Mercury: Bad for the Brain
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TL;DR: Ingested mercury from certain fish could cause damage to the brain.
So, I know you’re diligently eating 2-3 servings of fish a week, because #omega3goals. But, have you been paying any attention to the mercury content?
Mercury? Is it in retrograde again?
Put your lunar charts down. This is the kind that, when ingested, small amounts can cross the barrier from your blood into your brain (because it’s attached to a methyl). The problem is that when it’s there, it gets converted back to elemental mercury and stays in your brain, where it’s pretty much impossible to break down.
Issues from mercury toxicity include disruption of the central nervous system and neurotransmitters, and stimulation of the development of neurotoxins - essentially resulting in damage to your brain.
Practice safe seafood
Before you swear off fish for good, don’t panic, there are ways to manage your mercury exposure. Mercury levels are highest in fish at the top of the food chain, or ones that live a long time; so the ones to watch out for are swordfish, tuna and chilean seabass.
Not to say you have to avoid them completely, but if you choose to eat a high mercury fish, make that your only seafood serving that week, (especially if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding).
FOR THE NERDY: Fish, fish, fish, fish, fish. (10 points if you get that reference) [Source: Journal of Environmental and Public Health]