Re: ALA, Numbness and tingling, HELP

"...it's been a while since i researched the selenium/mercury connection but do recall the pubmed studies of it having an affinity with mercury and the possibility of it allowing the mercury through the BBB, having binded with the selenium."

== Andy Cutler and others indicate that selenium binds rather tightly with mercury (Hg). Therefore I'm not so sure there is an issue with it getting through the BBB. Since it binds rather tightly, it is not so likely to drop the Hg in the brain before the complex exits through the BBB.

== In contrast, lipoic acid, even with its dual SH/Thiol groups (mercury magnets)
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/othernuts/la/lastructure.html

does not hold onto Hg very tightly, however it does allow inorganic Hg to cross the BBB. That is why half of the mice in the Gregus study ended up with *more* Hg in the brain even though they excreted more Hg than control mice. Cutler explains here.
http://onibasu.com/archives/am/74605.html


== Remember also that organic forms of mercury--from fish and vaccines--readily cross the bbb as well. However the HUGE danger is that humans naturally convert organic Hg into inorganic Hg. When the conversion takes place in the brain, the resulting inorganic Hg essentially gets stuck there. Very little inorganic Hg escapes across the BBB.

== Cutler, Boyd Haley and others think this trapped Hg is involved in Autism, Alzheimers, MS and other neurological illnesses. Haley explains in this long presentation.
http://www.myspace.com/video/vid/7383821


== If the Hg is bound to the selenium it is less likely to do the damage that is seen in this fascinating video from the U. of Calgary.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDnfeIwd0wI


== Avoiding that type of damage is the reason we take antioxidants such as selenium, vitamin C, Vitamin E, etc!

"I cannot tolerate selenium at all - whatever dose i get a splitting headache for 48hrs."

== Are you taking the selenite form of Se? If so, do you also have similar symptoms from sulfited wine and dried fruits? You might try Se yeast, selenomethionine or methyl selenium. You might also benefit from more molybdenium--more on that if requested.

== After several years of chelation with DMSA and lipoic acid I am quite familiar with the weird feeling in my head from "redistribution" of heavy metals to the brain. It is quite likely that the mobilized (kicked up) mercury is making its way into the brain and causing the dull headache, weird tingly feeling, etc. I now only get this feeling at the end of a round or if I miss a dose during a round of chelation.

== In contrast I never get this sensation from taking selenium--300mcg per day. However, I suppose you could say that 300mcg is tiny in contrast to 300mg of chelators per day in divided doses.

== For those with low thyroid, taking selenium is a no-brainer! It provides antioxidant protection for the thyroid gland and is involved in T3 production.
http://www.wellnessresources.com/health/articles/the_vital_role_of_selenium_i...


== In conclusion, I think selenium is quite valuable for those who suspect they have a heavy metal component to their health problems!

== Joe Tweet