Get The Lead Out

by Royce Bailey M.D., M.P.H., F.A.A.C.

-Nature’s Chelators

Mercury Toxicity

Recently, the CDC has discussed lowering the toxic blood level of mercury in adults to 10ug/dL from 20ug/dL. Is any mercury OK??? Where could I have gotten mercury toxicity? There has been two reported cases of mercury poisonings in pregnant females, here in Asheville, N.C., from tuna and swordfish. Remember those vaccines you had when you were younger? They were preserved with mercury; as are flu shots.

Commercial Chelation

Intravenous chelation is controversial, as is oral chelation, except in the true case of extremely high blood levels of heavy metals; in which case the metal usually nearly kills the patient before we find the toxic metal.

Chelation From Our Diet

Our current environment, food and water supplies expose us to heavy metal toxins that can influence our brains over time. There are natural “chelators” in nature. Chelating (pronounced key-layting) agents (both natural and synthetic) are substances which can chemically bond with or chelate (from the Greek chele claw) metals minerals or chemical toxins from the body. The chelating agent actually encircles a mineral or metal ion and carries it from the body via the urine or feces. Chelation is especially helpful in eliminating toxic metals mercury, lead, cadmium, nickel, arsenic, aluminum, etc.

Nature To The Rescue

Vitamin C is a natural chelator. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) - is one of the most important antioxidants, it can easily enter the blood brain barrier and reach the brain cells where it is needed most. This means that you can increase the level of vitamin C in your brain by taking eating more fresh fruits and veggies. It is also a very effective detoxifier of heavy metals and chemical poisons. Vitamin C has detoxifying actions on lead, mercury, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, various carcinogens, bacterial toxins and poisons; and it protects us from benzene exposure.

Cilantro

Cilantro (Chinese Parsley) - has been shown in clinical trials and research to mobilize and effectively remove mercury, tin, lead, aluminum and other toxic metals stored in the brain and spinal cord. This is a revolutionary discovery and makes Cilantro the first known substance that mobilizes mercury from the CNS (Central Nervous System).

Cilantro Pesto

1 clove of garlic
1/2 cup of almonds, cashews, or other nuts
1 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons lemon juice
6 tablespoons olive oil

Put the cilantro and olive oil in blender and process until the cilantro is chopped. Add the rest of the ingredients and process to a lumpy paste. (You may need to add a touch of hot water and scrape the sides of the blender). You can change the consistency by altering the amount of olive oil and lemon juice, but keep the 3:1 ratio of oil to juice. (It freezes well, so you can make several batches at once.)

Amino Acids Help Too!

L-Glutathione can cross the blood-brain barrier and remove mercury, cadmium and other toxic metals from the brain. It is a powerful free radical scavenger and antioxidant that removes unwanted substances from the body. It is found in protein rich plant foods; like soy, nuts, wheat, brown rice and beans.

L-Cysteine acts as a reducing agent that prevents the oxidation of sensitive tissues that leads to aging and cancer. It also helps protect against the effects of alcohol consumption, protects cell membranes against lipid peroxidation, and detoxifies pesticides, plastics, hydrocarbons, and other chemicals. This sulfurous amino acid is critical for the detoxification of heavy metals and xenobiotics (estrogen-like, non-polar, fat-soluble chemical substances that may interfere with normal estrogen functions and play a role in creating cancer). L-Cysteine helps protect the liver and brain from damage due to alcohol, drugs, and toxic compounds in cigarette smoke. L-cysteine chelates mercury and arsenic, and its antioxidant effects are appropriate for countering all metals. It is a potent sulfhydryl antioxidant, heavy metal scavenger, and liver protector. The body can synthesize cysteine from the amino acid methionine but is also found in high protein foods such as wheat, broccoli, garlic, onions and red peppers.

L-Lysine also detoxifies heavy metals. L-lysine is lipotropic, meaning that it has a high affinity for fats (lipids) and assists in fat metabolism. It is involved in the structural repair of damaged collagen in arteriosclerotic blood vessels. L-lysine is used as an aid to improve athletic performance and is required for collagen synthesis. Good sources of lysine are found in lima beans, potatoes, soy milk and brewer’s yeast.

L-Methionine is an essential amino acid that helps remove heavy metals from the body and protects against the toxic effects of radiation. This sulfur-containing amino acid is critical for the detoxification of heavy metals and xenobiotics. It assists in the breakdown of fat, and helps prevent fatty build-up in the liver and arteries that might obstruct blood flow to the brain, heart, and kidneys. It is a powerful antioxidant that is also beneficial to people with chemical allergies. L-Methionine chelates lead, and is effective in preventing liver damage and supporting liver functioning. Methionine is found in good quantities in beans, garlic, lentils, onions, yogurt and seeds.

Chlorella

Chlorella is a seaweed, or a type of algae that grows in water. Chlorella is known to promote the elimination of heavy metals from the body, as does barley green and wheat grass. The chlorella algae cell wall absorbs rather large amounts of toxic metals. Either the specific combination of amino acids, the chlorella derived growth factor, or some other unknown mechanism leads to the mobilization of mercury and other toxins from within the cell. It appears to mobilize mercury deposits within the brain. Chlorella is a nutritious source of chlorophyll that has also been found to cleanse the bloodstream and be a protective agent against the effects of ultraviolet radiation.

Other Natural Chelators

Garlic chelates cadmium, lead and mercury within the body. Spirulina-based products help chelate, too. The herb, yellow dock root, is a specific chelator for aluminum. Selenium chelates heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, mercury and silver.

Stiff Vessels From Deficiencies

The male’s prostate gland requires high levels of zinc and contains some of the body’s highest stores of this mineral. Cadmium, a known carcinogen, seems to concentrate in prostate, breast and uterus tissue, and seems to mimic estrogen.

Your body’s cells are constantly being repaired or replaced. Your body uses what raw materials are available at the time of the cell’s repair or building new cells. Your cells in your arteries require zinc to help flexibility and cell wall strength. But, if zinc is deficient in the diet, the toxic metal cadmium could be used instead, if it’s available. The chemical structure of zinc and cadmium are similar enough for the body to do the substitution and continue functioning, though, at a less efficient level. The loss of flexibility in your blood vessels may cause high blood pressure and ultimately a stroke, and the fragile vessel is more susceptible to damage, leading to blockages and cardiovascular disease.

Eat Right!

Be sure that you get a steady and constant supply of trace minerals and nutrients. You are what you eat. Avoid environmental exposure to toxic metals. Your body can replace most toxic building blocks as it repairs and rebuilds, if you supply it with the right materials.

Known Mineral Antagonists

Mineral	Toxic Metal
Calcium	Lead
Zinc	Cadmium
Sulfur/Molybdenum	Copper
Selenium	Mercury, lead, silver and cadmium

Think Right!

As we do all we can to rid ourselves of potentially harmful toxic heavy metals, we should do all we can in our lives for Christ’s sake; as in the early Advent revival. “The assurance of the Saviour’s approval was more necessary to them than their daily food; and if a cloud darkened their minds, they did not rest until it was swept away.” Great Controversy, 1911:403

References:

Marcus, S. Lead Toxicity. eMedicine. October 4, 2004. http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic293.htm .

Williams, D., “Brain Drain,” Alternatives, August 2005, Vol.11, No.2:10-14.

Achanzar W, Diwan B, Liu J, et al., Cadmium-induced Malignant Transformation of Human Prostate Epithelial Cells, Cancer Res 2001;61(2):455-458.

Brys M, Nawrocka A, Miekos E, et al., Zinc and Cadmium Analysis in Human Prostate neoplasms. Biol Trace Elem Res., 1997;59(1-3):145-152.

Omura, Y., Cilantro and Mercury Removal, Acupunct Electrother Res.,1996;21 (2):133-60 and Acupnct Electrother Res.,1995;20 (3-4):195-229.