Naturopathic Doctor Mercury Detox Protocol

Dr. Nicole Sundene, NMD

Scottsdale Naturopathic Doctor

Mercury filling removal can stir up toxins in the process, so it is imperative that women considering this do it properly. I get this question asked nearly every day as a Naturopathic Doctor, so I would like to take the time to explain the Do's and Don'ts of this potentially dangerous process when not done properly.

I would like to take a moment to just briefly summarize the basics of safe mercury amalgam removal, as well as how to support the natural elimination of mercury from your body.

I tend to be very conservative in my thinking as a naturopathic doctor, and hope that women go about having their mercury amalgams replaced sensibly, and slowly over time. The rationale for this, is that you are likely exposed to much more mercury in the removal process than what is released from chewing your food or grinding your teeth.

Below are key points to ensure your fillings are safely removed, followed by tips to help safely eliminate mercury from your system.

Safety Considerations for the removal of mercury amalgams:

• Do NOT have all your mercury fillings replaced at once. Have a few removed every six months minimum.
• Between visits support your detoxification pathways.
• A dental dam MUST be properly placed to ensure that aerosolized mercury does not contaminate your airway. If your dentist is not using this then get out of the chair and just leave. It is dangerous.
• Wear protective eye wear during the drilling process.
• Do NOT have your amalgams removed immediately before a planned conception. Doing so will likely be more harmful as again, removing the amalgams immediately increases the toxic load of mercury in your system. Give your body at least a year to process out all the mercury before a planned pregnancy. Ideally wait until pregnancy and breastfeeding are finished, have the mercury fillings removed, do the detox and then get pregnant again (if you want) at least a year after having them removed.
• Composite fillings, the healthier alternative, are primarily made of silicone and quartz. They will not be as durable and lasting as a metal amalgam. Your dentist will test their integrity at regular check ups.

Natural ways to aid detoxification of mercury from the body:

• Eat a High Fiber Diet. Fiber binds heavy metals and aids elimination through the bowel. The best sources of dietary fiber are gluten free oats, fresh fruits and raw or lightly steamed vegetables.
• Drink plenty of water. 60-80 ounces of water daily should ensure adequate hydration which is key on a high fiber diet and detox.
• Take vitamin C 1000mg three times daily to protect tissues from the harmful effects of mercury.
• SWEAT! Exercise and saunas are a great way to eliminate heavy metals. Sauna for twenty minutes daily.
• Eat your greens. Green veggies, green drinks, and chlorophyll rich foods are fabulous natural chelators for heavy metals. Add cilantro to your diet liberally as it is a known herb to bind toxic metals. Blue green algae such as chlorella and spirulina (organic only) can be taken as a supplement to further assist the chelation process. Increase the dose slowly over time. I generally start patients on 6 tabs of organic chlorella (2 tablets taken three times daily, or 3 tablets taken twice daily) and increase by a tablet a day until they are at 15 tablets daily. If detox symptoms occur such as fatigue, headaches, lethargy, anger, then decrease to the last dose tolerated and remain at that for a week or two before trying to raise the dose. Once at the full dose, continue this for 6 months after having your mercury fillings removed to pull all the mercury out slowly over time.
• Alpha Lipoic Acid 500mg twice daily to protect your body from oxidative damage caused by the mercury temporarily rising in your system and aid with detox.
• Eat Liver Support Foods.
• Do a Detox Diet to support your system after the removal of the amalgams for a week or so, then switch to Detox Maintenance which is returning to normal eating while continuing liver support foods and supplements.

Remember, it is not an “emergency” that these fillings are removed. However, I have suspected for quite some time that at some point the ADA will be forced to change its position on mercury amalgams. Doing so, will be a huge financial burden on the American “sick care” system, and thus will take a great deal of time and literature for a safer stance to finally be made official on mercury.

As a biochemist and Naturopathic Doctor, I say why bother to wait around for the “old boys club” to make their decisions on how to deal with the politics surrounding this widely recognized mercury problem. If it is not good for children or pregnant women, then it is not good for anyone else either!

Don't get mercury fillings put in your mouth. Only work with a dentist that offers composite fillings. Be sure you understand what materials are being used before they are somewhat permanently placed in your mouth.

It is important to find a Naturopathic or Holistic Dentist that specializes in this!

Dr. Nicole Sundene

(480) 837-0900

Dr. Sundene is a Naturopathic Doctor in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is a Female Hormone Expert in Women's Health and Bioidentical Hormones. She specializes in Holistic Women's Health for Menopause,  Thyroid,  Hashimotos,  PMS, Perimenopause, Autoimmune, Postpartum, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety, Food Allergies,  Digestion, Dermatology, Acne, Psoriasis,  Eczema, and Adrenal Hormonal Conditions. In 1999 she began working for a Hormone Doctor prior to starting Naturopathic Medical School. With over 23 years of experience in both Prescription and Natural women's health and hormones, she presents to women the best-integrated health solutions for their Chronic Disease. 

She has been an Herbalist for over 28 years and enjoys teaching women how to use herbs to balance their hormones, nutrition and optimize their health. Dr. Sundene relies on blood testing for her hormone metrics. The hormone testing is covered per the patient's insurance plan (not Medicaid) and conducted at certain points in the woman's menstrual cycle. To learn more about Hormone Testing for Women Visit: Bioidentical Hormones. Follow Dr. Sundene on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for more tips on Women's Health, Female Hormones, and Naturopathy!