Mercury Poisoning from Seafood: Terrifying Symptoms You Should Not Ignore!
Many fish contain measurable levels of mercury, which can cause complex health conditions and death if consumed in sufficient amounts. Take note of these common symptoms of mercury poisoning.
Who does not like the taste of fresh tuna with a nice kick of heat from wasabi? It's delicious and one of the healthiest things you can eat, right? But turns out that your obsession for sushi and seafood could put you at risk of mercury poisoning. Mercury in its organic form is not dangerous. The trouble arises when it is broken down by bacteria into methyl-mercury which is the dangerous, dietary form of mercury. Typically, larger fishes like king mackerel and swordfish have high contents of mercury. Watch out for these symptoms of mercury poisoning.
1. Developmental Problems in Babies
This is no secret that mercury can be particularly harmful to foetuses. So steer clear of sea fish if you are pregnant. Even though you may not experience any symptoms of toxicity during pregnancy, your baby may have brain damage due to high exposure to mercury. High levels of mercury can also lead to problems with behaviour, cognition, attention span, and motor activity later in life. Attention Ladies! Avoid Eating Fast Food if You Are Planning a Baby.
2. Shortness of Breath
Many of the initial symptoms of mercury poisoning are related to the lungs. Mercury can cause a number of chronic breathing disorders, including chest congestion, shortness of breath, asthma, bronchitis, persistent coughing, and bad breath. If you begin experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Here are 4 Reasons You Shouldn’t Have Seafood in the Rains.
3. Impaired Motor Skills and Neurological Problems
If you are experiencing tremors, or difficulty completing tasks physically or neurologically, memory loss, and confusion, it may be a symptom of mercury poisoning. As these are relatively common symptoms for a number of other health issues, it is important to seek medical attention immediately to determine the exact cause and prevent any worsening of symptoms.
4. Depression and Mood Swings
Since mercury is a neurotoxin, it can cause a number of emotional and psychological problems in people exposed to it. Mercury exposure can lead to anxiety, hallucinations, mood swings, depression, confusion, aggressiveness, and a number of other issues. If you suddenly feel that your emotions are out of control, it may be symptomatic of continued exposure to mercury.
5. Oral Issues
When inhaled or swallowed, elemental mercury can cause a metallic taste in the mouth or swollen and also leave you with bleeding gums. Formalin In Fish: How To Detect The Cancer-Causing Chemical Contamination in Your Seafood.
If you experience any of the symptoms, check with your doctor so that they can perform simple blood tests to determine your mercury levels. The good news is that you don't have to give up seafood entirely. Many fishes are healthy sources of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Experts recommend two to three servings of fish per week, as well as varying the types of fish you eat.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 28, 2019 02:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).