How do you get rid of mercury in your body? A Guide to Detoxification

October 10, 2025 •

5 min read

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 6% of women of childbearing age in the United States have blood mercury levels considered unsafe for a developing fetus [1.7.3]. Learning how do you get rid of mercury in your body involves understanding both medical treatments and preventative measures.

Quick Summary

Eliminating mercury involves stopping exposure and using medical treatments like chelation therapy, which binds to metals for removal. Supportive dietary and lifestyle changes can also aid the body's natural detoxification processes.

Key Points

Medical Treatment is Key: For significant mercury poisoning, chelation therapy administered by a doctor is the primary treatment [1.2.2, 1.2.5].
Exposure Source Matters: The most common source of mercury exposure in the U.S. is eating fish and shellfish containing methylmercury [1.4.2].
Prevention is Crucial: Limiting consumption of high-mercury fish and safely handling products containing mercury are the best ways to prevent poisoning [1.10.5].
Symptoms Vary: Symptoms of mercury poisoning can be neurological (tremors, memory loss) or physical (nausea, metallic taste), depending on the type and level of exposure [1.3.1].
Testing Confirms Exposure: Blood and urine tests are used to diagnose mercury poisoning and determine the type of mercury involved [1.9.4].
Natural Methods are Supportive: Dietary changes, such as eating cilantro and chlorella, are considered supportive and not a substitute for medical care in acute cases [1.5.3, 1.5.1].
Vulnerable Populations: Fetuses, infants, and children are particularly sensitive to the toxic effects of mercury, which can impair development [1.3.2, 1.7.3].

Important Medical Disclaimer

Information in this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here.

Understanding Mercury and Its Risks

Mercury is a naturally occurring heavy metal that is highly toxic to humans [1.3.5]. It exists in several forms: elemental (metallic), inorganic, and organic (like methylmercury) [1.4.3]. Exposure can damage the central nervous system, kidneys, and liver [1.4.4]. Almost all people have at least small amounts of methylmercury in their bodies, reflecting its widespread presence in the environment [1.3.4]. The National Research Council estimates that each year about 60,000 children might be born in the U.S. with neurological issues due to mercury exposure before birth [1.7.3].

Common Sources of Mercury Exposure

The most common way people are exposed is by eating fish containing methylmercury [1.4.2, 1.4.3]. Mercury in the air, often from industrial pollution like coal-fired power plants, settles in water, where bacteria convert it to methylmercury [1.7.4]. This substance builds up in fish, especially large predatory fish like shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish [1.3.2]. Other sources include:

Dental Amalgams: Older "silver" fillings can contain about 50% elemental mercury and may release low levels of vapor [1.3.1, 1.4.2].
Broken Products: Spills from broken thermometers or fluorescent bulbs can release mercury vapor, which is dangerous if inhaled [1.4.3, 1.4.4].
Industrial/Occupational Settings: Gold mining and work in chlor-alkali plants can lead to exposure [1.4.1, 1.4.2].
Skin Creams: Some skin-lightening products manufactured abroad and sold illegally in the U.S. contain mercury [1.4.2, 1.7.2].

Symptoms of Mercury Poisoning

Symptoms vary based on the type of mercury and the level of exposure.

Elemental Mercury (Inhaled): Symptoms can appear immediately and include a metallic taste, coughing, trouble breathing, and nausea [1.3.1].
Inorganic Mercury (Swallowed): Can cause a burning sensation in the stomach, nausea, and blood in stool or vomit [1.3.1].
Organic Mercury (Long-term): Often from dietary sources, symptoms develop over time and include numbness, tremors, vision problems, memory loss, and lack of coordination [1.3.1, 1.3.4].

How to Test for Mercury

If mercury poisoning is suspected, a healthcare provider can order tests to measure mercury levels. Blood and urine tests are the most common methods [1.9.4]. A blood test is often the first choice, showing recent or ongoing exposure to organic mercury [1.9.1, 1.9.4]. A urine test is better for detecting exposure to inorganic or elemental mercury [1.9.1, 1.9.4]. In some cases of chronic exposure, hair analysis may also be used [1.10.2].

Medical Treatment for Mercury Poisoning

The primary medical treatment for significant mercury poisoning is chelation therapy [1.2.5]. This process must be administered by a healthcare provider [1.2.1].

Chelation Therapy

Chelation therapy involves administering medications, known as chelating agents, that bind to heavy metals in the bloodstream [1.2.1, 1.2.5]. Once bound, the drug-metal complex is filtered by the kidneys and removed from the body through urine [1.2.5]. This treatment can be given intravenously (IV) or orally with pills [1.2.1]. Common chelating agents for mercury include:

DMSA (Dimercaptosuccinic acid): An oral agent approved for treating lead and mercury poisoning [1.6.1].
DMPS (Dimercaptopropane sulfonate): Used preferentially for mercury poisoning due to its high binding affinity [1.6.1, 1.6.2].
EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid): Another agent used, though it binds more effectively to lead than mercury [1.6.1].

This therapy is only safe when prescribed and monitored by a doctor, as it carries risks, including potential kidney stress [1.2.1, 1.2.3]. Over-the-counter chelation products are not approved by the FDA and can be dangerous [1.2.1].

Supportive & Natural Approaches

While not a replacement for medical treatment in cases of acute or severe poisoning, certain dietary and lifestyle choices may support the body's natural detoxification processes. These should be considered supportive measures, not standalone cures [1.5.3].

Dietary Adjustments: Increasing intake of fiber-rich foods like fruits and grains can help reduce mercury levels [1.5.4]. Foods rich in sulfur, such as garlic and broccoli, may also help [1.5.4].
Specific Foods and Supplements: Some studies suggest certain foods and supplements can aid in heavy metal removal:
- Chlorella: This green algae has been shown to bind to heavy metals and support their elimination [1.5.1, 1.5.4].
- Cilantro: Known for its potential chelating properties, it may help mobilize mercury [1.5.1, 1.5.5].
- Selenium: An essential mineral that can counteract mercury toxicity [1.5.1, 1.5.4].
Hydration: Drinking plenty of water is crucial to support kidney function in flushing out toxins [1.5.1].
Gut Health: Probiotics can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which plays a role in reducing mercury absorption [1.5.1, 1.5.5].

Comparison of Treatment Approaches


Feature	Chelation Therapy	Supportive & Natural Approaches
Mechanism	Uses prescribed drugs (chelating agents) to bind with mercury for excretion [1.2.1].	Utilizes foods and lifestyle habits to support the body's natural detox pathways [1.5.1].
Best For	Medically confirmed cases of acute or high-level heavy metal poisoning [1.2.5].	General wellness, prevention, and as support alongside medical care [1.5.3].
Supervision	Requires strict medical supervision from a qualified healthcare provider [1.2.1].	Can be self-administered, but consultation with a health professional is advised.
Risks	Potential side effects include stomach upset and kidney stress. Can remove essential minerals [1.2.1, 1.2.3].	Generally low risk, but depends on the specific food or supplement.

Preventing Future Exposure

Preventing mercury poisoning is the most effective strategy [1.10.5].

Be Mindful of Fish Consumption: Limit intake of fish high in mercury (swordfish, shark, king mackerel) [1.10.1]. Pregnant women and children should be especially cautious and follow FDA guidelines [1.7.3, 1.10.5].
Handle Mercury Products with Care: Use caution with items like fluorescent bulbs or old thermometers. If one breaks, follow specific cleanup guidelines from the EPA; do not use a vacuum cleaner [1.10.3].
Choose Mercury-Free Products: Opt for digital thermometers and check labels on cosmetics, especially those purchased from outside the U.S. [1.10.1, 1.4.2].

Conclusion

Getting rid of mercury in the body is a two-pronged approach: first, eliminating the source of exposure, and second, using targeted treatments for significant toxicity. For acute or high-level mercury poisoning, medically supervised chelation therapy is the standard treatment [1.2.5]. For lower-level concerns and general health, focusing on a diet rich in detox-supporting nutrients and minimizing future exposure are key strategies [1.5.1, 1.10.5]. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment if you suspect mercury exposure.

Authoritative Link: U.S. EPA - Health Effects of Exposures to Mercury [1.3.4]

Frequently Asked Questions

The main medical treatment for serious mercury poisoning is chelation therapy. A doctor prescribes medication that binds to the mercury, allowing it to be flushed from your body through urine [1.2.5].

The most common source for most people is eating fish and shellfish that have high levels of methylmercury [1.4.2, 1.4.3]. Other sources include broken fluorescent bulbs, old dental fillings, and some skin-lightening creams made outside the U.S. [1.4.2, 1.4.3].

While some foods like cilantro, chlorella, and garlic are believed to support the body's natural detoxification processes, these are not a cure for mercury poisoning [1.5.1, 1.5.4]. Significant exposure requires medical treatment and should not be managed with natural remedies alone [1.5.3].

A healthcare provider can diagnose mercury poisoning based on symptoms and a history of exposure. They will use blood or urine tests to measure the level of mercury in your system [1.9.3, 1.9.4].

Fish that are large and have long lifespans tend to have the highest mercury levels. The FDA advises avoiding or limiting shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish, especially for pregnant women and children [1.3.2].

Dental amalgams, or 'silver fillings,' contain about 50% elemental mercury and can release a small amount of mercury vapor over time [1.3.1, 1.4.2]. While the risk from intact fillings is generally considered low, damaged fillings can increase exposure [1.3.1]. You can discuss replacement options with your dentist [1.10.3].

Symptoms depend on the exposure type. They can include a metallic taste, nausea, and breathing difficulty from inhaling mercury vapor, or neurological issues like tremors, memory problems, numbness, and lack of coordination from long-term organic mercury exposure [1.3.1, 1.3.5].