Introduction:
While aluminum is not a heavy metal, it has been found to be toxic. Because aluminum permeates our air,water, and soil, small amounts are present in our food. The average person consumes between three and ten milligrams of aluminum a day. Only recently has research revealed that aluminum is absorbed and accumulated in the body. Aluminum is a popular metal used to make cookware, cooking utensils, and foil. Excessive use of antacids is the most common cause of aluminum toxicity. Mylanta, Maalox, Glusil, Amphojel, and many others have a high aluminum hydroxide content. Many over-the-counter drugs used for inflammation and pain contain aluminum, including Arthritis Pain Formula, Ascriptin, Bufferin, and Vanquish. Several douche preparations, including Massengil and Summer’s Eve, contain aluminum. It is also an additive in most baking powders and is sometimes evident in drinking water.
The highest exposure to aluminum is most frequently due to the chronic consumption of aluminum-containing antacid products. Research shows that aluminum builds up in the body over time; thus, the health hazard to older people is greater.
Concentrations of aluminum that are toxic to many biochemical processes are found in at least ten human neurological conditions.
Recent studies suggest that aluminum contributes to neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, senile and presenile dementia, clumsiness of movements, staggering when walking, and inability to pronounce words properly.
Behavioral difficulties among schoolchildren have also been correlated with elevated levels of aluminum and other neurotoxic heavy metals.
Symptoms: Flatulence, headaches, dry skin, weak and aching muscles, senility, spleen pain, stomach pain, liver dysfunction, kidney dysfunction, neuromuscular disorders, osteomalacia, colitis, anemia, Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, hemolysis, leukocytosis, porphyria, heartburn, memory loss, numbness, paralysis, Parkinson’s disease, excessive perspiration, leg twitching, cavities, colds, behavioral problems, constipation .
Many symptoms of aluminum toxicity are similar to those of Alzheimer’s disease and osteoporosis. Aluminum toxicity can lead to colic, rickets, gastro-intestinal disturbances, poor calcium metabolism, extreme nervousness, anemia, headache, decreased liver and kidney function, forgetfulness, speech disturbances,and memory loss, softening of the bones, and weak, aching muscles. Research suggests that a chronic calcium deficiency may change the way in which the body uses minerals. Bone loss and increased intestinal absorption of aluminum and silicon combine to form compounds that accumulate in the cerebral cortex of the brain. These compounds prevent impulses from being carried to or from the brain.
An accumulation of aluminum salts in the brain has been implicated in seizures and reduced mental faculties. Autopsies performed on Alzheimer’s victims revealed that four times the normal amount of aluminum had accumulated in the nerve cells in the brain. This suggests that long-term accumulation of aluminum in the brain may contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, an unidentified protein not found in normal brain tissue has been discovered in the the brain tissue of Alzheimer’s victims.
Because aluminum is excreted by the kidneys, toxic amount of aluminum may impair kidney function. Working in aluminum smelting plants for long periods can lead to dizziness, impaired coordination, and losses of balance and energy. Accumulations of aluminum in the brain was cited as a possible cause for these symptoms as well.
Aluminum is excreted by the kidneys, therefore toxic amounts can impair kidney function. Aluminum can also accumulate in the brain causing seizures and reduced mental alertness. The brain is normally protected by a blood-brain barrier, which filters the blood before it reaches it. Elemental aluminum does not pass easily through this barrier, but certain compounds contained within aluminum, such as aluminum fluoride do. Interestingly, many municipal water supplies are treated with both aluminum sulfate and aluminum fluoride. These two chemicals can also combine easily in the blood. Aluminum fluoride is also poorly excreted in the urine.
When there is a high level of absorption of aluminum and silicon, the combination can result in an accumulation of certain compounds in the cerebral cortex and can prevent nerve impulses being carried to and from the brain properly. Long term calcium deficiency can further aggravate the condition. Workers in aluminum smelting plants on a long term basis, have been know to experience dizziness, poor coordination, balance problems and tiredness. It has been claimed that the accumulation of aluminum in the brain could be a possible cause for these issues.
It is estimated that the normal person takes in between 3 and 10 milligrams of aluminum per day. Aluminum is the most abundant metallic element produced by the earth. It can be absorbed into the body through the digestive tract, the lungs and the skin, and is also absorbed by and accumulates in the bodies tissues. Aluminum is found naturally in our air, water and soil. It is also used in the process of making cooking pots and pans, utensils and foil. Other items such as over the counter pain killers, anti-inflammatory products, and douche preparations can also contain aluminum. Aluminum is also an additive in most baking powders, is used in food processing, and is present in antiperspirants, toothpaste, dental amalgams, bleached flour, grated cheese, table salt, and beer, (especially when the beer is in aluminum cans). The biggest source of aluminum, however, comes from our municipal water supplies.
Excessive use of antacids is also a common cause of aluminum toxicity in this country, especially for those who have kidney problems. Many over the counter type antacids contain amounts of aluminum hydroxide that may be to much for the kidneys to handle properly.
In addition to aluminum cookware, foil, antacids, baking powders, buffered aspirin, and most city water,aluminum is also used in food processing (pickles and relishes, in particular), antiperspirants, deodorants, beer (especially when in aluminum cans), bleached flour, table salt, tobacco smoke, cram of tartar, Parmesan and grated cheeses, aluminum salts, douches, and canned goods.
Those who enjoy fast foods should be aware that processed cheese has a high aluminum content. The food product having perhaps the highest aluminum content is the cheeseburger. This mineral is added to give processed cheese its melting quality for use on hamburgers.
Sources: Aluminum foil, antacids, aspirin, dust, auto exhaust, treated water, vanilla powder, nasal spray, milk products, salt, commercially-raised beef, tobacco smoke, anti-perspirants, bleached flour, cans, animal feed, ceramics, commercial cheese.
Supplument Helpful.
*Calcium(1,500 mg daily) in the chelate form with magnesium.(750mg daily)………This chelating agent binds with aluminum and eliminates it from the body.
*Garlic tablets(kyolic)… 2 capsules 3 times daily…….. Acts as a detoxifier.
*Kelp….. 6 tablets daily………. has a balanced mineral content. Acts as a detoxifier of excess metals.
*Lecithin…. 2 tbsp. 3 times daily with meals….. Aids in healing of the brain (and other cell membranes).
*Multivitamin and mineral complex (high potency, hypoallergenic).. As directed on label… Basic in stabilizing vitamin and mineral imbalance in toxic conditions.
*Vitamin B complex plus vitamin B6(pyroxidine) and B12 lozenges or B12 injections …100 mg 3 times daily and 50 mg 3 times daily. But Injections under doctor’s recommendation and supervision only…..The B vitamins, especially B6, are important in ridding the intestinal tract of excess metals in in removing them from the body.
So, what can we do to prevent aluminum toxicity from happening to ourselves and our families?
1. Eat a diet that is high in fiber and includes apple pectin.
2. Use stainless steel, glass, or iron cookware. Stainless steel is the best choice.
3. Beware of any product containing aluminum or dihydroxyaluminum.
4. A hair analysis can be used to determine levels of aluminum in the body.
5. Research has shown that the longer you cook food in aluminum pots, the more they corrode, and the more aluminum is absorbed into the food and hence into the body. Aluminum is more readily dissolved by acid forming foods, such as coffee, cheese, meat, black and green tea, cabbage, cucumbers, tomatoes, turnips, spinach and radishes.
6. Acid rain leeches aluminum out of the soil and into drinking water.
Recommendations
*Make sure that your diet is high in fiber and contains apple pectin.
*Use glass, iron, or stainless steel cookware. There is still much controversy as to whether aluminum collects in the neurons as a result of a dysfunctions of the neurons or if it actually causes the dysfunction of the neurons. It is best to avoid aluminum as much as possible!
*Beware of products containing aluminum. Read the labels and avoid those that contain aluminum, bentonite, or dihydorxyaluminum.
Considerations
If you use chelation therapy, use oral chelating agents only. Aluminum cannot be chelated out of the body, but it can be displaced or moved.
YOU can reduce excess aluminum in the body with the herbs like Apple pectin, Norwegian kelp, coral calcium and trace minerals, high-potency garlic extract.
Click to see the recent Tesearch Papers on Alzimers due to Aluminium Toxity
Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advise or help. It is always best to consult with a Physician about serious health concerns. This information is in no way intended to diagnose or prescribe remedies.This is purely for educational purpose
Resources:
http://www.relfe.com/Chelation%20by%20Suppository/aluminum_toxicity.htm
http://www.vitawise.com/Nutritional_Healing/aluminum%20toxicity.htm
http://herbnews.org/aluminumdone.htm
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art7739.asp