By now, you’ve probably heard something about mercury in amalgam fillings and the risks associated with having elevated mercury levels in your body. The extent to which you might be affected depends on a variety of factors, including your inherent ability to detoxify, which is mostly determined by genetics, and whether or not you have a healthy diet and lifestyle.
The main problem with mercury is that it causes inflammation, and inflammation is the root cause behind many common illnesses. While mercury may not be the only factor in the development of a disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or cardiovascular disease, it can be additive and should be addressed in people who have higher than normal levels.
My friend and colleague, Dr. Jeff Clark, speaks in-depth about mercury and detoxification strategies on his website: http://www.cfsn.com/detox.html
Personally, I like the gentle approach to mercury detoxification instead of using harsh chelation agents, which can be damaging to someone who’s ability to detox is compromised. Pesto is not only incredibly tasty, but has a variety of ingredients that actually support the body’s detoxification pathways, bind to metal, and help with excretion.
Here is my recipe, which is most easily made in a Cuisinart-type mixer. Blender is ok, too, but you have to be a little more tactful with adding ingredients so things actually mix together.
Metal-Free Pesto
3 bunches cilantro
2-4 cloves garlic, depending on taste
2 teaspoons sea salt
1/2 – 3/4 c. olive oil
1/2 – 1 c. pumpkin seeds/hemp nuts/brazil nuts in a 50/25/25 ratio.
Add the nuts, garlic, salt and one bunch cilantro to the mixer and turn on. Start adding olive oil until the mixture blends to a smooth consistency. Next, add the other two bunches of cilantro and mix until smooth again, adding more olive oil until it looks like pesto. Some people prefer their pestos to be more oily and less pasty. You decide.
Garlic: This savory bulb has a natural antimicrobial agent, called allicin, which is slowly transformed to an inert substance after the cloves are crushed. Garlic also has selenium, which is an important cofactor in many enzymatic processes in detoxification.
Cilantro: Clinical studies have shown that eating cilantro increases the body’s urinary excretion of both lead and mercury
Pumpkin seeds: These seeds are a great source of magnesium and zinc, which are also important in the detoxification pathways.
Brazil nuts: A great source of selenium
Hemp nuts: This is an optional ingredient, but I love using hemp products since they have a balanced ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, in addition to other essential fatty acids, which are important as building blocks for hormones, for proper immune function, as a protective agent for the cardiovascular system, and so forth. To read more on hemp, click here: http://www.worldpantry.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ExecMacro/livingharvest/hemp101.d2w/report
You can enjoy pesto with virtually every dish! I suggest rice pasta, quinoa, toast, eggs, veggies, and meats. You can even add 1/4 c. cilantro pesto to 1/4 c. vinegar for a savory and metal-chelating vinaigrette.
If you have any concern about heavy metals and your health, consult your local naturopathic physician for the appropriate treatment for your particular constitution.