Metal Toxicity - Hidden Danger

I had my blood drawn recently to take a look at my overall health. What we found among the wreckage was not a complete surprise, but surely my blood held definite answers to what I already expected: I had a heavy metal toxicity. I have high levels of Mercury and Arsenic in my body. Oh joy.

As you read this you may be thinking, "Gee, that sucks for you, glad I'm OK". Well, you could be dead wrong. In fact, I would venture to say that a good majority of the general population has this very same issue, if not worse in some instances and instead of being treated properly, they are told that they are hypochondriacs or are given metal-laced, disease-inducing drugs that only put a band-aid on the symptoms.

In an effort to keep my rant short on the subject, I went forward with what I like to do best and present facts and the research behind them. I found several science studies and they, being scattered and dry, were not for optimal reading, therefore, you will find a lot of these links are to highly regarded sources which have their own back-up research resources as well as great information regarding each topic.

Common Symptoms of Heavy Metal toxicity:

• Headaches
• Sensitivity to Nickel-containing jewelry
• Hearing Loss
• Impared Concentration
• Personality Changes
• Loss of feeling (especially in fingertips)
• High blood pressure
• Fatigue
• Muscle pain
• Joint pain
• Digestive problems
• Constipation
• Brain fog
• Hormone imbalance
• Depression
• Mesothelioma & Lung Cancer
• Autism  (2005 Autism Research Institute Study)
• Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Kidney Disease
• Auto-Immune Diseases

Contaminants:

Radiation Exposure
Cookware (pots and pans)
Tap Water (Lead)
Metal Dental Amalgams (Mercury)
Dental Implants
Popular Protein Powders:
Johnson & Johnson - "Tylenol" brand childrens' products
Common plastics
Chinese Manufactured Children's Jewelry
Some Balsamic Vinegars
Thimerosal (Mercury) in children's vaccines
GMO Crops 

Hydrogenated Oils

Large Ocean-dwelling Fish and Sea Mammals 
Household products, including:

• Paint
• Crystal
• Pewter
• Glazed pottery
• Garden herbicides and pesticides

Treatments:

Detoxification
Chelation Therapy
Hyperbaric Pressure Chamber
Selenium
Chlorophyll
Brown Seaweed
Iodine
Clay
The "Top Ten Natural Ways to Remove Heavy Metals":

• Bentonite Clay
• Bladderwrack
• Blue Green Algae
• Burdock Root
• Cilantro
• Garlic
• Glutathione
• Onion
• Selenium

Currently, I am utilizing Chlorophyll, given to me by my doctor, as well as other 'detoxing' methods with the use of Bentonite Clay. I have a long path ahead of me, but I know it's absolutely necessary for optimal health. My personal belief, after long bouts of research, is that general toxicity, including metal toxicity and poor gut health, due to negative environmental and dietary factors, can be traced to numerous painful and deadly diseases. Can some of these be genetic? I believe that genetics play a role to advanced susceptibility, yes. Can these genes by re-trained or by-passed? Well, my friends, the human body is a wondrous thing and I think the answer may shock and/ or surprise you.

I suggest that you discuss all concerns with your doctor, take a blood test, take advanced measures to eliminate harmful environmental and dietary factors from your daily routine for prevention and take the necessary steps toward a full metal and toxin detox. If you are serious about becoming or staying well, it is not an easy road, but one that will be most rewarding in the end.

Hydrogen Peroxide Therapy

Based on my initial research (compiled from others' research compiled from various scientific sources) let's look at some basic scientific statistics that both Doctors and scientists have found out about, Hydrogen Peroxide and its affect within the human body. 

(Click here for the free eBook on "The Truth About Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide" 

& Click here for what a Doctor has to say)

Hydrogen Peroxide and its affect within the human body:

• A naturally produced, purposeful molecule in the body.
• Functions to aid membrane transport
• "An essential metabolite, meaning that it is necessary to life's process"
• Involved in protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism
• Acts like insulin in that it aids the transport of sugar through the body
• Regulates thermogenesis (heat production via the thyroid, as it creates "Intraceullar Thermogenesis", ie, a warming of your cells)
• Acts as a hormonal messenger
• Stimulates and regulates immune functions
• Regulates energy production 

Vitamin C promotes Hydrogen Peroxide to oxidize foreign invaders in the body, by producing 'Hydroxyl Radicals", which kills (this process is called 'phagocytosis') such invaders as parasites, viruses, bacteria, yeast/ fungi, etc.

Possible uses for:

• Growing better food
  
• Purifying water without chlorine complications
  
• Increasing thyroid activity
• Hyper-oxygenation could help the body purge heavy metals, chemicals, and toxins
• Enhancing the body's ability to utilize vitamins, minerals, and amino acids from the food we eat

Physicians have independently discovered such treatments to be effective against:

• Some types of cancer*
• Emphysema
• Depression
  
• Leukemia
  
• Arthritis
  
• Coronary heart disease
  
• Arterial circulation disorders
  
• Colitis
  
• Gum diseases
  
• Assorted childrens' diseases
• Temporal Arteritis
  
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,
  
• The Yeast Syndrome (candida),
  
• Various Viral Infections & Auto-Immune related diseases
  
• Shingles
  
• Multiple Sclerosis
  
• Lupus Erythematosis
  
• AIDS
• Dental gum diseases
  
• Colds (35% H2O2 in cold humidifier)

    * According to the American Cancer Society: 

"there is no scientific evidence that Hydrogen Peroxide is a safe, effective or useful cancer treatment".
More Information on the uses of Hydrogen Peroxide are available from 

Educational Concern for Hydrogen Peroxide (ECHO), 

PO Box 126, Delano, MN 55328 @ (813) 597-4111 or (606) 635-9297. 

 

Now, before I proceed with any suggestions regarding how to utilize Hydrogen Peroxide, whether it be topical or internal, I need to inform you as to some basics.

1. There are two methods of administering hydrogen peroxide: Orally or Intravenously.
   
• Intravenously. This method, of course, should only be through an approved medical practitioner, specializing in this treatment process (see end notes below).
• Orally. From what I gather, this has been used successfully throughout the past 70 years (if not more), without ill effect, as long as the suggested amount of dilution is properly adhered to. Too much ingested at the start of an 'Oral Hydrogen Peroxide Therapy' treatment has been known to cause nausea.
  
2. There are two 'common' forms of the H202 solution for the treatments and uses stated in this post, which may be easily found for purchase in the US.
1. 3%. This is your common dilution, found at most drug-stores. This solution, however, has been known to contain potentially harmful additives that would be ill-advised for oral consumption. Use this for external/ topical methodologies and household uses.
2. 35%  'Food Grade'. This dilution does not contain the harmful 'stabilizers/ additives' like most 3% solutions contain. Following proper dilution instructions can assist you in preparing a 'Food Grade' dilution of 3%.
   

Suggested Uses (using 3% H2O2 solution):

• In the House
• Laundry: Add 8 ozs. to your wash in place of bleaches.
  
• House and garden plants: Put 1 oz. in 1 quart of water. Water or mist plants with this solution.
• Sprouting seeds: Add 1 oz. to a pint of water and soak the seeds overnight. Add the same amount of hydrogen peroxide each time you rinse the seeds.
  
• Pets: For small animals (dogs & cats) use 1 oz. to 1 qt. of water.
• Nasal Spray: Mix 1 Tablespoon of 3.5% hydrogen peroxide with 8 oz. (1 Cup) of distilled water. Use 2-3 squirts of nasal spray when you start experiencing congestion.
  
• In the Kitchen
  
• Vegetable soak: Add 1/4 cup to a full sink of cold water. Soak light-skinned (like lettuce) 20 minutes, thicker skinned (like cucumbers) 30 minutes. Drain, dry and refrigerate. Prolongs freshness. If time is a problem, spray vegetables (and fruits) with a solution of 3%. Let stand for a few minutes, rinse and dry.
• To freshen kitchen: Keep a spray bottle in the kitchen. Use it to wipe off counter tops and appliances. It will disinfect and give the kitchen a fresh smell. Works great in the refrigerator and kid's school lunch boxes.
• In the Bathroom
  
• Facial: Use on a cotton ball as a facial freshener after washing. (Remember: do not use 35% grade!)
• Rejuvenating detoxifying bath: Add 6 ozs. to 1/2 tub of water. May increase hydrogen peroxide up to 2 cups per bath. Soak at least 1/2 hour.
• Or, add 1/2 cup 35% H2O2 , 1/2 cup sea salt, and 1/2 cup baking soda or epsom salts to bath water and soak.
• Foot soak: Add 1-1/2 ozs. 35% H2O2 to 1 gallon water and soak.
• Athlete's foot: Soak feet nightly until condition is improved.
• For the Mouth
  
• Mouthwash After brushing teeth and tongue, swish H2O2 in mouth for a couple of minutes and then gargle with it, then spit out and rinse. If pain occurs, spit out and try on the following days, etc. Do not attempt with sores in mouth. May also reverse tooth sensitivity. Convert  35% food grade H2O2 to get 3% hydrogen peroxide by  adding 1 tablespoon of 35% H2O2 to 11 tablespoons of distilled non-chlorinated water (1:11 ratio).
  
• Toothpaste: Use baking soda and add enough 3% H202 to make a paste. Or just dip your brush in it and brush.
• Shower: Keep a spray bottle of hydrogen peroxide in the shower. Spray your body after washing to replace the acid mantle of your skin that soap removes.
• For Oral H2O2 treatment, visit "Drink H2O2.com" and the "Drinking Hydrogen Peroxide" section for further information and details, as well as a this compilation from "ECHO" and their usage, warnings and general guidelines.

    ** Hydrogen peroxide is being used intravenously and intra-arterially by doctors in the United States and foreign countries. The International Bio-Oxidative Medicine Foundation supports clinical research in Hydrogen Peroxide Therapy. To find a doctor near you call (405) 478-4266 or write to The International Bio-Oxidative Medicine Foundation, P.O. Box 13205, Oklahoma City, OK 73113.

Of course, "Snopes" has called all of this as 'dangerous' and 'bogus' (to paraphrase), so believe whatever you choose to believe. Personally, I've found a lot of so-called 'dangerous' or 'bogus' all-natural therapies to be completely real and safe, when sites like 'Snopes' only like to 'poo-poo' such 'weird' or 'different' therapies. Of course, the mention of someone dying once, whatever be the full cause, will make everyone point their fingers. Hey, not only 10 years ago, my Idaho Gynecologist refused to perform a water-birth for the delivery of my son, claiming "One dead baby is enough for me to say no!".

***FDA Required Disclaimer: No claims are made regarding the therapeutic use of any therapies.***

These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This web site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a qualified licensed professional. This site provides medical information and alternative medical options. In no way, should anyone consider the information on this website, representing the"practice of medicine". This site assumes no responsibility for how this material is used. This website frequently updates its contents, due to a variety of reasons. The statements regarding alternative treatments for cancer have not been evaluated by the FDA.

Oil Pulling - Myth, mystery, bunk? UPDATE

I took a picture of my Eczema, on Monday, in order to accurately document my 'ailment' and the possible affect any of my experiments may have on it. As you can see, it's not too bad at the moment.

What you can see at the top of the 2nd picture is close to my ankle, where the nasty little outbreak occurred, some 9+ years ago (thank you pregnancy). The rest 'crawled' its way to my shin and then some patches developed on my right leg (thank you 2nd pregnancy), but those are now pretty dormant as well.

These have been under control for the past month or so, so no remarkable changes have occurred since my 1st Oil Pulling day. I just want to see the dry/ rough patches completely vanish somehow...so follow along whilst I investigate all experimental methods for eradicating this nasty skin condition.

Updates to my current ailments:

1. Eczema. Like I stated above, no noticeable changes.

2. Acne. Nothing really new to report, no new breakouts, so that's good.

3. Colon Health. The next day after my initial pull, I did notice a great 'movement', which may or may not be attributed to this.

4. Weight loss. I am down 2 lbs since Friday and that's with one crappy meal and a stiff drink over the weekend, along with very few workouts (with the exception of weight lifting on Monday and a cardio (HIIT) session today. I wasn't able to lose anything this past month, even when I was being strict, so I just slacked off. I have been eating, however, lots of good fats, proteins and veggies, with my carbs in the form of mostly fruit and a few whole grains here and there, but no measuring or calorie counting, just eating when hungry. Do I count those two lbs then? Hmmm...probably not, since you just never know WHAT triggered it, but I'm not complaining. In fact, I was really surprised to see the loss considering my slacking off lately. Only time will tell!

5. Lethargy. I'm tired, but that's to be expected when you get less than 5 hrs of sleep every night. In order for my experimentats to work, I need to keep a consistency, so I shall attempt 7 - 8 hr sleep cycles. This only gives me 1 1/2 hrs without children, but alas, it must be done!

6. Nails. Nothing new to report.

7. Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome & Tennis Elbow/ Tendonitis. Nothing new to report.

8. Tooth Decay. Since this hardly ever bothers me, I must say that there is nothing new to report here as well.

That's all for today! Only time will tell. Should I continue this experiment daily for longer than a week?

Feel free to leave comments.

Cio!

Oil Pulling - Myth, mystery, bunk?

Greetings from my bipolar weather front that is the Seattle, WA area!

I thought I'd start my blog off with a new Ayurvedic method (or at least pretty new to me), called Oil Pulling.

I initially thought it was a crock when I first heard of it, but, like most things that seem to have a high amount of positive feedback in the ayurvedic/ homeopathic/ all-natural healing world, I went ahead and did some research on the origination of, the application of and the results of this strange, yet interesting method of pulling toxins from the body.

If you need basic information on this method, please click on post title above to see what it's all about.

I personally, have done some very minor experimenting with this one and when I did, here were my initial personal experiences:

* Teeth did indeed feel cleaner, like I just got back from the Dental Hygienist.

* All 3 times that I completed this 'remedy', I started with an inkling of a sore throat and all 3 times, the sore throat immediately vanished within 5 minutes of practicing this application.

Were my teeth whiter? Possibly, I cannot be sure. Did I have any loosening of diseased teeth or anchoring of wiggly teeth? No, thank goodness that whatever teeth I do have are not currently diseased, that I know of, and so, are fully stabilized within their anchored regions.

I completed my most recent 'experimentation' of this 'application' this morning, on my way to the gym, and will continue to do so for the next week and perhaps even longer. I brought all necessary items with me to work today, so that I could apply the experimentation throughout the day. My lovely tummy, however, does not like to go without food for longer than 3 hrs and I am supposed to give a 4 hr window between drinks and meals for the application to work correctly. Sigh. Oh well, such is the usual application of any method having to do with the removal of toxins.

Let me post my current 'ailments' and my hope in this experimental application for possibly easing, elevating and/ or healing them altogether:

1. Eczema. I can get this lovely crud down to a minimum if I'm being a REALLY good girl and not eating processed foods and my colon is healthy, but it ALWAYS comes back and never leaves permanently.

2. Acne. Ditto on this regarding the previous comments made on my eczema. Obviously, I am toxic since Eczema and acne are signs of toxicity.

3. Colon Health. You will hear me talk about this numerous times, so if it makes you squeamish, this is not the blog for you! The size, consistency, color, frequency, etc, are all MAJOR indications of your body's health. My colon's 'health' has been teetering back and forth this past year or so and it is always accompanied with my acne and eczema. From what I've been told, these all go hand-in-hand and from my experiences, I believe it.

4. Weight-loss. I can lose weight and used to lose it rather quickly, however, when the first three previously-mentioned issues are prevalent, I cannot effectively lose weight (if you’re not pooping, you’re not losing!!!).

5. Lethargy. Since I’ve been working out, eating ‘clean’ (very few processed foods), I have a higher energy level than ever, but I think I might benefit from more energy.

6. Nails. They say that your overall health can be measured by the health of your nails and hair. This is scary, since all I’ve EVER known are weak, splitting, thin, brittle nails. I think I need more calcium and I will explore this in another post/ experimentation, at a later time.

7. Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome and Tennis Elbow/ Tendonitis. Since both of these have to do with joints, either having to do with the tendon or the cartilage of a joint, I went ahead and lumped them together. Most of Western Medicine believes that problems like this cannot be fixed naturally, however, I know the power of the mind and body and I wouldn’t be surprised in the possibility of re-growing cartilage and/ or reconstructing/ repairing a tendon.

8. Tooth Decay. I lied. I think I do have one tooth that has some amount of decay, but no one can ever really pinpoint whether or not it truly is diseased. It happens to be the first tooth that I had a root canal on when I was 18, however, both doctors (one started the root canal, the other ‘finished’ it), were (apparently) unable to extract and effectively kill all pathogens, thus a slightly achy tooth (VERY rarely). 15 years have gone by and it’s still strongly anchored in my mouth and not bothersome much, so I am slightly aware of the condition, however I am very interested in remedying the issue on my own.

That’s it! I meant for this post to be short, but alas, I am long-winded and thus am full of hot air (psychologists determined that women need to get at least 20,000 words out a day, in comparison to men’s meager amount…I think it’s below a couple hundred…but does it matter? ;-)

I will post more on my methodology and results throughout the week.

TTFN!