A big jump in women’s toxic load.
A heavy metal that targets the brain, immune system, liver, and pituitary gland, mercury in women has jumped significantly in the past 10 years—from 2 percent to 30 percent among women 19 to 49 years old. “My findings also suggest a rise in risks for diseases associated with mercury over time,” reports Dan R. Laks, M.S., a neuroscientist at UCLA.
This research comes close on the heels of a U.S. Geological Survey report showing that 25 percent of fish in U.S. rivers and streams had unsafe levels of mercury. All fish—even small ones—had traces of this toxic metal.
Only two states—Alaska and Wyoming—have not issued advisories about mercury contamination in fish. And some areas that weren’t part of the Geological Survey report—like the Great Salt Lake—have twice the mercury levels of streams sampled. Even those “living in an area that doesn’t have a mercury advisory,” should use caution eating fish, warns Sonya Lunder, MPH, senior analyst for the Environmental Working Group.
Other sources of environmental mercury include emissions from coal-fired power plants and cement plants, plus runoff from mining. Dental amalgams, fungicides, some antiseptics and medications, diuretics, Mercurochrome, certain contact lens solutions, and vaccines containing the preservative thimerosal can also increase an individual’s body burden for this toxic metal.
“The margin of safety for women and children is razor thin,” says biologist Sandra Steingraber, Ph.D. But “no amount of mercury is really safe,” admits pediatrician Leo Trasande, M.D., at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
Dr. Ann Louise’s Take:
I have suspected that mercury levels were on the rise for quite some time. The UCLA findings point out that we accumulate this toxin in our bodies over time, so it’s no wonder that known neurological risks range from autism to Alzheimer’s disease. Because of mercury’s endocrine and liver involvement, your body’s detoxification and hormonal systems clearly need support. Mercury expert Hal Huggins, D.D.S., also cites autoimmune problems that are linked to mercury, like lupus and multiple sclerosis – for starters.
But, first things first. Because even small fish contain some degree of mercury, if you are really concerned, then consider molecularly distilled fish oil or Omega-3 vegetarian sources for your essential fatty acids. Besides purified fish oil, you can enjoy other excellent Omega-3 foods like chia and flax seeds, flaxseed oil, perilla oil, and walnuts.
Remember, too, that selenium is a mineral antagonist to mercury. Consider taking additional selenium (no more than 200 mcg daily) if it is not already included in your multi. Vitamin C is a precursor to glutathione, a critical liver antioxidant that mops up heavy metals like mercury and other toxins, so get plenty of C throughout the day. (Read more on vitamin C here).
To support the incredible job the liver does in filtering out toxins like mercury, it’s wise to support this organ for both phases of its natural detox system. For the phase one detox pathway, you need zinc, along with vitamins A, B1, B2, C, and E, as well as a healthy supply of antioxidants from brightly colored fruits and vegetables. For the phase two detox pathway, you need folic acid, vitamin E, selenium, magnesium, and glutathione-boosting vitamin C.
Throughout both phases of the liver’s detox process, I recommend fiber from psyllium or flax seeds with lots of pure water and/or cranwater. As Fat Flushers and Fast Trackers already know, while cleansing and fortifying your liver, you’ll want to avoid excess fat (especially trans fat and fried foods), sugar in all its guises, artificial sweeteners, refined carbs, soy protein isolates, molds, alcohol, caffeine, and over-the-counter meds, which are all major liver stressors.
Sources:
https://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_13172533
https://www.healthfinder.gov/news/newsstory.aspx?docid=630320
https://www.epa.gov/mercury/effects.htm
