Safe Mercury Removal is Extremely Important

Methods to reduce mercury vapor exposure to both patient and operators during amalgam removal

1. Eye Protection for our patients as well as dentist and staff.
2. Pre-treatment rinse with oral detox, then suction out; repeat when mercury fillings have meen removed.
3. Drape patient in dental chair with disposable drape or oversized bib.
4. Provide an alternative source of air (oxygen) to patient via nasal mask, which ideally has a one-way valve and vacuum within nasal mask. Protect dental personnel with a non-rebreather gas mask.
5. Isolate area being treated with a proper-fitted, non-latex dental dam. If dam use not possible, multiple high volumn and low volumn suctions can be used. Copious amounts of cool water must be used under both conditions with the spray focused on the junction of the handbiece burr and the filling being removed.
6. When the last mercury filling has been removed, or before and between removals, an oral riinse with water and oral detox is appropriate, best care.
7. A saliva ejector needs to be under the dental dam during mercury filling removal to pick up mercury vapors that will pass through the dental dam.
8. Surround-type or 2 properly placed high volume suctions are best during merecury filling removal.
9. Use a new carbide cutting burr to section Mercury fillings into as large “chunks” as possible. Keep up with the abundant rinsing.
10. Purify the air with an ionizing filtering system and mercury vapor filtering systems.
11. After mercury removal, dental personnel must remove gloves, wash hands thoroughly, and reglove.
12. For high and low voulme suction at the chair, have a centralized Hg separator. Best units collect 99% of mercury before it goes to waste water. Dentistry is the only industry that is unregulated about pollution of Hg. We we must regulate ourselves voluntarily.
13. Consider appropriate nutritional and physical support protocols under the care of a knowledgeable practitioner.
14. Feel comfortable and confident that the particular restorative materials used have been evaluated for safest use. Use the most compatible and technically appropriate materials.

Protective Barriers (a review)

For virtually all operative procedures involving removing metals from the mouth, a rubber dam is used. Two high-volume suctions are in place on the “tooth-side” of the barrier and a low-volume suction is placed in the mouth, “air-way” side of the barrier. Mercury vapors that could pass through or around the rubber dam are thus vacuumed into our office filters and not inhaled by our patients.

After metal removal, we provide an oral detox lavage and suction to further evacuate potential vapors and particles.

Further barriers include eye and inhalation protection and frequently-changed drapes.

In its ongoing effort to protect the American public the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued an updated warning about skin care products, imported primarily from China, which may contain mercury, specifically anti-aging, skin-lightening beauty lotions and creams. Their studies showed that some of the tainted creams have been found to contain mercury levels up to 131,000 times the acceptable limit of mercury.

Another way the FDA is working to reduce our exposure to mercury is through a recommendation they issued in 2004 in regards to fish consumption; particularly fish known to carry high levels of mercury. These cautions revolve around excessive levels of Methylmercury and elemental mercury, which the agency recognized through extensive studies and via recommendations from heath care professionals, can be toxic to unborn or young children. As a result, both the EPA and FDA recommend that women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant and small children avoid eating more than a very small amount of fish per week.

So, with all of this attention being paid to mercury in the environment, in our food and the products we purchase, one must wonder why the FDA has not agreed to immediately ban toxic mercury fillings as well. They have only agreed to think about ‘reclassifying’ mercury at some ambiguous date in the future.

When you consider that 181.1 million Americans of all ages have mouths containing 1.46 billion restored teeth, and the vast majority of those restorations contain mercury, you begin to realize how widespread this problem is. But due to the tireless promotion of the ‘safety’ of mercury fillings by the American Dental Association and conventional dentists combined with the lack of action on the part of the FDA, consumers sadly continue to be exposed to mercury’s poisonous effects through dentistry. Some sources report that the amount of mercury currently used in dentistry for fillings is equal to the total volume of mercury being dumped into the environment by coal plants.

The FDA continues to defy logic by persisting to censor the facts about the toxicity of mercury fillings. Without action at the federal level, hundreds of millions of children and adults of all ages are unnecessarily exposed to a substance that scientists, researchers and doctors from all over the world readily recognize as highly toxic to the human nervous system. The agency’s acknowledgement that this substance is so toxic that they take pains to issue warnings about fish consumption and beauty products, but they persist in allowing, if not encouraging it to be implanted into the mouths of children, teens and adults, makes no sense whatsoever and it endangers millions of people’s lives every day.

The fact that a substance as toxic as mercury has been allowed to be implanted into the mouths of children for so long makes us wonder exactly where the FDA’s loyalties lie – clearly not with the interest of the American public.

More information: http://www.naturalnews.com/023367_mercury_FDA_the.html#ixzz1pIIUeJve

Mercury Poisoning Linked to Skin Products http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm294849.htm

This is not the first word nor the last word about nutrition, but it has good advice and information.

Teeth go through a cyclical process of ‘mineralization’ or building and strengthening of tooth and bone, and ‘demineralization’ or loss of tooth minerals. Quite literally the food we eat will either help build strong teeth and bones, or damage the strength of teeth and bones. More often than not, tooth decay and oral infections stem from unhealthy lifestyle habits that have caused more demineralization than re-mineralization.

To maintain good dental health, a healthy diet and good nutrition is imperative. In order to get the best results it is important to draw from all of the food groups; grains, vegetables, fruits, milk, meats/beans and to monitor the intake of oils and fats. A balanced diet is very important in promoting healthier teeth.

Preventing Plaque with Good Foods

Firm, crunchy foods such as apples, raw celery and carrots can help stimulate the gums and remove plaque. Fresh fruit has both acidic and sweet qualities and while chewing food, the production of saliva helps reduce the resulting acidity and wash away food particles. Apples in particular, may help increase the flow of saliva and help to wash away cavity-causing bacteria. Cheese actually works to balance oral pH levels and helps to reduce harmful bacteria in teeth and gums. It also rebuilds tooth enamel, and produces saliva, which helps to flush and keep the mouth clean.

Monitoring Sugar Intact – Avoiding Bad Sugars

Fresh fruits contain natural sugars that are much less harmful than the sucrose found in processed foods and/or table sugar. Brushing immediately after eating sweets containing processed sugar products helps to help prevent tooth decy.

Healthy Choices for Healthy Teeth

Whole grains found in breads and cereals will provide important vitamins for healthy teeth, dairy products which provide calcium and Vitamin D will strengthen the teeth, and fruits and vegetables provide Vitamin C, Vitamin A and calcium for healthy gums and protect tooth enamel. Lean meats, fish, poultry and beans provide iron and protein and magnesium all of which promotes healthy teeth.

Food choices that are more nutritious and best for maintaining good oral health include: fruits high in Vitamin C such as kiwis, berries, melons, pineapple, pears, tomatoes and oranges; raw vegetables such as carrots, green leafy salad greens, kale, celery, and onions (which contain powerful antibacterial sulfur compounds known to kill harmful bacteria); vitamin A rich vegetables such as brussel sprouts, peas, pumpkins, spinach, and broccoli; calcium rich dairy products such as yogurt, cheese; nuts and grains such as cereal, pumpkin and sunflower seeds as well as sesame seeds which are particularly high in calcium; and meats such as chicken and turkey; fungi such as shiitake mushrooms which contain lentinan, that has been shown to stop plaque forming bacteria. And, finally wasabi is one condiment we can recommend due to its tendency to inhibit the growth of cavity-causing bacteria

Food choices to avoid include: candy, sugary gum, sticky foods like jelly beans or caramels, sweetened fruit juice, sugary drinks and sodas; traditional desserts such as cake, cookies, doughnuts, pies; condiments such as honey, jams, jellies and table sugar. Curiously, sugary foods eaten occasionally as part of, or following the main meals, are less harmful to teeth than those eaten between meals. Also, be cautious about starchy foods and breads like potato chips and snack crackers, particularly when eaten between meals as they tend to stick to the teeth and will contribute to plaque build-up if not brushed away immediately. The reason for this is that the natural bacteria in the mouth breaks food down into a form of sugar and this byproduct can create cavities and tooth decay.

Clean filtered drinking water is very important for keeping gums hydrated and is an excellent way to stimulate saliva, which in turn will help to flush harmful bacteria that cause plaque and cavities. Rinsing with water helps wash away food particles trapped between teeth and hard to reach places in the mouth. When brushing after a meal or snack is not an option rinsing with water is a helpful preventative, and a good way to keep your mouth healthy.

A Few Final Suggestions

Green tea contains catechins, which is known to kill oral bacteria that can turn sugar into plaque Catechins is also excellent for eliminating bacteria that cause bad breath. And chewing Xylitol gum between meals has been proven to halt and even reverse tooth decay. And lastly, Vitamin D and calcium supplements will help prevent cavities and work to build strong bones and teeth.

At the most critical level, a tooth abscess can spread throughout the soft tissue of the face and cause something called cellulitis, or dramatic swelling of the face and neck. As the infection spreads it can become critical leading to breathing difficulties and problems opening the mouth.

The Basics of Tooth Abscess

As with any medical situation, an abscess is a swelling that has become filled with bacteria forming pus. There are three similar types of dental abscesses, depending on where they originate, that follow a general flow of severity.

1. A gum or gingival abscess results from injury or infection at the surface of the gum tissue.
2. An untreated infection can migrate deep into gum pockets, where drainage of pus is blocked leading to periodontal abscess.
3. A periapical abscess occurs in a tooth where the pulp itself is infected.

An abscess can happen suddenly or it may occur over time appearing without any signs or symptoms. In the early stages, the gums around the abscess become swollen and painful and the tooth itself may be loose and sensitive to chewing. Pressure on the area may cause the tooth the drain pus, and in this situation, dull throbbing pain can also become a problem. A periodontal abscess can also create overall feelings of sickness, fever, and swelling of the lymph glands in the neck. Conversely, in some cases, prolonged infection may produce no outward signs or symptoms. Long term or chronic infections of the jaw caused by tooth abscess can cause extensive damage over time.

Tooth Abscess Symptoms:

There are several symptoms whose severity may vary. Some of them include;

• toothache
• sensitivity to hot or cold
• bitter taste in the month
• bad breath
• swollen glands of the neck
• painful chewing
• swelling of the upper or lower jaw

Left untreated an abscessed tooth can eventually lead to serious dental complications as well as complications to the overall health and immune system. Tooth infections can spread to other areas of the mouth and cause extensive tooth loss, or compromise the immune system – and although rare, may become life threatening.

Breaking down the Causes of Tooth Abscess

A gum abscess – results from irritation usually due to foreign objects such as toothpicks. Gum abscesses can also stem from food being jammed into the gums, or by aggressive brushing. This sort of trauma can create a break in the surface of the gum where bacteria can then invade leading to a localized infection. This type of infection usually appears red, soft and shiny. As the infection advances, the area will develop a lesion where pus is released.

A periodontal abscess – develops when the gum pocket gets blocked by food buildup resulting in plaque and tartar. If food particles are not removed daily, harmful bacteria will flourish which triggers the body’s immune system to fight the foreign substances and the harmful bacteria contained in the plaque which leads to infection in the gum area.

A periapical abscess - caused by damage to the nerve of the tooth will present along with swelling, pain, reddening of the gums, and sensitivity to chewing and/or hot or cold. This type of tooth abscess usually appears as a deep cavity in the tooth. Fever, lack of energy and swelling in the neck area may occur. In the worst case scenario, a fistula (a tube-like passage from the abscess to the surface of the gums) forms allowing the fluids to be released into the surrounding tissues resulting in an infection called cellulitis. Fever, chills, and lack of appetite increase as the infection worsens.

Studies have shown several types of bacteria that can be harmful to the whole body are found at various stages of gum disease including;

• Bacteroides
• Actinobacillus
• Actinomyces
• Capnocytophaga
• Treponema

Treatment for an Abscessed Tooth

The best treatment for a tooth abscess is to make an appointment to see your dentist immediately. Over the counter pain relief medication such as Ibuprofen will help with pain in the meantime, as will swishing with warm salt water or flushing the area with diluted hydrogen peroxide mixed with water. Once you arrive at the dentist’s office an X-ray is usually performed as part of the exam to determine exactly what type of abscess or infection is present. Treatment is prescribed based on the health of the patient and the severity of the infection. To learn more contact our office at ….

Our New Logo

Design of our first logo began in 1989. We spent most of the year creating and editing and ended up with the bird flying into the sun with the facial profiles in his wings. The bird, btw, is a sea gull, because that is what “Glaros”means in Greek, which is my late-fathers heritage. Back to the current logo story.

We started working on a new logo as we were designing the new, Kuykendahl office in 2008. Going Green was part of every decision and I wanted a logo to reflect that. Over Thanksgiving that year I was proudly showing my brother and brother-in-law my favorite, new, personal design. They were less than impressed. The more I explained the less impressed they got. Finally, my brother said, Whats wrong with the old logo?

My brother-in-law then said, Keep the bird and add a green sprig to represent natural healing?

Yea! What a good idea I had. So we took the sea gull (not the dove), put a mint sprig (not an olive branch) in his beak, sleeked the wings and profiles, and called it our New logo.

“Almost perfect,” I replied. She’d certainly done the right thing by not touching it bare-handed. She was ecologically responsible, not throwing it into the garbage where it would end up off-gassing in a landfill or flushing it down the toilet to contaminate the water supply. Her choice of a sealed glass container would prevent the ever-releasing mercury vapor from polluting the air.

“Almost perfect?” she said. “Dr. Glaros, what would you have done?”

“Well, with 40 years of dental experience, and with a clear knowledge of the positions of the American Dental Association and the Food and Drug Administration on the safety of mercury/silver fillings for patients, I would have told your mom to put that filling in the only safe place on the planet: back in her mouth.”

We both had a good laugh. But after we hung up, I grew sad. You see, when a dentist handles mercury/silver filling material (amalgam), it’s considered “toxic” until placed in the tooth. And upon removing the filling, we must dispose of the material as “hazardous waste.” In between time? ADA and FDA policies agree with my “only safe place” comment. This is sad. This is also crazy.

The odd logic of the amalgam being “safe” only when in the mouth” – along with my witnessing the detrimental effects of “silver fillings” on the health of patients – is what convinced me to make mine a “mercury-free” dental practice many years ago. And it’s what compels me to serve my patients through the safe removal of toxic fillings.

How I long for the faulty “mercury” logic to be corrected, for dentists to be open to better options for their patients, for patients to find the higher quality care that is readily available and for that mercury filling (and baggie and glove) in the glass jar to be merely a reminder of a practice now extinct!

Bill

More:

Safe Mercury Removal Protocol
Biological Dentistry

January 23, 2012 Spring, Texas — Texas Biological Dentist Dr. William P. Glaros and his wife Joanne return to Guatemala to work with other healthcare professionals in providing care to the residents of a small town near Retalhuleu.

During last year’s mission, Dr. Glaros offered dental care to over 300 residents of a small town in Guatemala.  Other medical practitioners provided vitamin A for infants and children up

to 5yrs old, Albendazole and triage for other residents. Albendazole, a vital medicine in the fight against parasites, treats neurocysticercosis (an infection caused by the pork tapeworm in the muscles, brain, and eyes that may cause seizures, brain swelling, and vision problems).

To maximize the value of every dollar used by Faith in Practice, practitioners pay their flight, food, and shelter expenses individually. Dr. and

Mrs. Glaros  take a week off each January to join these caring professionals in sharing their skill, knowledge, and compassion with residents who have very little access to care. Last year the Glaros’ spent two days in the village of Las Marias working in a school made of cinder block. Rooms were set up inside the school for a pharmacy, a lab, general medicine; dentistry, etc… even ophthalmology, cardiology, and pediatrics. The school had electricity and running water, which made providing care that much easier.

The next two days were spent at the Hilario Galinda hospital. The dental clinic at the hospital was most impressive with a bright new building and even air conditioning.  At each site, volunteers were ready to assist as needed. Everyone knows his/her job and works diligently to fulfill his/her responsibility plus offers to chip in when someone else needs a hand. The detailed preparation for these trips is also a reason that the Glaros’ return each year. Local Guatemalan Network Directors are setting the stage with invitations to the patients before the US team arrives. All the supplies and medications arrive carefully packed so that team members have everything they need, including food and safe drinking water.

In 2011, the US team provided care to 1835 men, women, and children and 323 dental patients for a total 2158, people served.  In these numbers, there are personal stories of sadness, despair, triumph, and hope.  We cannot know how these visits ultimately affect the patients seeking care, but we do know that at least one woman has hope that she will not continue into complete blindness because she will receive surgery that should save the sight in one eye. We know patients received hearing aids that will certainly change their life situation. We know medications will alleviate pain and stop infections, and that teeth extracted will stop infections from spreading. Dr. and Mrs. Glaros’ prayer is that the four days spent in Guatemala will improve and brighten individual lives and eventually the community.

Since 1991 Faith in Practice has partnered with healthcare professionals to provide much needed care to the poor in Guatemala. To find out how you can help or participate please contact Dr. Glaros at 281-440-1190 or visit the Faith in Practice web site: www.faithinpractice.org.

About Dr. Glaros:

Mercury-Free, Mercury-Safe, Biological Dentistry is what Dr. Glaros’ practice is all about.  His office provides Spring TX residents with safe, effective, alternative dentistry in a “green” state-of-the-art office. For more information about Dr. Glaros please call 281-440-1190 or visit online: http://www.biologicaldentist.com

Contact:
Joanne Glaros
William P. Glaros, D.D.S.
281-440-1190
http://BiologicalDentist.com

###

In an article by the Tampa Bay Times dated January 6, 2012 one council member by the name of Jerry Mullins is cited as being ‘upset’ by the October decision and has since confronted City Manager Mike Gustafson and asked the city to restore water fluoride to the county stating that “… his first thought was of the children, especially the poorer ones in his city. (Fluoridated water) may be the only dental care they get.” The council will revisit the issue on January 24th – and hopefully the same advocates who instigated the original reversal of the practice will once again make an appearance.

The upcoming decision seems to be more about money than the welfare of Pinellas County citizens as the vote is likely to sway depending on how much funding the county is able to round up through grants to reinstate practice. Originally the County Commission voted 4-3 to stop adding fluoride to the public water system, which costs the county about $205,000 annually plus a whopping $600,000 to set up in the first place. Pinellas County didn’t begin adding fluoride to its water until 2004, prior to that it was the largest water supplier in the eastern United States that did not practice fluoridation.

When the commission reconvenes they plan to discuss ways to fluoridate the water supply in a more cost-effective manner including a controversial method of injecting the chemical at three different entry points, a method that leaves a lot of room for mixing and dilution errors that stand to put public health at an even greater risk.

In order to stop Pinellas County’s regression back into the dark days of forced water fluoridation, it is crucial that the commission hear from the public about the dangers of fluoride. If you would like to help support the cessation of water fluoridation in Pinellas County before the commission meets on Jan. 24, you are invited to write to each of the commissioners by visiting the County Connection web page and dropping them an email.

For more info:

The Poisoning of America’s Water Supplies http://www.naturalnews.com/023565_water_lead_drinking.html
The Absurdities of Water Fluoridation by Paul Connett, PhD http://www.fluoridealert.org/absurdity.htm#
What’s on Tap? Grading Drinking Water in U.S. Citieshttp://www.nrdc.org/water/drinking/uscities/execsum.asp

On our Faith in Practice mission trips to Guatemala, a clear purpose, committed teammates, and appreciative patients inspire us.  No wonder this has become one of our favorite weeks of each year.

How is it possible for us to leave our dental practice and dental clients in Houston for a week in January? We feel the incredible support of our wonderful patients in Houston; some have even been able to make financial donations to enhance the work of Faith in Practice, our sponsoring and organizing source. Our able staff is able to handle minor problems that might occur, and Houston dentist friends are willingly available to handle more serious issues if they are needed. We are thankful for each of you.

With all bases handled at home, we are able to serve fully on or trips. This year one of the highlights was our encounter with an eight- year-old Guatemalan boy named Hector.

“Why is that child in our clinic?
With whom is he ‘sposed to be?
That older man has all his attention, When I finish my patient I’ll see.
Little man’s hand are touching yet another. Is this safe? Is it sterile? Is it free?
Who let him in the first place? And in the second place……..he’s at yet another’s knee.
Beside the next chair he comforts a small child.
He appears sent from the Angels and Thee.
  Unbridled love and attention, God, Please see a bit more of Hector in me.”

The Chenault Village Team #303 was asked to select an experience within their individual clinic team and share this with everyone at the closing Celebration Dinner.

We were reminded of this request on our two hour bus drive to the Village of Victorias el Salto on our second clinic day. Wow, that is going to be hard for the dental clinic since there is usually little conversation – fear and pain followed by numbness and relief is not very inspiring. So our prayer that morning was for our eyes, ears and heart to be open to receive a new experiencence, for  something or someone, worthy of special note and sharing.

Later that morning, we found ourselves focusing on a little boy comforting a man during his extraction. We thought this to be his grandfather. But then he was also there with the next dental patient. His little hands were resting on the 25 year old male throughout the  procedure. Who is this little boy? How does he know these two men?

One of the volunteer translator’s asked these questions and the little one said,  “I don’t know these people. I came to give comfort.” And that is what he did.

One 7- year old patient became so frightened that it appeared the dentist would not be able to do the necessary work. Hector moved quickly to the little boy’s side and gently placed one hand behind his head and the other hand on his chest to give comfort. And, the dental treatment was successfully completed.

His name was Hector, 8 years old, and he stayed with us for the rest of the day…holding the patient’s hands on their chest until the dental procedure was complete.

Hector came to us that day and then he left, leaving us all with his gifts of love, compassion and comfort…a prayer answered.

Heavy metals are absorbed by the body through the foods that we eat, fluids that we drink, through skin contact and directly into the lungs through inhalation. Over time as metals of dental restorations deteriorate due to use and/or trauma these heavy metals can leach into the bloodstream. Once absorbed by the body heavy metals can cause health issue ranging from headaches, bone aches, memory loss, skin discoloration and a myriad of other ailments and conditions.

Compounding exposure from mercury/silver amalgam fillings, over 6,000 tons of mercury enters the environment each year via industrial emissions like coal plants and naturally through volcanic ash. We are additionally exposed to it through immunizations, cooked and canned fish and many other sources.

Heavy metals like mercury, cadmium, arsenic and uranium are among the most serious environmental poisons we are exposed to every day. Another heavy metal you may be familiar with is lead, which is found in old paint, dust residues, lipstick and toys from China. Disturbingly tests now confirm that our bones have 1,000 times more lead than our ancestors of 500 years ago.

And, for those of us who are unfortunate enough to have both mercury and lead in our systems, the level of toxicity is magnified 100 times. In the face of this onslaught, and to maintain optimum health, it seems imperative to detoxify these heavy metals from the body.

Detoxification Removes Heavy Metals

Detoxification is one of the more widely used treatments and concepts in alternative medicine, and it is a process many biological dentists recommend for removing heavy metals from the body, following the removal of amalgam fillings. The science of detoxification is based on the principle that illnesses can be caused by the accumulation of toxic substances (toxins) in the body and from the biological dentist’s perspective eliminating exposure by removing metal fillings and then avoiding new toxins is an essential part of the healing process.

Adopting a detoxification routine can be particularly important for those patients suffering from many chronic diseases and conditions. It is helpful for those with conditions that are influenced by environmental factors and for those suffering from allergies or immune system problems that conventional medicine is unable to diagnose or treat. Detoxification can be considered a beneficial preventative measure and as a tool to increase overall health, vitality, and resistance to disease.

Symptoms for those suffering conditions caused by heavy metals may include:

• unexplained fatigue
• increased allergies
• hypersensitivity to common materials
• intolerance to certain foods and indigestion
• aches and pains
• low grade fever
• headaches
• insomnia
• depression
• sore throats
• sudden weight loss or gain
• lowered resistance to infection
• general malaise
• disability

Supporting the Process

There are certain avenues called excretory routes that the body naturally uses to eliminate toxins. The lymphatic system works to scavenge the blood for toxins, the lungs try to exhale the toxins, the large intestines dump toxins via the feces, the liver detoxifies everything and the kidneys filter the urine. The act of sweating removes toxins through the skin. These excretory routes help keep our bodies healthy in an otherwise toxic world.

Heavy metal detoxification can be a long process that can take six months to several years to accomplish and chelation therapy is often used to rid the body of heavy metals. Chelates are specific chemical and natural compounds that work by binding to heavy metals to speed their elimination. Chelating agents not only bind to mercury and other heavy metals, but they also bind with minerals normally found in the body, minerals it needs to perform daily cellular functions. Therefore, including a vitamin and mineral supplement routine is very important while undergoing a detoxification procedure.

Preparing to remove heavy metal toxins takes some consideration and a little planning. For instance, drinking enough water is essential – without proper hydration toxins will get thicker and become more difficult to remove. The human body is created to function best when it is provided plenty of water to clean the debris on a daily basis. Avoid drinking water at meals as this dilutes the natural digestive enzymes. Drinking no more than 4 oz at a 15 minute interval will allow time for the tissues to absorb the water and sipping water with a little lemon or lime is a great habit to get into.

To support the elimination of toxins, a person’s bowels should move at least once a day, EVERY day. Herbal laxatives and high fiber foods such as psyllium seeds may be taken to cleanse the digestive tract and promote elimination. Colonics can be used to cleanse the lower intestines. Because so many dental toxins from root canals and cavitation sites inhibit the body from being able to produce some vital enzymes it is important to replace those enzymes through supplements. Digestive enzymes can also be used to improve digestion, and acidophilus and other friendly bacteria can be reintroduced into the system with nutritional supplements readily available in the dairy section of most grocery stores.

Other Methods Used to Augment Some of the Detox Programs

A  DMPS (Dimercaptopropane sulfonate) challenge can be done by your dentist or health practitioner after silver metal amalgams are removed and to document levels of heavy metals. DMPS use forms complexes with heavy metals like mercury, cadmium, arsenic, lead, copper, silver, tin and others and is then excreted through the kidneys.

EDTA (Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetate) can also be employed to help remove the mercury. The most important rule to observe when using EDTA is to take the treatment slowly. Multiple treatments will typically be needed.

Nutritional supplementation is essential for insuring health during the chelation process. Chelating agents not only bind to the mercury, but they also bind with minerals the body needs in order to be healthy and to perform daily cellular functions. Taking vitamins and minerals to replace those being removed in the process of chelation is a necessity.

Sauna Detox

“Dry sauna” has been used for centuries to reverse the symptoms of mercury poisoning in the miners of Spain. A person diagnosed with acute mercury poisoning was prescribed a daily 20 minute dry sauna. This method of detoxifcation also saves the kidney from being overworked, as toxins are removed through the pores. Dry sauna is very effective in mercury poisoning due to the fact that mercury content is higher in sweat when compared to urine output. In other words, sweating is more efficient in flushing mercury out of the body.

Sweating

The skin is the detoxification system of the body with the largest surface area of elimination. Sweating can also be induced by doing light exercises for about 20 minutes three times a day. Following exercise, a low-heat sauna or spending time under low-heat infrared lights will encourage additional sweating. With this method it is important to make sure to consume adequate amounts of fluid to avoid dehydration, and to encourage elimination. Electrolytes are also lost during the sweating process which can be replaced by drinking grape juice, prune juice and vegetable juices.

Supplements for Heavy Metal Detox

Methionine:

Methionine is an amino acid that assists in the digestive system’s ability to remove heavy metals from the body since it can be converted to cysteine, which is a precursor to gluthione, a substance of prime importance in detoxifying the liver. The amino acid methionine is also a great antioxidant as the sulfur it supplies neutralizes free radicals. Some studies have also indicated that taking methionine may increase the body’s ability to excrete mercury in the urine by as much as 60 percent compared to those patients not taking the amino acid supplement.

Milk Thistle (silymarin):

Silymarin protects the liver against toxins which could potentially be damaging to the organ. This supplement also increases the production of glutathione inside the liver, a vital substance for the detoxification of the liver. In one study, milk thistle use raised the glutathione levels in the body more than 30 percent; meaning that the liver was more effective at cleansing the body and eliminating toxic substances.

Cilantro:

Cilantro has been found to remove heavy metals like mercury, aluminum and lead from the body. It is believed to cross the blood-brain barrier and actually remove heavy metals from the brain. The contention that cilantro is a powerful chelation agent is based on the research of Dr. Yoshiaki Omura, President and Founder of the International College of Acupuncture & Electro-Therapeutics and Director of Medical Research of the Heart Disease Research Foundation.

Chlorella:

This is a super food that captures heavy metals in the body so that they can be flushed out via the digestive system. Chlorella is actually a cultivated algae that consists of phytoplankton (free floating aquatic plants that are derived from plankton). It contains vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin A, protein, iron, and 19 different amino acids. When used to detoxify the body, chlorella helps to deactivate heavy metals like mercury, lead, and cadmium and flushes them from the system naturally. The algae are available in many forms including liquids, powders, capsules and tablets.

Vitamin C, administered through an IV drip or taken orally in various forms, is a common component in the detox protocol.

Soaking in a bath tub full of hot water with baking soda and epsom salt is another popular addition to the protocols addressed above.

It is important to keep in mind that detoxification is a process and that individuals may have varied responses to similar treatments.  Rather than getting confused or frustrated with the varieties of detox programs, rejoice that there are so many practitioners using so many varied protocols that appear to be helpful and successful.