Amalgam
Anhängsel
http://homeoint.ru/pdfs/Age-Dependent%20Lower-Higher%20Hg%20in%20Hair%20of%20ASD%20Children%20vs%20Controls1.pdf
Vergleich: Siehe: Mund/Zunge + Giftengruppe
‡ Folgendes hat anthroposofische Einschlüsse ‡
[B.E. Haley]
Medical Veritas
Mercury toxicity: Genetic susceptibility and synergistic effects
Professor and Chair, Department of Chemistry University of Kentucky
Abstract
Mercury toxicity and intoxication (poisoning) are realities that every
American needs to face. Both the Environmental Protection Agency and National
Academy of Science state that between 8 to 10% of American women have mercury
levels that would render any child they gave birth to neurological disorders.
One of six children in the USA have a neurodevelopmental disorder according to
the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention.
Yet our dentistry and medicine continue to expose all patients to
mercury. This article discusses the obvious sources of mercury exposures that
can be easily prevented. It also points out that genetic susceptibility and
exposures to other materials that synergistically enhance mercury and
ethyl-mercury toxicity need to be evaluated, and that by their existence
prevent the actual determination of a “safe level” of mercury exposure for all.
The mercury sources we consider are from dentistry and from drugs, mainly
vaccines, that, in today’s world are not only unnecessary sources, but also
sources that are being increasingly recognized as being significantly de
leterious to the health of many.
Keywords:
mercury toxicity, ethylmercury toxicity, mercury exposure, amalgams,
antibiotic susceptibility to neurotoxicity, hormone susceptibility to
neurotoxicity
1. Introduction
Mercury toxicity and intoxication (poisoning) are realities that every
American needs to face. This article discusses mercury intoxication and several
normally appearing factors that increase the susceptibility to mercury
toxicity. The sources considered are dentistry and mercury from drugs, mainly
vaccines, that, in today’s world are not only unnecessary sources, but also
sources that are being increasingly recognized as being significantly
deleterious to the health of many who are so exposed.
2. Mercury from dentistry
Let us begin by discussing mercury exposure from dental amalgams. Figure
1 is a segment from a movie showing the emission of mercury vapors from a 50
year old amalgam; it is still releasing mercury at the temperature of a cup of
coffee.
The point of this figure is to provide visual evidence that mercury is
indeed released by dental amalgams. It has been reported in a World Health
Organization review of mercury that 80% of the mercury vapors inhaled is
retained by the human body. This is why dental amalgams have been found to be
the major contributor to human body mercury burden. The visualization of
mercury emitting from amalgams presents irrefutable evidence that spokespersons
for the American Dental Association (ADA) are exceptionally deceptive when they
state there is no danger of mercury exposure from dental amalgams.
Visualization of mercury emitting from a dental amalgam. The filling is
50 years old. The tooth was extracted 15 years ago.
(Credits: www.uninformedcosent.com)
Birth-hair mercury of autistic vs. control groups.
(Data from A. Holmes, M. Blaxill, and B. Haley, Int. J. Toxicology v22,
p. 1-9, 2003)
This data in Figure 2 show that normal children have birth hair levels
of mercury that correlate with the number of amalgam fillings in the birth mother;
whereas, in sharp contrast, the autistic children have exceptionally low levels
of birth hair mercury, no matter what the number of amalgam fillings are found
in the birth mother.
This data strongly implies that autistic children represent a subset of
the population that does not effectively excrete mercury from their cells.
Mercury vapor, when it enters the body spends a very short time in the
blood. Mercury vapor (HgO) is a hydrophobic entity and is rapidly absorbed
through cell membranes into cells where certain enzymes, such as catalyase,
rapidly converts it to Hg2+, the reactive and toxic form of mercury called
inorganic mercury. It would be nearly
impossible for the body to substantially excrete either HgO or Hg2+ from
the body in their original form. To rid the body of Hg2+ it must first be taken
intracellular where it can be complexed with glutathione. It is primarily the
mercury-glutathione complex that is excreted from the cells into the blood to
be cleared by the bilary transport system in the liver. Therefore, it is
primarily the mercury-glutathione complex that is measured in the blood, urine,
faeces and hair as elevated after mercury exposures. It is not the original HgO
as it would prefer portioning into the more hydrophobic cells of the body.
Therefore, the lack of mercury in the birth hair of autistics strongly
implies that they cannot effectively excrete mercury most likely by not being
able to effectively couple Hg2+ with glutathione.
Research by Dr. Jill James of the University of Arkansas has partially
explained this phenomenon by demonstrating that autistics are quite low in
glutathione, the sequester of mercury that exists intracellular and used by the
body in the normal excretion process.
Figure 3 demonstrates that considering the mercury exposures from
dietary fish, vaccines and amalgams versus the predicted birth hair mercury
levels that again the normal children have the predicted birth hair mercury
levels whereas the autistic children show no significant in crease. Considering
the data from birth mothers with 8 to 15 amalgams the mercury hair ratio was 12
to 1 in normals versus autistics. There can be little doubt that in this cohort
group the autistics do not biochemically excrete mercury in a similar fashion
as do normal children
Also, as expected, amalgams are the major contributor to mercury body
burden, not the mother’s fish diet. In considering different exposures as
contributing to mercury body burden one should consider the reactive potential
of the mercury. Mercury in fish has already reacted with proteins and other
protective molecules or atoms in fish (e.g., glutathione, selenium, and other
proteins);
this is why the fish does not die of mercury toxicity. This bound
mercury, or methylmercury, is not as toxic as an equal amount of the pure
equivalent. Therefore, while there may be an equal
exposure to mercury from a tuna fish sandwich as from an amalgam or
vaccine, the mercury from the amalgam or vaccine has much more toxic potential.
Actual versus predicted birth hair mercury levels.
(Data from A. Holmes, M. Blaxill, and B. Haley, Int. J. Toxicology, v22,
p. 1-9, 2003)
Hair Hg level = (5.60)+0.04(amalgam volume)+1.15(fish
consumption)+0.03(vaccine) [R2 = 0.79]
Mercury birth hair levels vs. amalgam in autistics and control groups
(Data from A. Holmes, M. Blaxill, and B. Haley, Int. J. Toxicology, v22, p.
1-9, 2003)
Figure 4 shows that, as expected, the birth hair mercury levels in
normal children are determined more by their birth mother’s number of amalgams
than by any other exposure, such as fish in the mother’s diet.
In contrast, autistic children born of mothers with greater than 10
amalgam fillings still do not have significant levels of mercury in their birth
hair. This confirms that autistic children do not handle mercury biochemically
like normal children. The most likely explanation is they are poor excretors.
Work from Dr. Jeff Bradstreet [2] and others have shown that autistics do have
higher body burdens of mercury
than normals. This supports the hypothesis that autistics are in reality
poor mercury excretors who retain mercury and are thusly more severely affected
by low dose exposures.
Birth-hair mercury by severity of autism. (Data from A. Holmes, M. Blaxill,
and B. Haley, Int. J. Toxicology v22, p 1-9, 2003)
The major observation of this data is that the lower the birth hair
mercury level the more likely the severity of the autism.
This fits into the hypothesis as follows: the lower the ability to excrete
mercury the more mercury that is retained by the cells doi:
10.1588/medver.2005.02.00067
‡ Folgendes hat anthroposofische Einschlüsse ‡
[Harald J. Hamre, MD}
The toxicity of amalgam fillings has been under discussion in
Scandinavia/Germany/USA since the late 1970’s. First symptoms were thought to
be due to galvanic currents ("oral galvanism"). Clinical studies did
not show any correlation between the quantity of electricity generated and the
severity of symptoms, which does not exclude the possibility of individual
hypersensitivity. Later on, attention focused more on the release of mercury
and its potential toxicity.
Mercury from dental amalgam. Following has been established beyond
doubt:
Amalgam fillings corrode, resulting in the release of mercury ions which
can be detected in saliva, gingiva, oral mucosa, dental enamel, and dental
pulp. Acidic foods/use of copper amalgam/different metals in contact with each
other (amalgam and gold) increase corrosion.
Metallic mercury vapor can be detected both in exhaled air and
intra-orally. Mastication increases mercury evaporation by a factor of 6.
People with amalgam fillings have about 10x higher nonstimulated Hg vapor
concentrations in the oral cavity than people without them. Mercury release is
also greatly increased at the time when amalgam fillings are made or removed.
The inhaled mercury vapor (HgO) is partly oxidized to Hg++ ions in
erythrocytes. These ions only penetrate biological membranes to a limited
extent. Part of the mercury vapor apparently enters into the brain, other
organs, and placenta, however, prior to oxidation, and this may result in
accumulation of mercury in these organs.
In post-mortem investigations on individuals not subject to occupational
exposure, concentrations of 10 - 30 ng of Hg/g of tissue were found in the
brain and 20 - 800 ng/g in the renal cortex, and these figures showed
correlation with the number of amalgam fillings. Blood and urine mercury levels
also showed correlation with amalgam exposure, both without stimulation and
following exposure to the chelating agent DMPS (Dimaval).
The WHO estimates daily mercury retention in individuals not subject to
occupational exposure to be:
- Hg vapor (from amalgam fillings): 3.1-17 ug Hg,
- methyl Hg (from foods): 2.3 ug Hg,
- inorganic Hg compounds: 0.3 ug g Hg.
Nevertheless these data cannot be said to offer direct proof of mercury
intoxication in "amalgam patients". Workers subject to occupational
exposure have far higher mercury levels in the blood, urine, brain and other
organs, yet there has been no demonstrable correlation between mercury exposure
from amalgam (determined in blood, urine or by number of amalgam fillings) and
the severity of symptoms, with one exception. Particle-induced X-ray emission
was used to examine a group of Swedish patients suspected of having
"amalgam disease". The median erythrocyte Hg level found by the
method was 1.6 ug/g, the median granulocyte Hg level 2.5 ug/g (n = 25). No
mercury was detected in the blood cells of the control group (n = 64), the
lower detection limit being 0.5 ug/g.(10) The absence of a gradual transition
suggests redistribution due to pathological causes rather than a general
increase in mercury exposure.
In animal experiments, immunological reactions such as glomerulonephritis
may be triggered by exhibiting mercury, sometimes in relatively low doses. Some
mouse and rat strains react, others do not. In Sweden, a hypothesis currently
under investigation is that in humans such immune reactions occur only in
certain HLA (human leukocyte antigen) groups. It would explain the variable
sensitivities to the widespread exposure to dental amalgam.
Using the "double bookkeeping" method recommended by Rudolf
Steiner, an attempt will be made below to use research findings made in anthroposophic
spiritual science to throw light on the dental amalgam issue. The author is, of
course, fully aware that the picture is not consistent nor yet complete.
Clinical picture of amalgam intoxication
Patients reported chronic symptoms that generally proved treatment
resistant, e.g.
Neurosensory system: poor short-term memory, poor concentration,
vertigo, headaches, tinnitus, skin eruptions, < on exposure to
electromagnetic fields, e.g. working at a video display terminal.
Rhythmic system: anxieties, sensitivity to odors, breathing difficulties
(breathing rhythm held), intermittent tachycardia or palpitations.
Metabolic-limb system: depression, extreme tiredness, inner
restlessness, burning tongue, poisonous or metallic taste in mouth, toothache
and in-jaw pain, all kinds of digestive disorders, muscle and joint pain,
aggravation or triggering of symptoms when taking certain foods.
The symptoms would improve or disappear (gradually or suddenly) on
removal of amalgam fillings. Studies confirmed that such effects were regularly
seen with 30 - 90% of the listed symptoms.
The symptoms are only partly in agreement with the lexicological and the
homeopathic mercury picture. They are often nonspecific, and the diagnosis can
only be made ex juvantibus, by removing the amalgam fillings. To date there is
no reliable diagnostic test. Thus Daunderer, who introduced routine
determination of urinary Hg following an i.v. challenge to 250 mg of Dimaval,
has never been able to provide satisfactory proof that his limiting value of 50
ug Hg/g in the urine can establish the difference between normal and
pathological.
Non-medically qualified practitioners in continental Europe often use
potentized mercury or silver amalgam to provoke a reaction. Care is indicated
with the use of mercury in high potencies such as the C 200, as these may cause
a disastrous, long-lasting aggravation. At the other end of the scale the
removal of all amalgam fillings may also result in considerable aggravation
that often proves treatment-resistant. Healthy people will normally cope well
with the procedure, but the mercury level in blood plasma increases by a factor
of 3 or 4 for a period of 1 month.
In the author's experience, some of these patients have the
psychological characteristics of an "exaggerated mercury type" with a
tendency to rush at life and some degree of instability. Occasionally one also
sees lung-determined compulsive types. In my opinion it is not, however,
possible to make the general statement that the lives of all or most of these
patients were influenced by mercury problems.
The syndrome partly reflects these extremes, often with a remarkable
number of individual symptoms that come up and go away again at any moment, and
also hypersensitivity to both conventional and potentized medicines. On the
other hand we have the persistent loss of flexibility, with exhaustion, poor
memory and concentration difficulties that often prove treatment resistant.
The author and some of his Scandinavian colleagues had their attention
drawn to the problem by patients whom we have treated anthroposophically for
some time without getting results and who only began to respond once their
amalgam fillings had been removed. The aggravation or occurrence of new
symptoms often seen within hours or a few days of removing the fillings can
also provide important pointers if one knows the phenomenon and asks about it.
Another indication is the onset of symptoms shortly after making new amalgam
fillings, or making gold fillings when amalgam fillings are also present.
The power to overcome mercury
R.S. spoke of metals which human beings "made part of their own
development" (Fe/Mg) and others which they must overcome (Pb). The above
example of mercury found in blood cells of sick but not healthy people may be
taken as an indication that the powers to overcome mercury in the blood are too
weak.
Physiologically, the body is able to eliminate toxic foreign matter or
encapsulate it. Did R.S. refer to these
processes when he used the word "overcome", or did he mean that the
organism is able to "completely ... destroy" the metals, and
"... remove them from the area", as he put it with reference to
carbon?". Speaking of lead (above reference to this), he referred to
"elimination of the lead process"... "the organism... seeks to
drive out the lead."
The difference may be important, for both the sulfuric amino acids
unithiol (dimercaptopropanesulfonate, DMPS) and succimer (dimercaptosuccinic
acid, DMSA) and selenium are used in modern anti-amalgam therapy. DMPS and DMSA
chelate heavy metals, increasing their elimination. Selenium combines with
mercury, and relatively
high doses of it probably result in the production of slightly soluble
and relatively nontoxic Hg-Se compounds. What is probably more important is
that selenium is incorporated in the antioxidative enzyme glutathione
peroxidase (GSH-Px). In vitro inhibition of GSH-Px causes increased mercury
uptake by red blood cells.
Another indication for weak mercury-overcoming powers was the detection
of high selenium levels together with mercury, silver and tin in the vicinity
of amalgam fillings
in healthy subjects, compared to 12 patients with "amalgam
disease" in whose gums no selenium was detected. The patients also showed
lower levels of GSH-Px activity
in the blood than the healthy subjects.
Mercury and the ether body
"Mineral toxins cause the physical body to draw into the ether
body“. With reference to syphilis, where "the ego organization is more
powerful than the etheric organization"
in the metabolism, R.S. stressed that the mercury therapy then in vogue
could only contribute to the healing process insofar as "the whole enters
into the blood circulation, whereas any of it that does not enter into the
blood but... is taken up and carried along in etheric channels that follow...
the nerve strands, for instance, is entirely harmful."
This statement is borne out by the observation that inhaled mercury
metal is initially nontoxic (in the blood). Oxidized to mineral Hg++ it gains
access to the ether body and
is able, for instance, to attack the sulfhydryl (SH) or disulfide
(SH-SH) groups in protein molecules.
Two issues that have not yet been clarified are part of the problem.
Animal experiments have demonstrated retrograde axonal transport
("following the nerve strands") of metals:
- from the nasal mucosa to the brain (Aluminum)
- from the dental pulp to the ipsilateral trigeminal ganglion (HgCl2)
• into the nuclei of motor ganglia in the spinal marrow and brain stem
(following i.m. exposure to HgCl2). This phenomenon may play a role in the
pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and M.S.
Another way of making mercury accessible to the ether body is to
methylate it to methylmercury. This is almost completely absorbed by the gut,
easily penetrating all biological membranes, and may cause nerve damage.
Bacteria gain natural protection from mercury by methylation. In vitro,
streptococci from the normal oral flora are able to methylate mercury from
amalgam fillings, for example. Intestinal bacteria are able to methylate
HgCl2.(39) In animal experiments, this methylation may be suppressed by giving
antibiotics.(40) Fecal matter from people with amalgam fillings contains 20
times more mercury on average than their urine. Uptake of finely dispersed
mercury from the intestine, the extent of it so far unknown (and omitted from
WHO calculations), would increase considerably with adequate methylation.
History of amalgam
Early references to amalgam for dental fillings are found in 7th-century
Chinese textbooks. The first reference in the European literature is by the
German physician Johannes Stockerus in 1528. Towards the end of the 18th
century, French dentists experimented with different combinations of bismuth,
lead, tin, silver and mercury. The French brothers Crawcour promoted their
amalgam in London in 1831 and in New York in 1833. Their Royal Mineral
Succedaneum, a product of powdered silver coins mixed with mercury, was widely
advertised and soon became a great success in the USA. Though commercially
successful, the brothers used the wrong method, not being dentists.
This, and the fear of mercury poisoning, soon led to violent
controversy.
1st "amalgam war" broke out shortly before the
materialistic image of the human being gained acceptance in medicine - see the
famous oath sworn by W. Bruecke and
E. du Bois-Reymond in 1842, that "all forces active" in the
organism "are physical and chemical". The war was fought mainly in
the USA, where dental associations fought each other until in the late 1870s
the organized pro-amalgam movement gained the upper hand. G.V. Black in the USA
(1895) and A. Witzel in Germany (1899) had the
final word on amalgam.
The first and major part of the first amalgam dispute on earth thus
coincided almost exactly with the fight between Michael and the dragon in the
heavens. This was from
1841 to 1879, one of the outcomes being that humanity became subject to
materialistic influences.
After an interval of about 33 years (covering the period of R.S.'s work
in anthroposophy).
The 2nd amalgam war broke out in 1926. It was triggered by a
report published by the German chemist, Professor Alfred Stock, in which he
described his own case of
mercury poisoning. He had been subject to occupational mercury exposure
and also had amalgam dental fillings, and this made him aware of the fact that
amalgam released mercury.
The historical Mercury impulse on earth
In a lecture he gave in Berlin on March 13/1911, R.S. showed how Christ
is symbolized in direct sunlight, and Jahwhe-Jehova uses the Moon to reflect
the sunlight.
Christ has incarnated only once on earth. Jahweh came before the Christ,
during the Egypto-Chaldean period. Evolution was in periods of about 600 - 650
years at the time. 650 years after Christ Jahweh was reflected in Mohammed and
his Islamic faith. Both are Moon religions. Islam did away with all the old,
atavistic clairvoyance, took no account of the Christ, and 650 years later gave
the impulse for modern materialistic science. Instances of this are the
emphasis on heredity in medicine and Darwinism.
After the Moon came Mercury. The Mercury impulse was very powerful in
Gautama Buddha, who was active before Jahweh. In the world of the spirit.
Buddhism later
came together with Christianity. The transformed Buddhism emerged again
as another, secondary current, making its presence felt in the works of Goethe
and Schopenhauer. It presented the idea of reincarnation and that of karma in a
new form.
R.S.'s presentation of this ends with an image: if a fish is transferred
from water (Moon) to air (Mercury), the swim bladders must change into lungs.
The old materialistic ways of thinking are like fish, unable to make the change
and which must therefore die from lack of air.
Questions for the future
In view of the above, the following questions arise.
Does filling the teeth with amalgam represent a Mercury impulse that has
become physical and ahrimanic?
If the powers that overcome mercury are not strong enough to deal with
the mercury from amalgam, the individual falls ill. Amalgam disease may be more
likely to develop
if for karmic reasons the individual has an abnormal relationship to the
Mercury sphere. Could it also be that there is a collective karmic element that
favors the disease
because humanity is unable to find its way to a new, spiritual Mercury
impulse? This would cause the impulse to turn into its ahrimanic, physical
counter image.
The obvious objection to this would be that a number of other chemical
substances and environmental toxins were also introduced in the 2nd half of the
19th century.
What is more, hypersensitivity to foods or chemicals, reactions that are
also in dispute, do to some extent provoke similar syndromes, though with less
emphasis on neurological symptoms. Those reactions may, however, be connected
with the negative effects of amalgam.
According to B. Lievegoed, the "second" Mercury impulse points
to the future and will help to bring about a true encounter between individuals
and between human being and environment. Would it be true to say the whole
problem of increasing hypersensitivity in soul and body that is making people
ill also reflects an abnormal Mercury impulse?
Other issues that have to be considered are the following:
- Oral galvanism from the anthroposophic point of view.
- What does it signify to have metal in our teeth?
- Anthroposophic adjuvant and follow-up treatment of amalgam disease.
Summary
Amalgam fillings cause mercury to cumulate in the body. This is connected
with a number of persistent, treatment-resistant symptoms, some of them
serious.
The problem is considered in the light of recent conventional medical
research findings and of statements made by R.S. The question is, does amalgam
exposure and disease represent a physical, ahrimanic counter image of a future,
spiritual Mercury impulse?
‡ Folgendes hat
anthroposofische Einschlüsse ‡
[Dr. med. Klaus Wilde]
In 1826 the Parisian Taveau developed a dental filling made of a
mercury-amalgamate. This amalgam was outlawed as too toxic in the U.S. in 1840.
Yet, no later than 1855 America reintroduced amalgam. One of the reasons: a
profitable way to utilize industrial metal wastes.
Amalgams are made of equal parts mercury and a carrier powder which
contains at least 40% silver, and at most 32% tin, 30% copper, 3% mercury, 2%
zinc and lesser
amounts of nickel and cadmium. These percentages can vary considerably.
Obviously the physical quantity in each filling is small, yet a danger to the
life processes of the organs exists if enough of the metals are dissolved in
saliva and carried into the intermediate and intracellular metabolism.
The greatest barrier to recognizing amalgam poisoning is our belief that
substances in rarefied form (trace elements) don't a have physiological effect.
Of course, the term '
trace element' does not really apply, since we don't yet know how to
measure metal content in the body. By all that is known we estimate that the
metals contained in
amalgam add up to about 10/-12 to 10/-22. This is equivalent to a
homeopathic potency of D 12-22.
We might argue that such minute quantities cannot harm the healthy
organism. However, anyone who has ever experienced what effect a dose of Stannum
praep D 20
has on a morphine addicted patient (it induces forceful and copious
fluid excretion, and similar bowel activity) will understand the pronounced and
forceful effect of metals in homeopathic doses on the body. While science is
familiar with the effects of substances in measurable form, it understands next
to nothing about metals in intangible, homeopathic form. However there is an
energetic, dynamic, and functional effect.
The rule for metals in the human organism is: the more rarefied in
substance, the greater their functional dynamics and energy.
The second great barrier to understanding amalgam poisoning is the
complexity: the four main metals contained in amalgam have a compounded effect
with such an intimidating array of symptoms that most doctors simply cannot
deal with it.
This problem becomes easier to understand if the disease symptoms are
separated out according to each metal. We then begin to recognize which metal
has caused which ailment. Only after this has been done can the more refined
question of interactions be dealt with. One example is the `battery-effect,' or
electromagnetic currents caused by dentures containing a variety of metals when
they are submerged in the acidic medium of the saliva. This
electro-magnetically charged circumstance is the cause of a variety of
complaints.
In the course of treating patients I have found the problem of amalgam
poisoning to be extremely far reaching, and 50% of my time is spent in treating
chronic ailments caused by it. Curiously, I have found silver poisoning to be
at least as problematic as mercury poisoning. In my personal experience an
amalgam detoxification is only possible with the use of homeopathic silver in
various forms (argentum)
Symptoms of Silver
Poisoning
Psychological: Lack of creative thinking, weak fantasy, unable to
impress, cannot hold back, cannot relinquish, repetitiveness, unclear
religiosity to clear atheism, depression
(in older age), lack of imagination and memory, addictiveness,
clumsiness because of weakened bridge to the experiences of former lives.
Physiological: Flatulence, (painful) stomach cramps, cold legs, chronic
or acute prostatitis, impotence, rhythmic disturbances, infertility, chronic
urethritis, spastic bronchitis, sleep disturbances, sterility, disturbed
regulation of blood warmth, decreased resistance, increased saliva flow, lack
of ability to run a fever.
Symptoms of Mercury Poisoning
Psychological: Fear, weakness of combinative thought, depression (caused
by liver), irrational behavior.
Physiological: Mercury causes flow; as a poison it arrests flow and
causes stagnation. Poor absorption, chronic enterocolitis, allergies (solid
foods), nausea, stomach pains, feeling of not being able to digest, weakness of
limbs so that one hardly can manage a task, eczema, colitis ulcerosa, travel
sickness, infections, headache, dizziness, tiredness, dulling of senses,
gingivitis.
Symptoms of Copper
Poisoning
Psychological: Feverish attention, lovelessness, egocentric behavior,
in- or hypersensitivity, jealousy and envy, unable to forget, uncreative or
frenetic behavior, cannot listen.
Physiological: Gout pains, inflammation of lower thumb and big toe
joints, diarrhea, watery stools, intestinal carcinoma , premature birth, motor
restlessness, accelerated or slow metabolism, pasty cold edema, kidney
blockage, hyper- or hypothyroidism, sinusitis frontalis, lack of hearing, eye,
tongue or limb spasms.
Symptoms of Tin
Poisoning
Physiological: Rheumatic joints, pains in limbs, pains in index finger and
second toe, sensitive outer calves, liver and spleen weakness, disturbance of
kidneys, metabolic disturbances, especially fat metabolism, lack of vitality,
rhythmic disturbances, dry tongue, dry mouth when speaking, dry bronchi, weak
nerves, dry nerves, inflammation
of sinuses, pain in lower jaw, ulceration in lower jaw, fatigue in
temples, thickened back of head.
Psychological: Violence, unreasonable, lack of boundaries, unthinking
behavior, weakened consciousness, inappropriate or splenic behavior.
The reason why a metal may sometimes cause polaric symptoms (i.e. copper
poisoning may cause hyper- as well as hypothyroidism) is because there is a
difference whether, at a certain time, the metal affects the upbuilding
processes (metabolism) or the processes of breaking down (catabolism).
[Dr K. Hajikakou]
This article looks at the effects of dental materials on the health of the individual.
There are many dental materials in use to restore broken teeth. The main
criteria considered by the dental materials experts have been their physical
characteristics, e.g. coefficients of expansion and contraction, compressive
and shear strengths.
Little thought has been given to the biological effects of these
materials. In particular it now appears that metals used to restore teeth can
have profound effects on the physical, mental and spiritual health of patients.
Present day non-metal or white filling materials, i.e. composites and
porcelains appear, at present, to be safer alternatives.
The main emphasis of the-is article will be on amalgam but some
discussion will also be given to the metals used in crowns (caps).
Broadening the field of dental toxicity would include some things that I
cannot go into here, such as dental hygiene products, e.g. toothpaste, antiseptic
mouthwashes, impression materials, rubber products and acrylate resins
used in dentures and root canal medications. The effects of ionising
radiation from dental x-ray machines could also be included, not to mention
fluoride, which calcifies the pineal gland, accumulates in the pituitary and
has a marked hypothyroid action! It is no wonder that Professor Vimy (Professor
of Oral Medicine, Calgary University, Canada), referring to the dental
profession, said "Never has so much harm been done to so many by so
few"
(Vimy, 2000).
Metals used in crowns
(caps)
Gold is becoming more popular with many dentists in this country. Dental
gold is an alloy made of gold, silver, copper, palladium, platinum and zinc.
The following metals are to be found in dental casting alloys used to make
crowns and bridges: beryllium, cobalt, cadmium, gallium, nickel, rhodium,
iridium and indium. Unfortunately, these alloys release metal ions into the
body. Is there any evidence that metal ions can cause harm?
According to Professor John Wataha (Professor of Oral Rehabilitation at
the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, USA), the answer is a resounding yes.
In sufficient concentrations and in certain forms metal ions can kill tissues,
cause allergies, inflammatory reactions and cancer (Wataha, 1999).
Swelling and irritation with redness and pain in the region of a metal
crown could well signify an allergic reaction to one or more of the metals.
Dermatitis having a perioral distribution (around the mouth) is also suggestive
of allergy originating from a dental source. Palladium and nickel are highly
allergenic metals.
Amalgam fillings
Before considering the effects of mercury, let us look at the electrical
activity of amalgam fillings. Each filling acts like a battery (Certosimo, 1996).
As the filling is an alloy and is bathed by an electrolyte, i.e. saliva, a
potential difference arises leading to electrical currents being generated.
These currents are of an order of magnitude 1,000 times greater than those
generated by nerve cells. This can lead to the impairment of nerve functioning
and neurotransmitter release (Sheppard, 1997). The proximity of the brain to
oral amalgam fillings can, in some patients, lead to neurological problems such
as "brain fog" (the inability to think clearly, and depression). From
my clinical experience patients have reported being"clear-headed", as
if a fog has lifted, after having had their amalgam fillings removed. This
effect is experienced rapidly, whereas mercury toxicity effects take longer to
resolve.
The safe protocol to adopt for the removal of amalgam fillings and
corresponding homeopathic and nutritional support is shown below.
When is a poison not a
poison?
The answer to this riddle is, of course, when it is in your mouth!
Amalgam (a mixture of mercury with another metal) or "silver"
fillings contain silver, copper, tin, zinc and mercury. Amalgam fillings are
made up of 50% mercury and should be known as mercury fillings, not silver
fillings.
It is ironic that waste amalgam (i.e. outside the body) must be stored
in secure conditions owing to the release of mercury vapour and has to be
disposed of by licensed disposal companies. However, when it is placed in
people's teeth it "miraculously" transforms itself into a complete
inert material, which is perfectly safe! At least that is the official line.
"It is generally agreed that if amalgam was introduced today as a
restorative material, it would never pass FDA (Food and Drug Administration)
approval" (Wolfe et al, 1983). The case against using amalgam is, in my
opinion, overwhelming.
Amalgam some facts
When I was studying dentistry I was told that mercury was "locked
into" the filling and, therefore, was not released. This is totally untrue
(Jones et al, 1983). Mercury vapour is released during the entire life of the
filling. As mercury vapour is colourless, odourless and tasteless it escapes
undetected by the recipient of that filling. More vapour is released each time
your chew, drink anything hot or brush your teeth. The more fillings you have,
the larger the surface area of the fillings the more vapour you will be exposed
to, and the greater the health risk. The vapour is rapidly absorbed via the
lungs and nasal mucosa and accumulates in areas of high metabolic activity,
e.g. brain, gut, kidneys, liver and heart. The toxicity of mercury is
well documented: it is more toxic than lead and arsenic combined. The toxic
threshold, i.e. the level below which it is considered safe has never been
established. The World Health Organisation states "No level of exposure to
mercury can be considered harmless". WHO also states that dental amalgam
is the single largest source of mercury exposure for the public, contributing
up to 84% of daily intake:
• mercury from fillings (average of 8) 17 mcg/day
• mercury from all other sources: seafood, air and water 2-6 mcg/day
(WHO, 1991)
Autopsy studies confirm that the brain is the critical target organ for
mercury. Brain tissue mercury levels are far higher in patients with amalgam fillings
than in the patients having no fillings present. Professor Boyd Haley
(Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky, USA) has demonstrated
the effects mercury has on brain biochemistry. Structures known as microtubules
found in nerve cells, which are essential for transportation of substances
along the nerve are greatly affected by the presence of mercury. This may be a
key contributory factor in Alzheimer's disease. Haley has also demonstrated hat
in the presence of cadmium, another widely present pollutant, mercury toxicity
is greatly increased. Mercury is found in structures associated with memory,
e.g. the hippocampus, amygdala and nucleus basalis.
Experiments in sheep and monkeys clearly show that when mercury fillings
are place, the mercury deposits in the brain, kidneys and liver. Kidney
function determined by albumin excretion (albumin is a normal blood protein) is
greatly reduced in those animals receiving amalgam fillings (Vimy et al, 1990).
Another worrying fact is that mercury crosses over the placenta into the foetus
within two days of amalgam placement, accumulating in the fetal brain and liver
(Vimy et al, 1990). Breast milk has also been found to contain significant
levels of mercury.
Oral and gut bacteria can metabolise inorganic mercury to organic
mercury, e.g. methyl mercury, another powerful toxin. And if this is not bad
enough the presence of mercury has been shown to increase the resistance of
oral and gut bacteria to antibiotics within two weeks of amalgam placement (Summers
et al, 1993).
Ampicillin, tetracyclin, streptomycin, erythromycin, kanamycin and
chloramphenicol are all antibiotics whose effects are greatly reduced in the
presence of mercury.
Oral lichen planus, a condition where the oral mucosa changes to form
white patches with a lacy pattern has now a well-established link with mercury
containing amalgam fillings. This is seen in those individuals who have
sensitivity to mercury and where amalgam filling is in direct contact with the
oral tissue. Is this a hazard to health professionals who deal with amalgam
fillings?
Dentists have 4x more mercury in the urine compared with the rest of the
population and a suicide rate two to six times greater than average. Is this
due to a stressful job or is it, perhaps, mercury related? I feel it is the
latter. Female dental personnel have twice the rate of infertility, miscarriage
and spontaneous abortion compared to the rest of the female population.
Symptoms of mercury toxicity
Acute
metallic taste - due to electrical activity and corrosion
burning pains - mouth, throat and stomach
increased salivation
swollen salivatory glands
abdominal pains
diarrhoea and vomiting
Chronic
Nervous system
irritability
anxiety/nervousness, often with difficul breathing
restless
exaggerated response to stimulation
fearful
lack of self-control
fits of anger, with violent irrational behaviour
loss of self-confidence
indecision
shyness or timidity, being easily embarrassed
loss of memory
inability to concentrate
lethargy/drowsiness
insomnia
mental depression, despondency
withdrawal
suicidal tendencies
manic depression
numbness and tingling of the hands, feet, fingers, toes and lips
muscle weakness progressing to paralysis
ataxia
tremors/trembling of hands, feet, lips, eyelids or tongue
incoordination
myoneural transmission failure resembling myasthenia gravis
motor neurone disease
multiple sclerosis
Oral disorders
bleeding gums
alveolar bone loss
loosening of teeth
excessive salivation
foul breath
metallic taste
burning sensation, with tingling of lips and face
tissue pigmentation (amalgam tattoo of gums)
leukoplakia
ulceration of gingiva, palate and tongue
Gastro-intestinal
food sensitivities (milk and eggs)
abdominal cramps, colitis, diverticulitis or other GI complaints
chronic diarrhoea/constipation
Systemic effects
chronic headaches
allergies
severe dermatitis
unexplained reactivity
thyroid disturbance
subnormal body temperature
cold, clammy skin, especially hands and feet
excessive perspiration, with frequent night sweats
unexplained sensory symptoms, including pain
unexplained numbness or burning sensations
The earliest symptoms of long-term, low-level mercury poisoning are
extremely subtle and easily misdiagnosed. Certain idiosyncrasies may develop or
subtle psychiatric, neurological problems may begin to show. Mercury from
dental amalgam does, in my opinion, constitute a significant health hazard.
Controlled scientific studies looking at the effects on the health of patients
of mercury from dental amalgam fillings have never been conducted.
The scientific experts say that there is no evidence to show that
mercury from amalgam does any harm. Does this, therefore, mean it is safe? I
think not.
Bertand Russell, the philosopher, once said "Even when all the
experts agree, they may well be wrong".
Safe removal of amalgam fillings
There are many protocol regimes to aid mercury elimination during and
after amalgam removal. The cost of supplements and the complexities of taking
certain products can
be a major barrier for some patients. I suggest a fairly simple regime
with costs kept at a reasonable level:
• before amalgam removal: Mercurius solubilis 30c or Amalagam 30c, 2
doses a day for one or two days before treatment
• after amalgam removal: one dose of Mercury solubilis 30c immediately
after treatment.
Sulphur naturally binds free mercury and thus aids its elimination.
Foods rich in sulphur should be eaten plentiful and as often as possible for at
least one week post-amalgam removal [onions, garlic, eggs (yolk), pulses and
brassicae (sprouts, cabbage and broccoli)]. A selenium supplement with vitamins
A, C and E is beneficial taken for one week after removal. Drink plenty of good
quality water.
It should be noted that amalgam fillings must be removed in a set
sequence depending upon their electrical activity. In each quadrant of the
mouth the filling having the highest negative charge should be removed first
and so on. Remove the fillings in descending order of negative charge, until a
filling with a positive reading is reached.
If such a filling is present it would be removed but only after the
negative charged fillings have gone.
It is essential that amalgam fillings are removed using a rubber dam and
high volume suction. I think it sensible that patients should use a dentist
committed to amalgam free dentistry with experience of amalgam removal and
composite placement. A dentist still using amalgam might not have the
experience necessary to undertake this procedure
to ensure the best outcome for the patient. Patients are sometimes told
that composite is not strong enough, long lasting enough or suitable for large
fillings.
My experience has taught me that this is completely untrue. In 15 years
in practice I have never yet had to replace a composite filling which has failed
and some have been
very large.
There are two ways of tackling amalgam removal. One is (as I would term
it) "kill or cure", whereby all amalgam fillings are removed within
one week. The other method
I call a "softly softly" approach whereby amalgam fillings are
removed one by one at intervals of at least four weeks. This has the advantage
of allowing the body to recover between each "assault on the system",
which is how I imagine the body perceives the process and to which it would
react accordingly. I favor the latter method as being gentler and kinder for
the patient.
Because of the time and expense involved I recommend that amalgam
removal should only be undertaken as a last resort once the patient's
practitioner has exhausted all other avenues towards the patient recovery.
Once all amalgams have been removed it is important that no more mercury
enters the body as this would defeat the detoxification process. Fish should
not be eaten while there is still evidence of mercury toxicity, possibly indefinitely.
Patients should take saunas regularly for several months as this encourages
waste products, including mercury, to be eliminated via the skin.
Finally, the two most powerful natural products for mobilising and
eliminating stored mercury from body tissues are Cilantro (Chinese parsley) and
Chlorella (green algae). Cilantro is taken as drops (orally) or rubbed into the
wrists or ankles. Chlorella tablets are taken orally in an ascending dosage
scheme to suit the patient, starting at 1g three times daily for one week only.
Initially, careful supervision is necessary.
Vorwort/Suchen Zeichen/Abkürzungen Impressum