Diatomaceous earth (DE) Fossil Shell Flour has been reported in scientific literature
to absorb methyl mercury, E. coli, endotoxins, viruses (including poliovirus), organophosphate pesticide residues,
drug residues, and protein, perhaps even the proteinaceous toxins produced by some intestinal infections.
Pyrethroid insecticide residues probably also bind to diatomaceous earth, since pyrethrins from Chrysanthemum
flowers bind to and are stabilized by this material. The only brand of pure DE currently recommended is from
Perma Guard. Perma Guard’s Fossil Shell Flour has been approved by the FDA (as a 2% by dry weight food additive,
as an anti-caking agent, or as a grain storage additive).
Perma Guard™ Fossil Shell Flour is amorphous (non-crystalline) and is Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS),
but as an extra safety precaution the dust should not be inhaled. Since it appears to pass inertly through
the digestive tract, releasing only a few trace minerals, decide for yourself what dose works well, bearing
in mind that taking large amounts my have some very uncomfortable effects.
“Detox”-ing one’s system too quickly might not allow enough time for one’s metabolism to re-balance,
creating discomfort known as “healing crisis”. This discomfort may be nothing more than inflammation
caused by a REAWAKENING immune system as it detoxifies and begins to attack previously unaddressed
chronic infections. Working up the amount slowly from about a teaspoon to a rounded tablespoon over
a few days or weeks may help to avoid this situation. A heaping tablespoonful, as much as we recommend,
in water before bed or first thing in the morning, if one doesn’t normally eat an early breakfast,
will allow the Fossil Shell Flour DE time to move through and absorb toxins from one’s digestive
tract without interference and without absorbing nutrients from foods or liquids.
Microscopic live cell analysis of blood taken from individuals who have detoxed for many months produced no evidence that this
particular diatomaceous earth ever makes its way intact into the blood. Also, hair analysis of these individuals displayed normal
or even slightly low amounts of silica. This evidence, combined with a very low trace and toxic mineral content (usually ppm),
supports the concept that DE Fossil Shell Flour removes toxins that poison the immune and regulatory functions, instead of adding
trace minerals that support these processes in the body, as was once thought.
TOXIC METAL exposure is a serious problem in the ecosystem worldwide, and elements such as mercury, uranium, plutonium, cadmium,
bismuth, nickel, silver, and even gold, platinum, and palladium are all suspected of being problematic for the immune system and
of causing a wide spectrum of disease symptoms also the use of so-called “depleted uranium” weapons in armed conflicts is suspected
of contributing an array of health problems.
Nickel is present in all sorts of personal items, from eye-glass frames, the backs of watches, and jewelry to the change we
carry around in our pockets. Nickel-containing under wires and the hooks and fasteners in bras my contribute to the 125-fold
greater risk of breast cancer in women wearing bras 24 hours a day, compared to those who do not wear bras. Iron supplements
much higher than the 10 mg/day recommended for men and post-menopausal women (18 mg/day for pre-menopausal women) can cause
serious health problems, including colon cancer.
Mercury toxicity? - is one of the most difficult to answer, because mercury attacks the body in so many ways. Mercury kills
cells by interfering with their ability to exchange oxygen, nutrients, and waste products through the cell membrane. Inside the
cell, mercury destroys our genetic code, DNA, leaving us without the ability to reproduce that cell ever again. Chronic fatigue
syndrome also has a mercury component.
Amalgam is the generic term for the most commonly used dental filling in the world,
silver-mercury amalgam. Amalgam is a mixture of mercury, silver, copper, tin, and zinc. Mercury comprises the largest portion
(around 50 percent).
What happens to mercury when it comes out of a filling? Mercury is highly reactive chemically.
In the mouth, mercury has the ability to combine with a carbon-hydrogen compound called a methyl group. Methyl mercury is
100 times more toxic than plain, elemental mercury. It is especially toxic to the brain and nerve tissue, which may explain
amalgam's relationship to MS, epilepsy, and emotional disturbances.
Mercury does come out of fillings; it does produce a toxic compound that is given off as the fillings corrode;
and enough of this substance does form to cause disease. This by itself should make us pretty sure it can cause
a health problem. If 100,000 of the 140,000 dentists in the United States place nine fillings per day each - about
three hours' worth of work - that is 900,000 mercury fillings per day.
90.2 percent of us are reactive to mercury. What sort of reaction should we expect? The ways in which mercury
attacks the body can be identified in five categories. The categories are: neurological, cardiovascular, collagen,
immunological, and miscellaneous.
Neurological problems encompass two divisions, motor and sensory. An example of motor problems would be tremors,
while sensory might be brainfog (spaciness), short-term memory problems, or depression. The percentages of patients
exhibiting these mercury-caused problems are: depression, 73.3 percent; numb fingers or toes, 67.3 percent; memory
problems, 58.0 percent; and jitteriness or nervousness, 38.1 percent.
As with many aspects of mercury toxicity, the term "unexplained" precedes the names of specific mercury-induced
cardiovascular symptoms. Heart attacks have a specific cause. Mercury-caused problems are elusive. The percentages
I have found are: unexplained chest pains, 35.6 percent, and unexplained tachycardia, 32.4 percent.
The most common problem in the collagen category is arthritis. Constant or frequent pain in the joints
constitutes 35.5 percent of the symptoms in this category.
Immunological disorders are probably the most significant category, as shown by studies done in
laboratory on over 3,500 people. Over 90 percent of these people demonstrated immune reactivity.
This is most often seen in what are called autoimmune diseases, or diseases in which the body's
immune system attacks its own tissues. Examples of autoimmune diseases include MS, amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease), lupus erythematosus, diabetes, certain types of
arthritis, and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
The miscellaneous category gets crowded. Some of the symptoms include: frequent urination, 64.5 percent;
chronic fatigue, 63.1 percent; bloated feeling after eating, 60.6 percent; recurring constipation, 54.6 percent;
ringing in the ears, 47.8 percent; metallic taste in the mouth, 38.7 percent; suicidal thoughts, 37.3 percent;
and headaches after eating, 20.1 percent. The miscellaneous category also includes allergies. Many of today's
food and airborne allergies seem to show a correlation between placement of fillings and the onset of these
allergies. With allergies, just removing the offending fillings, unfortunately, does not bring about an alleviation of symptoms.
What if mercury is present? The bloodstream is the primary avenue for mercury to enter and exit the body. Recent dental
journal articles show that there is a relationship between blood levels of mercury and the number of silver-mercury fillings
present in the mouth. Researched and published articles show that at autopsy, people's brain levels of mercury corresponded
with the number of silver fillings in their mouths."
Calcium. Bone density is controlled by the minerals, magnesium and manganese. Because both calcium and magnesium activate
the process that begins the production of energy, and because calcium is necessary for the absorption of magnesium, it is easy
to understand that the proper amount of biologically active calcium at the cellular level is necessary for you to have a good energy level.
Manganese:
- Helps to control the glucose level
- Aids in the calcification of teeth
- Works with magnesium to prevent muscle cramping
- Aids in the development of the inner and outer ear
- Works with magnesium in the control of hyperkinetic and autistic behavior in children
- Aids in nerve impulse transmission
- Helps prevent tingling and numbness in the limbs
- Works with zinc in the prevention of birth defects
- The action of manganese is blocked by mercury
Mercury. Although amalgams are the biggest source of exposure to mercury, they are not the only source.
Probably the greatest dietary source of mercury is tuna. This is followed closely by shellfish like lobster and shrimp.
As a rule, the larger the fish, the greater the amount of mercury it contains. As you have probably realized by now,
any amount of mercury in the diet can be considered too much.
Zinc. Zinc is essential in the activation of over 80 percent of the body's enzyme systems.
Perhaps one of its most important functions is in helping to control glucose levels. It is also important I the growth
of bone, and, along with magnesium, is vital in the healing process. Zinc is very important in the development of children.
Keep this in mind during pregnancy if your dentist wants to place an amalgam. Mercury, by deactivating zinc, can contribute
to birth defects. You should avoid sugar, alcohol, and caffeine if your zinc level is deficient, as is seen in so many
mercury-toxic patients.
Magnesium. Where there is a lack of magnesium, there is also a higher potential for tooth decay, so as a means
of controlling dental problems, magnesium is essential. Alcohol lowers magnesium levels.
Chromium. Low levels of chromium are found in patients who habitually eat large amounts of carbohydrates.
A high intake of carbohydrates will lower chromium levels because chromium is necessary in the activation of insulin
and is part of what is known as the glucose tolerance factor. Most people do not get sufficient amounts of chromium
from the foods they eat It is necessary to be very strict about dietary control and taking supplementation.
Potassium. Nearly all medications and drugs will upset potassium metabolism. Potassium deficiency and / or
contamination is characteristic of MS patients, and is the number-two deficiency in the periodontal patient."
"Some of the most common exposures to mercury come through foods, cosmetics, medications, household chemicals,
gardening chemicals, and other items that contain high levels of mercury, as well as professions and industries
in which people are exposed to mercury. You can see how many places mercury is used in our modern environment.
It is impossible to avoid all sources."
Avoid exposure to toxic metal and other forms of toxins as much as possible, and consider using DE
Fossil Shell Flour to detoxify, thereby helping to protect ourselves from the many harmful effects of
unavoidable exposures.
Another avenue of toxic exposure comes from cooking and serving ware, such as when acidic foods,
like tomatoes, come in contact with stainless steel. Brightly colored, low-temperature-fired pottery
and stainless steel alloys can contain toxic metal components that are capable of poisoning us when acidic
foods leach toxins from the pots, pans, and flatware. Aluminum and other metal toxins are potential hazards
in this regard, with possible connections to Alzheimer’s syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, and other associated
problems. Pottery (also GLASSWARE) that has been properly glazed and fired (such as crock pots, stoneware
and porcelain), and untreated wooden and ceramic utensils provide safer alternatives than items containing
toxic metals. TITANIUM also appears to be a safer alternative than other metals for cookware, eyeglass frames,
jewelry, and other materials that contact our bodies, food, or water, but only when it is NOT alloyed with
other toxins or carcinogens.