Aluminum constitutes between 8.4 to 14 percent of the earths crust. Nearly everyone ingests 30 to 50 mg. daily of the metal. Normal excretion through the urine is 15 mcg. per day or more. Alumino silicates are in the air as dust particles and have been shown to travel directly to the brain from the olfactory nerve into the olfactory bulb. Much of the damage typical of Alzheimers disease is found in the olfactory regions of the brain. Autopsies of the brains of Alzheimers disease (AD) patients have invariably found concentrations of alumino silicates in cores of neuritic plaques. Alumino silicates are ubiquitous, comprising up to 14 percent of the earths surface. But they are also found in talcum powder, asbestos, cat-box litter, cement, asphalt, volcanic rock, tobacco ashes and free-flowing table salt. Cigarette smoke has a large amount of alumino silicates.
Fine metallic particulates of a sulphate complex type of various toxic metals released from aluminum smelters, and coal and oil burning power plants, are easily absorbed into the blood, intercellular fluids, through the cell walls and even into the nucleus where they can affect the DNA. The gases are converted into aerosols by exposure to the sun, by condensation or by attaching themselves to other particles in the air. Most toxic metallic particulates become more dangerous once those reactions take place. They can cause cellular mutation. The particulates can suppress all aspects of immune functioning, reduce cell-mediated and humoral immunity, depress phagocyte responses, increase susceptibility to infection and stimulate fibrillary tangles in the brain. Aluminum that has been inhaled and trapped in the lungs is then released gradually.
Aluminum is a common food additive. Sodium aluminum phosphate is added to cake mixes, frozen dough, self-rising flour and processed cheese. Sodium aluminum sulfate is part of food-starch modifiers. Aluminum ammonium sulfate and aluminum potassium sulfate are used as pickling salts. Sodium aluminum silicate is an anti-caking agent for non-dairy creamers. Aluminum cans, foil and other packaging are common. Alum is aluminum sulphate and it is still used in water purification.
Medical science has known for more than a decade that even mildly elevated levels of aluminum can influence memory disturbances in adults as well as hyperactivity and learning disorders in children. When it is deposited in the gray matter of the brain, it will inhibit nerve transport, increase the breakdown of various neurotransmitters, and stimulate the production of harmful proteins. The consequences of aluminum deposits can include seizures, a decreased ability to learn, impaired motor coordination, memory loss, and even psychotic reactions.
When molecular chains of polyvalent metals (which have more than one electrical charge in an atom), proteins and nucleic acids (either RNA or DNA) combine together with other long protein molecules, an unnatural cross-link forms. This newly created giant cross-linked protein is no longer able to function normally and cannot be split or hydrolyzed as is usually done by enzymes present in the blood. This creates stiffness or brittleness in the tissues as the molecules become locked into position by the cross-linked proteins.
High aluminum intake has been found in patients who died of Alzheimers, Lou Gerhigs disease (ALS) and Parkinsonism with dementia. Ingestion by any route is dangerous for the brain. It readily enters into cross-linkage within the bodys proteins and acts to immobilize reactive molecules within the brain cells. It causes free-radical pathology inside neurons. Free radical damage of brain cells brings on molecular cross-linkage throughout the brains tissues. The neurotoxicity is increased by the dietary intake of various metallic ions such as arsenic, cadmium, iron, lead, manganese, mercury or other toxic metals. A low intake of zinc contributes to retention of many heavy metals as well as a higher sensitivity to their effects.
When it replaced calcium in low amounts in in vitro neuron studies, the action potential was blocked, decreasing spontaneous nervous discharge and reducing nervous activity. About 80% of aluminum binds to the chromatin in all cells but it induces changes only in certain vulnerable neurons, especially those with dendritic trees. It has an anti-cholinesterase activity. It is used in anti-acids and anti-perspirants because it reduces peristalsis and sweating.
Release of aluminum and other heavy metals from the tissues is achieved by avoiding the various sources, enhancing cellular energy production by supplying nutrients required for the energy pathway and balancing the oxidation rate. Enhancing the activity of the eliminative organs, especially the kidneys and the use of non-toxic chelating agents such as Vitamin C, promote the excretion of the metal from the body. Any therapies which improve the activity of the liver, kidneys, bowel and skin can be helpful.