Mercury in Canned Tuna

Question
QUESTION: Hi Tom
I have been eating a lot of canned tuna before I knew that it contained high mercury levels. Although I have stopped doing that, I feel that mercury levels must have built up and am wondering how to get rid of that? Do you have any suggestions?  I would love to hear back from you on this.
Thank you so much.
Amber

ANSWER: Hi Amber,

Great question!

First of all, I am wondering if you're having any symptoms or signs of mercury poisoning? The symptoms of mercury poisoning are enormous but most commonly are neurological (trouble hearing, seeing, muscle weakness), rashes, memory impairment and numerous other symptoms.

If you are having mercury poisoning symptoms then this is something you should take care of as soon as possible. I would get a test (most physicians or natural health practitioners should have one) and see a natural health specialist near you such as a Naturopath or herbal nutritionist for treatment. Make sure you call them first and ask if they have experience helping patients with mercury poisoning.

The basic process of eliminating mercury out of your body is called chelation. If you have serious mercury poisoning, I would do it with the help of someone who is well trained and experienced.

If you do not have mercury poisoning but simply want to reduce the amount of mercury and other heavy metals in your body (we all have it from massive pollution, sea food contamination, dental fillings, etc.) then I would do chelation at home after studying a bit. I would go the herbal route using cilantro and parsley mostly as well as a diet rich in lots of raw, organic fresh raw fruits, vegetables and berries. Juicing or making green smoothies every day will also help.

I hope this helps!

If you'd like more nutrition tips and help, you can get Dr. Candace Corson's Top 5 Nutrition tips at www.AuthenticHealthCoach.com

Wishing you wellness,
Tom

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you Tom for your prompt reply which is very helpful.  No, I don't have any specific symptoms but have noticed a lack of energy and I was wondering if Chelation is necessary or would the mercury dissipate by itself now that I have stopped eating canned tuna?  I have been looking up some of the detox methods suggested online but is it necessary?
Thank you once again.
Amber

Answer
Hi Amber,

That's great that you don't have any symptoms! Tiredness or fatigue could be caused by mercury but much more often by a poor diet (too much processed foods, white sugar, white flour, etc.) or stress and adrenal fatigue. Either way, I believe it's a good idea to do at least some basic mercury chelation using raw foods, and especially parsley and cilantro and green smoothies or juices.

Mercury will accumulate in your body from a variety of sources, not just tuna or other seafood. Mercury and other heavy metals will not leave your body unless your body can eliminate it with the help of natural chemicals and nutrients from raw foods or chelation therapy.

I recommend the gentler (and slower) process of chelation through foods as I believe it is much healthier in the short-term and long-term, as well as a good way to ease yourself into an even healthier lifestyle.

It's not necessary to buy a detox package online or chelation therapy if you have no symptoms. However, it may be a good idea to try a natural cleanse program yourself for general health and detoxification.

Hope that helps!
Tom

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