Inadequate cardiovascular benefits from fish consumption for some individuals

Inadequate cardiovascular benefits from fish consumption for some individuals

In the realm of environmental toxins, mercury stands out as a significant concern due to its potential impact on cardiovascular health. This article delves into the ways mercury can affect the heart and offers potential solutions.

Mercury, a potent toxin, adversely affects the cardiovascular system and heart function by inducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction in systemic arteries. These processes damage the endothelium (the inner lining of blood vessels), impair vascular function, and promote hypertension [1][5].

Specifically, mercury's accumulation causes oxidative stress and inflammation, which impair vascular function and promote hypertension. It also leads to endothelial dysfunction, a critical factor that reduces the ability of blood vessels to dilate properly, leading to increased vascular resistance and high blood pressure. Furthermore, mercury induces vascular remodeling, structural changes in blood vessels that can stiffen arteries and worsen blood flow, further stressing the heart [1].

Mercury's presence also increases the risk of arrhythmias, disrupting normal heart rhythm, which can lead to dangerous irregular heartbeats [5]. Additionally, mercury exposure correlates with elevated blood pressure—a major cardiovascular risk factor—likely through mechanisms related to oxidative stress and inflammation [1][5].

Research published in 2007 identified two main sources of mercury exposure for the general public: exposure from contaminated seafood and mercury vapor from amalgam fillings [6]. However, it's important to note that not all types of fish contain high levels of mercury. While the most mercury-laden fish include albacore tuna, swordfish, bluefish, king mackerel, orange roughy, shark, marlin, and ahi tuna, smaller fish like sardines and herring are safer [2].

Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate the effects of mercury. Supplementing with PQQ and CoQ10 can help protect the body from mercury toxicity and potentially help repair neurological damage [3]. Fiber in the diet also aids in the elimination of mercury [4].

Holistic dentists use fillings and composites made of resin, plastic, and other materials believed to be safer than amalgam fillings [7]. Chelation, a safe, natural way to remove heavy metals from the body, including mercury, is another option [8]. Milk thistle can also help the body heal from mercury poisoning [9].

The EPA sets the 'acceptable' daily intake of mercury at 0.01 micrograms and publishes a National Listing of Fish Advisories with contact information for each state [10]. With continued research and awareness, the ongoing problem of mercury contamination in fish can be addressed effectively.

This article was written in 2018, shedding light on the dangers of mercury and offering potential solutions for a healthier future.

References: 1. Mercury Toxicity and Cardiovascular Disease 2. Mercury Levels in Commercial Fish and Shellfish, 1990-2012 3. PQQ and Neuroprotection Against Mercury-Induced Neurotoxicity 4. Fiber and Mercury Elimination 5. Mercury Toxicity and Cardiovascular Disease: Mechanisms and Clinical Implications 6. Mercury in Fish and Shellfish: What You Need to Know 7. Holistic Dentistry: A Safer Approach to Dental Fillings 8. Chelation Therapy for Heavy Metal Toxicity 9. Milk Thistle for Mercury Poisoning 10. Fish Advisories

1. Mercury, a toxin, negatively impacts not only cardiovascular health but also brain health, as it induces oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction.
2. The accumulation of mercury in the body impairs vascular function, contributes to hypertension, leads to endothelial dysfunction, and promotes vascular remodeling, causing stiffening of arteries and worsening blood flow.
3. Beyond affecting the heart, mercury increases the risk of arrhythmias and sends blood pressure soaring, making it a significant concern in the realms of health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and medical-conditions related to chronic-diseases.
4. In attempts to mitigate the effects of mercury, nutrition plays a crucial role, as fiber in the diet aids in its elimination, and supplements like PQQ and CoQ10 can help protect the body from mercury toxicity.
5. The science of medical-conditions associated with mercury exposure evolves, with holistic dentists offering safer alternatives to amalgam fillings, and treatments such as chelation and milk thistle providing potential solutions to address mercury contamination and promote cardiovascular-health.

Read also: