“No man is an island, entire of itself…any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.” John Donne (1572-1631)

The English Poet, John Donne, wrote this famous quote in 1624 as part of a devotional meditation. It represents the concept that all humans are interconnected. The human body is also a complex system of inter-related functions. When a part of the body is damaged or suffering from toxic exposure to some form of chemical contamination, it impacts how seemingly unrelated organs in the body function.

One of the most common sources of heavy metal toxicity in humans comes from mercury. The U.S. Department Health and Human Services asserts that mercury ranks third in a list of the most hazardous substances to humans (lead and arsenic are the top two) and the World Health Organization states that there is no minimum safe level of exposure to mercury1.

Mercury is found in some vaccinations, fish, water, cosmetics and contact lens solutions. However, by far the largest source of contamination comes from dental amalgams. Each mercury dental filling is composed of 50% mercury. Mercury is released into the body as a vapor, which is hastened through chewing. Mercury is then absorbed in several parts of the body, including the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, liver, kidneys, brain, gastrointestinal tract and transferred by the mother to a developing fetus. Mercury has also been linked to autoimmune illnesses and Alzheimer’s.

Despite multiple studies documenting the toxic effects of mercury, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention fails to recognize the evidence linking mercury fillings and health issues. However, several European countries now ban mercury fillings. Yet, in the U.S., mercury fillings are still being used at a staggering rate.

According to the World Health Organization, a person who has five mercury amalgams is exposed to 23 micrograms of mercury every day.2 Remember, the same organization states that there is no safe level of mercury exposure.

The thyroid gland is highly susceptible to damage from exposure to toxic chemicals and metals. Several doctors, including David Brownstein, recommend the removal of mercury amalgam fillings for people who suffer from autoimmune illnesses including hypothyroidism, Grave’s disease, and Hashimoto’s disease.3

Over the years, I have had several mercury fillings. I am happy to report that I recently had the last mercury filling removed and replaced with a much more attractive, and safe, composite material that matches the natural color of my teeth. I realize this is not an easy proposition for many people. In my case, it took several years to accomplish the complete removal of my mercury fillings.

If you have mercury amalgams, please consider having them removed when you can. At any case, please do not allow any dentist to use mercury fillings on you or anyone else in your family – there are plenty of alternative materials available.

If you do have a mercury filling removed, please take precautions. Ensure that your dentist is extremely cautious while removing the filling to prevent any bits of the filling material to be swallowed by you. Some dentists even use dams to prevent the filling material from getting into your throat.

Prior to my filling removal, I took six chlorella tablets and repeated the dose immediately following the procedure. Chlorella is an algae and has been shown to be effective in detoxing mercury. Selenium is another nutrient that is effective in mercury removal from the body. I took an extra 200 mcg of selenium for one week following my amalgam removal to aid my body in the removal of any excess mercury.

As my body continues to detox from the mercury exposure, I am hopeful that my thyroid medication may be decreased, as my thyroid will not be impacted from the daily release of mercury into my body.

1Overcoming Thyroid Disorders, David Brownstein, M.D., page 253.

2Hypothyroidism Type 2, Mark Starr, M.D., page 223.

3Overcoming Thyroid Disorders, David Brownstein, M.D., page 255.
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