Ever run your tongue over a filling in your mouth and wonder exactly what’s in there? If you’ve got one of those silver fillings, commonly known as an amalgam filling, then mercury is part of the mix.
Yep, you heard it right—mercury, the very same heavy metal you’ve probably heard can cause health problems.
So, does having these fillings mean you’ve got dangerous levels of mercury vapor hanging out in your mouth, potentially affecting your oral health?
And if you’ve had them removed, is there something you should do to detox your body from any remaining traces of this metal?
In this article, we’ll be diving deep into these questions. We’ll talk about mercury toxicity, how to detox from mercury fillings, and why you need to do it. So, let’s get started!
What is Mercury Toxicity?
Mercury toxicity, mainly referred to as mercury poisoning, is a condition that occurs when your body absorbs excessive amounts of mercury.
Now, you might wonder: how does mercury, a heavy metal usually found in thermometers and batteries, make its way into the human body?
Well, one of the common sources of mercury exposure could be right inside your mouth—through your dental amalgam fillings.
Due to their composition, these fillings, also known as mercury amalgam, can release trace amounts of mercury vapor over time. The body can absorb this vapor, potentially leading to mercury toxicity if the levels become too high.
Unfortunately, mercury poisoning isn’t just a simple headache; it can also cause serious health problems, including brain and nervous system damage. That’s why learning how to cleanse your body from it is essential.
How to Detox From Mercury Fillings
To protect your body from any potential mercury exposure from amalgam fillings, it’s essential to follow these steps:
Step 1: Consult a Healthcare Professional And Remove the Filling
Before you go ahead and change your diet or exercise more, you need to know that detoxing from mercury fillings involves a systematic approach to ensure a safe and effective process.
So, your main first step should be consulting with a healthcare professional and safely removing mercury fillings.
Contacting a health professional before detoxing is crucial as they can provide valuable guidance tailored to your specific needs.
Their expertise and personalized recommendations take into account your medical history, existing health conditions, and any potential contraindications.
Next, one of the fundamental aspects of mercury detox is the safe removal of mercury fillings. A dental professional experienced in amalgam removal should carry out this critical step.
These specialists employ specialized techniques and precautions to minimize the release of mercury vapors during the removal procedure.
For instance, during the removal process, utilizing a rubber dam, a protective barrier, is one of the key safety measures.
This collaborative approach ensures a safe and effective process, minimizing your exposure to mercury and setting the stage for a successful detoxification process.
Step 2: Adjust Your Diet According To Your Needs
Making dietary adjustments plays a vital role in supporting your body’s natural detoxification processes. For instance, including specific foods and nutrients in your diet can aid in detoxing from mercury fillings.
One crucial dietary adjustment is incorporating foods rich in sulfur. Garlic, onions, and eggs are excellent sources of sulfur, an essential nutrient that supports the body’s detoxification pathways.
Another valuable dietary adjustment is increasing your fiber intake. Foods high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, play a crucial role in detoxification.
Fiber acts as a binding agent, helping to remove toxins, including mercury, from the digestive tract.
Additionally, incorporating antioxidant-rich foods is beneficial during the detox process. Colorful fruits and vegetables, such as berries, spinach, kale, and bell peppers, contain high levels of antioxidants.
Proper hydration is also essential for effective detoxification. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps flush out toxins, supports kidney function, and aids in the elimination of waste products from the body.
Step 3: Exercise More to Boost Your Health
Exercise plays a crucial role in your mercury detoxification journey, offering numerous benefits for your overall well-being and aiding in eliminating toxins.
Engaging in exercise promotes healthy blood flow and lymphatic circulation throughout your body, assisting in transporting nutrients to cells and removing waste products, including mercury and other toxins.
This improved circulation stimulates the body’s natural detoxification pathways, supporting the elimination of toxins through sweat and urine.
Sweating during exercise is also particularly important for detoxification, as it helps release stored toxins, including heavy metals like mercury, through the skin.
Step 4: Stay Away From Mercury
It’s crucial to stay away from additional sources of mercury exposure to support the detoxification process effectively. So, here are some essential considerations to help you minimize exposure:
1. Avoid Amalgam Fillings
If you still have your amalgam fillings or need a filling in general, consider consulting with a holistic dentist or one specializing in safe amalgam removal.
By replacing amalgam fillings with mercury-free alternatives, you can reduce the ongoing release of mercury vapors in your mouth.
2. Be Mindful of Seafood Consumption
Some types of seafood, especially larger predatory fish like sharks, swordfish, and king mackerel, can contain higher levels of mercury.
Limit your intake of these fish and opt for low-mercury alternatives such as salmon, trout, and sardines, which provide essential nutrients without the same level of mercury risk.
3. Filter Your Water
Use a water filter that specifically targets and removes mercury contaminants. This can help minimize exposure to mercury present in tap water, particularly if you live in an area with known water contamination issues.
4. Avoid Occupational Exposure
If you work in an industry where you may come into contact with mercury, take appropriate precautions to protect yourself.
Follow safety protocols, use protective equipment, and consult with your employer about measures to reduce mercury exposure.
5. Be Cautious with Certain Consumer Products:
Some consumer products, such as certain cosmetics, skin-lightening creams, and traditional medicines, may contain mercury.
Read labels carefully and avoid products that list mercury or any mercury-related ingredients.
Step 5: Support Your Detoxification with Supplements Quality Sleep
Supplements can assist your body in eliminating toxins, including mercury. However, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements to ensure they are appropriate for your needs.
Some supplements commonly recommended for detoxification include chlorella, milk thistle, and selenium.
When it comes to sleep, the body undergoes some therapeutic processes, including detoxification.
So, it’s best to maintain a consistent sleep schedule by sleeping and waking up at the same time every day. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock and promotes better sleep.
Also, create a sleep-friendly environment in your bedroom, ensuring it is quiet, dark, and at a comfortable temperature. Use comfy bedding, and consider using earplugs or an eye mask if necessary!
Identifying Mercury Toxicity (Poisoning): Common Indicators
Now that you know to clean your body of any excess mercury, it’s time to learn when to do that!
Understanding the symptoms associated with mercury toxicity is crucial for identifying potential health concerns and seeking appropriate interventions.
Here’s a quick overview of mercury toxicity and its possible symptoms:
1. Neurological Symptoms
Mercury toxicity can affect the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as memory problems, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression.
It could also cause neurological disorders like tremors, muscle weakness, and coordination difficulties.
2. Gastrointestinal Disturbances
Excessive mercury exposure can also impact the gastrointestinal system, resulting in nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
3. Respiratory Issues
Inhalation of mercury vapor or exposure to mercury dust can cause respiratory symptoms, including coughing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and respiratory distress.
4. Cardiovascular Effects
Elevated levels of mercury in the body have been associated with cardiovascular issues like high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, and compromised heart function.
5. Renal Impairment
Mercury toxicity can negatively affect kidney function, leading to decreased urine output, proteinuria (presence of protein in urine), and potential kidney damage.
6. Oral Health Problems
Mercury toxicity may manifest in oral health issues such as gum inflammation, oral ulcers, and a metallic taste in the mouth.
Finally, it’s important to note that symptoms of mercury toxicity can vary depending on factors such as:
- The level and duration of exposure
- Individual susceptibility
- The form of mercury involved (e.g., elemental, inorganic, or organic).
Additionally, symptoms may overlap with other health conditions, making accurate diagnosis challenging.
That’s why if you suspect mercury toxicity or experience any concerning symptoms, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation, diagnosis, and guidance.
Quick Recap
Learning how to detox from mercury fillings is an excellent step toward being healthier.
All you have to do is follow the strategies in this guide, adjust your diet, exercise, avoid mercury, use supplements, and prioritize quality sleep!
Also, please don’t forget to seek guidance from healthcare professionals specializing in detoxification. This is especially true if you notice any of the abovementioned symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, anxiety, or mood swings.
Though challenges may arise, self-care and hydration can help you reach a point of equilibrium. Finally, here’s to a toxin-free future filled with vitality and optimal health!
Written by:
John Landry is a registered respiratory therapist from Memphis, TN, and has a bachelor's degree in kinesiology. He enjoys using evidence-based research to help others live a healthier life.