(NaturalHealth365)  Mercury, commonly used in dental amalgam fillings, is one of the most toxic substances on the planet.  And, although the American Dental Association continues to insist that mercury-based ‘silver’ fillings are safe, natural health experts have long warned that micro-levels of this highly-toxic substance can be released into the body, with grave health consequences.

Disturbing research shows that electromagnetic fields from WiFi – a hazard in their own right – accelerate the release of mercury from fillings, further increasing the threat to health.  This research has some alarming implications – let’s look at how you can protect yourself.

Amalgam fillings set the stage for a ‘biological train wreck,’ according to many holistic healthcare providers

Although exposure to mercury can occur through the environment, vaccines, and contaminated foods, the main source of exposure is dental amalgam fillings – which contain 50 percent elemental mercury.  Mercury vapors, which are tasteless, odorless, and colorless, can be released upon chewing or exposure to hot foods.

And mercury exposure is associated with a mind-boggling list of ills …

For example, chronic mercury exposure has been linked to autism, behavioral problems, metabolic disorders, and neurological problems.  Low-level exposure can even create severe oxidative stress and impair the function of the mitochondria.  Mercury can also destroy the protective myelin sheath that covers the nerves and interfere with detoxification by depleting glutathione, the body’s ‘master antioxidant.’

In addition, mercury exposure decreases stores of the cancer-fighting minerals sulfur and selenium, along with N-acetyl-cysteine and lipoic acid, while increasing LDL cholesterol levels and pro-inflammatory chemicals.

Exposure can also disrupt intestinal flora, contributing to digestive disorders such as “leaky gut.”

Groundbreaking WiFi study is the first of its kind

The research shows that electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs) produced by wireless technologies such as cell phones, laptops, tablets, and microwave ovens can accelerate and intensify mercury release.  The study also suggests that routine medical procedures, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) and X-rays, are other culprits in quickening mercury release.

To conduct the study, researchers placed 20 extracted, mercury-filled human teeth in artificial saliva and exposed 10 of them to 20 minutes of radiofrequency radiation from a standard laptop computer operating at 2.4 GHz.

Researchers then measured the mercury levels in the artificial saliva surrounding the teeth.  They found that the levels in the fluid of the unexposed teeth were .026 milligrams per liter, compared to .056 for the mercury-filled teeth, reflecting a doubling of the mercury release.

The research, published in the Journal of Environmental Health Science and Engineering, was the first to evaluate the effects of WiFi signals on the release of mercury from dental fillings.

Warning: Cell phone use and MRIs put your health at risk

The study built on earlier research evaluating the effects of cell phone and MRI exposure on dental fillings.  In one study, participants were randomly divided into two groups, with one group receiving standard dental restoration work using mercury amalgam.  Both groups were then exposed to 30 minutes of magnetic resonance imaging.

The participants who received dental work had dramatically higher mercury concentrations in their saliva than the control group.

In a secondary phase of the study, which involved participants with no prior history of cell phone use or mercury fillings, researchers found that radiation from several days of cell phone use also accelerated the release of mercury from newly acquired dental fillings.

In a 2014 study published in the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, participants with silver fillings who were exposed to MRIs experienced three days of raised urinary mercury levels compared to a control group.

Natural interventions can help protect against mercury exposure

To minimize the risk of mercury exposure, holistic healthcare providers advise some fairly obvious things, such as avoiding the threat (as much as possible) by getting dental amalgam fillings properly removed by a trained, biological dentist – as soon as possible.  In addition, do your best to avoid excessive exposure to WiFi radiation by having every electronic device you use properly ‘hard-wired’ and ditching the ‘comfort’ of wireless technology.

In addition, it’s a great idea to add probiotic foods to your diet, such as yogurt, or get a high-quality probiotic supplement with live cultures.  These can help restore intestinal microbiota balance, while Brazil nuts and pine nuts can boost stores of zinc and selenium.

Other good choices are organic fruits and vegetables, which are high in carotenoids and protective antioxidants.  Eat foods that promote glutathione production — such as avocados, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli.

Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA, can help protect the brain, nervous system, and kidneys from the effects of mercury.  Using fish oil supplements – opt for a molecularly distilled formulation – can help you get the benefits of DHA while bypassing the risk of mercury accumulation in fish.

Finally, R-alpha lipoic acid helps protect against oxidative stress while also helping to preserve glutathione, two important parameters in protecting against mercury toxicity.  Studies have shown that taking lipoic acid before mercury exposure can reduce toxic effects.

Finally, when it comes to the ‘safer’ use of your cell phone, use texting instead of calling, and don’t carry or store a cell phone near or on your body.  Naturally, avoiding exposure to EMFs is particularly important if you are pregnant, as unborn children are the most susceptible to mercury exposure.

Editor’s note: Discover the best ways to eliminate the threat of poor dental health, own the Holistic Oral Health Summit created by NaturalHealth365 Programs.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
WellnessResources.com
NIH.gov
NIH.gov
NIH.gov