Mercury
The mad hatter's poison. Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that bioaccumulates up the food chain. It disrupts enzymes, damages nerves, and persists in the body for years.
🔬 Three Forms of Mercury
Elemental (Hg⁰)
Liquid metal. Vaporizes at room temperature. Inhaled vapors cross blood-brain barrier easily.
Sources: Dental amalgams, thermometers, some industries.
Methylmercury (MeHg)
Most toxic form. Bioaccumulates in fish. 95% absorbed from gut. Crosses placenta and blood-brain barrier.
Sources: Large predatory fish (tuna, swordfish, shark, king mackerel).
Inorganic (Hg²⁺)
Mercury salts. Less absorbed from gut (~10%). Targets kidneys primarily.
Sources: Some skin-lightening creams, certain traditional medicines.
⚠️ Sources of Exposure
Fish (Main Source)
- • High: Shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish, bigeye tuna
- • Moderate: Albacore tuna, halibut, lobster
- • Low: Salmon, sardines, anchovies, shrimp, tilapia
Larger, older predatory fish accumulate more mercury.
Other Sources
- • Dental amalgam fillings
- • Broken thermometers/CFLs
- • Some vaccines (thimerosal)
- • Coal power plant emissions
- • Gold mining areas
- • Some skin-lightening products
🔴 Mechanisms of Toxicity
Enzyme Inhibition
Binds sulfhydryl groups on enzymes, disrupting function throughout the body.
Selenium Depletion
Binds selenium irreversibly, depleting this critical antioxidant mineral.
Glutathione Depletion
Mercury excretion uses glutathione, depleting the body's master antioxidant.
Neurotoxicity
Damages neurons, disrupts neurotransmitters, impairs brain development.
Mitochondrial Damage
Impairs cellular energy production, causes oxidative stress.
Immune Disruption
Can trigger autoimmunity and impair immune function.
🚨 Signs of Mercury Toxicity
Neurological
- • Tremors
- • Memory problems
- • Numbness/tingling
- • Difficulty concentrating
Psychological
- • Anxiety
- • Depression
- • Irritability
- • Mood swings
Physical
- • Fatigue
- • Metallic taste
- • Muscle weakness
- • Joint pain
Kidney
- • Kidney damage
- • Protein in urine
Developmental
- • Fetal brain damage
- • Developmental delays
- • Learning problems
Other
- • Thyroid dysfunction
- • Immune issues
- • Hair loss
✅ Protection & Reduction
Selenium
Binds mercury 1:1, forming inert selenide. Most important protective nutrient.
Choose Low-Mercury Fish
Salmon, sardines, anchovies are high in omega-3s but low in mercury.
Glutathione Support
NAC, liposomal glutathione, or precursors support mercury elimination.
Cilantro/Chlorella
May help mobilize and bind mercury. Use cautiously—can redistribute.
Safe Amalgam Removal
If removing mercury fillings, use SMART protocol to minimize exposure.
Chelation (if indicated)
DMSA, DMPS—medical treatment for high levels. Requires supervision.
