In their paper "Autism: A Unique Type of Mercury Poisoning" Bernard et. al, http://www.cureautismnow.o rg/sciwatch/invest.cfm have revealed a startling similarity in the symptoms of Autism a n d Mercury Poisoning. While this may sound frightening, it actually shines a bright ray of hope into the lives of families living with an autistic child. Why? Because mercury poisoning can be cured.
Q: How dangerous is mercury?
Very. Mercury is the second most toxic element on earth, second only to plutonium. The amount of mercury found in one mercury thermometer is enough to pollute a small lake. Mercury toxicity has been linked to a large number of diseases, including arthritis, altzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, bipolar diso rder, schizophrenia, learning disabilities a n d ADHD.
Q: How could my child have become mercury poisoned?
Many parents believe the majo r culprit to be thimerosal, a preservative used in vaccines a n d other medications. Thimerosal is 50% mercury by weight. In October 1998, the FDA banned the use of thimerosal in over the counter medications. Since July, 1999, the FDA has "encouraged" manufacturers to remove thimerosal from vaccines. Some have done it; others have not. Today, most vaccines that are being manufactured do not contain thimerosal, o r they only contain a "trace." But we do not know how many of the old thimerosal products are still on the shelf.
Each vaccine containing thimerosal exceeds the EPA's safety guidelines of 0.1 mcg/kg/day. Since multiple vaccines are often given on the same day, the amount of mercury injected into a typical infant is many times over the "safe" limit. Befo re the FDA ban, mercury had been added to eye drops, contact lens preparations, nasal sprays, contraceptive creams, hemmho roid creams, lubricating gels, allergy injections, a n d antiseptics such as Mercurochrome® a n d merthiolate.
Q: What are some other sources of exposure to mercury?
There are many other common sources fo r mercury exposure. Here's a sho rt list:
· Dental amalgams
· Released into the air by coal burning plants
· Fish a n d shellfish, especially tuna, salmon a n d swo rdfish
· Some paints
· Thermometers a n d blood pressure gauges (especially if mercury from broken instruments was spilled on carpet)
· Fluo rescent light bulbs
It is impo rtant to note that mercury present in a mother's body is passed to her baby through the placenta, a n d later, through breast milk. See: "Mercury from maternal "silver" tooth fillings in sheep a n d human breast milk. A source of neonatal exposure." By Vimy, Hooper a n d King: http://hera.algonet.se/~leif/yrvim97a.htm
Q: But my dentist told me that dental amalgam is perfectly safe.
The presence of mercury in dental amalgams is a very controversial subject. Despite the fact that dental amalgam contains 50% mercury, the American Dental Association's official position is that dental amalgam is safe, a n d that mercury does not pose a health risk. However, numerous research studies show that dental amalgams are a majo r source of mercury toxicity. Because of the ADA’s position, your dentist risks losing his license if he tells you that amalgam fillings are dangerous, no matter what he personally believes.
Q: If mercury poisoning is caused by vaccines, they why aren't all kids mercury toxic?
Sensitivity to mercury varies widely from person to person, as does the body's natural ability to detoxify. Some children can get rid of the mercury quickly, while in others, the toxin remains in the body longer, allowing it time to bind tightly in the brain a n d other o rgans.
Q: Has anyone actually "cured" their autistic child by chelating them?
The book "Turning Lead Into Gold" describes several cases of children with "autistic tendencies" who improved dramatically after chelation fo r lead.
As of this writing, no one on this list has completely cured their child from mercury poisoning. But its early yet. Dr. Amy is getting some wonderful results with the children in her practice, a n d numerous parents have repo rted improvements in their autistic children with each chelation cycle.
DETERMINING MERCURY TOXICITY & FIRST STEPS
Q: My docto r says that my child is not mercury toxic because his/her blood a n d urine mercury levels are "within no rmal limits." What do you think?
Most MDs are mo re familiar with lead poisoning than mercury poisoning. Blood a n d urine tests are the sta n dard fo r measuring lead, but these tests are inadequate fo r mercury. This is because once mercury enters the body, it very quickly leaves the bloodstream a n d accumulates in the internal o rgans. Therefo re, urine a n d blood tests will only show mercury if the person has been exposed to a large amount of mercury very recently. Chronic long-term exposure (amalgams) o r old exposure (vaccines) will not show up with these tests. A better way to test fo r mercury is by using a hair elements test.
Q: How can I find out if my child has mercury poisoning?
Dr. Amy Holmes lists a number of useful medical tests on the website: http://www.healing-arts.o rg/children/holmes.htm. A trace minerals analysis, o r hair test, is an inexpensive, non-invasive a n d reasonably accurate test fo r determining the body's burden of mercury a n d other heavy metals. Docto r's Data (708/231-3649) is a great source fo r obtaining this test. Keep in mind that mercury may be so tightly bound in the body's o rgans that it doesn't show up in large amounts in the hair test. Instead of looking at mercury by itself, it is necessary to look at all of the elements a n d to apply the "counting rules" (posted in files) to determine if mercury is present.
Q: My alternative docto r wants to do a DMPS challenge test. Is this safe?
No. DMPS challenge tests a n d IV chelation with DMPS can be very dangerous—see www.dmpsbackfire.com. A challenge test is when a docto r administers a large amount of a chelato r in a single dose, a n d then tests the urine fo r metals. Challenge tests in general aren't useful fo r diagnosing mercury toxicity because everyone has some mercury in them, a n d DMPS (o r DMSA) will mobilize it. If DMPS is to be used, it should be administered o rally, every 8 hours. A n d no one should take a chelato r of any kind if they have dental amalgam fillings.
Some docto rs suggest doing the same so rt of challenge test using a large o ral dose of DMSA, o r will suggest treatment with infrequent doses of chelato r (once a day o r every other day). This is also dangerous. Chelato rs should always be given in frequent, small doses (every 3-4 hours fo r DMSA, every 8 hours fo r DMPS).
Q: I've made an appointment fo r a hair test a n d I'm trying to find a docto r to help me chelate. Is there anything I can do right now?
Yes—you can begin supplementation. There are many dietary supplements that can help your child to feel better now, a n d during the chelation process. Here are some impo rtant ones:
Take these 4 times a day: Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C, a n d Milk Thistle extract
Take these often (frequency not as critical): Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin E, mixed carotenes a n d lypocene, flax seed oil.
Q: OK, I'm convinced my child is mercury toxic. What do I do now?
If your child has dental amalgams, you will need to find a mercury-free dentist who can replace the silver amalgam fillings with some other material. Next, you should try to find a docto r who can help with chelation. Keep in mind that most regular allopathic docto rs are not familiar with mercury toxicity. You don't have to go to a regular MD. "Alternative" docto rs such as osteopaths, naturopaths, homeopaths a n d chiropracto rs may be able to help you obtain chelating agents a n d monito r your child's health during the process. You don't have to have a docto r to chelate, but it is a very good idea.
Q: My child has only one amalgam filling, a n d I can't seem to find a dentist who will agree to replace it. Can't I go ahead a n d chelate?
Absolutely not. You cannot start chelation if there are any silver amalgam fillings present. The chelato r will remove mercury from the filling a n d deposit it in your child's body, making him even mo re toxic.
Q: I've gotten back the hair test results fo r my child, a n d it shows he has high levels of other metals besides mercury. What should I do?
Generally, you remove the other metals first. High levels of lead, copper, arsenic, antimony o r aluminum can cause symptoms similar to mercury poisoning. If your child has high levels of several metals, he is likely very sick. Test again in three months.
Recommendations fo r chelating other metals:
Lead: Use DMSA, but follow the protocol fo r mercury in case mercury is present as well. Administer every 3-4 hours fo r several days, then rest fo r the same number of days, etc.
Arsenic: Use DMSA first if your child is mercury toxic. LA wo rks very well fo r arsenic. Chelate using mercury protocol (every 3 hours, with on/off cycles).
Antimony: Use SAMe, 5 mg a day per pound of kid in divided doses. O r you can use the "poo r man's methylating mix" of B-12 (100 mcg per pound), folate (10 mcg per pound) a n d TMG o r choline (10-20 mg per pound). Spread these through the day. They may be energizing so you might want to give them in the earlier part of the day.
Copper: Copper abso rption can be greatly reduced by giving 25 mg zinc + 250 mcg
molybdenum 4 times a day, a n d also by excluding high copper foods from the
diet. Nuts, o rgan meats, shellfish, molasses a n d sometimes unwashed produce
are high. Glycine, taurine a n d milk thistle extract might help get rid of copper faster.
Note: You should not give LA if your child has high copper levels, as LA will drive copper levels higher.
Aluminum: Restrict dietary intake. Don't cook in aluminum pans, o r drink sodas from aluminum cans. Certain baking powders, antacids a n d antiperspirants contain aluminum, so be sure to check labels.
Cadmium: Zinc may help.
Antioxidant supplements help reduce the symptoms of all heavy metal problems.
CHELATION
Q: What are chelating agents?
Chelating agents are compounds with two o r mo re binding groups fo r certain
metals combined into one molecule. Chelating agents fo r mercury are DMPS (2,3 dimercaptopropanesulfonate sodium), DMSA (2,3 meso DiMercaptoSuccinic Acid. Generic name: Succimer. Trade name: Chemet) a n d ALA (alpha lipoic acid).
Q: What is DMPS?
DMPS has been approved fo r bulk distribution by compounding pharmacies a n d is excellent fo r removing mercury from the body (but not the brain) if it is used properly.
Unfo rtunately many physicians use it a n d other chelating agents improperly, a n d like any drug these can be extremely dangerous when not used right.
Q: What is DMSA?
DMSA is a prescription medication which has been approved by the FDA fo r lead poisoning in children. It also wo rks well fo r mercury. DMSA removes mercury from everywhere in the body except the brain, because it does not cross the blood-brain barrier.
Q: What is ALA o r LA?
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA o r LA) is an over-the-counter supplement which has been found to effectively chelate mercury. Unlike DMSA a n d DMPS, LA will cross the blood-brain barrier, a n d so it can move mercury out of o r into the brain. LA should not be used if there has been recent mercury exposure (within 3 months) o r if your child has high copper levels, since LA reduces copper excretion.
Q: What is the proper dosage a n d administration schedule fo r DMSA a n d LA?
The dosage is less impo rtant than the administration schedule. If you remember nothing else about this FAQ, remember this: DMSA o r LA must be given in small, frequent doses (every 3-4 hours, even at night) over several days to be effective. Infrequent dosage will just stir up the mercury a n d redistribute it in the body, making your child sicker.
Fo r DMSA alone, the guideline is 1 mg per pound of child to start. Fo r DMSA given with LA, start with 1/8 to ½ mg. per pound of child. Increase slowly as tolerated.
If giving LA by itself, give it every 3 hours. DMSA is given every 4 hours. DMSA + LA should be given every 3 hours.
DMPS alone should be given every 8 hours.
Chelation should be done in cycles of at 3 to 7 days on the chelato r, followed by at least as many days off as a rest period. Many parents find it convenient to chelate on weekends, starting when the child gets home from school a n d stopping on Monday mo rning, with weekdays as rest days. With the schedule, sleep is only interrupted on weekends a n d parents don't have to depend on school employees to give the medicine.
Q: I've started chelating a n d my child is having bad side effects. What can I do?
Some side effects that list members have repo rted include increased urination, redness of the face a n d extremities, rash, heartburn, a n d diarrhea. Your child may also show an increase in autistic symptoms (may become mo re "stimmy" o r show mo re oppositional behavio r). If the side effects are severe o r difficult to deal with, stop the cycle a n d allow a rest time, then start the next cycle with a lower dosage. You may also want to try a sho rter chelation cycle, with a larger rest period in between.
Q: I've heard that glutathione, chlo rella, cilantro, cysteine, MSM, NAC, garlic, a n d saunas will chelate naturally, a n d that the natural way is better. Is this true?
Don't assume that because something is "natural," that it is necessarily better. As A n dy has reminded us, strychnine a n d botulism are natural, a n d deadly. That said, some natural remedies are excellent. LA is a natural supplement available at health food sto res, a n d it has been found to be a good chelato r fo r mercury a n d arsenic. You have to read about a n d study each one so that you have some idea what you are giving your child. All of these remedies have been discussed on the list, a n d some of our list members swear by them. You are encouraged to info rm yourself a n d make up your own mind. But here's what A n dy a n d Amy say about them:
Glutathione – A n dy: "Glutathione is not a chelato r. Supplemental glutathione itself is of very little value since your gut should digest it. If your gut is not digesting it you will soon start taking other things to MAKE your gut digest it because letting undigested things like glutathione into your bloodstream will soon cause majo r allergy problems."
Chlo rella—A n dy: "While there is little in press that shows chlo rella to be harmful, there are multitudinous observations of real people which show that. All you have to do is ask
around. Chlo rella is simply another "sulfur food." It is very harmful to people who
are high in sulfur."
"Dr. Klinghardt, is the one that popularized DMPS injections a n d DMSA every other day, the first a n d second most dangerous mercury treatment protocols. Now he is on to chlo rella, which is also very dangerous. I know several people who took it per his protocol a n d suffered permanent neurological damage as a result."
Cilantro—A n dy: "There is some superstition that cilantro helps, a n d it really may, but it
isn't clear how to use it."
A n d this from Dr. Amy Holmes—"Cilantro. Untested. A few repo rts that it MAY cross the blood-brain barrier a n d chelate mercury, but no data. Please bear in mind that no one knows what the ingredient in cilantro is that MAY do this. Is every cilantro equal? Who knows? I don't see how one could possibly be even somewhat sure that you are keeping a relatively steady blood level of THE INGREDIENT when we don't know what THE INGREDIENT is o r if all cilantro has the same amount of it. A n d if anything in mercury chelation is mo re impo rtant, I can't think of it."
Cysteine—Not a chelato r. A n dy: "Don't give cysteine/cystine o r sources of it during ALA chelation unless you definitively know the child has low plasma levels of cysteine (not low-ish, definitively abno rmally low)."
Dr. Amy: "I think we are much better off leaving glutathione, MSM, cysteine, etc. supplements alone. They cause many mo re problems than they can fix in an untested person.
MSM—Not a chelato r. A n dy: "The mo re I hear about MSM the mo re I suggest people avoid it. I keep getting ra n dom negative repo rts." A n d "It is an exceptionally bad idea to use MSM, cysteine, NAC o r glutathione with LA since LA naturally increases your body's cysteine a n d glutathione levels."
NAC—This is a supplement which will cause the body to produce mo re glutathione. A n dy: "Neither NAC no r glutathione remove any mercury from the brain - but they do
make whatever mercury is there a lot mo re toxic if administered in excessive
amounts."
Garlic—Not a chelato r, but posters say it's great fo r pinwo rms.
Saunas—A n dy: "Sauna has been used to detox mercury miners since time immemo rial - when they get too messed up, they go to the sauna during wo rk hours instead of into
the mine shaft." "Sweating does indeed increase mercury excretion. Probably an hour o r
two of sauna is the same as 50 mg of DMSA every 4 hours fo r a day." Note: Posters urged caution with saunas because mercury toxic people are often heat sensitive.
Q: My child is GFCF. Can I continue the diet?
If it makes your child feel better, then by all means continue. Bernie Windham has written a paper that describes how mercury interferes with the enzyme that is needed to digest gluten a n d casein. Many people who are mercury toxic are sensitive to food that are high in sulfur, which includes all dairy products.
Regarding yeast: Mercury causes damage to the immune system, a n d a weakened immune system allows yeast, bacteria a n d a n d all so rts of other nasties to proliferate in the body. Yeast overgrowth can cause "leaky gut"—a condition in which the lining of the intestine becomes somewhat po rous, allowing undigested particles to enter the bloodstream, causing allergic reactions. Mercury toxic individuals often suffer from food allergies. Therefo re, a GFCF (gluten a n d casein-free) diet is probably a good idea befo re a n d during chelation. Theo retically, once the mercury is removed, the immune system is resto red, a n d the gut is allowed to heal (this may require antibiotics a n d/o r anti-fungals), the child may be able eat "regular" foods again.
Q: How long does it take to complete chelation?
Six months to two years, depending on how toxic a person is a n d how quickly you chelate. Children younger than 8 seem to respond mo re quickly than older children.
RESOURCES
Q: Who is A n dy Cutler?
A n dy Cutler is a Ph.D. chemist who found himself sick with mercury poisoning a n d figured out how to get well. He wrote a book called "Amalgam Illness: Diagnosis a n d treatment" It sells fo r $35 a n d you can o rder it directly from his web site: http://www.noamalgam.com. A n dy spends many hours answering questions on our list, a n d he always tells it like it is—no bull.
Q: Who is Dr. Amy?
Dr. Amy Holmes is an M.D. in Louisiana who is wo rking with parents of many autistic children to help them chelate mercury a n d other toxic metals from their children. Dr. Amy used to be an oncologist. She retired to raise her infant son, only to find out that he has autism. Now she has gone back to wo rk to help her son a n d others’ children. Dr. Amy has written an article on the healing arts website: http://www.healing-arts.o rg/children/holmes.htm that describes the mercury problem a n d her treatment protocol. Licensing laws prohibit Dr. Amy from consulting with people who are not her patients. However, your docto r may call Dr. Amy at (225)767-7433 to consult with her o r receive a faxed copy of her protocol.
Q: How can I find a mercury-free dentist?
Send a #10 SASE with 78 cents postage to:
Foundation Fo r Toxic-Free Dentistry (o r just use FTFD)
P.O. Box 608010
O rla n do, FL
32860-8010
Be very careful when selecting a dentist. Composite fillings require mo re skill in placement than amalgam, a n d the risk fo r further mercury exposure during amalgam replacement is great. The dentist should follow something similar to the IOAMT protocol: http://mall.turnpike.net/P/PDHA/mercury/iaomt.htm fo r amalgam removal a n d replacement.