Mercury: The Silent Saboteur of Your Nervous System

Episode #220: Mercury: The Silent Saboteur of your nervous system 

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Hello, my friends, and welcome back to *A JOY TO BE ME*! I hope you're finding joy in being you. Today, I’m diving right into the heart of our episode, building on the themes from my last two episodes: “Healing Burnout: How Mothers and Environment Shape Our Health” and “How Maternal Microbiomes Charge Immune Health.”

I want to help you see the long history of factors shaping our current health paradigm, especially regarding chronic health issues. Understanding these influences can lead to deeper healing.

Personally, reflecting on what has shaped my health and that of my children is invaluable, particularly as we see the rise of nervous system regulation concepts. I want to avoid falling into the trap of new labels that distort our reality, create disempowerment, or lead us into victimhood. 

While it’s true that our current environment has caused overload, this does not make us weak or fragile. We don’t need to hyper-focus on everything that might “dysregulate our nervous systems.” It’s crucial to slow down and allow the slowest part of you to dictate the pace of your healing. This approach builds your capacity to deepen your healing and break free from chronic patterns, especially when addressing mineral imbalances and heavy metal burdens. Remember, slow and steady wins the race.

Chronic nervous system dysregulation invites us to look beyond the surface and recognize influences that may have affected us throughout our lives. Your body has done its best to adapt and protect you. With this awareness, you can take new actions and feel motivated, as if you’ve finally found that missing puzzle piece after hours of searching.

I also want us to be collectively informed so we can make better choices and stop supporting harmful practices. It’s time to challenge centralized narratives and question the conditioned medical norms that have caused harm. I look forward to a long life where I can watch my grandbabies grow up healthy and happy, with greater ease than my own children experienced. I wish I could have done more for them when they were young, but now that I know better, I can support their wellbeing and that of their children.

Many of us are overwhelmed by the excesses of Western culture, which inundate our nervous systems and create systemic burnout. However, we can shine a light on these issues, confront them, and turn this ship around. It’s time to get real with ourselves.

In my work with hair tissue mineral analysis, I shine a light on our collective heavy metal burden.

Heavy metals have a density at least five times that of water and cannot be metabolized by the body, leading to accumulation. Toxicity from heavy metals can impair mental functions, energy levels, and the functioning of the nervous system, kidneys, lungs, and other organs.

You're absolutely right; bioaccumulation happens when the rate of toxin uptake in the body surpasses the rate of elimination. It's a significant concern today, especially since we’re exposed to a wide range of toxins from various sources, starting even in the womb. This cumulative exposure can lead to heightened health risks over time, affecting everyone. Given the pervasive nature of these toxins in our environment, it’s crucial to be mindful of both reducing exposure and supporting our body's natural detoxification processes.

When we are overexposed to heavy metals faster than our bodies can eliminate them, our mineral reserves are depleted. This is because heavy metals induce oxidative stress, which the body must manage over time, weakening the blood-brain barrier and disrupting other vital physiological processes.

Heavy metals are masters of disruption. They have various storage sites in the body and can be sequestered in tissues such as fat, the liver, spleen, and kidneys. Metals like lead and cadmium are bone seekers, eventually being transported to and stored in osseous tissues. They can remain hidden for years, requiring focused intention to mobilize them for elimination.

Every chronic disease process is linked to deficiency, dysbiosis, imbalance, and toxicity. In all chronic illnesses, there is a buildup of toxins. By eliminating these toxins, we can extinguish the fire of dis-ease. This is what I refer to as the REAL "build back better."

However, we must not force the body to detoxify all at once or too quickly. The process must be strategic and gradual.

We rebuild by restoring the inputs we may have never had right in the first place. By strengthening ourselves, we enhance our resistance to toxins and improve our reserves to crowd them out. The stronger we become, the easier it is to push these toxins out, allowing us to assist the body more effectively.

Today, I’ll focus on mercury.

Neurodegenerative disorders are chronic conditions that gradually damage the nervous system, particularly the brain. While these disorders have various contributing factors, nothing depletes neurons faster than mercury.

Are Your Mom's Amalgams Putting Your Health at Risk?

The health of our mothers during pregnancy lays the foundation for our own health. Mercury readily crosses the placenta, leading to inflammation, impaired fetal growth, and damage to the immune, digestive, and nervous systems.

Though I never had metal fillings and received only seven vaccines as a child, I still faced mercury exposure. Growing up in a state with numerous coal plants added to my heavy metal burden. Amalgam fillings and vaccines containing thimerosal—a compound that is about 50% mercury by weight—are significant sources of mercury exposure for many people. Toxicologists agree that there is no safe level of mercury in the human body, with an average amalgam filling containing 750 to 1,000 mg of mercury.

In my practice, I ask clients about their historical exposure to discern how it may have impacted their overall health, including their mineral patterns, gut health, and genetic predispositions. Mercury can create ongoing trauma within the system, profoundly affecting both physical and mental health. I would also go so far as to say some degree of generational trauma since the use of amalgams started 150 years ago -although many factors play into this I think the impact of mercury in the womb is something we haven’t considered talking about . . . maybe it’s bold of me to say it so see how it lands for you. 

It's essential to consider the amount and duration of exposure, the type of mercury, and the body's detoxification capacity. While my personal mercury exposure was lower, I was still born with a mercury burden due to my mother's health challenges, making me more susceptible to environmental toxins.

The good news is that awareness is growing. Many clients are breaking the cycle of toxicity in their lives to heal and protect their children. Heavy metals, especially mercury, pose the greatest risks during pregnancy and early life when development is critical.

I believe we will see an increase in discussions about heavy metal detoxification and gut health in the coming years. As we recognize their significant impact on our collective health, it’s important to proactively engage with these issues rather than reactively respond to emerging health trends. A healthy nervous system makes conscious choices, not unconscious reactions.

Okay let’s dive in . . . 

Today I just want to give a better understanding of the potential role mercury could play into chronic conditions or toxicities in your body.

I will do an episode in the future about amalgams. What I will say now about amalgams is : don’t rush to get them removed - I don’t encourage this. I think it’s more important to shore up the body and improve endocrine function first and your body could be detoxifying it ok enough to do some prep. I would just make sure you have your dentist check them out to make sure they are not loose or you don’t have any cracks in your teeth around them and such . . . keep an eye on them.

Mercury accumulates in the brain, heart, kidneys and endocrine glands and can cause depression, auto-immune diseases, memory loss, tremors, anemia and heart attacks.
When exposure to mercury stops, most symptoms usually go away; however, effects on the brain and nervous system may be more permanent.

Metabolic health 

Mercury toxicity is quite a serious concern, especially when we think about its effects on our metabolic health. You see, mercury is an accumulative poison, meaning it builds up in the body over time, and that can lead to some significant health issues. One of the main problems is that it interferes with important enzymes that help neutralize free radicals. These free radicals can cause oxidative stress, which damages our cells and can lead to a variety of diseases.

When mercury incapacitates these enzymes, our bodies struggle to defend themselves against this oxidative damage. That’s really where the trouble begins. It doesn’t stop there, though. Mercury also disrupts the function of our mitochondria, which are like the powerhouses of our cells. Mitochondria are responsible for producing ATP, the energy our cells need to function. So, when mercury messes with these little powerhouses, it can lead to decreased energy production. That’s why people exposed to mercury often feel fatigued and find it hard to keep up their usual activity levels.

Another critical factor is glutathione, our body’s primary antioxidant. Mercury exposure can actually lower the levels of glutathione in our cells, reducing our ability to fight off oxidative stress. Without enough glutathione, our bodies become less capable of detoxifying harmful substances, making us more vulnerable to inflammation and damage.

All of this can have a ripple effect on our overall metabolic health. It might contribute to issues like insulin resistance or even obesity, as our metabolic systems struggle to function properly. What’s more, if someone is already mercury toxic, they may find it even harder to deal with other dietary stressors, like glutamate found in many foods, which can further complicate their health.

So, understanding these connections really underscores the importance of keeping an eye on mercury levels in our bodies. Given how it accumulates and the potential long-term health risks, it's crucial to be proactive about minimizing exposure and supporting our metabolic health.

Mental  health & mood

When we talk about mercury and its impact on mental health, it’s hard to overlook its role as a potent neurotoxin. This means that even small amounts of mercury can have significant effects on our brain and nervous system, leading to a range of troubling symptoms. For instance, people exposed to mercury might experience a loss of motor skills, which can manifest as difficulty with coordination or fine movements. This can be incredibly frustrating and can affect daily activities, making even simple tasks feel challenging.

But it doesn’t stop there. Mercury exposure can also lead to behavioral changes, including increased shyness or social withdrawal. This shift in mood can be alarming not just for the individual but for those around them, as it may alter relationships and social dynamics. The emotional and psychological effects can be profound, often leaving individuals feeling isolated or misunderstood.

One of the more insidious effects of mercury is its connection to excitotoxicity. This occurs when there’s an excess of glutamate in the brain, a neurotransmitter that, while important for communication between neurons, can become harmful in excessive amounts. Chronic mercury exposure can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate glutamate levels, leading to a state of excitotoxicity that can damage neurons over time. This is particularly concerning because excitotoxicity is linked to neurodegenerative diseases, conditions that progressively impair cognitive function and can lead to long-term cognitive decline.

As these neurological changes take place, individuals may find their cognitive abilities slipping. This can include difficulties with memory, attention, and overall mental clarity. The consequences of this can be far-reaching, affecting not just personal well-being but also performance at work or school, and overall quality of life.

Understanding the neurotoxic effects of mercury highlights the importance of being aware of potential sources of exposure. It serves as a reminder that protecting our mental health is just as crucial as caring for our physical health. Addressing mercury toxicity can be a key step in reclaiming cognitive function and emotional well-being, paving the way for a healthier, more balanced life.

Mercury disrupts enzyme production, particularly affecting amylase and lactase, which are crucial for digesting starches and dairy. This disruption can lead to food intolerances and leaky gut, as mercury also displaces zinc—essential for digestive enzyme synthesis and liver function. The liver plays a vital role in processing nutrients and secreting bile, and any impairment here can exacerbate digestive issues. Furthermore, mercury alters gut microbiota, resulting in dysbiosis that can influence both physical and mental health. As many people eliminate gluten and dairy in an attempt to alleviate symptoms, it's important to recognize that addressing the root cause of heavy metal toxicity is essential for long-term gut health and overall vitality. Restoring mineral balance and gut health is a complex process that requires time and careful management.

Beyond enzyme disruption, mercury's impact on the gut microbiome is particularly concerning. It can lead to dysbiosis, where the balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria is thrown off, potentially increasing the risk of inflammation and chronic disease. This imbalance can create a cycle of physical and emotional distress, as certain gut bacteria are linked to mood regulation and cognitive function. Additionally, mercury's interference with the body's detoxification pathways can result in the accumulation of toxins, exacerbating symptoms like fatigue and digestive discomfort. Strategies to support gut health, such as incorporating probiotics and prebiotics, alongside addressing mercury exposure, are vital for restoring microbial balance and enhancing overall well-being. Understanding these interconnected effects highlights the importance of a holistic approach to health, focusing on both detoxification and gut restoration for optimal digestion and vitality.

Another important connection to consider is how our gut bacteria communicate with the brain through the vagus nerve, a major nerve that links these systems. When this nerve is cut, it can lead to problems in the brain, such as reduced growth of new brain cells and lower levels of a crucial protein called BDNF, which supports brain health. Research has shown that mercury exposure can disrupt the function of the vagus nerve, affecting this communication. This disruption may contribute to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. This highlights the need to address mercury toxicity not just for better digestion and detoxification, but also for improving our overall mental well-being.

Where to start : What can you do

Keep building the foundations of your health that I’ve talked about repeatedly in all my past episodes and never stop. A  lot of what I am going to suggest will primarily help in reducing the harmful effects that hidden mercury has in your body with some strategies that can help eliminate some - to do this more deeply testing is required and a very specific approach -there is no way we can test for all the hidden mercury or any metal for that matter so we go based on chronic symptoms not resolving or repeat biomarkers not resolving.

I’ll start by walking us through my 7 pillars, primarily focusing on the first 5, along with weaving in the minerals and microbes . . .

Create a more natural light environment for yourself - I’ve talked about this before in past episodes so I’ll keep it brief.

☀ ️Exposure to sunlight and red light can significantly aid our bodies in releasing mercury from storage sites. Sunlight boosts vitamin D production, which is vital for our immune system and detoxification processes. Additionally, both sunlight and red light therapy enhance circulation, allowing for more effective transport of nutrients and waste products, including toxins like mercury.

You can use Red light therapy or try to create a red light environment in your home and avoid unnatural lights and blue lights - this specifically improves mitochondrial function, increasing energy production crucial for detoxification. Both forms of light -sun and other natural light such as fire or red lights also have anti-inflammatory effects, which reduce the body’s overall burden and enhance the functioning of detox organs, such as the liver. Furthermore, natural light helps regulate melatonin levels, which are linked to detoxification during sleep - this is a big deal and likely something that will get more airplay soon - we haven’t been producing this darkness hormone properly in this artificially lit lack of sunlit world. Melatonin is proving to be an even more powerful antioxidant than glutathione -this makes sense when we remember that we are light beings - and light is our number one nutrient. 

These light sources also positively influence our microbiome, essential for digestion and the breakdown of heavy metals like mercury. Adequate sunlight supports gut health by regulating circadian rhythms, promoting better sleep, and reducing stress—factors that contribute to a balanced microbiome. Red light therapy further reduces gut inflammation, creating a healthier environment for beneficial bacteria.

When our microbiome is thriving, it becomes more effective at breaking down and eliminating toxins, including mercury. By supporting our microbiome and overall health with sunlight and red light, we enhance our bodies' ability to detoxify from mercury and other harmful substances.

🚰Spring water
Our water would have once been naturally rich in amazing compounds . . .

Natural mineral-rich water contains several compounds that can help bind to heavy metals, making it easier for our bodies to detoxify. For instance, humic and fulvic acids are often found in these waters. They can form stable complexes with heavy metals, reducing their bioavailability and aiding in their removal.

Minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium also play a role. Calcium can actually compete with metals like lead, potentially lowering their toxicity. Silica, which is present in some mineral waters, can bind to heavy metals and assist in their excretion as well.

Additionally, sulfates found in natural waters can promote detoxification processes by helping convert toxic metals into less harmful forms, facilitating their elimination. Even tannins, which are polyphenolic compounds in some spring waters, can help bind to heavy metals.

Together, these natural compounds in mineral-rich water support our bodies in effectively detoxifying heavy metals like mercury and keeping them from accumulating.

Nowadays people are opting to take a lot of these things separately in addition to their water because it’s no longer present

Also one of the main ways we eliminate mercury is through our urine - the right water plus kidney function is key here. 

🍃The air we breathe and our breathing patterns can significantly impact our ability to detoxify mercury. Fresh, clean air is essential for optimal lung function, which plays a crucial role in the body's detoxification processes. When we breathe in clean air, we enhance oxygen delivery to our cells, including those involved in detoxification.

Oxygen is vital for metabolic processes that help break down toxins, including heavy metals like mercury. Proper oxygenation supports the liver and kidneys—two key organs in detoxifying harmful substances. When our lungs are functioning well, we're better equipped to eliminate waste products and toxins through respiration.

Moreover, deep and mindful breathing can stimulate the lymphatic system, which helps remove toxins from the body. This type of breathing promotes circulation and encourages the flow of lymphatic fluid, aiding in the detoxification process.

On the other hand, exposure to polluted air can hinder our detoxification abilities. Inhalation of toxins and heavy metals from the environment can accumulate in the body, adding to the burden that our detox systems must handle. 

In summary, clean air and effective breathing not only support our overall health but also enhance our body's capacity to detoxify mercury and other harmful substances. Prioritizing fresh air and practicing deep breathing can be beneficial for maintaining our detoxification pathways.

🏃Movement plays a crucial role in helping the body detoxify, especially when it comes to heavy metals like mercury. When you engage in physical activity, your blood circulation improves, which helps transport toxins to the organs that detoxify them, like the liver and kidneys. This means that movement can actually assist in mobilizing heavy metals from your tissues.

One interesting aspect is how movement activates the lymphatic system. This system is essential for removing toxins, and it relies heavily on physical activity to function properly. For example, rebounding on a trampoline really gets things flowing in the lymphatic system, which can help eliminate those toxins more effectively. Plus, when you exercise, you tend to sweat, and some studies suggest that certain heavy metals can be excreted through sweat.

Also, regular movement can boost your metabolism, helping your body break down and eliminate accumulated toxins more efficiently. And let’s not forget the benefits of being outside—getting that sunlight encourages the production of vitamin D, which is important for detoxification, and spending time outdoors naturally promotes more physical activity.

I remember a family that spent a summer rebounding on a trampoline outside. When they retested their hair tissue mineral analyses in the fall, they were surprised to find that they had released a lot of heavy metals. It really seems like their combination of movement and time in the sun along with their mineral protocols made a significant difference!

Also movement helps with bowel movements - our feces is another primary way that the body excretes mercury along with sweat 

🍅The crucial role of food nutrients in combating mercury exposure and aiding the body’s detoxification processes. This is just a quick overview … source the best quality you can and keep paying attention to this piece. 

Avoid Harmful Foods

Start by steering clear of ultra-processed foods, refined sugars, and artificial additives like preservatives and dyes. These can quickly deplete your body’s glutathione levels, which is essential for detoxification. While it might be tough to eliminate these entirely, making strides in this area is absolutely worthwhile!

Focus on a Mineral-Rich Diet

A diet rich in minerals is vital, even though it may seem challenging. That’s why I revamped my "Magic of Magnesium" guide and included it in my starter kit. Magnesium is particularly important for detoxifying mercury because it aids in the production of glutathione—a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes toxins and helps your body eliminate them. Magnesium also supports your nervous system, which can be adversely affected by mercury exposure, and helps reduce oxidative stress.

Daily Salt and Nutrient Intake

Make sure you’re consuming salt daily and getting enough whole food vitamin C, B vitamins, and other antioxidant-rich foods. Aim to eat a colorful variety of fresh, seasonal, and local produce.

Include Iodine-Rich Foods

Incorporate iodine-rich foods into your diet. You can use a nettle seaweed gomasio seasoning or add kelp to dishes like bone broth. While supplementation can be necessary, it should be done carefully and often requires professional supervision.

Understanding Glutathione

Glutathione plays a key role in detoxifying mercury stored in the body. It binds to mercury, making it more water-soluble, which facilitates its elimination through urine or bile. Glutathione also supports liver function—the body’s main detox organ—helping process and excrete heavy metals while protecting cells from oxidative damage.

Support Glutathione Production

To boost glutathione levels, consume sulfur-rich foods like garlic, onions, ginger, and cruciferous vegetables (e.g., kale and broccoli). Include pasture-raised eggs, grass-fed raw dairy (since pasteurization destroys glutathione), and high-fat dairy products. Grass-fed meats, especially organ meats like beef liver, and whey protein are also beneficial.

Increase Fiber Intake

Fiber is essential for detoxification as it enhances bile production, helping to excrete toxins and heavy metals. It binds to toxins in the digestive tract, preventing reabsorption, and promotes a healthy gut microbiome, which supports detox processes. Eating more fiber also nourishes beneficial gut bacteria, which is especially important given the impact of antibiotic overuse on mercury excretion. And it helps us POOP - it acts as a natural binder - binders have risen in popularity of use in the holistic health realm I’ll have more to say on this one in the future in the meantime we all have our work to do on increasing our plant diversity so we can a wide spectrum of functional fibers. 

Thoughtful Supplementation

When it comes to supplements, it’s best to test rather than guess. I recommend consulting a professional like me for personalized advice, but generally, milk thistle, selenium, and zinc can help boost glutathione levels and enhance detoxification. For broader options, you might consider Designs for Health’s Complete Mineral Complex or Eidon Trace Mineral drops. I also recommend RNA reset’s ionic minerals. 

By focusing on nutrient-rich foods and thoughtful supplementation, you can significantly enhance your body’s ability to detoxify mercury and other harmful substances.

👩‍❤️‍👨 How mercury hurts your connections/relationships

I currently have a client who has made significant strides in their mental and emotional health, as well as in overcoming social anxiety, since we began working together. Their journey involved several hair tests, the removal of amalgams, and a strong commitment, but the results have been worth it. And the same is true in How mercury affects YOU being fully YOU. 

Those are just some of things anyone can consider working on to support your body's natural ability to protect your system from any damage done by hidden mercury lurking in your system as well as to start to mobilize and detoxify current exposures and hidden mercury and enhance overall health. Once a solid foundation is established, you can explore deeper assessments to determine if mercury is still currently affecting you.

Get Functional Nutrition Support to Personalize your unique health puzzle

If you’re still struggling with health issues related to mercury, given your health history, and find it challenging to make progress on your own, it may be time to seek additional support. If you're ready to commit to your health, learn more HERE. 

I provide personalized guidance to help my clients take the right actions in the right order for safe detoxification, including mercury removal. To learn more about working with me, visit my website at lydiajoy.me, where you can also find the link in the show notes. I recommend starting with a hair tissue mineral analysis to evaluate your current biochemical status.

Thank you for tuning in! If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a friend, tag me on Instagram, or consider leaving a review on iTunes or your preferred platform