Detoxification: Heavy Metals, Mercury and how to get rid of them
- Thread starter Mikey
- Start date
anarkist said:Hi!
Just out on Monday is a great youtube video from Dr Mercola and Chris Shade about detoxing safely. Mr Shade goes into inorganic and methyl mercury, detox herbs, chemicals, diet (he recommends FAT!lots of info here!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPKQ5JLINTA
also, as per Joes post above, EDTA is a great biofilm disruptor which is important as we know for dealing withbacteria virii fungi...
Mr Shade also talks about his product "imd" (sp?) which does a good job of taking out heavy metals and supporting the liver/detox process.
Here is the Mercola article that makes an easy and informative read:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2016/06/19/heavy-metal-detoxification.aspx?utm_source=dnl&utm_medium=email&utm_content=art1&utm_campaign=20160619Z1&et_cid=DM108898&et_rid=1535208925
I've been doing a bit more research into heavy metal detox since the recent articles by Chris Shade who does not advocate the typical DMSA route. Since I have done a fair bit of DMSA, and it's pretty painful every time, I would like to try something else. I started putting together a big word document with all of the information.
Below are some notes I made based on this - mainly focusing on what are the most easily-available treatment options. I will be doing this kind of detox at a gentle and slow rate over a few months and will see what the results are
From what I've gathered so far, the idea is to create a gradient away from the body so that toxic compounds and metals will flow out, instead of further in. This is particularly true when we start using mobilizers and chelators. If the flow out is blocked, the heavy metals can become further entrenched in the body, into the CNS and brain. So, we move from the 'bottom up', with the gut, liver/kidneys and lymph system worked on first.
This doesn't include anything about diet and general inflammation-reducing, which should naturally be worked on before any detox is attempted.
This image shows the 3 detoxification stages. On the right it shows how inflammation slows down all of the detox processes through a negative feedback loop.
The Gut
We want to get metals and toxins flowing out of the body through the intestines. Phase 3 takes toxins from the blood, through the liver, into the small intestine. If they hang around here then they can be re-absorbed and cause further inflammation, contributing to that feedback loop. They are also exreceted through bile, through the kidneys into the urine, and possibly through sweat.
Binding toxins in the intestines and moving them on reduces inflammation and ‘un-clogs the pipes’, allowing the detox system to move more freely.
Chlorella is the most popular supplement for this. Combined with charcoal it could be effective in the long term. It is safe, well-known and used for a long time. However some cannot tolerate it.
Microsilica - IMD (Intestinal Metal Detox) by QuickSilver Scientific.
This is the product mentioned in the Mercola article above. This binds to toxins in the gut. Apparently it has a much greater affinity and capability for binding heavy metals than chlorella. This product is very expensive and not widely used. Among the few users who have reviewed, I have seen favourable reviews on the likes of CureZone, AutismWeb and PhoenixRising. This product is very expensive however.
There is another product called MetalSweep by BipPure which does the same thing, and is apparently made up of nano-silica. Also very expensive.
Another option would be Diatomaceous Earth, a silica-based binder which works on the gut in a similar way. From Wikipedia, “It has a particle size ranging from less than 3 micrometres to more than 1 millimetre, but typically 10 to 200 micrometres.”
Enterosgel is another one that is widely used medically although its effects on heavy metals aren’t clear.
Activated Charcoal helps mop up various toxins.
Support Liver and kidneys
Milk Thistle and NAC can be used for liver support, both are very popular for this.
Another option is Dandelion for Kidneys. High quality tinctures are recommended when using herbals.
Another thing is that Dr Hulda Clark explains that having parasites can be bad for the liver and getting rid of them will improve liver health (among many other things). You can attack the parasites simultaneously to doing the gut cleansing. In fact, taking the 3 herbs recommended for Dr Clarks protocol in a tincture (Black Walnut, Wormwood and Common Cloves) synergises in other ways too. They have anti-viral, anti-fungal properties. Cloves have anti-inflammatory properties, and wormwood increases acidity of the stomach and bile production (both good for phase 3 detox).
Support Lymphatic System and Extra-Cellular Matrix (ECM)
A large network of fluid-filled nodes, glands, vessels and organs, the lymphatic system cleanses toxins by carrying them away from tissues and into the blood stream. The ECM is the area between cells, containing lymphatic fluid across through which all nutrition and all waste must pass for exchange between blood and cells. Sinus problems, swollen glands, puffy eyes, water retention, or general upper respiratory problems can be a sign of a sluggish lymph system.
There are various methods to get the lymph flowing, including jumping up and down, being upside down, massage, dry brushing, exercising often and staying well hydrated.
Cleavers tincture is a well-known herbal medicine for cleansing the lymph, which I have not tried yet but have ordered to experiment with.
Upregulate NRF-2
Glutathione works properly with proper expression of glutathione-S-transferase, which is made possible by upregulating NRF-2.
Polyphenols, and R-lipoic acid, activate Nrf2 and induce phase II enzymes through the antioxidant response element.
Milk thistle, turmeric, green tea, ashwaganda contain polyphenols which can achieve this, and there are many other botanicals with the same effect.
MSM also seems to achieve the same thing, along with having numerous other benefits.
Garlic (allicin and diallyl disulphide) also help with this.
Intracellular Detox
All of this should be done slowly.
Glutathione the most important substance for detoxification in this protocol without chelators. It is worth taking it liposomally to get the effects instead of relying on NAC or whey protein. Lipo Glutathione is fairly expensive, but it seems that this can be made in the same way as Lipo vitamin C, although how effective it is homemade from a jewellery cleaner is not clear.
R-Alpha Lipoid acid. The powerful antioxidant which regenerates other antioxidants, and also acts as a chelator. It is easily absorbed in the gut and crosses the blood brain barrier and cell membranes. Therefore ALA poses risks for redistribution of heavy metals if we don't have that 'gradient' set up correctly.
Iodine - mobiliser.
Cilantro - It's not actually clear how effective cilantro is but many people seem to believe it is a strong mobiliser also.
Extra:
Molybdenum: Could be helpful if there is a problem with sulphur compounds which are created when these supplements begin detoxing things. Molybdenum is said to help with the detoxing of sulphites and may make it go smoother.
B vitamins, vitamin E, vitamin C.
Some further reading
Chelation: Harnessing and Enhancing Heavy Metal Detoxification—A Review
Mercury toxicity and antioxidants: part I: role of glutathione and alpha-lipoic acid in the treatment of mercury toxicity. (Mercury Toxicity).
Sulforaphane and α-Lipoic Acid Upregulate the Expression of the π Class of Glutathione S-Transferase through c-Jun and Nrf2 Activation
Transcription factor Nrf2 is essential for induction of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1, glutathione S-transferases, and glutamate cysteine ligase by broccoli seeds and isothiocyanates.
Upregulation of phase II enzymes through phytochemical activation of Nrf2 protects cardiomyocytes against oxidant stress.
Phytochemicals and botanical extracts regulate NF-κB and Nrf2/ARE reporter activities in DI TNC1 astrocytes.
Loss of the Nrf2 transcription factor causes a marked reduction in constitutive and inducible expression of the glutathione S-transferase Gsta1, Gsta2, Gstm1, Gstm2, Gstm3 and Gstm4 genes in the livers of male and female mice.
MSM ameliorates HIV-1 Tat induced neuronal oxidative stress via rebalance of the glutathione cycle.
Below are some notes I made based on this - mainly focusing on what are the most easily-available treatment options. I will be doing this kind of detox at a gentle and slow rate over a few months and will see what the results are
From what I've gathered so far, the idea is to create a gradient away from the body so that toxic compounds and metals will flow out, instead of further in. This is particularly true when we start using mobilizers and chelators. If the flow out is blocked, the heavy metals can become further entrenched in the body, into the CNS and brain. So, we move from the 'bottom up', with the gut, liver/kidneys and lymph system worked on first.
This doesn't include anything about diet and general inflammation-reducing, which should naturally be worked on before any detox is attempted.
This image shows the 3 detoxification stages. On the right it shows how inflammation slows down all of the detox processes through a negative feedback loop.
The Gut
We want to get metals and toxins flowing out of the body through the intestines. Phase 3 takes toxins from the blood, through the liver, into the small intestine. If they hang around here then they can be re-absorbed and cause further inflammation, contributing to that feedback loop. They are also exreceted through bile, through the kidneys into the urine, and possibly through sweat.
Binding toxins in the intestines and moving them on reduces inflammation and ‘un-clogs the pipes’, allowing the detox system to move more freely.
Chlorella is the most popular supplement for this. Combined with charcoal it could be effective in the long term. It is safe, well-known and used for a long time. However some cannot tolerate it.
Microsilica - IMD (Intestinal Metal Detox) by QuickSilver Scientific.
This is the product mentioned in the Mercola article above. This binds to toxins in the gut. Apparently it has a much greater affinity and capability for binding heavy metals than chlorella. This product is very expensive and not widely used. Among the few users who have reviewed, I have seen favourable reviews on the likes of CureZone, AutismWeb and PhoenixRising. This product is very expensive however.
There is another product called MetalSweep by BipPure which does the same thing, and is apparently made up of nano-silica. Also very expensive.
Another option would be Diatomaceous Earth, a silica-based binder which works on the gut in a similar way. From Wikipedia, “It has a particle size ranging from less than 3 micrometres to more than 1 millimetre, but typically 10 to 200 micrometres.”
Enterosgel is another one that is widely used medically although its effects on heavy metals aren’t clear.
Activated Charcoal helps mop up various toxins.
Support Liver and kidneys
Milk Thistle and NAC can be used for liver support, both are very popular for this.
Another option is Dandelion for Kidneys. High quality tinctures are recommended when using herbals.
Another thing is that Dr Hulda Clark explains that having parasites can be bad for the liver and getting rid of them will improve liver health (among many other things). You can attack the parasites simultaneously to doing the gut cleansing. In fact, taking the 3 herbs recommended for Dr Clarks protocol in a tincture (Black Walnut, Wormwood and Common Cloves) synergises in other ways too. They have anti-viral, anti-fungal properties. Cloves have anti-inflammatory properties, and wormwood increases acidity of the stomach and bile production (both good for phase 3 detox).
Support Lymphatic System and Extra-Cellular Matrix (ECM)
A large network of fluid-filled nodes, glands, vessels and organs, the lymphatic system cleanses toxins by carrying them away from tissues and into the blood stream. The ECM is the area between cells, containing lymphatic fluid across through which all nutrition and all waste must pass for exchange between blood and cells. Sinus problems, swollen glands, puffy eyes, water retention, or general upper respiratory problems can be a sign of a sluggish lymph system.
There are various methods to get the lymph flowing, including jumping up and down, being upside down, massage, dry brushing, exercising often and staying well hydrated.
Cleavers tincture is a well-known herbal medicine for cleansing the lymph, which I have not tried yet but have ordered to experiment with.
Upregulate NRF-2
Glutathione works properly with proper expression of glutathione-S-transferase, which is made possible by upregulating NRF-2.
Polyphenols, and R-lipoic acid, activate Nrf2 and induce phase II enzymes through the antioxidant response element.
Milk thistle, turmeric, green tea, ashwaganda contain polyphenols which can achieve this, and there are many other botanicals with the same effect.
MSM also seems to achieve the same thing, along with having numerous other benefits.
Garlic (allicin and diallyl disulphide) also help with this.
Intracellular Detox
All of this should be done slowly.
Glutathione the most important substance for detoxification in this protocol without chelators. It is worth taking it liposomally to get the effects instead of relying on NAC or whey protein. Lipo Glutathione is fairly expensive, but it seems that this can be made in the same way as Lipo vitamin C, although how effective it is homemade from a jewellery cleaner is not clear.
R-Alpha Lipoid acid. The powerful antioxidant which regenerates other antioxidants, and also acts as a chelator. It is easily absorbed in the gut and crosses the blood brain barrier and cell membranes. Therefore ALA poses risks for redistribution of heavy metals if we don't have that 'gradient' set up correctly.
Iodine - mobiliser.
Cilantro - It's not actually clear how effective cilantro is but many people seem to believe it is a strong mobiliser also.
Extra:
Molybdenum: Could be helpful if there is a problem with sulphur compounds which are created when these supplements begin detoxing things. Molybdenum is said to help with the detoxing of sulphites and may make it go smoother.
B vitamins, vitamin E, vitamin C.
Some further reading
Chelation: Harnessing and Enhancing Heavy Metal Detoxification—A Review
Mercury toxicity and antioxidants: part I: role of glutathione and alpha-lipoic acid in the treatment of mercury toxicity. (Mercury Toxicity).
Sulforaphane and α-Lipoic Acid Upregulate the Expression of the π Class of Glutathione S-Transferase through c-Jun and Nrf2 Activation
Transcription factor Nrf2 is essential for induction of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1, glutathione S-transferases, and glutamate cysteine ligase by broccoli seeds and isothiocyanates.
Upregulation of phase II enzymes through phytochemical activation of Nrf2 protects cardiomyocytes against oxidant stress.
Phytochemicals and botanical extracts regulate NF-κB and Nrf2/ARE reporter activities in DI TNC1 astrocytes.
Loss of the Nrf2 transcription factor causes a marked reduction in constitutive and inducible expression of the glutathione S-transferase Gsta1, Gsta2, Gstm1, Gstm2, Gstm3 and Gstm4 genes in the livers of male and female mice.
MSM ameliorates HIV-1 Tat induced neuronal oxidative stress via rebalance of the glutathione cycle.
Thanks for the summary, Carl. Very valuable information!
I similarly started taking notes, strategizing and planning an HM detox after reading the Chris Shade article. As discussed on the latest H&W Show(https://www.sott.net/article/320823-The-Health-Wellness-Show-Get-the-lead-out-Detoxifying-heavy-metals), I've had a persistent issue with a metallic taste in my mouth and occasional sore teeth since starting the iodine. After reading the Chris Shade article I had an "aha" moment, and I think what's going on is that I'm mobilizing HMs with the iodine but my gut isn't clear enough to be eliminating them. This makes sense since I notice the same effect when I'm not taking any iodine but take R-Lipoic Acid.
My plan is to start with the gut, as elucidated by Shade, with chlorella, activated charcoal and modified citrus pectin. I'll likely be taking NAC at this time, too. I'm not doing iodine at all at this point, but I figure I'll start up again, along with ALA and cilantro, after concentrating on the gut for awhile.
Thanks again for the summary, Carl. I found it very helpful.
I similarly started taking notes, strategizing and planning an HM detox after reading the Chris Shade article. As discussed on the latest H&W Show(https://www.sott.net/article/320823-The-Health-Wellness-Show-Get-the-lead-out-Detoxifying-heavy-metals), I've had a persistent issue with a metallic taste in my mouth and occasional sore teeth since starting the iodine. After reading the Chris Shade article I had an "aha" moment, and I think what's going on is that I'm mobilizing HMs with the iodine but my gut isn't clear enough to be eliminating them. This makes sense since I notice the same effect when I'm not taking any iodine but take R-Lipoic Acid.
My plan is to start with the gut, as elucidated by Shade, with chlorella, activated charcoal and modified citrus pectin. I'll likely be taking NAC at this time, too. I'm not doing iodine at all at this point, but I figure I'll start up again, along with ALA and cilantro, after concentrating on the gut for awhile.
Thanks again for the summary, Carl. I found it very helpful.
That's a really useful find Carl - I knew about toxins potentially being reabsorbed by the intestines, but didn't know that inflamed intestines reduced detox.
One thing I found really handy for calming the intestines is Berberine, so I checked and it activates Nrf2 as well.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0041008X1300358X
It heals the gut as well
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23757509
Another Nrf2 activator is resveratrol
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25761698
Incidentally I find chlorella upset my guts, so I'm still trying to work out why that is.
One thing I found really handy for calming the intestines is Berberine, so I checked and it activates Nrf2 as well.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0041008X1300358X
It heals the gut as well
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23757509
Another Nrf2 activator is resveratrol
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25761698
Incidentally I find chlorella upset my guts, so I'm still trying to work out why that is.
RedFox said:
I'm sensitive to chorella too, I found out after separating supplements that if I take it alone, and a lot of it, I vomit pretty harshly for hours afterwards. I researched this, and plenty of people have reported the same. If I took 1/2 tablets, I'd get stomach ache and indigestion.
I've decided that nope, Chorella is not for me - there's a few members on here who have reported the same, I just can't find them atm!
https://www.mercola.com/article/mercury/detox_protocol.htm
I stumbled upon this website with testimonials, some of them are pretty lame but some are worth considering, especially warnings about chlorella and cilantro - some serious side effects reported...
__http://cutlersuccessstories.weebly.com/what-not-to-do.html#cilantrochlorella
__http://cutlersuccessstories.weebly.com/what-not-to-do.html#cilantrochlorella
Z said:
Yeah I don't think some dried cilantro leaves in your herbs are going to trigger the same reaction as a concentrated tincture for a theraputic purpose. Sounds more like a food sensitivity or allergy here.
Chlorella doesn't seem so bad unless there is a sensitivity, though I should probably study it more. Not sure what he's talking about with it "moving the mercury round" - it is not known as a mobilizer.
Cutler was dismissed on this forum due to his jealous guarding of copyright - there's a quite bitter article about it from a former member here:
_http://thepowerofozone.com/20150317does-the-ketogenic-diet-get-rid-of-candida-the-ketosis-candida-mercury-link/
Hello. I have a question for those who have made chelation. I am doing EDTA IV yestarday was my 4 round. I am taking 300mg IV EDTA every week, the day after I have noticed that my knees are swollen and painful. Also I am taking NAC, ALA, Trace minerals, magnesium, b complex(L-5-MTHF), vitamin c, vitamin e and infrared sauna. I don´t know if is a detox symptom or the IV duration is very fast, it is taking like one hour 30 minutes. What can I do? Thank you!
ClaudiaYG said:
Hi ClaudiaYG :)
I can't say for sure, but if you're suffering from some sort of stealth infection, the IV chelation may be disturbing biofilms and causing an immune reaction, leading to an autoimmune reaction. I'm just guessing here, but it could be the case. The site that Odyssey posted suggests a 3.5 to 4 hour chelation, so 1.5 hours seems very fast. Is there a way you could slow down the process to see if things improve?
dugdeep said:
Yes this is quite probable. Also when you are moving metals around it is not unusual to get inflammation and other 'detox' symptoms. I don't know much about IV chelation but I would expect it to be more intense, and therefore more taxing on the body than oral chelation. If it continues and gets worse or becomes unmanageable, I would stop for a while and see if it improves.
