What it is

Mercury is a toxic heavy metal found in contaminated seafood, dental fillings, certain cosmetics, and industrial pollutants. While the body can detoxify small amounts, excessive exposure can lead to neurological, cardiovascular, and immune dysfunction.

Why it's important

High Mercury can cause neurological symptoms (brain fog, memory loss, mood disorders).
It affects thyroid function, hormone balance, and energy metabolism and increases oxidative stress, leading to inflammation and cellular damage.

Low Mercury indicates minimal environmental exposure, which is ideal for health.This reflects efficient detoxification and low toxin accumulation.

Optimal Reference Range

*Please note: This graph does not show your Optimal range as there is not enough solid evidence on what an agreed Optimal range is. However our data show us that the below range can be considered Optimal.

<10 nmol/L 

Dietary Considerations

If Mercury is HIGH (How to lower it – support detoxification & reduce exposure)

Increase Sulfur-Rich Foods to Bind & Remove Mercury:

  • Garlic & onions – Enhance glutathione production for mercury detox.
  • Eggs – Contain cysteine, which supports heavy metal removal.
  • Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts) – Aid liver detoxification.

Consume Antioxidant-Rich Foods to Protect Against Mercury Toxicity:

  • Dark berries (blueberries, blackberries, cherries) – Combat oxidative stress.
  • Turmeric & ginger – Reduce inflammation and support liver detox.
  • Leafy greens (spinach, kale, Swiss chard) – Provide essential vitamins for detox pathways.

Support Gut Health to Reduce Mercury Absorption:

  • Probiotic-rich foods (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut) – Promote toxin elimination.
  • Fiber-rich foods (chia seeds, flaxseeds, oats) – Bind to mercury for excretion.
  • Activated charcoal (occasional use under supervision) – Helps remove toxins from the gut.

Avoid:

  • High-mercury fish (tuna, swordfish, king mackerel, shark).
  • Processed foods & refined sugar (increase inflammation and slow detox).
  • Alcohol & caffeine (stress the liver, reducing detox efficiency).


If Mercury is LOW (How to maintain a low level – prevent unnecessary accumulation)

Choose Low-Mercury Protein Sources:

  • Wild-caught salmon & sardines – Low in mercury, high in omega-3s.
  • Pasture-raised poultry & grass-fed meats – Free from heavy metal contamination.
  • Plant-based proteins (lentils, quinoa, chickpeas) – Naturally mercury-free.

Continue Supporting Natural Detox Pathways:

  • Hydrating foods (cucumber, celery, watermelon) – Flush out residual toxins.
  • Cilantro & parsley – May help with trace heavy metal detox.
  • Beets Beetroot & dandelion tea – Support liver function and bile flow.

Cook & Store Food Safely to Minimize Contamination:

  • Use glass, stainless steel, or ceramic cookware instead of aluminum or non-stick pans.
  • Avoid canned seafood unless labeled "low mercury."
  • Filter drinking water to remove potential heavy metal residues.

Lifestyle Considerations

If Mercury is HIGH (How to lower it – reduce exposure & enhance detoxification)

Sweat Therapy to Remove Mercury Through the Skin:

  1. Regular infrared sauna sessions support detox pathways.
  2. Hot baths with Epsom salts help draw out toxins.
  3. Cardio workouts (brisk walking, cycling, swimming) promote sweating.

Reduce Exposure to Mercury in Everyday Products:

  1. Use mercury-free dental fillings (ceramic, composite instead of amalgam).
  2. Avoid cosmetics & skincare with mercury-based preservatives (often in skin-lightening creams).
  3. Be cautious with fluorescent bulbs (if broken, they release mercury vapor).

Optimize Liver & Kidney Function to Support Mercury Clearance:

  1. Stay hydrated (2.5–3 liters of water per day).
  2. Consume dandelion root tea & milk thistle to support liver detox.
  3. Include potassium-rich foods (bananas, avocados, coconut water) to balance electrolytes.


If Mercury is LOW (How to maintain low levels – prevent future accumulation)

Continue Using Non-Toxic Household & Personal Care Products:

  1. Opt for natural deodorants & personal care items free from heavy metals.
  2. Use fluoride-free toothpaste (fluoride can enhance heavy metal absorption).
  3. Choose chemical-free household cleaners to reduce toxin exposure.

Monitor Air & Water Quality for Heavy Metal Exposure:

  1. Use an air purifier if living in high-pollution areas.
  2. Drink filtered water to avoid potential contamination.
  3. Avoid living near industrial plants that release mercury emissions.

Support Ongoing Detoxification with Regular Healthy Habits:

  1. Hydrate well to aid kidney filtration & toxin elimination.
  2. Engage in regular movement (walking, yoga, resistance training) to promote circulation.
  3. Eat antioxidant-rich foods to neutralize oxidative stress.