Exposure to Mercury in Seafood Linked to Autoimmune Disease

Today, we already have enough to worry about in terms of maintaining a clean bill of health, but it seems as though another concern is being added to our plates. Recent clinical studies are clearly showing how the mercury in seafood can actually cause autoimmune disease over time. Up until now it was thought that limited consumption of seafood was completely safe and acceptable for everyone, but the tides are swiftly turning. Understanding how all this affects you could be what spells out the difference between dealing with chronic health problems or enjoying stabilized longevity.

Understanding Mercury and its Potential Dangers

Unfortunately, there are still a lot of people who simply do not know or understand why mercury is so dangerous to consume. First of all, fish do not naturally contain mercury. It is something that concentrates in their bodies through prolonged exposure to polluted water sources. Not only is mercury in seafood now an incredibly prevalent problem, but human consumption of it can be potentially devastating as well. Mercury has always been known for its damaging effects on the central nervous system, and it is now also being linked to the development of autoimmune disease in women (especially during their reproductive years).

Exploring the Facts about Autoimmune Disease

Autoimmune disease is no laughing matter. It can eventually impose significant restrictions on a woman’s immunities, as well as cause permanent damage to certain vital organs in the body. Put simply, the disease is one which inevitably fosters abnormal immune responses to otherwise normal tissues and substances, making reproduction a virtual impossibility in some cases. When women consume too much of the mercury in seafood, they drastically increase their chances of developing this debilitating ailment. The worst part about it all is that autoimmune disease is relatively difficult to treat and manage, meaning it could cause a snowball effect of bad health.

Making the Appropriate Dietary Adjustments to Protect Yourself

Fish consumption guidelines have been around for quite some time now, and most of them are centered on pregnant and nursing women. However, with the recent connection between mercury in seafood and the development of autoimmune disease having been discovered, scientists and medical professionals are now creating new consumption recommendations. Presently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggest that women (especially pregnant ones) should eat no more than 12 ounces of fish per week. Speak to your doctor or with a certified nutritionist to find out more about your personal consumption limits.