“Since my 30s, I had terrible sinus issues that caused infections so severe, I required surgery,” recalls Kathleen. “Through the years, the constant sinus pressure triggered migraines, which worsened the brain fog, and I was inexplicably exhausted all the time.”
“Then I was constantly forgetting names and phone numbers and losing track of what I was in the middle of doing. By the time I turned 50, cloudy thinking made focusing on reading, watching TV and even having a conversation impossible.”
“For years, I tried to handle my symptoms with diet, exercise and a healthy bedtime routine, but nothing helped. Instead, my health continued to worsen. At one point, I was on antibiotics for almost three years to help with my sinus problems, but that exacerbated the fatigue and brain fog and didn’t clear up my sinus symptoms. I spent a decade baffled by my symptoms but searching for a cause—and a cure.”
“At every physical, my doctor repeated all the usual things: ‘It could be stress’ or, ‘Sounds like menopause,’ but ultimately no one could determine why I felt like I was slowly dying. On paper, I was in top health.”
A surprising discovery
“Then, when checking in for a doctor’s appointment to figure out why I was in such bad shape, I had a chance conversation with a staff member in the office. She suggested the possibility that I was being poisoned by heavy metal. Huh, that’s something I hadn’t considered, I thought. With nothing to lose, I ordered an at-home test from QuicksilverScientific.com, and was shocked to read the results indicating I had high levels of mercury in my body.
“Reading how dental amalgam fillings can cause memory issues, fatigue, headaches and other symptoms I was experiencing, my mysterious health issues all made sense.”
“The next day, I called my dentist, who explained the mercury in my fillings had likely seeped through into my blood, and I began the process of having eight amalgam fillings replaced, using a variety of techniques to minimize the release of mercury vapor and particles.”
Health—restored!
“Even with the fillings gone, I knew I needed to do something to rid my body of the toxins. I read that infrared saunas are a critical tool in any heavy metal detox protocol because they produce heat that penetrates deeply into tissue to mobilize the mercury and other toxins stored in fat, helping the body expel them.
“I began visiting Perspire Sauna Studio to detox three or four play music, watch TV, practice yoga or sleep. It’s an incredibly relaxing experience—a pure opportunity to reconnect with yourself and recognize your body’s need for healing and calm.”
“It wasn’t until I started to feel better that I realized just how sick I had been. But it felt wonderful to realize and appreciate the gift of good health and how I was capable of performing at levels higher than I had in years. Regaining my mental and physical health was amazing. There is nothing like feeling good and today, I feel great!”
The science: how mercury buildup causes fatigue
Nearly all women are exposed to problematic levels of mercury, integrative medicine specialist Fred Pescatore, M.D., says. The heavy metal is found in food, water, air, soil, dental amalgam fillings, batteries and more, and fish is a major source. A study in the journal Public Health Reports found mercury levels were 36% higher in people who ate fish three or more times weekly than those who ate lower amounts.
Why that’s worrisome
“Mercury is a neurotoxin that can build up in the body to produce fatigue, brain fog and anxiety,” Dr. Pescatore explains. But many doctors don’t think to test for it. In fact, he estimates that 90% of mercury overload cases go undiagnosed. Reducing mercury in your diet can help restore energy. Dr. Pescatore advises opting for low-mercury fish (sardines, mackerel, tilapia and flounder) whenever possible.
Also smart
Enjoy three to five servings of foods like apples, citrus fruits, green beans and tomatoes daily. They’re rich in pectin, a gel-like form of fiber with a study-backed ability to blunt mercury absorption.
Try this too: Saunas speed mercury detox
Sauna sessions can significantly reduce mercury levels, since the toxin is excreted in sweat. In fact, a Canadian study found that sweat induced by saunas was 120% more efficient at eliminating mercury than urine, which is considered the primary means of mercury excretion. Dr. Pescatore advises checking with spas, gyms and integrative medicine practices near you to find infrared saunas, which penetrate the body more deeply to produce sweating at lower temperatures than conventional steam baths. He recommends starting with a weekly 10-minute session, then working up to 30 minutes twice a week.
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.
