Everyone has traces of mercury in their body. We get it largely through eating fish and shellfish.
The risks associated with mercury exposure depend on how the mercury got into your body as it can also enter via your skin or through inhalation. The dose, your age, your health, etc also can determine the effects that contamination will have on you.
The good news is that most adults have lower blood mercury levels than are thought to cause health problems, but you can go to your doctor and have mercury levels tested. There are also some mercury (and other heavy metal) toxicity home testing kits you can buy, but read the reviews as these may not be too accurate.
The usual way to remove mercury from your body is with chelating agents (which combine with metals in your blood and are then removed via your kidneys). Chlorella is one alternative that health professionals may advise you take, though please do see a doctor if you suspect you have a problem with mercury levels.
In an article by Dr. Weil, he recommends avoiding:
- shark
- swordfish
- king mackerel
- tilefish
Stick to:
- wild Alaskan salmon
- sardines
- herring
- black cod