In a new study published Monday in the scientific journal Environmental Health, mercury was found in nearly 50 percent of tested samples of commercial high fructose corn syrup. The news is disturbing given that this ingredient is present in a large portion of processed American foods. According to David Wallinga, M.D., co-author of the study, "Given how much high fructose corn syrup is consumed by children, it could be a significant additional source of mercury never before considered. We are calling for immediate changes by industry and the FDA to help stop this avoidable mercury contamination of the food supply." A separate study by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy detected mercury in nearly one-third of 55 popular brand-name food and beverage products where high fructose corn syrup is the first or second highest labeled ingredient-including products by Quaker, Hershey's, Kraft and Smucker's.
Comment by Tim Walsh L.Ac., Detoxification Specialist: Toxic heavy metals, such as mercury and lead, have become a major health issue. You may have heavy metal toxicity if you have symptoms, such as:
irritability, anxiety, loss of self-confidence, lethargy, loss of memory and concentration, numbness and tingling, constant low back ache, metallic taste in mouth, dizziness, food sensitivities, abdominal cramps and inflammation, abnormal heart rhythm, unexplained elevated cholesterol or blood pressure, low immunity, chronic candida, autoimmune disorder, chronic headaches, allergies, low body temperature, excessive perspiration and general fatigue, just to name a few.
Heavy metal toxicity can affect any organ or area of the body; therefore toxicity symptoms are many and varied. Due to dental fillings, seafood, and based on the above report, high fructose corn syrup, mercury toxicity is commonplace. The good news is testing for heavy metal toxicity is easy. At The Hall Center, we use a 6 hour urine collection to test for the presence of heavy metals. This is a take-home test, which you can do at your convenience.
Compounding the harmful levels of heavy metals in our environment is the fact that many individuals are deficient in the specific nutrients needed to remove these metals. Our treatment protocols include increasing the effectiveness of your body’s detoxification system, as well as pulling the metals out directly, yet safely, with chelating agents.
Helping your body with our world’s ever increasing toxic burden is paramount for a long and healthy life. You should think of detoxification as true health insurance. To begin a detoxification program or pick up a heavy metal test kit, contact The Hall Center at 310 458 7979. If you want to know more about our detoxification programs ask for me, Tim Walsh.
Wishing you a healthy and happy 2009,
Tim Walsh
tim@thehallcenter.com
This information is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to treat or diagnose any health condition.