Chlorella, Nature’s Mercury Magnet

By Dr. Linda Kennedy

Historically mercury was believed to have medicinal properties and in the 19th century was widely used to treat syphilis. However mercury is toxic to humans and its effects on the body can be clearly observed, with the severity of the effect increasing with higher dosage. Exposure to mercury may come from a variety of sources, but one of the most common is through amalgam dental fillings.

Amalgams are made of 50% mercury and 35% silver, as well as containing tin, copper, and traces of zinc. A single amalgam filling of 0.4cm2 is estimated to release up to 15 micrograms of mercury per day, through evaporation and abraded particles. Chewing food and gum, brushing teeth and consuming hot beverages all stimulate the release of lipid soluble mercury vapor, which is readily absorbed into cell membranes and can even cross the blood brain barrier.

Another major source of mercury contamination is the consumption of certain types of fish. King mackerel, shark, swordfish and tilefish all carry extremely high levels of mercury, with salmon, shrimp and light tinned tuna containing slightly lower levels. Other sources of mercury include immunizations, which may particularly affect young children, and dietary supplements, particularly those that have been manufactured in Asia.

Industrial and commercial use of mercury is regulated in most countries, along with its environmental release and disposal. This helps to reduce potential exposure to this toxic heavy metal.

Mercury can be inhaled as well as being absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes. It particularly affects the central nervous system (CNS), causing psychological, immunological, and neurological problems in humans.

Signs and symptoms of mercury toxicity

Mercury is strongly attracted to the sulfhydryls and will bind with any molecule that has sulfur or a sulfur-hydrogen combination in its structure. This may change the selective permeability of the cell membrane, blocking membrane transport or, in the case of red blood cells, increasing membrane permeability, leading to red blood cell death. It also depresses activity in the liver, kidneys, testes and erythrocytes.

Mercury also binds to rubidium and selenium, which can cause a proliferation of free radical cellular damage. It is estimated that mercury has a half-life of approximately three days in blood, and up to 90 days in body tissues. It is usually excreted in the feces, however individuals that have a reduced number of intestinal flora due to stress, poor diet or use of antibiotics, will recirculate the mercury back through the liver, maintaining a higher body burden of this toxic heavy metal.

Chlorella is a waterborne microorganism with cleansing and detoxifying properties. It is an alga and eukaryote, with a nuclear membrane and a cell wall comprised of three layers. The middle layer is the thickest, containing cellulose microfibrils, while the outer layer is a polymerized carotenoid material. The human digestive tract is unable to break through this outer layer, so commercially produced chlorella is subjected to pulverization that breaks the cell wall without destroying its contents.

This is important as the outer layer of chlorella binds to heavy metals, pesticides and toxins and carries them out of the body. In vitro research, as well as animal testing has shown that the cell wall of chlorella will bind to toxic heavy metals such as mercury and will accelerate the detoxification process. It is understood that chlorella will bind to mercury, preventing its absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, as well as promoting its excretion. It can also benefit the body as a nutritional supplement as it contains amino acids, peptides, proteins, vitamins, glyconutrients, and nucleic acids. Taking chlorella as a long-term supplement may help to eliminate mercury toxicity in the body, however always consult your physician first.

About the author: Dr. Kennedy has a solid education background sporting degrees in both organic chemistry and cellular biology. She has a graduate degree in Neuro Rehab Science and a PhD in nutrition. She currently owns a state of the art nutritional laboratory where she produces targeted and non-synthetic suplements for both her patients and clients.

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