I received a question this week as how to test for Heavy Metals. The doctor had a MS patient and heavy metals were suspected to be a complicating factor.

I like to do a Hair Analysis at least once or twice per year on myself, family and patients. Hair shows the accumulation of Heavy metal stores such as lead, mercury, nickel, tin etc. as well as normal trace mineral levels and ratios. It can be very helpful.

The use of Total Chelate is necessary on an ongoing basis with all of the toxic exposure we endure from many areas of contamination. At least one tablet, three times per day is a good start. There is a graduated increase dosage procedure we cover at the seminars and is available on the Free CD from your Nutri-West Distributor called Nutrition From A to Z.

Secondarily we test by muscle response testing if any of the homeopathic metals in the N-W/Brimhall Test Kit make a patient weak. There is a whole row of them in the bottom of the test kit. If a positive test is demonstrated, we give one to three drops at a time and once to three times per day, according to testing and tolerance. We never give more than one homeopathic metal at a time. Yet on your hair testing, you may see several high levels. Only treat one at a time specifically with the indicated homeopathic and use Total Chelate at the same time as a general detoxifier. We always test to see which essential fatty acid is complimentary such as Total Flax Seed Oil.

Heavy metals compete with good trace minerals and can cause a deficiency of selenium, zinc or magnesium. Of course trace mineral deficiencies affect mitochondrial production and function. Clear the heavy metals and consider Total Mitochondria. Heavy metals and trace mineral deficiencies also can affect heart function. The heart is a major energy plant for all of the organs and if weakened can also complicate any condition and can intensify MS symptoms. At the biochemical level, the Krebs cycle and the electron transport chain is very much involved.

Lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic inhibit the Krebs cycle at Pyruvate Dehydrogenase (PDH) (the engine's carburetor) and at Alpha-keto-dehydrogenase (AKDHG) (one of the pistons, so to speak). Each of these also impairs the last step of the electron transport chain-cytochrome oxidase. This last step is the only place where oxygen has a role in energy metabolism. Impairing cytochrome oxidase is biochemically similar to hypoxia.

It has been demonstrated that Uranium blocks PDH, and Nickel and Tin disrupt cytochrome oxidase. On the good side B1, B2, B3, Total Alpha Lipoic Acid, B5 and Magnesium augment PDH and AKDHG. Copper and Iron augment cytochrome oxidase.

I have had the privilege to lecture with Stephen Sinatra MD, who has written a book, the “Sinatra Solution”, where he advocates CoQ10, Carnitine and Magnesium to enhance energy metabolism and burn fat. Look at the product Total L-Carnitine. B12 and folate are necessary to make purines, and therefore they are necessary for energy metabolism as well. Test Total Homocysteine Redux.

There are mitochondrial poisons which are not heavy metals, such as organophosphate pesticides. There is a N-W product Addasect that should be tested for.

The Nutri-West seminar manual and our book, Solving the Health Puzzle With the Six Steps to Wellness (866-338-4883) gives many more insights, possible contaminations and much greater insights on possibilities of nutritional and other supports in detoxification with foot baths, laser, far infrared sauna etc.

Yours In Health, Wellness,

John W. Brimhall, DC