Mercury detoxification: Information to know

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Vu Huu Thang - Emergency Resuscitation Doctor - Emergency Resuscitation Department - Vinmec Ha Long International Hospital
Mercury detoxification is the process of removing mercury from your body. In addition to using medicine to detoxify mercury, you can also use other home remedies under the guidance of a medical professional to remove mercury from your body.

1. How toxic is mercury?

Mercury is a heavy metal that occurs naturally in the environment. Mercury is used in a wide range of industrial products, from thermometers to light switches. Some products containing mercury can be toxic to humans.
A study has shown that inhalation of elemental mercury vapor is more likely to lead to serious complications than swallowing or touching because it is very poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
However, the stomach readily absorbs another type of mercury called methyl mercury, which can enter the body through the skin. Methyl mercury is found in foods such as fish and seafood.
Ethyl mercury occurs when the body breaks down thimerosal. Mercury Thimerosal is the most widely used preservative in vaccines.
Thimerosal is used as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial agent. It is safely used in large amounts. It is possible to remove this mercury faster than methyl mercury.
Mercury is also found in: air; country; food; in industrial zones; land; fillings; thermometer; light bulb; tobacco and tobacco smoke; old paint; battery...
Mercury poisoning can lead to a wide range of symptoms. These symptoms appear when mercury builds up in your body over a long period of time. When you are exposed to large amounts of mercury, symptoms can also appear suddenly.
Mercury poisoning appears with some symptoms including: fatigue; cheerless; headache; cough; chest pain or burning sensation; shortness of breath; inflammation of the lung tissue; behavior changes such as: irritable or excitable; lack of concentration; memory loss; itchy; loss of sensation; nausea; vomit; diarrhea...
In case of severe poisoning you may experience the following symptoms:
Chronic infection Visual disturbances Insomnia Paralysis

2. How to check the mercury level?

Several mercury poisoning tests are used to check the level of mercury in the body, including:
Blood tests: a blood test that shows whether you have been exposed to mercury in the past days. However, blood levels of some types of mercury drop rapidly within three to five days. Urine test: over a period of several months, the level of mercury in the urine also decreases. Hair tests: Hair tests can show signs of long-term mercury exposure. If you want to get your mercury levels checked, tell your doctor about how long you've been exposed to mercury sources and any unusual symptoms you're experiencing.
Based on time of exposure as well as symptoms, your doctor will determine if you should perform a blood, urine or hair test that will have the best effect.

3. When to detox from mercury?

A blood mercury level of 0-9 ng/mL is normal. Between 10-15 ng/mL indicates mild mercury exposure. If your blood mercury level is above 50 ng/mL, you have been exposed to high levels of organic mercury. Mercury exposure levels can vary based on the type of mercury involved.
Mercury detox is required when your blood mercury level rises above 15 ng/mL. The kidneys and liver are two organs responsible for filtering harmful substances out of the body. If the function of the liver or kidneys is impaired, it will directly affect the detoxification process. The human body's natural detoxification system is very effective at removing toxins including mercury through urine and feces.
However, when the mercury content is high, it can exceed the working capacity of the liver and kidneys, causing the liver and kidneys to overwork. If blood mercury levels of up to 50 ng/mL can cause significant toxicity in your body, you need to detox the mercury.

4. Mercury Detoxification

Patients with mercury poisoning should not induce vomiting or gastric lavage because of the risk of gastric perforation and esophageal perforation. Do not use activated charcoal for detoxification because it does not absorb mercury.
If you have inorganic mercury poisoning, your doctor will administer fluids to prevent cardiovascular collapse. In addition, you will be intubated to prevent respiratory obstruction if the lining of the oropharynx is damaged. The patient must take a specific antidote immediately if there are symptoms of conversion of organic to inorganic mercury in the body.
For households living around mercury-dispersed areas, it is necessary to be cautious, implement personal hygiene measures as recommended by the Ministry of Health. When you see any abnormal signs in your body, you should immediately go to a medical facility for examination and treatment.
Besides, you can also detox yourself with some of the following ways:
Eat a lot of fiber: the body naturally eliminates mercury and other harmful substances through feces. Eating more fiber helps them move more easily through the digestive tract, leading to more bowel movements. Drink plenty of water: Mercury is also eliminated in the urine, so drinking extra water can help speed up the detoxification process. Avoid contact: The best way to get rid of mercury in the body is to avoid its sources of infection whenever you can. As your exposure decreases, the level of mercury in your body will also decrease. If you have very high levels of mercury in your system, a home detox may not work as well. Mercury poisoning can lead to long-term complications, so it's important to talk to your doctor about your condition to make sure your blood mercury levels return to a safe range. .

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Reference source: healthline.com