Filter the water that you drink and cook with. Any filtration is better than no filtration. You can get really bogged down trying to find the "right" filtration system. There are filters you can connect to your kitchen faucet. There are pitchers that filter water. There are reverse osmosis systems you can connect to your plumbing. The options are endless.

Zeolite Clinoptilolite safely and slowly removes arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, nickel, and others. ​​If you are taking medications, consult your doctor before adding supplements. Zeolite can block the absorption of other medications. Zeolite should be taken at least two hours after other medications. This gives your body the chance to absorb your medications. 

• ​Zeolite can have harmful interactions with other medications. Including, but not limited to:
• Chemotherapy drugs
• Antibiotics or drugs that contain iron
• Transplant patient drugs
• Drugs that suppress the immune system

Only take Clinoptilolite Zeolite. Other types of Zeolite are not good for you.

ZEOLITE CLINOPTILOLITE: THERAPEUTIC VIRTUES OF AN ANCIENT MINERAL

The physical–chemical properties of  zeolite clinoptilolite (ZC) are essential for the absorbing characteristics or ion-exchange, and therefore, for its therapeutic potential. Preclinical research on zeolites was not aimed at finding a new drug, but a food supplement that can improve lifestyle and be combined with traditional pharmacological treatment. In fact, recent evidenced suggested a promising detoxifying role of ZC in the removal of toxic metabolites produced by drugs chronically administered during chemotherapy, diabetes, or cardiovascular diseases.
​
Mastinu, Andrea et al. “Zeolite Clinoptilolite: Therapeutic Virtues of an Ancient Mineral.” Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 24,8 1517. 17 Apr. 2019, doi:10.3390/molecules24081517

CRITICAL REVIEW ON ZEOLITE CLINOPTILOLITE SAFETY AND MEDICAL APPLICATIONS IN VIVO

In agreement with the scientific evidence presented in the literature so far, it can be generally stated that zeolite clinoptilolite-based materials, including the so-called activated materials, may be regarded as safe for in vivo consumption. A variety of highly positive effects on animal and human health were documented thus far for zeolite clinoptilolite-based materials. 

​Kraljević Pavelić, Sandra et al. “Critical Review on Zeolite Clinoptilolite Safety and Medical Applications in vivo.” Frontiers in pharmacology vol. 9 1350. 27 Nov. 2018, doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.01350

TIMING OF ZEOLITE WITH OTHER MEDS
​
People who are taking medications at the same time should ensure that there is a time interval of two hours between the medications and the zeolite preparation. Unless otherwise prescribed, the medications should be taken before the clinoptilolite zeolite.

Biogena: Welcome to Yourself: Zeolite & Medications
https://biogena.com/en/knowledge/guide/zeolite_bba_82061

ZEOLITE DRUG INTERACTIONS
​
​You are taking any medications: Zeolites can bind with other substances and may neutralize stomach acid, causing your medications not to be properly absorbed or to be less effective.
You are a transplant patient and/or taking drugs to suppress the immune system: Zeolites may cause rejection.
You are using chemotherapy drugs: Zeolites have antioxidant effects and may interfere with the actions of chemo drugs.
You are using antibiotics or drugs that contain iron: Zeolites may decrease their effectiveness.
​
Zeolite: Purported Benefits, Side Effects & More
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

ADSORPTION OF HEAVY METALS ON NATURAL ZEOLITES: A REVIEW

Clinoptilolite Zeolite is the most applied natural zeolite to remove heavy metals. It is effective in removing Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium,Lead, Mercury, and Nickel.
​
Velarde, Lisbania et al. “Adsorption of heavy metals on natural zeolites: A review.” Chemosphere vol. 328 (2023): 138508. doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138508

POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF NUTRACEUTICALS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SOME NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS IN NIGERIAN CHILDREN
 
In all the cases managed at the Brain Foundation described in this report, we added nutraceutical agents to the therapy of the children. These cases suggest beneficial effects in these children and we believe the use of nutraceuticals described deserves further evaluation nationwide. The cases point to the probable efficacy of nutraceuticals in the management of the described neurodevelopmental disorders in children. In 5 of the 9 cases the nutraceuticals included zeolite.
​
Ajibade, A D. “POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF NUTRACEUTICALS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SOME NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS IN NIGERIAN CHILDREN.” Annals of Ibadan postgraduate medicine vol. 16,2 (2018): 142-149.

THE LONG-TERM ALGAE EXTRACT (CHLORELLA AND FUCUS SP) AND AMINOSULPHURATE SUPPLEMENTATION MODULATE SOD-1 ACTIVITY AND DECREASE HEAVY METALS (HG++,SN) LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH LONG-TERM DENTAL TITANIUM IMPLANTS AND AMALGAM FILLINGS RESTORATIONS

The aminosulphurates and Chlorella and Fucus sp algae supplementation enhanced detoxification of heavy metals by reducing Mercury++, Silver, Tin, and Lead levels in patients with long-term dental amalgam filling and titanium implants.

Merino, José Joaquín et al. “The Long-Term Algae Extract (Chlorella and Fucus sp) and Aminosulphurate Supplementation Modulate SOD-1 Activity and Decrease Heavy Metals (Hg++, Sn) Levels in Patients with Long-Term Dental Titanium Implants and Amalgam Fillings Restorations.” Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 8,4 101. 16 Apr. 2019, doi:10.3390/antiox8040101

Chelation is the process of adding something to your body that absorbs and/or adsorbs toxins and then is flushed out in your urine. Use caution here to make sure that any chelators you use only remove toxins and not trace elements that your body needs to function.

CHELATION: HARNESSING AND ENHANCING HEAVY METAL DETOXIFICATION--A REVIEW

Toxic metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury are ubiquitous, have no beneficial role in human homeostasis, and contribute to noncommunicable chronic diseases. While novel drug targets for chronic disease are eagerly sought, potentially helpful agents that aid in detoxification of toxic elements, chelators, have largely been restricted to overt acute poisoning. Chelation, that is multiple coordination bonds between organic molecules and metals, is very common in the body and at the heart of enzymes with a metal cofactor such as copper or zinc.
​
Sears, Margaret E. “Chelation: harnessing and enhancing heavy metal detoxification--a review.” TheScientificWorldJournal vol. 2013 219840. 18 Apr. 2013, doi:10.1155/2013/219840

POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF NUTRACEUTICALS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SOME NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS IN NIGERIAN CHILDREN

In all the cases managed at the Brain Foundation described in this report, we added nutraceutical agents to the therapy of the children. These cases suggest beneficial effects in these children and we believe the use of nutraceuticals described deserves further evaluation nationwide. The cases point to the probable efficacy of nutraceuticals in the management of the described neurodevelopmental disorders in children. In 5 of the 9 cases the nutraceuticals included zeolite.
​
Ajibade, A D. “POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF NUTRACEUTICALS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SOME NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS IN NIGERIAN CHILDREN.” Annals of Ibadan postgraduate medicine vol. 16,2 (2018): 142-149.

We remove toxins when we sweat. We remove more during activity than just sweating in a sauna. Some toxins may be more easily removed through sweat vs. blood or urine.

EXCRETION OF Ni, Pb, Cu, As, AND Hg IN SWEAT UNDER TWO SWEATING CONDITIONS
​
​Physiologists have long regarded sweating as an effective and safe means of detoxification, and heavy metals are excreted through sweat to reduce the levels of such metals in the body. The results demonstrated that the sweating method influenced the excretion of heavy metals in sweat and, as hypothesized, the concentrations of Ni, Pb, Cu, and As were significantly higher during dynamic running than during sitting in the sauna.

Kuan, Wen-Hui et al. “Excretion of Ni, Pb, Cu, As, and Hg in Sweat under Two Sweating Conditions.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 19,7 4323. 4 Apr. 2022, doi:10.3390/ijerph19074323

Chelators like zeolite clinoptilolite or chlorella bind with the toxins and then they leave the body when you urinate. So it is important to stay hydrated. A little bit all day long keeps you more consistently hydrated than a ton of water all at once.

CRITICAL REVIEW ON ZEOLITE CLINOPTILOLITE SAFETY AND MEDICAL APPLICATIONS IN VIVO

In this study, the daily intake of activated clinoptilolite suspension was effective in removal of toxic heavy metals from the body via urine. Urine is, indeed, important in elimination of lead released from the bones or body compartments, i.e., in chelation therapy where upon quenching of lead from different sites of the body it is expelled through urine. 
​
Kraljević Pavelić, Sandra et al. “Critical Review on Zeolite Clinoptilolite Safety and Medical Applications in vivo.” Frontiers in pharmacology vol. 9 1350. 27 Nov. 2018, doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.01350

Vaccines sure are a sticky wicket. But in case you weren't aware there are a lot of vaccine schedules that allow for your children to be fully vaccinated. We all know the CDC version. The Dr. Bob Sears version has been around for a while now. Some vaccines still have thimerosal, aluminum, and/or formaldehyde in them. In the US it is only the multi-dose bottles that contain thimerosol. There is a lot of debate out there regarding the safety of vaccines and I am not going to get into that. Below I've laid out another option below that is worth a look.

Heavy metal is a broad term that describes a group of naturally occurring metallic elements of high molecular weight and density compared to water. At low concentrations, certain heavy metals, such as iron, zinc, copper, and manganese, are essential for human survival but can become toxic agents at higher concentrations. Other heavy metals, such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, thallium, and mercury, serve no biological role. However, they will inevitably enter the human body due to their presence in the environment. Similarly to essential metals, they induce toxicity once specific concentrations are reached.
​
Fisher, Richard M. and Vikas Gupta. “Heavy Metals.” StatPearls, StatPearls Publishing, 27 February 2024.

Parboiling rice decreases the amount of arsenic in rice without reducing the micronutrients.
To do this you:
1. Boil a pot of water
2. Add rice
3. Boil for 5 minutes
4. Drain out water
5. Add fresh water
6. Cook rice on a lower heat to absorb all the water
If you cook your rice in an instant pot or rice cooker, you may want to do the parboiling in a pot on your cooktop. Putting the rice in a fine mesh steamer basket can make quick work of draining your rice.

ASARCO operated a smelter in Point Defiance Tacoma that pumped heavy metals like arsenic and lead up into our air. From 1888 to 1985 the toxic plume deposited toxins in the Puget Sound area soil and water.

​The Department of Ecology is still testing yards and and replacing yards in qualified areas. However, in order for your property to qualify for soil work it needs arsenic levels over 100 ppm or lead levels over 500ppm.

Pretty Gritty Tours has put together an amazing video telling the ASARCO story with so many great old photographs. ​

The Washington Department of Ecology is working to clean up yards in the Puget Sound.

Cadmium is linked to both depression and anxiety. In the United States in 2015-2018 one in eight adults used an antidepressent.

ANTIDEPRESSANT USE AMONG ADULTS: UNITED STATES, 2015-2018

During 2015–2018, 13.2% of adults aged 18 and over used antidepressant medications in the past 30 days. Use was higher among women (17.7%) than men (8.4%). Antidepressant use increased with age, overall and in both sexes—use was highest among women aged 60 and over (24.3%).
​
Brody, Debra et al. "Antidepressant use among adults: United States, 2015-2018." NCHS Data Brief No. 377, September 2020, https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db377.htm

Higher levels of PFOA, arsenic, boron, lithium, chromium, copper, tin, barium, lead, and more are significantly associated the development of cancers. Selenium is associated with lower cancer rates.

A METALLOMIC APPROACH TO ASSESS ASSOCIATIONS OF SERUM METAL LEVELS WITH GALLSTONES AND GALLBLADDER CANCER

We found there were several metals associated with either gallstones or gallbladder cancer. Among them, arsenic, boron, lithium, and molybdenum were significantly associated with both gallbladder diseases. 
​
Lee, Mei-Hsuan et al. “A Metallomic Approach to Assess Associations of Serum Metal Levels With Gallstones and Gallbladder Cancer.” Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.) vol. 71,3 (2020): 917-928. doi:10.1002/hep.30861

CADMIUM TOXICITY AND TREATMENT: AN UPDATE

​Cadmium compounds were categorized as carcinogenic in humans by International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). It may be considered as lung carcinogen, also inducer of prostatic or renal cancers .The important point is that cadmium can disorder testosterone production and induce testicular interstitial cells hyperplasia. Some reports suggested that cadmium may be involved malignancies of liver, hemotopoitic system, bladder and stomach. Furthermore, cadmium may be a potential risk factor for breast cancer. Another study suggested that cadmium exposure may be involved in pancreas cancer because of inducing increased risk for neoplasia.
​
Rafati Rahimzadeh, Mehrdad et al. “Cadmium toxicity and treatment: An update.” Caspian journal of internal medicine vol. 8,3 (2017): 135-145. doi:10.22088/cjim.8.3.135

THE ROLE OF HEAVY METALS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF COLORECTAL CANCER

Colorectal cancer was positively correlated with Vanadium, Chromium, Copper, Arsenic, Tin, Barium and Lead, but negatively correlated with Selenium. 
​
Li, Yongsheng et al. “The role of heavy metals in the development of colorectal cancer.” BMC cancer vol. 23,1 616. 3 Jul. 2023, doi:10.1186/s12885-023-11120-w

AN OVERVIEW OF CARCINOGENIC HEAVY METAL: MOLECULAR TOXICITY MECHANISM AND PREVENTION

Direct or indirect exposure of heavy metals induces disruption of intracellular processes via complex pathway. In pathway analysis, we found some genes and processes that are common to the toxic effects of As, Cd, Cr, and Ni. These processes might be candidates for markers of heavy metal-induced carcinogenesis. In particular, oxidative stress-mediated pathways are common to toxicity of As, Cd, Cr, and Ni. We might suggest that antioxidative phytochemicals and chelating agents including phytochelatins will be helpful for prevention of heavy metal-induced cancers.
​
Kim, Hyun Soo et al. “An Overview of Carcinogenic Heavy Metal: Molecular Toxicity Mechanism and Prevention.” Journal of cancer prevention vol. 20,4 (2015): 232-40. doi:10.15430/JCP.2015.20.4.232

It isn't just lead pipes that contaminate drinking water. If you have copper pipes or corroded galvanized pipes in your home, there can be lead in your drinking water. Even if your water district tests the water coming to your home, you could still have lead being added before the water comes out your faucet. Schools and daycares in Washington have a schedule for testing the water coming out of every single faucet. To prevent drinking and cooking with contaminated water, filter your water and/or get it tested. Click here for testing resources.

EPA FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DRINKING WATER PILOT STUDY
​
The most common way that lead enters drinking water is through the corrosion of lead or galvanized iron plumbing.

EPA Frequently Asked Questions about Drinking Water Pilot Study
USS Lead Superfund Site www.epa.gov/uss-lead-superfund-site East Chicago, Indiana January 2017 
​

LEAD TEST RESULTS FROM DRINKING WATER IN WA SCHOOLS

Schools must have their drinking water tested for lead at least once between July 1, 2014, and June 30, 2026. Retesting is required at least once every five years beginning July 1, 2026.
​
Water--EPH-DW--4200, Drinking. “Lead Test Results from Drinking Water in Schools | Washington State Department of Health.” Doh.wa.gov, doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/drinking-water/contaminants/lead/lead-schools/testing/test-results.

Cumulative exposure to heavy metals including mercury, cadmium, lead, and arsenic have an association with diabetes. Particularly exposure to multiple heavy metals is associated with diabetes.

ROLE OF HEAVY METALS IN DIABETES: MECHANISMS AND TREATMENT STRATEGIES

Cadmium and arsenic not only spread widely in our atmosphere but are also linked to a wide range of health hazards. These are primarily accumulated in the liver, kidney, and pancreas once they reach the human body, where they have deleterious effects on the metabolism of glucose and its association with other metabolic pathways, particularly glycolysis, glycogenesis, and gluconeogenesis, by altering and impairing the specific activity of major enzymes. Impairment of hepatic glucose homeostasis plays a crucial role in diabetes mellitus pathogenesis. 
​
Javaid, Anam et al. “Role of Heavy Metals in Diabetes: Mechanisms and Treatment Strategies.” Critical reviews in eukaryotic gene expression vol. 31,3 (2021): 65-80. doi:10.1615/CritRevEukaryotGeneExpr.2021037971

Silver amalgam fillings don't just contain silver. They are also made of zinc, tin, aluminum, and 50% mercury. Replacing these fillings with other non-metal materials can improve your health. It is important to only have amalgam fillings removed by a dentist that can do it safely and thus releasing the least amount of heavy metals into your body in the process.

HEALTH COMPLAINTS BEFORE AND AT ONE AND FIVE YEARS AFTER REMOVAL OF DENTAL AMALGAM RESTORATIONS-DATA FROM A PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY IN NORWAY

​In this study reduction of the intensity of symptoms after removal of amalgam restorations was observed, which suggests a possible dose–response relationship. 
​
Sinha, Nivedita et al. “Health complaints before and at one and five years after removal of dental amalgam restorations - data from a prospective cohort study in Norway.” Acta odontologica Scandinavica vol. 83 219-229. 3 May. 2024, doi:10.2340/aos.v83.40260

A SAFE PROTOCOL FOR AMALGAM REMOVAL

Doctors and individuals request the removal of their amalgam (silver mercury) restorations due to the high mercury content. A safe protocol to replace the silver mercury filling will ensure that there is minimal if any absorption of materials while being removed. Strong alternative white composite and lab-processed materials are available today to create a healthy and functioning mouth. Preparation of the patient prior to the procedure and after treatment is vital to establish the excretion of the mercury from the body.

The following is a list of outcomes that I repeatedly hear from my patients over the years. Although I have not scientifically collected them, after amalgam removal and detoxification, they have also been reported in the literature. Comments include that

1. patients no longer have a metallic taste in their mouth;
2. patients feel as if they have more energy;
3. patients are able to concentrate better and make decisions easier (the “brain fog” is gone);
4. their body responds better to other treatments, as if a barrier has been lifted.

To achieve effective results one must include an integrative approach with a physician and health care team with attention to detoxification and diet over several months, with laboratory tests to monitor progress.
​
Colson, Dana G. “A safe protocol for amalgam removal.” Journal of environmental and public health vol. 2012 (2012): 517391. doi:10.1155/2012/517391

Female infertility is associated with arsenic, cadmium, and lead. Male infertility is related to lead and other heavy metals.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN HEAVY METALS EXPOSURE AND INFERTILITY AMONG AMERICAN WOMEN 

Urinary Arsenic was significantly associated with female infertility, and the risk of infertility increased with higher urinary Arsenic levels. To some extent, urinary Cadmium was correlated with infertility. Blood/urine Lead was related to infertility in advanced age and overweight/obese women. 
​
Lin, Jie et al. “Association between heavy metals exposure and infertility among American women aged 20-44 years: A cross-sectional analysis from 2013 to 2018 NHANES data.” Frontiers in public health vol. 11 1122183. 14 Feb. 2023, doi:10.3389/fpubh.2023.1122183

ABOUT LEAD AND OTHER HEAVY METALS AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

Lead and other heavy metals can alter men's hormones and affect sperm health, reducing fertility.
Exposure to lead and other heavy metals before or during pregnancy might increase risks of miscarriage, stillbirth, and birth defects.
Lead and other heavy metals can enter breast milk and harm a child's brain development.
​
CDC. “About Lead and Other Heavy Metals and Reproductive Health.” Reproductive Health and the Workplace, 2024, www.cdc.gov/niosh/reproductive-health/prevention/lead-metals.html

Thimerosal contains a type of mercury called ethyl mercury. Thimerosal is a preservative used in some vaccines as a preservative. Since 2003 in the US you won't find it it childhood vaccines, but it is still used in multi-dose flu vaccines and one type of Td vaccine. It is still commonly used in less developed countries where it is impractical to transport a separate vial for each dose. 

​Many vaccines contain aluminum. Aluminum is an adjuvant. An adjuvant boosts your immune response thus making a vaccine more effective. 

When metals are injected a much higher percentage of them make it into your bloodstream than when they are ingested.

While many people are able naturally remove these metals injected into their bodies, some people are not so good at it. Body weight and genetics are factors. Inefficient detoxification leads to longer exposure times and increases the amount of metals able to cross the blood-brain barrier or get stored elsewhere in your body.

The website: JustTheInserts.com has done a great job of compiling all the vaccine product inserts. Look through the Table of Contents on a specific vaccine's insert and find "Description". The ingredients for that specific vaccine will be listed there. 

MERCURY IN VACCINES

Thiomersal, also called thimerosal, is an ethyl mercury derivative used as a preservative to prevent bacterial contamination of multidose vaccine vials after they have been opened.

Hessel, Luc. “Le mercure et les vaccins” [Mercury in vaccines]. Bulletin de l'Academie nationale de medecine vol. 187,8 (2003): 1501-10.

CHILDHOOD VACCINES AFTER 2003
UNDERSTANDING THIMEROSAL, MERCURY, AND VACCINE SAFETY

2003: All childhood vaccines with thimerosal as a preservative have passed their expiration date and are no longer available in the U.S. The amount of mercury in vaccines recommended for children is close to zero.
​
Understanding Thimerosal, Mercury, and Vaccine Safety
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 2011

MULTIDOSE VACCINES
VACCINE BASICS: U.S. CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION

Most vaccines do not have any mercury in them. However, multi-dose flu vaccines and one type of tetanus-diphtheria (Td) vaccine contain a small amount of thimerosal. Flu and Td vaccines are also available in thimerosal-free versions.

CDC. “Vaccine Basics.” Vaccines & Immunizations, 2024, www.cdc.gov/vaccines/basics/.

VACCINES IN LESS DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
ABATING MERCURY EXPOSURE IN YOUNG CHILDREN SHOULD INCLUDE THIMEROSAL-FREE VACCINES

Newborns and infants in less developed countries have a concentrated schedule of Thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCVs); pregnant mothers are also immunized with TCVs.
​
Dórea, José G. “Abating Mercury Exposure in Young Children Should Include Thimerosal-Free Vaccines.” Neurochemical research vol. 42,10 (2017): 2673-2685. doi:10.1007/s11064-017-2277-x

NEURODEVELOPMENT OF AMAZONIAN CHILDREN EXPOSED TO ETHYLMERCURY (FROM THIMEROSAL IN VACCINES) AND METHYLMERCURY (FROM FISH)

This study is distinguished from others by assessing co-occurring exposures of organic-Hg forms (chronic high fish-MeHg consumption, and acute EtHg-Al in TCVs from vaccines taken during pregnancy and in infancy). We found neurodevelopment delays to increase with time (from six to 24 months) and that co-occurring Hg exposures to significantly influence only Mental Developmental Index tests in Amazonian children.

Marques, Rejane C et al. “Neurodevelopment of Amazonian children exposed to ethylmercury (from Thimerosal in vaccines) and methylmercury (from fish).” Environmental research vol. 149 (2016): 259-265. doi:10.1016/j.envres.2015.12.022

EXAMINING THE EVIDENCE THAT ETHYLMERCURY CROSSES THE BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER

22 studies from 1971 to 2019 show that exposure to ethylmercury-containing compounds (intravenously, intraperitoneally, topically, subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or intranasally administered) results in accumulation of mercury in the brain. 

Kern, Janet K et al. “Examining the evidence that ethylmercury crosses the blood-brain barrier.” Environmental toxicology and pharmacology vol. 74 (2020): 103312. doi:10.1016/j.etap.2019.103312

ENTRY AND DEPOSIT OF ALUMINUM IN THE BRAIN

Aluminum, as a known neurotoxicant, contributes to cognitive dysfunction and may contribute to Alzheimer's disease. The important reason is that aluminum can enter and be deposited in the brain. There have been three routes by which aluminum could enter the brain from systemic circulation or the site of absorption. Aluminum fluxes into brain across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), the choroid plexuses and the nasal cavity. Some factors, such as the increasing of the blood-brain barrier permeability, citric acid and parathyroid hormone (PTH), and vitamin D, can promote aluminum to enter the brain. But the redistribution of aluminum out of the brain is slow, so aluminum can be deposited in the brain for a long time.

Wang, Linping. “Entry and Deposit of Aluminum in the Brain.” Advances in experimental medicine and biology vol. 1091 (2018): 39-51. doi:10.1007/978-981-13-1370-7_3

AUTOIMMUNE/INFLAMMATORY SYNDROME INDUCED BY ADJUVANTS (ASIA) IN 2023

In 2011, a syndrome entitled ASIA (Autoimmune/inflammatory Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants; Shoenfeld's syndrome) was first described. ASIA aimed to organize under a single umbrella, the existing evidence regarding certain environmental factors which possess immune stimulatory properties, in order to shed light on a common pathway of autoimmune pathogenesis. Such environmental immune stimulators, or adjuvants, include among others: aluminum salts as in vaccines, various medical implants, as well as various infectious agents.

Typical clinical symptoms of ASIA are: chronic fatigue, arthralgias, myalgias, pyrexia, sicca symptoms, cognitive impairment, and or (atypical) neurological symptoms. Typically, patients present with severe fatigue, nonrestorative sleep, and a majority reporting post-exertional malaise as is observed in ME/CFS. 

Cohen Tervaert, Jan Willem et al. “Autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA) in 2023.” Autoimmunity reviews vol. 22,5 (2023): 103287. doi:10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103287

Toxins can be found in our food in many and unpredictable ways. Mercury in fish. Arsenic in rice. Even mixed juices contain toxins. Fish that are higher on the food chain, that grow slower, and live longer accumulate more toxins. Safer fish choices include clams, cod, salmon, and tilapia. Bonus points for sardines because they are high in selenium.

HEAVY METALS IN FOODS AND BEVERAGES

Heavy metal toxicity is directly related to their accumulation in food. High amounts of these elements generate numerous health issues. Therefore, consumers must choose their food sources carefully. Metals like lead, cadmium, and arsenic are the main elements with high potential health risks. According to the analyzed studies, the highest value for cadmium was registered in lettuce cultivated in Romania; excessive amounts of lead were found in apple samples from Ukraine and Kosovo, but also in lettuce or red potatoes from Romania; and arsenic presented alarming values in lettuce from Florida. 
​
Scutarașu, Elena Cristina, and Lucia Carmen Trincă. “Heavy Metals in Foods and Beverages: Global Situation, Health Risks and Reduction Methods.” Foods (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 12,18 3340. 6 Sep. 2023, doi:10.3390/foods12183340

TOXIC AND ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS IN RICE AND OTHER GRAINS

White rice from Thailand, India, and Italy showed higher median concentrations of toxic metal such as As, Pb, and Cd compared to white rice from the US. Lead and Cd concentrations did not exceed the codex standards; however, Arsenic (As) concentrations in brown rice and one white rice from US exceeded the codex standards.
​
TatahMentan, Mom et al. “Toxic and Essential Elements in Rice and Other Grains from the United States and Other Countries.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 17,21 8128. 3 Nov. 2020, doi:10.3390/ijerph17218128

CONTAMINENTS IN FISH AND CLAMS IN SINCLAIR AND DYES INLET 1992

Concentrations of several metals in fish from Sinclair and Dyes Inlets exceeded those found in comparable studies in the same area and were equivalent or higher than fish from other urban bays. Most importantly, mercury in fish in the present study (0.4 mg/kg) approached the FDA action limit of 1 mg/kg. The California limit is 0.5 mg/kg.
​
Contaminants in Fish and Clams in Sinclair and Dyes Inlet
Washington State Department of Ecology 1992
https://apps.ecology.wa.gov/publications/documents/92e09.pdf

SEPARATING THE EMPIRICAL WHEAT FROM THE PSEUDOSCIENTIFIC CHAFF: A CRITICAL REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE SURROUNDING GLYPHOSATE, DYSBIOSIS AND WHEAT-SENSITIVITY
​
While the current review focused on the agricultural practice of desiccating wheat, it should be noted that many crops, including legumes, corn, and soy, have been shown to contain high glyphosate residues due to desiccation and the advancement of glyphosate-resistant crops. Eliminating wheat from one’s diet does not guarantee the elimination of glyphosate exposure. However, wheat products have been shown in independent testing to contain higher residues post-processing and make up a significant portion of the average North American’s dietary glyphosate exposure.

Barnett, Jacqueline A, and Deanna L Gibson. “Separating the Empirical Wheat From the Pseudoscientific Chaff: A Critical Review of the Literature Surrounding Glyphosate, Dysbiosis and Wheat-Sensitivity.” Frontiers in microbiology vol. 11 556729. 25 Sep. 2020, doi:10.3389/fmicb.2020.556729