Brief research 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. Depression is created or increased by neuron harm or irritation of any kind, including most things you would not detect.
- Simply, there are many chemicals that can cause neuroinflammation—think gasoline inside your head. Some of these can alter glutamate, an excitation chemical and neuron chemical communication agent, or neurotransmitter that if it is excessive can overstimulate nerve cells, leading to damage or death, and is linked to neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, MS), stroke, seizures, migraine, cognitive issues, and even psychosis or autism symptoms. So, it can influence nerve degeneration and brain plasticity (growth, repair, recovery). It can harm if too excessive by flooding neurons with calcium, and other ways. Magnesium, usually too low inside cells, calms cells and tissues.
- What elements and heavy metal can damage an individual? Below, these may potentially increase neuroinflammation and Glutamine excitotoxicity (some have 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)
Excessive Calcium Entering Cells Has Been Linked To Depression, Anxiety And Cognitive Impairment.
I would add that typical calcium from your diet may kick magnesium out of your cells, promoting decreased health and function. If your parathyroid is checked, serum calcium, and vitamin D, and those are normal, we suggest getting calcium ALGAECAL, which is marine algae fused to calcium which seems to go to bone, and not the heart, brain, or groin blood vessels.
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.