Stackowicz publishes some useful findings:
- Not all metals are pathological. Some are required for proteins, hormones, neurotransmitters, enzymes, etc.
- Some natural heavy metals have toxic effects, including to the brain.
- Simply, there are a few chemicals that can cause neuroinflammation—think gasoline inside your head. And alter glutamate, an excitation chemical and neuron chemical communication agent, or neurotransmitter. These can be influencers on nerve degeneration and brain plasticity (growth, repair, recovery).
- What elements and heavy metal can damage? Below, this may cause can potentially increase neuroinflammation and Glutamine excitotoxicity (some has a use, but not too much:
- Calcium (Ca)
- Zinc (Zn)
- Cadmium (Cd)
- Vanadium (V)
- Nickel (Ni)
- Copper (Cu)
- Iron (Fe)
Elements lowering neuroinflammation include:
- Magnesium (Mg)
- Lithium (Li)
- Selenium (Se)
Stachowicz also comments:
Excessive Calcium entering cells has been linked to depression, anxiety and cognitive impairment
Stachowicz K. Regulation of COX-2 expression by selected trace elements and heavy metals: Health implications, and changes in neuronal plasticity. A review. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2023 Sep;79:127226. doi: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2023.127226. Epub 2023 May 25. PMID: 37257334.