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DESCRIPTION
Aluminum is not a heavy metal, but it can be toxic if present in excessive amounts. Even in small amounts, aluminum can be toxic if deposited in the brain. Many of the symptoms of aluminum toxicity are similar to those of Alzheimer's disease and osteoporosis. Aluminum toxicity can lead to colic, rickets, gastrointestinal disturbances, poor calcium metabolism, extreme nervousness, anemia, headaches, decreased liver and kidney function, forgetfulness, speech disturbances, memory loss, softening of the bones, and weak, aching muscles.
Because aluminum is excreted through the kidneys, toxic amounts of aluminum may impair kidney function. The accumulation of aluminum salts in the brain has bee implicated in seizures and reduced mental faculties. To reach the brain, aluminum must pass the blood-brain barrier, an elaborate structure that filters the blood before it reaches this vital organ. Elemental aluminum does not readily pass through this barrier, but certain aluminum compounds, such as aluminum fluoride, do. Many municipal water supplies are treated with both alum (aluminum sulfate) and fluoride, and these two chemicals readily combine with each other in the blood. Moreover, aluminum fluoride, once formed, is very poorly excreted in the urine.
Intestinal absorption of high levels of aluminum and silicon can result in the formation of compounds that accumulate in the cerebral cortex and prevent nerve impulses from being carried to and from the brain in the proper manner. Chronic calcium deficiency can aggravate the situation. People who have worked in aluminum smelting plants for long periods have been known to experience dizziness, impaired coordination, and a loss of balance and energy. The accumulation of aluminum in the brain has been cited as a possible cause for these symptoms. Perhaps the most alarming, there is evidence to suggest that long-term accumulation of aluminum in the brain may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease.
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Aluminum & Alzheimer's Connection
FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Symptoms similar to osteoporosis.
Symptoms similar to Alzheimer's disease.
Speech disturbances.
Weak, aching muscles.
Impaired coordination.
Fatigue, tiredness, loss of energy.
Memory loss, forgetfulness.
Anemia.
Colic and gastrointestinal disturbances.
Rickets and softening of the bones.
Poor calcium metabolism.
Extreme nervousness.
Headaches, mild to severe.
Dizziness. Loss of Balance.
Impaired kidney function.
Impaired liver function.
CAUSES
It has been estimated that the average person ingests between 3 and 10 milligrams of aluminum a day. Aluminum is the most abundant metallic element in the earth's crust. Aluminum is found in:
- It is absorbed into the body primarily through the digestive tract, but also through the lungs and skin, and is absorbed by and accumulates in body tissues. Because aluminum permeates our air, water, and soil, it is found naturally in varying amounts in nearly all food and water.
- Aluminum cookware, cooking utensils, and aluminum foil.
- Over-the-counter pain killers.
- Anti-inflammatories.
- Douche preparations.
- An additive to baking powder.
- Used in food processing.
- Antiperspirants.
- Toothpaste.
- Dental amalgams.
- Bleached flour.
- Grated cheese.
- Table salt.
- Beer, especially when packaged in aluminum cans.
- City or town water supplies are a prominent source of aluminum.
- Antacids. Excessive use of antacids is probably the most common cause of aluminum toxicity in this country, especially in people who have kidney problems. Many over-the-counter antacids contain amounts of aluminum hydroxide that may be too much for the kidneys to excrete successfully. Even antacids that contain a mixture of aluminum and other ingredients may pose a problem; in some people, such products may cause the same reaction as products composed entirely of aluminum compounds.
TREATMENT
CONSIDERATIONS
Hair analysis can be used to determine levels of aluminum in the body.
If you use chelation therapy, use oral chelating agents only. Many researchers believe that aluminum cannot be chelated out of the body as some metals can, but that it can be displaced or moved.
Some research indicates that the longer you cook food in aluminum pots, the more they corrode, and the more aluminum compounds migrate into food and are absorbed by the body. Aluminum is more readily dissolved by acid-forming foods, such as coffee, cheeses, meats, black and green tea, cabbage, cucumbers, tomatoes, turnips, spinach, and radishes.
Acid rain leeches aluminum out of the soil and into drinking water.
HERBAL, DIETARY & HOLISTIC RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATIONS
Eat a diet that is high in fiber and includes apple pectin.
Use only stainless steel, glass, or iron cookware. Stainless steel is best.
Beware of products containing aluminum. Read labels and avoid those that contain aluminum, or dihydroaluminum. See MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Aluminum & Alzheimer's Connection for more suggestions.
NUTRIENTS Supplement Suggested Dosage Comments Apple Pectin 2 Tablespoons twice daily. Binds with metals in the colon and excretes them from the body. Calcium 1,500 mg daily. Minerals that bind with aluminum and eliminate it from the body. Use chelate form.
Calcium Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 700 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.,
Just An Ounce Calcium and Magnesium, Almond Flavor, 16 fl. oz.,
Cal-Mag Pre-Chelated Calcium & Magnesium, Vital Earth, 240 Gelcaps.And
Magnesium750 mg daily. Minerals that bind with aluminum and eliminate it from the body. Use chelate form.
Magnesium Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 350 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.,
Cal-Mag Pre-Chelated Calcium & Magnesium, Vital Earth, 240 Gelcaps.Coenzyme A
From Coenzyme-A TechnologiesAs directed on label. Supports the immune system's detoxification of many dangerous substances.
Pantethine (Coenzyme A Precursor), Highly Active Form of Vitamin B-5, NOW Foods, 300 mg, 60 Softgels,Garlic (Kyolic) 2 capsules 3 times daily. Acts as a detoxifier.
Super Odorless Garlic, NOW Foods, 5000 mg, 90 Caps,
Garlic Oil, NOW Foods, 1500 mg, 250 Softgels,Kelp 2,000-3,000 mg daily. Has a balanced mineral content. Acts as a detoxifier of excess metals.
Kelp Supplement, Nature's Way, 100 Caps, Certified 650 mg,
Kelp Seaweed Norwegian, NOW Foods, 100% Natural, 550 mg, 250 Caps,
Kelp Seaweed Norwegian, Laminaria Digitata Powder, 4 oz. BulkLecithin Granules
Or
CapsulesGranules: 1 Tablespoon 3 times daily before meals.
Capsules: 1,200 mg 3 times daily, before meals.Aids in healing of the brain and cell membranes.
Lecithin Vegetarian Granules, NOW Foods, 97% Phosphatides, Identity Preserved, Non-GE,
Liquid Lecithin, NOW Foods, Vegetarian, 16 fl. oz.,
Lecithin Nature's Way, 1200 mg, 100 SoftgelsL-Glutathione As directed on label. Aids in blocking damage from toxic metals and radiation.
L-Glutathione, 250 mg, 60 CapsMulti-Vitamin & Mineral Complex As directed on label. Basic for stabilizing vitamin and mineral imbalances in toxic conditions. Use a hypoallergenic high-potency formula.
Super Multi-Vitamin & Multi-Mineral, Pure Vital Earth, 32 fl. oz. (98% Bio-Available for Absorption),
Damage Control Master Formula, High Potency, Multi-Vitamin & Mineral, 60 Packets (30 Day Supply)Oxy-Cleanse
From Earth's BountyAs directed on label. Helps remove heavy metals, other pollutants, and anaerobic pathogens from the body. S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM-e) As directed on label. Helps reduce stress and nervousness caused by excess aluminum. Caution: Do not use if you have manic depressive disorder or take prescription antidepressants.
SAM-e Enteric Coated, NOW Foods, 100 mg, 30 Tabs,
SAM-e 2X, NOW Foods, 200 mg, 30 Tabs,
SAM-e Nervous System Support, NOW Foods, 400 mg, 30 TabsVitamin B Complex
Plus Extra
Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine)
And
Vitamin B-12100 mg 3 times daily.
50 mg 3 times daily.
300 mcg 3 times daily.The B vitamins, especially B-6, are important in ridding the intestinal tract of excess metals and in removing them from the body. Sublingual forms are recommended for better absorption. Injections (under a health care provider's supervision) may be necessary.
Ultimate B (Vitamin B Complex), Nature's Secret, 60 Tabs,
Vitamin B-100 Complex, w/ Coenzyme B-2, Nature's Way, 631 mg, 100 Caps,
Vitamin B-12 Complex Liquid, Now Foods, 2 fl. oz.,Vitamin E 200 IU daily. A powerful antioxidant. Fights cellular aging by protecting cell membranes. Also improves circulation and prolongs the life of red blood cells. Use d-alpha-tocopherol form.
Vitamin E, d-alpha-tocopherol, 400 IU, 100 Softgels,
ALUMINUM TOXICITY SUPPLEMENTS
Information for help with aluminum toxicity, a serious condition that occurs when a person absorbs excessive amounts of aluminum, a poisonous metal that deposits itself in the brain.
Alive! Whole Food Energizer Multi Vitamin with Mineral, 18mg of Iron added, 90 Tabs
Alive Whole Food Energizer Multi Vitamin with Mineral with Iron is absorbed into your blood stream 5 times faster than other leading brands.American Ginseng Root, 550 mg, 50 Caps
American Ginseng Root (Panax quinquefolium) is nutritionally beneficial for the immune system and long term energy. It nourishes the circulatory system and enhances mental alertness and stamina.Burdock Root, Certified Organic, 540 mg, 100 Caps
Burdock is a natural blood purifier and detoxifier. It is favored for helping the body maintain healthy skin. It nourishes the urinary and respiratory systems, and also nutritionally supports joints and other skeletal tissues. It is reported to promote glandular and hormone balance, as well as remove accumulations and deposits around the joints.Echinacea Root Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Echinacea Root is also known as Purple Coneflower and considered very valuable by the North American Indians.Garlic Oil Tincture, Alcohol Free, 1 fl. oz.
Garlic oil is often used to soothe the ear and as an antibiotic but most often used as a food and herb and also to lower serum cholesterol and blood pressure and to improve circulation as well as possibly inhibiting the growth of ulcer causing bacteria.Ginkgo Biloba Extract Standardized, 60 mg, 120 Vcaps
Supports circulation to the brain as well as the extremities. This is achieved by maintaining healthy blood vessel tone and reducing blood viscosity. Additionally, Ginkgo biloba is a proven free radical scavenger and antioxidant.Just An Ounce Calcium and Magnesium, Almond Flavor, 16 fl. oz.
Just An Ounce, Calcium and Magnesium Liquid can help with the development of strong bones and teeth, also prevents muscle cramping, risk of colon cancer, maintain regular heart beat, protects against osteoporosis and helps relax the central nervous system.Kelp Seaweed Norwegian, 100% Natural, acophyllum nodosum, 550 mg, 250 Caps
Norwegian Kelp seaweed contains nearly thirty minerals which nourish the glands, especially the thyroid and pituitary. Kelp, also known as seaweed, grows in the rich ocean beds, far below surface pollution levels.Lecithin Concentrate, 400 mg, 100 Softgels
Lecithin is the most abundant phospholipid serving as a structural material for every cell in the body and is an essential constituent of the brain and nervous system responsible for breaking down cholesterol, transporting fats, rebuilding organs, maintaining organ, cardiovascular, and endocrine health, fights infections, lowers blood pressure, restores sexual energy, eases PMS and menopausal tension, promotes energy and benefits nervous and mental disorders.L-Glutathione, 250 mg, 60 Caps
L-Glutathione is a tripeptide amino acid produced in the liver primarily from cysteine. L-Glutathione acts as a cellular antioxidant by inhibiting free radical proliferation.Natural Fiber Supplement (Trumans), 12 oz.
Truman's Natural Fiber Supplement formula helps to give bulk to the stool and to check diarrhea; thus, creating balance in the bowel movements.SAM-e: The Remarkable Substance That Promotes Detoxification, Relieves Arthritis, and Fights Depression By Rita Elkins, M.H.
This Booklet provides valuable information on the breakthrough research, safety and therapeutic uses of SAM-e that promotes detoxification, relieves arthritis and fights depression.
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You have an aluminum toxicity or suspect aluminum toxicity and may need professional consultation and hair analysis testing for verification.
You have any increase of symptoms or other signs of aluminum toxicity.
You have any unexpected or unusual symptoms. Some people may have sensitivity, allergies, or other health conditions which would prevent them from using certain herbs or other treatments.
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Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
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