Dr. Xie Ping Xian from Taiwan (China) has pointed out that heavy metals have a particularly severe impact on the nervous system, with lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium being the most common offenders.
Dr. Xie Ping Xian, a chief neurosurgeon at Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University Hospital in Taiwan, issued a warning on his personal social media about the devastating effects of mercury on the nervous system. He explained that mercury can directly penetrate the blood-brain barrier, accumulating in the brain and causing a range of neurological issues, including impaired vision and hearing, poor coordination, memory loss, and cognitive dysfunction. Notably, individuals who consume fish with high mercury content daily may have mercury levels in their brains that are 5 to 10 times higher than normal.
For children, lead is considered an invisible killer that harms intellectual development. Studies have shown that for every 10 micrograms per deciliter increase in blood lead levels, a child's IQ drops by an average of 4 to 5 points, and this cognitive decline can be permanent. Chronic lead poisoning in adults can lead to peripheral neuropathy, with symptoms such as numbness in the hands and feet and muscle weakness.
To mitigate the harmful effects of heavy metals on health, Dr. Xie recommends reducing the consumption of large, deep-sea fish like tuna and sharks. He also offers practical protection suggestions, such as opting for organic fruits and vegetables to reduce pesticide and heavy metal intake, using standard water filtration systems and regularly testing household water, quitting smoking to lower cadmium exposure, and consuming dark-colored berries and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants to combat oxidative damage caused by heavy metals.
If individuals suspect they have a history of heavy metal exposure and experience unexplained neurological symptoms, Dr. Xie advises seeking medical care as soon as possible to prevent irreversible damage.
