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This material is for educational purposes only
The preceding statements have not been evaluated by the
Food and Drug Administration
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Copyright © 2005 - The Eck Institute of Applied Nutrition and Bioenergetics, Ltd.

Sources Of Mercury Toxicity
•	dental amalgam (silver fillings)
•	tuna fish and swordfish
•	contaminated drinking water
•	seeds and vegetables treated with mercurial fungicides
•	medications - diuretics, Mercurochrome, Merthiolate, Preparation H, contact lens solution
•	occupational exposure - felt, algicides, floor waxes, adhesives, fabric softeners, manufacture of paper, production of chlorine
•	children can be born with mercury toxicity that is passed through the placenta from their mothers. Mercury can also be passed to children in breast milk.

Detection Of Mercury Toxicity
Both blood and hair have been used to detect mercury poisoning. In one study, hair levels generally correlated with blood levels. Hair levels are about 300 times higher than blood levels.
Copper toxicity and zinc deficiency are often associated with mercury toxicity.

How Mercury Affects Health
Energy -	mercury compounds inhibit the enzyme ATPase, which impairs energy production in all body cells.
Nervous System -		degeneration of nerve fibers occurs, particularly the peripheral sensory nerve fibers. In addition to sensory nerve damage, motor conduction speed was reduced in persons with high hair mercury levels. The most common sensory effects are paresthesia, pain in limbs, and visual and auditory disturbances. Motor disturbances results in changes in gait, weakness, falling, slurred speech, and tremor. Other symptoms are headaches, rashes and emotional disturbances.
Endocrine System -		mercury has been shown to concentrate in the thyroid and pituitary glands, interfering with their function. Impairment of adrenal gland activity also occurs.
Kidneys -	mercury can accumulate in the kidneys, where it may cause kidney damage.

Possible Conditions Associated With Mercury Toxicity
	adrenal gland dysfunction	kidney damage
	alopecia (hair loss)	loss of self-control
	anorexia	memory loss
	ataxia (uncontrolled movement of limbs)	migraine headaches
	birth defects	mood swings
	blushing	nervousness
	brain damage	numbness and tingling in arms and legs
	depression	pain in limbs
	dermatitis	rashes, skin
	discouragement	salivation, excessive
	dizziness	schizophrenia
	fatigue	thyroid dysfunction
	hearing loss	timidity
	hyperactivity	tremors
	immune system dysfunction	vision loss - peripheral vision
	insomnia	weakness, muscle