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The Dangers of Aluminum Toxicity
Victoria
Abreo
BellaOnline's Alternative
Medicine Editor
Even though aluminum is not considered to be a heavy metal like lead, it can
be toxic in excessive amounts and even in small amounts if it is deposited in
the brain. Many of the symptoms of aluminum toxicity mimic those of
Alzheimer’s disease and osteoporosis. Colic, rickets, gastrointestinal
problems, interference with the metabolism of calcium, extreme nervousness,
anemia, headaches, decreased liver and kidney function, memory loss, speech
problems, softening of the bones, and aching muscles can all be caused by
aluminum toxicity.
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.
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.
The Dangers of Aluminum Toxicity - Alternative Medicine
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