Impact of Consumption on Cardiovascular Health: Fish and Heart Healthiness Revisited
In the year 2018, a growing concern about the impact of mercury on heart health has come to light. This heavy metal, often found in certain types of fish, has been identified as a potent cardiovascular toxin.
Chelation, a natural method, is employed to remove heavy metals like mercury from the body. Holistic dentists, in particular, prefer safer alternatives to traditional amalgam fillings, opting for composites made of resin, plastic, and other materials.
Mercury's harmful effects on the cardiovascular system are far-reaching. It increases the risk of arrhythmia, a condition characterised by irregular heartbeats that can compromise cardiac function. Atherosclerosis, the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup, is another consequence. The metal's presence also raises the risk of stroke, potentially from vascular damage and impaired blood flow.
Mercury is also implicated in the development of hypertension, or high blood pressure. Studies have linked mercury contamination to elevated blood pressure, further stressing the heart. The metal's accumulation in the body over time can lead to heart failure and other heart diseases.
Mercury's cardiovascular harm contributes to increased risks of heart-related complications, making its detection and prevention crucial. The metal's effects are often irreversible, making early detection and intervention essential.
The most mercury-laden fish include albacore tuna, swordfish, bluefish, king mackerel, orange roughy, shark, marlin, and ahi tuna. However, other types of fish also contain mercury, albeit within the EPA's guidelines for the maximum allowable amount.
Mercury contamination in fish remains a persistent problem. The EPA publishes a National Listing of Fish Advisories, providing contact information for each state. Consuming enough fiber in your diet can aid in the body's elimination of mercury.
Supplementing with PQQ and CoQ10 can help protect and potentially aid in the repair of neurological damage caused by mercury exposure. It's worth noting that mercury can destroy endothelial cells that line blood vessels, stimulate the production of prostaglandins promoting unnecessary inflammation, and disrupt mitochondrial function in heart tissue cells.
A 2012 study revealed that Lactobacillus, a type of bacteria, can bind to and remove some heavy metals, including mercury. Milk thistle, known for its cleansing effect on the liver and gall bladder, can also help the body heal from mercury poisoning.
In an effort to minimise the risks associated with mercury exposure, holistic dentists are advocating for safer alternatives in dental fillings, while encouraging a balanced diet rich in fiber and antioxidants, and the careful consumption of fish. The EPA's guidelines for acceptable daily intake of mercury are stringent, setting the limit at 0.01 micrograms.
As research continues, it's clear that understanding the impact of mercury on heart health is crucial in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and reducing the risks associated with this potent toxin.
- The implications of mercury on heart health extend beyond cardiovascular issues, as it has also been linked to the development of hypertension and elevated blood pressure.
- In addition to heart health, mercury may have detrimental effects on brain health, as it can cause neurological damage and stimulate unnecessary inflammation.
- Removing heavy metals like mercury from the body is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health, and this can be achieved through natural methods such as chelation.
- Fitness and exercise, combined with a balanced diet rich in fiber and antioxidants, can help reduce the risks associated with mercury exposure.
- To further minimise the risks of mercury-related health issues, it's important to follow the EPA's guidelines for the consumption of fish, particularly for those who are frequently exposed to this potent toxin.
