04/2010)
Kelly Wallace - Kelly is a seasoned freelance writer, multi-published author, radio show host, teacher, speaker and highly acclaimed intuitive ...
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