Dental Fillings and Mercury

Many people may be unaware of the mercury in dental fillings due to the lack of informed consent. Dental Fillings termed as amalgam are composed of mercury bound to other metals. Although scientific studies have indicated that mercury can be lethal, the mixture of metals is still widely used in dentistry for filling holes in the tooth because it is able to adhere well to the cavity in the tooth. Currently, dental amalgams are composed of 43% to 54% by weight of mercury and the remaining powder is made up of mainly silver (~20-35%)[2] and some tin, copper (~10%), and zinc (~2%). [1]

HEALTH ISSUE
In 2004, the Life Sciences Research Office analyzed studies related to dental amalgam published after 1996. It concluded that mean urinary mercury concentration (μg of Hg/L in urine, HgU) was the most reliable estimate of mercury exposure. The estimation found people with dental amalgam were unlikely to reach the levels where adverse effects are seen from occupational exposure (35 μg HgU). 95% of study participants had μg HgU below 4-5. An exception goes to people who are chewing gum, particularly for nicotine, along with more amalgam, seemed to pose the greatest risk of increasing exposure; one gum-chewer had 24.8 μg HgU.However, from reviewing medical literature, the World Health Organization states mercury levels in biomarkers such as urine, blood, or hair do not represent levels in critical organs and tissues. [2]
Scientists agree that mercury amalgam fillings expose the bearers to a daily dose of mercury, but the level and effects of the chronic exposure are disputed. In the 1990s, several governments evaluated the effects of dental amalgam and concluded that the most likely health effects would be due to hypersensitivity or allergy. Certain studies from for instance, American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs, has stated that amalgam fillings pose no personal health risk. [3]
However, there has been ongoing debate for almost a century over safety of mercury in the amalgam fillings. In a book titled The Brainpower Plan, it warns of the danger to brain health. It stated, "The toxic fillings in your mouth break down into a mercurious vapour that is absorbed instantaneously by the brain. If you have silver fillings, any of the following activities will release toxic levels of mercury into your brain:

• Brushing your teeth
• Chewing food or gum
• Drinking hot liquids
• Using plaque removal systems and products

When these actions release mercury into your system, the high fat content of your brain accepts that mercury instantly, interfering with the brain and create groundwork for long-term brain dysfunction and disease." Some of the negative effects of amalgam mentioned include cognitive problem, headaches, lack of concentration, poor memory, abdominal pain, anaemia and gait disturbance--walking and balance.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE
The WHO reports that mercury from amalgam accounts for 5% of total mercury emissions and that when combined with waste mercury from laboratory and medical devices, represents 53% of total mercury emissions.[4] On the other hand, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) informs that a single amalgam placed in a ten acre lake contains enough mercury to contaminate the water and all fish in it, with predictable harmful results.

These are some questions for thought by me:
1. For a person who has more/ alot of amalgam fillings inside his/her mouth, does this mean he/she will experience a significant increase in the risk of toxic interaction in the body?
2. If amalgam fillings are really proven to be harmful to the human body and system, and yet is the only way to fill holes in the cavity of your tooth (to protect your tooth), what will be the decision the government or you will make? Choice 1: Continue to use the amalgam fillings containing mercury so that you can prevent your tooth from decaying and spoiling the whole oral health. Choice 2: Ban the use of these amalgam fillings containing mercury as you feel that the health effects it pose is even more significant than your oral health.

References
[1] Ferracane, Jack L. (2001). Materials in Dentistry: Principles and Applications. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. pp. 3. ISBN 0-7817-2733-2.
[2] Life Sciences Research Office. (2005). Review and analysis of the health effects of dental amalgam Toxicological Reviews PMID 16042501
[3] Clifton JC 2nd (2007). "Mercury exposure and public health". Pediatr Clin North Am 54 (2): 237–69, viii. doi:10.1016/j.pcl.2007.02.005. PMID 17448359
[4] WHO. (2005). Mercury in Health Care [PDF]

Carbohydrates, Protein and their Myths

All along, carbohydrates are a main source of energy supplier, alongside with many micronutrients including Vitamin Bs, which are coenzymes, that helps to metabolise the carbohydrates, protein, and fats to provide energy. From many studies, this has been well-attested.

However, there are several studies which opposes the consumption of carbohydrates, in an attempt to lose weight, or for weight control management. Instead, they actually promote the consumption of more protein and no carbohydrates in the diet. Well, if you are a believer of this, you are highly in danger.

Protein generally is obtained from meat products, grain products, legumes, nuts, etc, dairy products, eggs, etc. The consumption of protein in large quantities are generally harmful. However, consumption at moderate to low amounts will help to help to satisfy your appetite as they normally contain substantial amounts of fats in addition to protein. Studies have shown that protein diet may help to reduce weight, but only for a short period and does not outperform in the long run. Restriction to only consume protein may also affect the body adversely and could be equally bad as with eating a diet rich in fat.

Carbohydrates comes from various sources including rice, noodles, bread, starch/wheat-based products, most fruits and vegetables and grains. There are some misunderstanding about carbohydrates that apparently caused people to associate it with obesity.

Carbohydrates can be refined or unrefined. Due to meeting the expectations and desires of consumers nowadays, many food products are actually refined. Refined carbohydrates can be easily found in white flour and products made from white or refined flour, white rice, etc. Noticed that refined carbohydrates usually are "white" in colour?? This is because of the processes which lead the bran and germ of the grains to be removed--for two main reasons, better flavour/taste, more desirable texture (softer and fluffier).

Unrefined carbohydrates on the other hand is beneficial and advantageous. Example of unrefined carbohydrates can be found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains (comes with the bran, germ and endosperm components). Whole grain is indeed a very nutritious food which contain many nutrients. Unlike refined grain which contain only protein and starch mainly, refined grain contain phytochemicals, protein, high vitamin Bs, vitamin E, and trace minerals including iron, zinc, magnesium. Whole grains also contain good source of dietary fibre for good bowel function and makes you full/ satiate with fewer calories! A healthy diet rich in whole grains, vegetables and fruits, that contains dietary fibre, may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart diseases, stroke and certain cancers.

Studies have shown extended periods of carbohydrates deprivation could shorten lives, one reason being overproduction of methylglyoxal in the body causing damage to blood vessels and tissues. Excessive fats is equally bad. As for excess protein, there is a higher risk of kidney stones and bone loss.

Sum up some important points and also giving some tips to healthy eating and weight management:

1. Eat a variety of foods from all food groups. Standard ratio between carbohydrates: fat: protein is 60: 30: 10. No one food group supplies all the nutrients your body need to stay healthy.

2. Eat a balanced diet. Eat the recommended number of servings for each food group.
Eat in moderation. Foods high in sugar, salt and fat should be consumed in small amounts at all times.

3. To satisfy your appetite, or become full without overeating, choose more unrefined carbohydrates found in vegetables, fruits and especially whole grains such as brown rice. Substitute and Restrict eating too much refined carbohydrates with unrefined carbohydrates.

4. In addition, choose healthier cooking methods. Restrict eating deep-fried foods in the diet to the minimum.

5. Choose more lean cuts of meat rather than red meats, which is high in saturated fats and cholesterol.

6. Exercise such as swimming and outdoor sports like running is great.

Last but not least:

Consume the amount of calories that suits your physical activity level, and do not overeat food especially high in fats as fats releases 9 kcal/g of energy! To attain a good body weight, maintain your calorie intake lower or best, balance it with calorie use by the body.

Disclaimer: This is written by Zyon, who has gathered information and knowledge from many sources, including well established Health Promotion Board, Singapore. This does not guarantee you of any weight loss effectiveness. This is aimed to provide a clearer picture of certain nutrition issues.

Zero Trans Fat Food

TRANS FAT

Studies showed that an extended shelf-life for products could well mean a shortened life for those who eat them.

WHY?
Trans fat increases LDL (low density lipoproteins considered "Bad" and decreases levels of  HDL (High Density Lipoproteins considered "Good"). LDL can clog the arteries of the heart, making them more rigid. It can also increase insulin resistance, thus risk developing Type 2 diabetes.

On the other hand, naturally occuring saturated fats found mainly from animal fats is different as it raises both good and bad cholesterol levels.

Trans fat food: e.g. candy, noodles and processed supermarket food products in varying amounts of trans fat. However, due to its notorious name, many food industries have already been taking approaches to cut down or totally eliminate this trans fat. Nevertheless, always check the nutrition labels to ascertain you will be consuming zero trans fat! Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA): LESS than 1% of daily calories. i.e. An average person who eats 2000 calories a day should consume up to 2-3 grams of trans fat daily.

Advice 

(1) Watch what you eat
e.g.Many fast-food restaurants use liquid shortening to fry their dishes, loading them with trans fat. Limit fast-food intake to no more than twice weekly.

(2) Cooking Methods
Choosing from healthier cooking methods such as steamed fish to boiled potatoes to stewed chicken to baked rice can help you cut down on the calories that goes into the waist (body). It's not as though you can't eat fried foods, but always remember to eat in moderation. Have a mind  to tell you to choose food cooked in a healthier way over fried foods.

(3)Study food label of food products
Restrict your choice to food that do not contain partially hydogenated vegetable oil.
Look out for foods with Healthier Choice Symbol and choose food based on that symbol.

NOT all fats are bad.
Studies show that trans fat found in natural foods like beef and lamb does not harm the body in ways that man-made trans fat can.

Good Fats: MonoUnsaturated, PolyUnsaturated fat, Omega 3, 6, 9 e.g. olive oil, corn oil, sunflower oil and canola oil.
Omega-3 fatty acids from fish, seeds and nuts
(i)keep the heart healthy (ii)reduce inflammation in the body.

Afterall, it's best to choose foods low in saturated and with no trans fat.