Heavy Metal Detoxification
A Comprehensive Review and
Clinical Pearls from 30 Years of Medical Practice
by Dietrich Klinghardt, MD, PhD
Heavy metals appear in the mammalian system because they have become
part of our environment.
We are in a constant exchange with our environment which is governed by
the laws of osmosis.
If mercury is in the fish we eat, over time we have mercury in our
system. We cannot keep our system pristine and clean, because we are
separated from our toxic environment only by semi-permeable membranes:
skin and mucosal surfaces. Maintaining relative cleanliness requires a
number of inherent
detox systems to work overtime against the osmotic pressure of the
incoming toxins. As the toxicity of our environment increases so does
the osmotic pressure, pushing the often man- made poisons into our body.
Toxins almost never come alone. They come in synergistically acting
package-deals. Mercury alone is toxic. Together with zinc it is many
times more toxic, add in a little copper and silver, as in dental
amalgam fillings and the detrimental effect to the body increases
manyfold. Together with mercaptan and thioether (dental toxins) the
toxic amalgam effects grow exponentially. Add in a little PCB and
dioxin, as in fish, and the illness causing effect of the methyl mercury
in fish increases manyfold. Toxicology is to a large degree the study of
synergistic effects. In synergy 1 plus 1 = 100. Heavy metals are
primarily neurotoxins. There is a synergistic effect between all
neurotoxins which is responsible for the illness producing effect.
Making the neurotoxin elimination a major part of my practice has been
an amazing experience.
Many illnesses considered intractable respond when the related issues
are successfully resolved.
What are Neurotoxins?
Neurotoxins are substances attracted to the mammalian nervous system.
They are absorbed by nerve endings and travel inside the neuron to the
cell body. On their way they disrupt vital functions of the nerve cell,
such as axonal transport of nutrients, mitochondrial respiration and
proper DNA transcription. The body is constantly trying to eliminate
neurotoxins via the available exit routes: the liver, kidney, skin and
exhaled air. Detox mechanisms include acetylation, sulfation,
glucuronidation, oxidation and others. The liver is most important in
these processes. Here most elimination products are expelled with the
bile into the small intestine and should leave the body via the
digestive tract. However, because of the lipophilic/neurotropic nature
of the neurotoxins, most are reabsorbed by the abundant nerve endings of
the enteric nervous system (ENS) in the intestinal wall. The ENS has
more neurons than the spinal chord. From the moment of mucosal uptake
the toxins can potentially take 4 different paths:
1. Neuronal uptake and via axonal transport to the spinal chord
(sympathetic neurons) or brainstem (parasympathetics) – from here back
to the brain.
2. Venous uptake and via the portal vein back to the liver
3. Lymphatic uptake and via the thoracic duct to the subclavian vein
4. Uptake by bowel bacteria and tissues of the intestinal tract
i) Heavy metals:
mercury, lead, cadmium, iron, manganese and aluminum (are the most
Common Sources: metallic mercury vapor escapes from dental amalgam
fillings (they contain about 50% mercury, the rest is zinc, silver
copper, tin and trace metals). Cadmium: car fumes, cigarette smoke,
pigment in oil paint Lead: outasing from-paint, residues in earth and
food chain from time when lead was used in gasoline, contaminated
drinking water Aluminum: cookware, drinking water
ii) Biotoxins :
such as tetanus toxin, botulinum toxin (botox), ascaridin (from
intestinal parasites), unspecified toxins from streptococci,
staphylococci, lyme disease, clamydia, tuberculosis, fungal toxins and
toxins produced by viruses. Biotoxins are minute molecules (200-1000
kilodaltons) containing nitrogen and sulfur. They belong to a group of
chemical messengers which microorganisms use to control the host´s
immune system, host behaviour and the host´s eating habits.
iii) Xenobiotics (man-made environmental toxins):
such as dioxin, formaldehyde, insecticides, wood preservatives, PCBs
iv) Food Preservatives, excitotoxins and cosmetics:
aspartame (diet sweeteners), MSG, many spices, food colorings,
fluoride, methyl, and
propyl -paraben, etc.
Heavy Metal Toxicity
Metals can exist in the body with different kinds of chemical bonds and
as different molecules. Mercury appears to be the king-pin in the
cascade of events in which metals become pathogenic. Mercury can be
present as metallic mercury (HgO), as mercury salt (e.g. mercury
chloride – HG+), or as methyl mercury (HG++). Methyl mercury is 50 times
more toxic than metallic mercury. Methyl-Hg is so firmly bound to the
body that it has to be first reduced to HG+ before it can be removed
from the cell. This is achieved with reducing agents (“antioxidants”)
e.g. intravenous vitamin C and reduced glutathione. To remove Hg-Salts
or metallic Hg from the outside of the cell, other agents are useful
Mercury belongs to a group of metals that oxidize in the presence of
sulfur and form compounds with sulfur (sulfhydryl affinitive metals).
Methyl mercury is already oxidized to its maximum and bound firmly to
sulfur in the different proteins of the body. The following metals
belong to the sulfhydryl affinitive group and respond to similar
detoxification methods: Copper, arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury.
Aluminum and iron for example would not respond a sulfur compound. Some
detox agents have multiple mechanisms by which they bind to metals. The
algal organism chlorella has over 20 known such mechanisms.
Other metals oxidize with oxygen. Iron turns to rust when oxidized. Rust
is nontoxic to the body, whereas iron is. Iron overdose responds to a
chemical called desferoximin (desferal). Aluminum responds to the same
detoxification agent. A recent Japanese study showed that Chinese
parsley, cilantro, is a powerful elimination agent for aluminum stored
in bone and the brain.
Some metals are extremely toxic, even in the most minute dose, whereas
others have very low toxicity, even in high doses. However, dependent on
the dose, all metals can become toxic to the body. Iron can cause severe
oxidative damage, copper may compromise liver function and visual
acuity, selenium and arsenic have been known to be used to murder people
and so on.
Most metals serve a functional role in the body. For example, selenium
is needed in the enzyme that restores oxidized glutathione back to its
functional form as reduced glutathione. Another important function of
selenium is its role as a powerful antioxidant in preventing cancer.
Some metals have a narrow physiological range. That means the difference
between a therapeutic dose and toxic overdose is very small. Selenium is
an example of this. Magnesium on the other hand has a wide physiological
range and thus is more difficult to overdose.
Some metals have no physiological function. Mercury, lead, aluminum are
in this group. Even the smallest amounts have negative
Biochemical individuality: some people may react more or less than
others to the presence of heavy metals in the tissues. Some people may
develop a severe chronic illness after exposure of a few molecules of
mercury, whereas others may be more resistant to it. Genetic
deficiencies in the enzymes responsible for the formation of the
metallothioneins and glutathione production and reduction are examples.
Possible side-effects during heavy metal detox:
Every patient can be affected by metals in two ways:
1. Through their non-specific toxic effects
2. Through the system´s allergic reactions to the neurotoxins
Often these two distinctive types of symptoms cannot be easily
distinguished. During a detox program, the patient may also temporarily
become allergic to the various substances that help to carry out the
toxins. This is based on a physiological mechanism called ‘operant
conditioning’ . Every time the detoxifying substance is given, mercury
emerges from its hiding places into the more superficial tissues of the
body, where mercury can now be detected by the immune system. The immune
system however is fooled into thinking that the detoxifying substance
itself is the enemy. The immune system now starts to react to the
detoxifying substance as if it was the mercury itself. This reaction
typically resolves spontaneously after six weeks of not using the detox
agent in question. This type of conditioned reflex can also be easily
treated with simple techniques e.g. NAET, PK (APN), or by giving the
detox substance in a homeopathic dilution for a few days. Often the
basal membranes in the kidney will swell as a sign of the allergic
reaction, causing low back pain, anuria or inability to concentrate
urine. Neuraltherapy or microcurrent stimulation of the kidneys quickly
resolves the issue. Muscle aches indicate the redistribution of toxins
into the connective tissue and an insufficient program. Depression,
headaches, trigeminal neuralgia, seizures, increased pain levels
indicate redistribution of metals into the CNS and an inappropriate
detox program. Eye problems and tinnitus that occurs during detox
indicates redistribution of metals into these organs and requires
selective mobilization from these locations before the program is
continued. I use a specific type of microcurrent for this purpose
Some recently published findings related to the metal issue:
Iron/mangnese: A recent paper on Parkinsons disease (Neurology June 10,
2003;60:1761-1766) revealed that just by eating iron and manganese
containing foods such as spinach or taking supplements containing Mn or
Fe - the risk of developing PD increased almost 2 fold. This
demonstrates that even dietary supplements or organically grown foods
are amongst the possilbe culprits in metal toxixity.
There are two major sources:
1. Mercury escaped from dental amalgam fillings is converted by oral and
intestinal bacteria to methylmercury, which then is bound firmly to
proteins and other molecules. Methyl mercury crosses the blodd brain
barrier and the placental barrier leading to massive prenatal exposure.
Earlier studies determined that over 90% of the common body burdon of Hg
is from dental fillings. Recent studies show that eating fish is
starting to compete with amalgam fillings for the leading position as a
A recent study (JAMA, April 2, 2003;289(13):1667-1674) revealed the
following It is estimated that nearly 60,000 children each year are born
at risk for neurological problems due to methylmercury exposure in the
womb. One in 12 U.S. women of childbearing age have potentially
hazardous levels of mercury in their blood as a result of consuming
fish, according to government scientists. The U.S.FDA recommends that
pregnant women and those who may become pregnant avoid eating shark,
swordfish, king mackerel, and tile fish known to contain elevated levels
of methylmercury, an organic form of mercury. Nearly all fish contain
some amount of methylmercury. Mercury accumulates in the system, so
larger, longer-lived fish like shark or swordfish contain the highest
amounts of mercury and pose the largest threat if eaten regularly.
The National Center for Policy Research for Women & Families published
in May 2003, that the following fish are lowest in methyl mercury :
Blue Crab (mid-Atlantic)
The FDA also recommends these fish as safe to eat:
haddock, tilapia, wild alaskan salmon, and sole
A recent quote from Boyd Haley, PhD: “our latest research clearly points
to the ethylmercury exposure as being causal in autism. The tremendous
enhancement of thimerosal toxicity by testosterone and the reduction of
toxicity by estrogen explains the fact that 4 boys to 1 girl getting the
disease and the fact that the bulk of severe autistics are boys. Most
importantly, this autistic situation clearly shows that exposure to
levels of mercury that many "experts" considered safe was capable of
causing an epidemic of a neurological disease”.
Other authors have tried to specify typical symptoms for each metal.
Because of the synergistic effects and simultaneous occurence of several
toxins at the same time. The best source of literature on the effects of
specific metals on the system are the old homeopathic textbooks ‘materia
medica’ (Kent, Boericke).
I prefer to look at a client in a systemic way, not focusing on single
issues . A manganese typical symptom (ie. violent behavior) may be a lot
more worrysome in a given patient then their particular mercury related
symptom (ie. insomnia). However, the practical focus of detox should be
almost always on the mercury first. If mercury is addressed
appropriately, the manganese often leaves the body as a side effect of
mercury detox. The opposite is not true.
Any illness can be caused by, or contributed to, or exaggerated by
neurotoxins. Here is a short list:
Neurological problems: Fatigue, depression, insomnia, memory loss,
blunting of the senses, chronic intractable pain (migraine, sciatica,
CTS etc.), burning pain, paresthesia, strange intracranial sensations
and sounds, numbness. Autism. Seizure disorder. Hyperactivity syndromes.
Premature ejaculation and inorgasmia
Emotional problems: inappropriate fits of anger and rage, timidness,
passivity, bipolar disorder, frequent infatuation, addictions,
depression, dark mood, obsession, psychotic behavior, deviant behavior,
psychic attacks, inability to connect with god, etc.
Mental problems: memory loss, thinking disorder, messy syndrome
(cluttering), loss of intelligence, AD, premature aging
GI problems: candida, food allergy, leaky gut syndrome, parasites,
inflammatory bowel disease
Orthopedic problems: joint arthritis, persisting musculo-skeletal pain,
recurrent osteopathic lesions
Immunological disorders (autoimmune diseases, hypothyroid disorders, MS, ALS, Sjogen´s Syndrome, CFIDS, MCS etc.)
Cardiovascular disorders (vascular disease, arrythmias, angina,
Cancer – mercury, arsenic, copper etc. can be a trigger
ENT disorders: chronic sinusitis, tinnitus, glandular swelling,
Eye problems: macular degeneration (dry and wet), optic neuritis, iritis,
deteriorating eye sight, etc.)
Internal medicine problems: kidney disease, hypertension, hypercholesterinemia, syndrome X
OB/gyn: difficulties of pregnancy, impotence, uterine fibroids,
History of Exposure: (Did you ever have any amalgam fillings? How much
fish do you eat and what kind? A tick bite? etc)
Symptoms: (How is your short term memory? Do you have areas of numbness,
strange sensations, etc)
- A complete neurotoxin questionnaire is available from AANT@425 462 1777
Laboratory Testing: direct tests for metals: hair, stool, serum, whole
blood, urine analysis,
Xenobiotics: fatty tissue biopsy, urine, breath analysis
Indirect tests: cholesterol (increased while body is dealing with Hg),
increased insulin sensitivity, creatinine clearance, serum mineral
levels (distorted, while Hg is an unresolved issue), Apolipoprotein E
2/4, urine dip stick test: low specific gravity (reflects inability of
kidneys to concentrate urine), persistently low urine ph (metals only go
into solution in acidic environments - which supports detoxing), urine
Autonomic Response Testing: (Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt M.D., Ph.D.)
BioEnergetic Testing (EAV, kinesiology etc.)
Response to Therapeutic Trial
Functional Acuity Contrast Test (measure of Retinal Blood Flow)
Non-specific neurological tests: upper motor neuron signs (clonus,
Babinski, hyperreflexia), abnormal nerve conduction studies, EMG etc .
non-specific MRI/CT findings: brain atrophy as in AD, demyelination
Several ‘challenge tests’ are used today. They generally involve
measuring the urine metal content,
then administering an oral or iv. mobilizing agent and re-measuring the
metal content in the urine after a few hours. Most well known is the
DMPS challenge test: However, there is agreement amongst most
researchers, that the urine Hg content does not reflect total body
burdon – only the currently mobilizable portion of Hg in the endothelium
and kidneys. If nothing comes out, there can still be detrimental but
non-responsive amounts of Hg in the CNS, connective tissue and
I have developed a simple approach that works well. I use autonomic
response testing (muscle biofeedback) to determine what metal is stored
where and what detox agents would be most suitable for this individual.
I obtain a hair sample and have it analyzed. It may or may not show any
toxic metals. Metals reach the root of the hair via the blood stream.
Hair only can show those metals, that have been in the blood in the last
6 weeks. That means, hair only reflects acute toxicity or recently
mobilized metals but not the true body burdon. Then we embark on the
detox and mobilizing program. In 6 weeks another hair sample is sent to
the lab and analyzed. If for example manganese is now high, mercury
starting to rise (mostly it is methyl Hg, that is reflected in hair),
aluminum is at the same value as before, it means, that this program is
starting to mobilize Mn ad Hg, but not Al. Through minor adjustments and
following the client closely, we observe as the levels in the hair may
rise for months or years before returning to low or absent levels. That
is the end point. At that time biochemical challenges with Ca EDTA, DMPS
or DMSA can be valuable to see if there are still hidden pockets of
metals somewhere in the system that have been overlooked with the other
methods. In general, the hair-mineral analysis is often overinterpreted.
Hair minerals are a reflection of the toxic-metal induced distortion in
Why would we want to treat anyone at all? Is it really needed? Can the
body not eliminate these toxins naturally on its own?
First we need to consider a multitude of risk factors, which influence
Here is a short list of independent risk factors which can either cause
accumulation of metals in an otherwise healthy body - or slow down, or
inhibit the body's own elimination processes.
Genetics – Several genes are involved in coding for the production of
inherent detox mechanisms. Example: ApoE being the major repair protein
in neuronal damage and responsible for removing mercury from the
intracellular environment. There are 4 different subtypes, one of them
making the individual prone to accumulating Hg: (Danik, M. and Poirier,
J. Apolipoprotein E and lipid mobilization in neuronal membrane
remodeling and its relevance to Alzheimer's disease. In: Brain Lipids
and Disorders in Biological Psychiatry, edited by Skinner,
E.R.Amsterdam: Elsevier Science, 2002,
p.53-66). Also well known and studied are the individual genetic
differences in glutathione availability. Several companies in the
Integrative Medicine Field are offering genetic testing today. So far my
clinical results were not impressive when I based my detox program on
genetic testing only.
Prior illnesses (i.e. kidney infections, hepatitis, tonsillitis etc.)
Surgical operations (scars often restrict the detoxifying abilities of
whole body sections, such as the tonsillectomy scar with its effect on
the superior cervical ganglion - restricting lymph drainage and blood
flow from the entire cranium)
Medication or ´recreational´ drug use (overwhelming the innate detox
Emotional trauma, especially in early childhood. This issue is huge and
almost never appropriately addressed
Social status (poor people may still drink contaminated water)
High carbohydrate intake combined with protein malnutrition (especially
Use of homeopathic mercury (may redistribute Hg into deeper tissues)
Food allergies (may block the kidneys, colon etc.)
The patient's electromagnetic environment (mobile phone use, home close
to power lines etc.
Omura showed that heavy metals in the brain act as micro antennae
concentrating damaging electro smog in the brain)
Compromise of head/neck lymphatic drainage (sinusitis, tonsil ectomy
scars, poor dental occusion)
Number of dental amalgam fillings over the patients life-time, number of
the patients mothers amalgam fillings
There are many considerations in choosing detox agents. After choosing
the appropriate agent for the individual client and particular metal and
exact chemical form of it, we have to consider the body compartment
where the metal is stored. For example, the algae chlorella is ideal for
removing virtually all toxic metals from the gut but has too little
effect on mercury stored in the brain. Intravenous glutathione may reach
the intracellular environment, even in the brain, but is fairly
ineffective in removing mercury from the gut. Each agent has a primary
place of action, which determines when, how much and for how long it is
used. Agents that have multiple effects on compounds of different metals
in the various body compartments are the basis for our detox program.
Most specific agents are used for special situations only.
High protein, mineral, fatty acid and fluid intake
Proteins provide the important precursors to the endogenous metal detox
and shuttle agents, such as coeruloplasmin, metallothioneine,
glutathione and others. The branched-chain amino acids in cow and goat
whey have valuable independent detox effects. Amino acid supplements,
especially with a concentrate of brached chain amino acids are valuable.
Metals attach themselves only in places that are programmed for
attachment of metal ions. Mineral deficiency provides the opportunity
for toxic metals to attach themselves to vacant binding sites.
A healthy mineral base is a prerequisite for all metal detox attempts
(selenium, zinc, manganese, germanium, molybdenum etc.). Substituting
minerals can detoxify the body by itself. Just as important are
electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium), which help to
transport toxic waste across the extracellular space towards the
lymphatic and venous vessels.
Lipids (made from fatty acids) make up 60-80 % of the central nervous
system and need to be constantly replenished. Deficiency makes the
nervous system vulnerable to the fat soluble metals, such as metallic
mercury constantly escaping as odorless and invisible vapor from the
dental amalgam fillings.
Without enough fluid intake the kidneys may become contaminated with
metals. The basal membranes swell up and the kidneys can no longer
efficiently filtrate toxins. Adding a balanced electrolyte solution in
small amounts to water helps to restore intra-and extracellular fluid
DMSA . Developed in China in the late 50s. Action via sulfhydryl group.
Needs to be given every 4 hours around the clock to prevent
redistribution of Hg and lead into the CNS. Approved for use in lead
toxicity. Causes major brain fog, memory problems during detox,
depression and in children sometimes seizure disorders due to
redistribution of metals. Indiscriminate use in the US. Common dose:
50-100 mg q4h – 3 days on, 11 days off for 3-12 months
DMPS: developed in Russia as further development of BAL. Available both
injectable and oral. The oral form is the most effective oral chelator
commercially available. 1 tabl TID. Common dosage: 3 days on, 11 days
off. The injectable form can be used to mobilize Hg and lead from hard
to reach places, such as the autonomic ganglia, joints and trigger
points. The iv injection works primarily on the endothelium (several
hundred square meters) and the kidneys. Common dosage: 3 mg/kg body
weight once/month. The iv form should never be used unless the patient
is „covered“ with intestinal binding agents such as chlorella,
cholestyramine, apple pectin or chitosan.
Desferal : good subcutaneous detox agent for aluminum and iron. More
severe possible anaphylactic reactions then with other common detox
agents. Research by Canadian-German researcher Kruck showed good results
with AD patients. Dosage: 1 vial/week s.c – 3 weeks on, 3 weeks off
Ca EDTA : most information available at www.gordonresearch.com. Given as
1 minute push 5-10 ml once/week. Originally developed to remove s
calcium deposits, recently found to also be effective for mercury and
other metals including aluminum. Side effects are so far underreported
and can be serious
– mostly due to redistribution. The more conventional use of sodium EDTA
over a 2 hr period was used to increase nitric oxide in the arteries
causing vasodilation and increased perfusion of diseased
Intravenous Vitamin C . Recent book by Tom Levy, MD. Detoxes mercury,
lead and aluminum mostly over the colon which is desirable. I use 37.5
gms with 500 ml distilled water and 10 ml ca gluconate over 1 hr. Can be
used daily. Once a week is common, especially during amalgam removal.
Irritating to veins. Causes hypoglycemia. No serious side effects. Safe
to use for most dentists. Oral vitamin C works less effectively. Must be
given to bowel tolerance.
Natural Oral Agents
Cilantro (chinese parsley)
This kitchen herb is capable of mobilizing mercury, cadmium, lead and
aluminum in both bones and the central nervous system. It is probably
the only effective agent in mobilizing mercury stored in the
intracellular space (attached to mitochondria, tubulin, liposomes etc)
and in the nucleus of the cell (reversing DNA damage of mercury).
Because cilantro mobilizes more toxins then it can carry out of the
body, it may flood the connective tissue (where the nerves reside) with
metals, that were previously stored in safer hiding places. This process
is called re-toxification. It can easily be avoided by simultaneously
giving an intestinal toxin-absorbing agent. A recent animal study
demonstrated rapid removal of aluminum and lead from the brain and
skeleton superior to any known other detox agent. Even while the animal
was continuously poisoned with aluminum, the bone content of aluminum
continued to drop during the observation period significantly.
Dosage and application of cilantro tincture: give 2 drops 2 times /day
in hot water in the beginning, taken just before a meal or 30 minutes
after taking chlorella (cilantro causes the gallbadder to dump bile
- containing the excreted neurotoxins - into the small intestine. The
bile-release occurs naturally as we are eating and is much enhanced by
cilantro. If no chlorella is taken, most neurotoxins are reabsorbed on
the way down the small intestine by the abundant nerve endings of the
enteric nervous system). Gradually increase dose to 10 drops 3 times/day
for full benefit. During the initial phase of the detox cilantro should
be given 1 week on, 2 –3 weeks off. Fresh organic Cilantro works best
(as much as person can compress in one hand), when given in hot Miso
soup. Miso contains synergistically acting amino acids.
Other ways of taking cilantro: rub 5 drops twice/day into ankles for
mobilization of metals in all organs, joints and structures below the
diaphragm, and into the wrists for organs, joints and structures above
the diaphragm. The wrists have dense autonomic innervation (axonal
uptake of cilantro) and are crossed by the main lymphatic channels
Cilantro tea: use 10 to 20 drops in cup of hot water. Sip slowly. Clears
the brain quickly of many neurotoxins. Good for headaches and other
acute symptoms (joint pains, angina, headache): rub 10 –15 drops into
painful area. Often achieves almost instant pain relief.
Both C.pyreneidosa (better absorption of toxins, but harder to digest)
and C.vulgaris (higher CGF content
– see below, easier to digest, less metal absorbing capability) are
available. Chlorella has multiple health inducing effects:
Antiviral (especially effective against the cytomegaly virus from the
Toxin binding (mucopolysaccharide membrane) all known toxic metals,
environmental toxins such as dioxin and others
Repairs and activates the body's detoxification functions:
Dramatically increases reduced glutathion,
Sporopollein is as effective as cholestyramin in binding neurotoxins and
more effective in binding toxic metals then any other natural substance
Various peptides restore coeruloplasmin and metallothioneine,
Lipids (12.4 %) alpha-and gamma-linoleic acid help to balance the
increased intake of fish oil during our detox program and are necessary
for a multitude of functions, including formation of ther peroxisomes.
Methyl-coblolamine is food for the nervous system, restores damaged
neurons and has its own detoxifying effect.
Chlorella growth factor helps the body detoxify itself in a yet not
understood profound way. It appears that over millions of years
chlorella has developed specific detoxifying proteins and peptides for
every existing toxic metal.
The porphyrins in chlorophyll have their own strong metal binding effect.
Chlorophyll also activates the PPAR-receptor on the nucleus of the cell
which is responsible for the transcription of DNA and coding the
formation of the peroxisomes (see fish oil), opening of the cell wall
(unknown mechanism) which is necessary for all detox procedures,
normalizes insulin resistance and much more. Medical drugs that activate
the PPAR receptor (such as pioglitazone) have been effective in the
treatment of breast and prostate cancer.
Super nutrient : 50-60% amino acid content, ideal nutrient for
vegetarians, methylcobolamin - the most easily absorbed and utilized
form of B12, B6, minerals, chlorophyll, beta carotene etc.
Immune system strengthening
Restores bowel flora
Digestive aid (bulking agent)
Alkalinizing agent (important for patients with malignancies)
Dosage: start with 1 gram (=4 tabl) 3-4 times/day. This is the standard
maintenance dosage for grown ups for the 6-24 months of active detox.
During the more active phase of the detox (every 2-4 weeks for 1 week),
whenever cilantro is given, the dose can be increased to 3 grams 3-4
times per day (1 week on, 2-4 weeks back down to the maintenance
dosage). Take 30 minutes before the main meals and at bedtime. This way
chlorella is exactly in that portion of the small intestine where the
bile squirts into the gut at the beginning of the meal, carrying with it
toxic metals and other toxic waste. These are bound by the chlorella
cell wall and carried out via the digestive tract. When amalgam fillings
are removed, the higher dose should be given for 2 days before and 2-5
days after the procedure (the more fillings are removed, the longer the
higher dose should be given). No cilantro should be given around the
time of dental work. During this time we do not want to mobilize deeply
stored metals in addition to the expected new exposure. If you take
Vitamin C during your detox program, take it as far away from Chlorella
as possible (best after meals).
Side effects: most side effects reflect the toxic effect of the
mobilized metals which are shuttled through the organism. This problem
is instantly avoided by significantly increasing the chlorella dosage,
not by reducing it, which would worsen the problem (small chlorella
doses mobilize more metals then are bound in the gut, large chlorella
doses bind more toxins then are mobilized). Some people have problems
digesting the cell membrane of chlorella. The enzyme cellulase resolves
this problem. Cellulase is available in many health food stores in
digestive enzyme products. Taking chlorella together with food also
helps in some cases, even though it is less effective that way.
C.vulgaris has a thinner cell wall and is better tolerated by people with
Chlorella growth factor
This is a heat extract from chlorella that concentrates certain
peptides, proteins and other ingredients. The research on CGF shows that
children develop no tooth decay and their dentition (maxillary-facial
development) is near perfect. There are less illnesses and children grow
earlier to a larger size with higher I.Q and are socially more skilled.
There are case reports of patients with dramatic tumor remissions after
taking CGF in higher amounts. In our experience, CGF makes the detox
experience for the patient much easier, shorter and more effective.
Recommended dosage: 1 cap. CGF for each 20 tabl.chlorell
NDF and PCA
Both are extracts from Chlorella and Cilantro and very effective in
detoxing. They are well tolerated, but very expensive.
Garlic (allium sativum) and wild garlic (allium ursinum)
Garlic has been shown to protect the white and red blood cells from
oxidative damage, caused by metals in the blood stream - on their way
out – and also has its own valid detoxification functions. Garlic
contains numerous sulphur components, including the most valuable
sulph-hydryl groups which oxidize mercury, cadmium and lead and make
these metals water soluble. This makes it easy for the organism to
excrete these substances. Garlic also contains alliin which is
enzymatically transformed into allicin, natures most potent
antimicrobial agent. Metal toxic patients almost always suffer from
secondary infections, which are often responsible for part of the
symptoms. Garlic also contains the most important mineral which protects
from mercury toxicity, bio active selenium. Most selemium products are
poorly absorbable and do not reach those body compartments in need for
it. Garlic selenium is the most beneficial natural bioavailable source.
Garlic is also protectice for against heart disease and cancer.
The half life of allicin (after crushing garlic) is less then 14 days.
Most commercial garlic products have no allicin releasing potential
left. This distinguishes freeze dried garlic from all other products.
Bear garlic tincture is excellent for use in detox, but less effective
as antimicrobial agent.
Dosage: 1-3 capsules freeze dried garlic after each meal. Start with 1
capsule after the main meal per day, slowly increase to the higher
dosage. Initially the patient may experience die-off reactions (from
killing pathogenic fungal or bacterial organisms). Use 5-10 drops
bear-garlic on food at least 3 times per day.
It is clear that the high consumption of fish oil protects the client
from the damage caused by the amalgam fillings. The same is true for the
high intake of selenium.
The fatty acid complexes EPA and DHA in fish oil make the red and white
blood cells more flexible thus improving the microcirculation of the
brain, heart and other tissues. All detoxification functions depend on
optimal oxygen delivery and blood flow. EPA and DHA protect the brain
from viral infections and are needed for the development of intelligence
and eye-sight. They also induce the formation of peroxisomes and helps
protect them. The most vital cell organelle for detoxification is the
peroxisome. These small structures are also responsible for the specific
job each cell has: in the pineal gland the melatonin is produced in the
peroxisome, in the neurons dopamine and norepinephrine, etc. It is here,
where mercury and other toxic metal attach and disable the cell from
doing its work. Other researchers have focused on the mitochondria and
other cell organelles, which in our experience are damaged much later.
The cell is constantly trying to make new peroxisomes to replace the
damaged ones– for that task it needs an abundance of fatty acids,
especially EPA and DHA. Until recently it was believed, that the body
can manufacture its own EPA/DHA from other Omega 3 fatty acids such as
fish oil. Today we know, that this process is slow and cannot keep up
with the enormous demand for EPA/DHA our systems have in today's toxic
environment. Fish oil is now considered an essential nutrient, even for
vegetarians. Recent research also revealed, that the transformation
humans underwent when apes became intelligent and turned into humans
happened only in coastal regions, where the apes started to consume
large amounts of fish.
The fatty acids in fish oil are very sensitive to exposure to
electromagnetic fields, temperature, light and various aspects of
handling and processing. Trans fatty acids, long chain fatty acids,
renegade fats and other oxidation products and contaminants are
frequently found in most commercial products. Ideally, fish oil should
be kept in an uninterrupted cooling chain until it ends up in the
patients fridge. The fish-source should be mercury and contaminant free,
which is becoming harder and harder. Fish oil should taste slightly fishy
but not too much. If there is no fish taste, too much processing and
manipulation has destroyed the vitality of the oil. If it tastes too
fishy, oxidation products are present. There are 5 commercially
available grades of fish oil. Grade I is the best.
Dosage: 1 capsule Omega 3 taken 4 times/day during the active phase of
treatment, 1 caps. twice/day for maintenance.
Best if taken together with chlorella.
Recently a fatty acid receptor has been discovered on the tongue,
joining the other more known taste receptors. If the capsules are chewed
or a liquid oil is taken, the stomach and pancreas start to prepare the
digestive tract in exactly the right way to prepare for maximum
absorption. To treat bipolar depression, post partum depression and
other forms of mental disease, 2000 mg of EPA are needed/day (David
Horrobin). For the modulation of malignancies, 120 mg of EPA 4 times/day
are needed. The calculations can easily be done with the information
given on the label.
Balanced electrolyte solution (Selectrolyte)
The autonomic nervous system in most toxic patients is dysfunctional.
Electric messages in the organism are not received, are misunderstood or
misinterpreted. Toxins cannot be shuttled through the extracellular
space. Increased intake of natural ocean salt (celtic sea salt) – and
avoidance of regular table salt - has been found to be very effective in
resolving some of these problems. Most effective is a solution pioneered
by the American chemist Ketkovsky. He created the formula for the most
effective electrolyte replacement, which was further improved by Morin
Labs, and is now called ‘selectrolyte’.
Dosage: 1 tsp in a cup of good water 1-3 times/day During times of
greater stress the dosage can be temporarily increased to 1 tbsp 3
Adjuvant therapies :
Mobilized metals and toxins tend to get stuck in the connective tissue
and lymph channels. They can no longer be reached by biochemical agents.
A mechanical approach is needed. Dr.Vodder´s MLD approach is very good.
We are using a superb group of microcurrent instruments developed by a
Japanese researcher. The results are often astounding. The device can
also be applied transcranially to mobilize metals from the brain with
ease and with no side effects, when the patient is simultaneously on a
good detox program. I call this process electromobilization.
Photomobilization : I found that the release of metals from the CNS can
be rapidly achieved with the use of narrow band polarized
light stimulation of the eyes. Each metal can be defined by its spectral
emissions when it is heated up (Fraunhofer lines). When light of the
exact same frequency is beamed into the eye (using a special instrument)
the release of this exact metal from the intracellular environment into
the blood stream is triggered.
Peer reviewed literature shows that sweating during sauna therapy
eliminates high levels of toxic metals, organic compounds, dioxin, and
other toxins. Sauna therapy is ideal to mobilize toxins from its hiding
places. However, during a sauna, toxic metals can also be displaced from
one body compartment into another. This means mercury can be shifted
from the connective tissue into the brain. This untoward effect is
completely prevented when the patient is on chlorella, cilantro and
garlic. The addition of ozone can be used to deliver an effective
anti-microorganism hit while in the sauna. The moment mercury and other
metals are removed from the body, microorganisms start to grow. We use a
ozone steam cabinet which allows us to combine the effects of
hyperthermia and ozone therapy in a very safe and comfortable way.
Colon hydrotherapy removes not only fecal matter from the bowel but also
sludge and debris that has attached itself to the wall of the colon. It
has been shown that these residues can be years even decades old and
often leaked out toxic doses of many different chemicals during those
years of residue collection. During a metal detoxification program, many
toxins appear on the bowel surface and shifted from bowel surface into
the fecal matter. However, since many of the toxins are neurotoxins, and
the colon is lined with nerve endings, many of the mobilized toxins are
reabsorbed into the body on the way down. To intercept these toxins
while in the colon, colon hydrotherapy is the ideal method.
Recommended use: 1-2 colonics per week during active phase of detox.
Acupuncture and Neural therapy:
Both are closely related techniques that balance the autonomic nervous
system (ANS). Compartmentalized metals are often trapped because of
specific dysfunctions of the ANS. Both can be resolved with
To facilitate in the detoxification process, exercise is absolutely
needed. Many patients with chronic disease are unable to engage in
vigorous exercise e.g. jogging. We help our clients to find the right
level of exercise appropriate to their level of illness. Without
exercise, mobilized toxins accumulate in the connective tissue, kidneys,
lungs and skin and can cause a new set of symptoms and perpetuate the
A good exercise program should include 3 components: a) muscle strength
training b) aerobic training
Recommendations: 20 minutes twice a day is the minimum requirement
during the active detox phase
When metals are mobilized a certain portion travels through the kidneys.
The kidneys may react with swelling of the basal membranes and decrease
in filtration rate. To prevent damage to the kidneys the patient has to
drink increasing amounts of water (with selectrolyte solution). The
kidney has a filtrating surface equal to a ping-pong table, the gut that
of a soccer field. The nephrons - like brain cells - live long and
cannot be replaced once damaged. The gut membranes are renewed every 3
days. It is foolish to push toxic metals through the kidneys and wise,
to push them out through the gut. Chlorella pulls toxic metals through
the mucosal surface of the intestines from the blood and protects the
Additional recommended supplement: Renelix 15 drops three times a day
When metals are moved out of the body through the feces, the bowel flora
is damaged. During the active phase of the detox, chlorella works as an
excellent pre-probiotic: It selectively feeds the good bowel flora. In
addition, we recommend taking HLC (Acidophilus/Bifidus) two capsules
with each meal.
There is a strange but largely overlooked association of metal toxicity
and psychological issues.
I found that often when the client has a breakthrough in psychotherapy
her/his symptoms become temporarily worse. This is often falsely
believed to be a healing crisis (immune system activation). In this
situation the client´s urine will often show high levels of toxic metals
with out a provocative agent being used. The psychological intervention
has led to a release of deeply stored toxins. I developed a targeted
rapid approach to resolve related psychological issues called “applied
psychoneurobiology or APN”, which is a form of muscle biofeedback
The Klinghardt Axiom and the Triad of Detoxification:
By experience I found the following to be true: each unresolved
psycho-emotional conflict or each unresolved past trauma causes the body
to lose the ability to successfully recognize and excrete toxic
substances. Also each entanglement or limiting connection with another
family member, unhealed relationships and unhealthy, non-life
affirmative attitudes limit the organisms ability to detoxify itself. In
fact, the type of retained metal or other toxin and the body
compartment, where it is stored, can be predicted with a high degree of
certainty by knowing what type of unresolved psycho- emotional conflict
is present in a client and at what age the associated event occurred.
For each unresolved psychological issue there is an equal amount of
toxins stored in the body.
When the patient starts to effectively detoxify on the physical level,
repressed emotional material moves from the unconscious to the more
superficial subconscious part of the brain. Instead of feeling better
from the lessened toxin burden, the patient will often start to
experience unpleasant inner states of being, e.g. tension, anxiety,
sadness or anger. This is commonly mistaken as a side-effect of the
medications used for detoxification or as an unspecified “detox
reaction”. When this emotional material is not dealt with, the body
stops releasing further toxins - the tension or discrepancy between the
unresolved psycho-emotional material and the already released physical
toxins is too large. Both are out of balance – the toxin container is
less full then the container with the unresolved emotions. Unless
appropriate psychological intervention is chosen as the next step in
treatment, detoxification cannot progress.
Things are further complicated by the increased activity of
microorganisms such as fungi and molds, bacteria, viruses, prions and
different species of mycoplasma during a detox program. Insecticides,
herbicides, wood preservatives, mercury, and other toxins are used by us
with a single purpose – to stop the growth of microorganisms and other
unwanted pests in the outside world (farm fields, materials and
furniture made from wood, to preserve food, etc.). When these toxic
agents have entered our inner environment
(via the food chain, air, water, skin contact or amalgam fillings) they
have the same effect in us. They stop the growth of microorganisms – at
a price: they also harm the cells of our body. As the patient is
detoxifying from these agents, microorganisms may grow out of control,
since the growth of the microbes is no longer inhibited by the poison.
Paradoxically, it is the toxin induced impairment of our immune system
that enables the microorganisms to enter our system in the first place.
Once established, they are hard to conquer and removing the causative
toxin is no longer enough. The organism needs help with the elimination
of the infectious agents.
The flare-up of previously hidden infections occurs regularly during
mercury detoxification. Historically, this fact is well known: mercury
was used quite effectively for treatment of the bacterial spirochete
causing syphilis. Some people died from side effects of the treatment,
but many people lived after eradication of the infection. The reverse
happens, when we withdraw mercury from the body: spirochetes,
streptococci and other microorganisms present in many hiding places
(such as the red blood cells, the jaw bone, inside the lateral canals of
a root filled tooth, inside the calculus of a bone spur, in the soft
tissues of a whip-lash injured neck, in the gray matter of the brain
etc.) may start to grow and extend their hold on us. Microorganisms use
their respective neurotoxins to gradually achieve control over our
immune system, our behavior, our thinking, and every aspect of our
biochemistry. It is the microbial neurotoxins that are responsible for
many, if not most poison related symptoms, not the poisons themselves.
For each equivalent of stored toxins there is an equal amount of
pathogenic microorganisms in the body (Milieu theory of Bechamp)
Patients who are infected with Borrelia burgdorferi, the spirochete
which causes Lyme disease, often are unaware of their illness. They may
have some joint pains or fatigue, but nothing that alarms them. However,
frequently they start to become more symptomatic during or after a
successful mercury detoxification program: they may experience MS-like
symptoms such as muscle weakness, increased levels of pain, numbness,
fatigue or mental decline. The same is true for infections with
mycoplasma, streptococci, tuberculosis and others. Therefore, it is
important to anticipate the temporarily enhanced growth of
microorganisms during a successful detox program. There is a latent
period in which the microorganisms are already recovered, but the host’s
immune system is not. During this time the practitioner has to prescribe
appropriate antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and antimycoplasma
medications. I prefer natural solutions which are often sufficient - or
even better in the long run then medical drugs - such as freeze dried
garlic, bee propolis, colloidal gold and microbial inhibition
The immune system in a client with unresolved psychoemotional material
and compartmentalized toxins is unable to recognize and eliminate the
microorganisms present in the toxic areas of the body. Those areas serve
as hiding and breeding places for these organisms. Unfortunately they
have been termed “stealth organisms”, implying that they behave in
secret unpredictable ways, that they have learned to evade a perfectly
evolved and functional immune system. There is a fear, that they are
slowly gaining control over us and that there is really nothing we can
do about it. We can, if we understand the triad of detoxification.
The Detoxification Axiom:
For each unresolved psycho-emotional conflict or trauma there is an
equivalent of stored toxins and an equivalent of pathogenic
microorganisms. To successfully detoxify the body the three issues have
to be addressed simultaneously.
The triad of detoxification:
Detoxification of the physical body
Treatment of latent microorganisms and parasites
Treatment of unresolved psycho-emotional issues
E. Conclusion :
Detoxing the patient from heavy metals can be an elegant smooth
experience or rollercoaster ride. The problems that occur can always be
resolved with the use of autonomic response testing (ART).
Without the use of ART and addressing the psychological issues (with
APN), embarking on a heavy metal detox program can be unsatisfying,
incomplete, sometimes dangerous and may not lead to resolution of the
underlying medical condition. We recommend that each patient undergoing
a metal detox program stays under the supervision of an experienced and
qualified practitioner. There are many more ways to approach metal detox.
However, many roads I have witnessed also did not lead to complete
resolution of the underlying problem and are shortsighted. The
practitioner should avoid short term interventions for long term issues
and should not underestimate the depth and magnitude of the underlying
Taken from www.sustainablehealth.org.uk
Removing Toxic Metals
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