Heavy Metals: Rid Your Body Of Poisonous Metal Linked To Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinsons And Dementia

The new dirty words in medicine are ones no one would have expected 30 or 40 years ago. Lead, mercury, and aluminium all seemed harmless enough back then. It just goes to show you how much times can change and how much we have to learn.

But now that we know that heavy metals like these are linked to conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, Parkinsons disease and dementia, more of us are concerned with not only avoiding them in the future but also eliminating any build-up weve already accumulated.

Certain herbs can help alleviate this problem, as phytochemicals (plant chemicals) have been found to bind to heavy metals in food and drinks in the digestive tract and inhibit their absorption. This then gives your body a better chance of excreting the metals naturally.

Simply having a cup of tea and eating more garlic could limit damage
Tannin-containing herbs like green or black tea can bind to heavy metals and prevent your digestive tract from absorbing them. For full effect, these herbs need to be taken with each meal.

Garlic may also prove helpful. About 30 years ago, a Bulgarian scientist named Petkov assessed the value of garlic by workers in a lead smelter. Tests showed that the number of workers already exhibiting signs of early lead toxicity fell by 83 per cent after just one to three months of taking a garlic supplement (J Ethnopharmacol 1986; 15: 121-132).

In an animal study, researchers found that when garlic was given to rats in conjunction with cadmium and organic mercury compounds, it protected against heavy metal accumulation in various organs, probably by inhibiting their absorption. It was even more effective than drugs, such as penicillamine, which are used to treat heavy metal poisoning (J Korean Med Sci 1987; 2(4): 213-224).

Prevent a build-up of heavy metals in your system
An effective treatment for patients suffering from the iron-overload disease haemochromatosis is milk thistle extract at a dosage of three tablets per day containing 250mg of standardised extract. Milk thistle can help protect your liver against the oxidative damage caused by iron accumulation.

A group of Italian scientists investigated the iron-binding capacity of silybin, a component of the complex silymarin found in milk thistle. The scientists found that silybin strongly binds the iron, even in acidic conditions (J Inorg Biochem 2001; 85: 123-129). So, based on research findings, it seems that milk thistle tablets not only inhibit iron and heavy metal absorption, but may also facilitate the removal of iron from tissues.

In the meantime, there is one more herb to try cilantro. This herb is used fresh as a flavouring in oriental cooking, especially in Thai cuisine, and has a wonderful and distinctively sharp taste. It has also developed a reputation for heavy metal detoxification. A recent animal study showed that it was able to reduce the absorption of lead given at the same time (J Ethnopharmacol 2001; 77(2-3): 203-208).

Researchers arent sure yet if theres something specific to cilantro that causes this action or if other herbs might have similar effects. But since cilantro is so easy to find in supermarkets, its certainly worth adding to your menu along with garlic and tea and maybe milk thistle capsules, too, for good measure. In addition, make sure you read the article on amla fruit on page 6, which has also been found to help prevent a build-up of heavy metals.

4 Ways To Tell If You May Be Suffering From A Metal Toxicity Overload
If you answer yes to one or more of the following questions you may be suffering from a metallic imbalance:

1. Do you have silver amalgam (dark grey) fillings in your teeth? Be aware that the removal of mercury fillings needs to be done very carefully or it can make the problem of mercury absorption worse. Many dental practitioners do not offer this service. For more information contact: The British Society for Mercury Free Dentistry, Flat 1, Wellbeck House, 65 Wellbeck Street, London W1M 7HB.

2. Did your mother have mercury amalgam fillings put in whilst she was pregnant with you? Mercury amalgam can be passed from a mother to her baby through the placenta and later through breast milk.

3. Do you eat a lot of fresh or canned fish? Eaten in excess, fish like salmon, swordfish and mackerel can contain levels of mercury that may be harmful especially for the developing foetus. Make sure you dont cook food in aluminium pans, and avoid canned drinks and foods.

4. Do you drink tap water? The copper used in many water pipes can be a source of metal contamination. Drink filtered water to help protect yourself from the harmful effects.

Dont panic if you answered yes to many of the above questions. Fortunately, the herbs featured in this artcile can help rid your body of a metal toxicity overload.