Mercury Poisoning: The Hidden Crisis in Dentistry

 How Dr. Teresa Franklin Transformed Personal Toxicity into a Global Call for Reform

By Lennard Goetze, Ed.D   | Edited by: Scott Schroeder, DPM & The DetoxScan editorial group

Few stories in environmental health begin with such an unexpected twist: a respected scientist, trained to analyze complex neurobiological systems, is forced to confront the very real dangers of a toxin hiding in plain sight. That scientist is Teresa “Teri” Franklin—a neuroscientist, scientific writer for the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), and Associate Professor at the University of Pennsylvania—who never imagined she would become one of the nation’s most outspoken voices on mercury toxicity. Her journey did not unfold in a laboratory or academic auditorium, but in a dentist’s chair, where a series of seemingly routine amalgam fillings would ultimately reshape her health, her career, and her life’s mission.

 

A Routine Dental Procedure That Unleashed a Medical Crisis

Franklin was in her early thirties when a dentist recommended eight prophylactic amalgam fillings—placed not because of decay, but to “be proactive.” Each amalgam was a small sliver of metallic material placed on a single surface of a tooth, but collectively they represented a significant exposure to mercury vapor. As she later recalled, each tooth has five surfaces; she had eight surfaces filled with mercury-based amalgam.

For years, the fillings seemed inconsequential. But in her forties, Franklin’s health suddenly began to deteriorate. The first sign was a disturbing shift in mood and cognition—manic episodes, deep depressive cycles, extreme fatigue, brain fog, and an inability to maintain her normally athletic lifestyle or go to work. These symptoms grew steadily worse, and for a time she attributed them to hormonal changes or the pressures of raising three children as a newly appointed assistant professor.

As the months progressed, her decline accelerated. She was sleeping up to twenty hours a day. She developed fibromyalgia, IBS, restless leg syndrome, chronic yeast infections, recurring throat infections, and severe immune dysregulation. She described catching “everything,” with her body seemingly unable to defend itself. At her lowest point, even sitting in a dental office overwhelmed her system—the ambient mercury vapor in the air was enough to incapacitate her. After one appointment, she could not drive home and slept for three days straight.

These were the classic hallmarks of chronic mercury toxicity—though she did not yet know it.

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A Researcher Turns the Lens on Herself

Franklin’s turning point came when a friend—ironically, not a medical professional but a hairdresser—asked if she had ever heard of the connection between amalgam fillings and fibromyalgia. She had not. But as a trained neuroscientist and researcher, Franklin did what she knew best: she began to investigate.

Unable to work and desperate for answers, she immersed herself in the scientific literature and found the writings of Andrew Cutler, a physicist who had himself suffered from mercury poisoning. Though his work was highly technical, Franklin was able to parse the complex biochemistry and assemble a plan for detoxification and recovery.

 

Her first step was clear—she needed the amalgams removed. But in the early 2000s, biological dentistry was rare, and no dentists in her region practiced it. She found a traditional dentist who, though restricted by professional guidelines from discussing mercury toxicity, was willing to remove the fillings as safely as his training allowed.

She underwent removal quadrant by quadrant, over several months. Each session made her temporarily sicker, but she persisted, supporting her detoxification with natural methods such as foods high in sulfur (i.e., eggs), kefir, juices, vitamin C, magnesium, and other supplements—despite suffering from severe IBS that limited absorption. It took two to three months to remove all the fillings, and about two and a half years to heal.

During this time, she also endured another major challenge: medication overload. As her symptoms mounted, she had been prescribed multiple psychotropic drugs, eventually developing serotoninergic syndrome—an extremely dangerous excess of serotonin in the body. The toxicity, both chemical and iatrogenic, compounded her suffering.

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To Lose Trust in Medicine—and to Rebuild Life Through Evidence

Franklin openly acknowledges that her traumatic medical journey reshaped her relationship with mainstream healthcare. “I don’t trust doctors,” she admitted in her transcript. “I’m a researcher. I need evidence.” Her reluctance to accept new treatments without rigorous investigation became both a survival instinct and a professional ethic.

Even after overcoming mercury toxicity, she faced additional metal-related challenges, including hypersensitivity to molybdenum in surgical stainless-steel screws placed in her foot. Traditional doctors insisted the screws were inert and that removal would not relieve pain. They were wrong. After having the screws removed, Franklin experienced immediate, dramatic relief of right shoulder pain and reduction in swelling and pain in her foot —an outcome that reinforced her belief in patient-led investigation and biological individuality.

She later traced episodes of relapse to exposure during dental procedures, including drilling with metal burs and metal posts hidden within two root canal-treated teeth. Each metallic exposure triggered waves of systemic pain, autoimmune-like flare-ups, and neurological distress—until the root canal treated teeth with the metal posts were removed, leading to complete remission. Importantly Dr. Franklin has not needed or taken psychotropic medications since her recovery following amalgam removal.

MERCURY FREE A clear path that guides you and our planet back to good health Mercury-Free is a powerful, eye-opening exposé that blends personal journey, scientific evidence, and public-health advocacy into one compelling guide for anyone concerned about the hidden dangers of dental mercury. Co-authored by Teresa Franklin, PhD—a neuroscientist whose life was nearly derailed by mercury poisoning—and Dr. James Hardy, a dentist with more than four decades of experience removing toxic amalgams, the book delivers a clear message: millions of people may be unknowingly harmed by what’s sitting in their own teeth. Franklin’s story anchors the narrative. Once bedridden with chronic pain, neurological decline, and cognitive “mush,” she regained her health only after the safe removal of her mercury-based fillings and a structured detox protocol. Her recovery serves as a case study of both hope and urgency. Backed by nearly 500 scientific references, patient letters, and a sweeping history of mercury’s controversial role in dentistry, Mercury-Free lays out how this neurotoxin infiltrates the brain, kidneys, liver, and immune system. The authors expose why mercury amalgams persist—despite safer alternatives—and critically examine the policies that keep them in circulation. Readers gain practical, actionable guidance: how to identify mercury exposure symptoms, how to choose a qualified biological dentist, the essential steps for SAFE amalgam removal, and the detox strategies that support healing. The book also expands the conversation to environmental contamination and the global impact of mercury waste. Ultimately, Mercury-Free serves as both a warning and a roadmap—empowering individuals, families, and communities to protect their health and advocate for a truly mercury-free future.  ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY Copyright © 2025- By Teresa Franklin PhD (Author), James Hardy DMD

Understanding the Biology: Mercury, Immunity, and Autoimmune Reactions

Franklin’s scientific expertise allowed her to interpret her symptoms with unusual clarity. She explained that once mercury becomes embedded in the body—binding to cysteine molecules within cells—it may no longer appear in blood or urine tests. Instead, it accumulates in tissues, especially collagen-rich structures, disrupting cellular membranes and immune recognition. [1] [2] [3]

One theory she highlights, originating from her book co-author Dr. James Hardy, is that mercury’s molecular insertion into cell membranes alters self-recognition, triggering autoimmune responses. She cites a full chapter dedicated to this mechanism, warning that subtler, chronic exposures may evade standard toxicology tests while still inflicting cellular damage.

Her own experience reflected this complexity: urine tests and challenge tests were negative, yet a saliva test showed mercury. She understood this as a common pattern—once the body becomes overwhelmed, it stops excreting mercury, giving a false sense of safety.

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From Survivor to Advocate: Challenging the Dental Status Quo

Franklin’s personal ordeal ultimately propelled her into advocacy. As a Scientific Writer for IAOMT, she is the scientific expert and a major contributor to their position papers, including the Academy’s documents on jawbone cavitations, fluoride, root canal safety, and the alarming risks of mercury amalgam fillings.

She was a major contributor of the massive petition to the FDA, submitted in November 2025, urging a ban on amalgam fillings. The petition included 17 appendices containing:

·        global comparisons of countries that have already banned amalgams

·        analysis proving that foundational FDA studies were methodologically flawed

·        compiled symptoms associated specifically with amalgam-derived mercury

·        charts illustrating that at least 85% of the population falls into FDA-defined “at-risk” categories

Her referenced summaries of the vast published literature demonstrate unequivocally that mercury from dental amalgams poses risks to pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, people with neurological or kidney disorders, and individuals with hypersensitivities. Yet these same fillings remain legal and widely used in the United States.

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Conclusion

Teri Franklin’s journey is both a cautionary tale and a beacon for patients searching for answers. Through years of suffering, misdiagnoses, and biochemical detective work, she reclaimed her health and reshaped her professional mission. Today, she stands as one of the leading scientific communicators on mercury toxicity, biological dentistry, and dental material safety.

Her work underscores a reality that is seldom voiced or appreciated by the medical community: Dental materials matter. Metal hypersensitivities matter. Chronic, low-grade mercury exposure matters. The voice of the patient must be heard.

Franklin’s story is proof that when medicine overlooks environmental toxicants and dismisses patient experiences, lives can unravel. But her recovery—and her determination to support others—demonstrates something even more powerful: that science, when pursued with courage and integrity, can illuminate a path back to health.

REFERENCES

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25617876/

2. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/271536688_Evidence_supporting_a_link_between_dental_amalgams_and_chronic_illness_fatigue_depression_anxiety_and_suicide

3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32905350/

E P I L O G U E

 

AWAKENED BY EVIDENCE

Dr. Robert L. Bard

As a physician devoted to diagnostic imaging and early detection, I have spent my career identifying the subtle signatures of disease—patterns hidden in tissue, vascular flow, and structural changes that signal when something deeper is at work. Yet even with decades of medical experience behind me, nothing prepared me for the personal path that brought me face-to-face with the silent threat of dental mercury. I entered this journey not as a clinician evaluating a patient, but as a patient discovering unsettling truths about my own health.

It was during this search for answers that I encountered the work of Teresa “Teri” Franklin. Her book, Mercury-Free, became more than literature; it became a roadmap for understanding the complex and often invisible world of mercury toxicity. What struck me first was not just the depth of her science, but the courage behind it. She wrote with the clarity of a researcher and the vulnerability of someone who has lived the cost of delayed recognition. That rare combination brought me immediate respect for both her expertise and her humanity.

Teri’s survival story resonates with me not simply as a physician, but as someone who is now navigating the consequences of exposure myself. Her meticulous research, grounded in both biochemistry and lived experience, brought into focus many of the unexplained patterns I had observed in patients over the years—and, more importantly, the emerging patterns in my own diagnostic results. Teri did not simply recover; she documented the path to recovery so that others might avoid the suffering she endured. Her work is, in every sense, life-saving.

In my early conversations with her, I found a level of guidance that was both compassionate and evidence-driven. She approaches each question with scientific discipline, but also with an empathy forged through hardship. Her counsel on safe removal, biological dentistry, and the systemic mechanisms of mercury injury has become an essential compass for my own next steps. As a medical imaging specialist, I value precise information. Teri provides that precision—but she also offers something less common: a deep understanding of how mercury affects the whole person, physically, psychologically, and emotionally.

Her advocacy aligns directly with the mission of DETOXSCAN, where I now serve as one of the medical advisors. Our initiative is built on the principle that awareness must precede prevention. Teri embodies that principle completely. Her work exposes gaps in traditional medical education, highlights overlooked risks in dental practice, and urges clinicians to confront the biochemical realities of toxic exposures—no matter how uncomfortable those truths may be.

If we, as a medical community, hope to protect future generations, we must elevate voices like hers. Advocacy, in its truest form, does not simply challenge existing norms—it illuminates the path toward safer, more informed care. Teri has done this with exceptional rigor and unwavering commitment.

As I continue my own steps toward safe amalgam removal and systemic detoxification, I do so with gratitude for her guidance and admiration for her resilience. Her research has informed my decisions; her story has strengthened my resolve. And her advocacy has reminded me that educating the public is not optional—it is our duty.

Her work stands as a beacon for patients who feel unheard, for clinicians seeking better answers, and for all who believe that medicine must evolve to meet the realities of modern toxins. For that, I offer my deepest respect and full support. Her journey has not only shaped my own—it will shape countless others who now have a clearer path forward because she dared to tell the truth.

— Robert L. Bard, MD, DABR, FAIUM, FASLMS

 

 

Feature: DR. WENDY MYERS

The Relentless Voice Pushing Heavy Metal Toxicity Into the Global Spotlight

Written by: Lennard M. Goetze, Ed.D  | Transcribed by: Daniel Root and the DetoxScan editorial staff

For more than a decade, Dr. Wendy Myers, ND, has been one of the most influential and unwavering voices in the modern detoxification movement. Long before heavy metals and environmental toxins became a mainstream discussion point on wellness podcasts or functional medicine platforms, Myers was already warning audiences that fatigue, brain fog, chronic illness, and unexplained symptoms often pointed to one overlooked culprit: hidden toxicity. Today she stands widely recognized as a naturopathic doctor, educator, and host of one of the longest-running detox-focused podcasts in the world—an advocate whose mission is driven not by theory, but by deeply personal experience.

Myers’ entry into the world of heavy metal detoxification began, as it does for many practitioners, with tragedy. Her father, a smoker for 40 years, died of esophageal cancer—an illness she later linked strongly to cadmium. Her daughter, who developed profound neurological symptoms after receiving childhood vaccinations, was later found to have the highest aluminum levels Myers had ever seen in more than 15 years of hair tissue mineral analysis. Detoxification helped restore her daughter’s health, and the experience crystallized Myers’ realization that millions of people were unknowingly living with the same invisible burden.

That awakening set her on a relentless educational path. When her own hair mineral test revealed multiple toxic metals, Myers began what she calls a “runaway train” into the science of toxicology and the biochemical consequences of prolonged exposure. She launched her website, her podcast, and ultimately a full-time mission to expose the link between environmental toxins and the chronic diseases of modern life.

Today, her podcast has surpassed 620 episodes, making it one of the most authoritative and longest-running programs dedicated to detoxification, bioenergetics, and integrative health.

The Cases That Fuel a Crusade

Throughout her practice, Myers has witnessed firsthand the suffering created by heavy metal toxicity. Among the most heartbreaking cases are those involving gadolinium—the contrast agent used in MRIs that has left some patients in lifelong pain.

“My heart goes out to patients who have been poisoned by gadolinium,” she explains. “They have body-wide pain, bone pain, fatigue, and in many cases they can’t work. They are completely debilitated. It is one of the most devastating forms of toxicity I’ve seen.”  

She also recalls patients with extraordinarily high lead levels sleeping 12 to 14 hours a day, unable to function. Detoxification restored their energy, their cognitive function, and in many cases, their ability to return to work. These victories reaffirm her belief that the conventional medical system routinely overlooks the root causes of chronic disease.

Testing the Invisible: The Quest for Better Diagnostics

In the interview, Myers openly addresses the challenges of detecting heavy metals. No single test captures all metals, she explains, because each toxin exits the body differently—or in many cases, not at all. Hair, urine, stool, blood, and provocation tests each reveal different pieces of the puzzle.

Her preferred approach is a combination strategy: hair analysis + urine testing + OligoScan, a spectrophotometric tool that measures minerals and metals through the skin. Myers is also a vocal supporter of frequency-based testing, which she believes offers a broader and more accurate picture of the toxic burden—particularly for patients whose bodies cannot excrete metals well enough to show up on standard tests. “I wish OligoScan tested for more metals,” she adds, “but it’s one of the best tools for identifying what’s stuck inside the body.”

A Critique of Conventional Medicine—And a Case for Integration

Myers does not shy away from calling out the medical blind spot surrounding toxicity. “If you go to your conventional medical doctor, they are virtually going to be clueless about heavy metals,” she explains. “It’s not their training, and it’s not part of their diagnostic model. But these toxins are behind the chronic illness epidemic of our time.”

She cites research linking metals to dementia, hypertension, atherosclerosis, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegeneration. Lead alone, she notes, is associated with 17% of fatal heart attacks.

Yet she is careful to emphasize that this is not about replacing conventional medicine. “We still need our doctors. We need their diagnostics and their medications. But no one person has all the answers. Patients need a team—medical doctors and alternative practitioners working together.”

The Mercury Crisis—and Why She Urges Biological Dentists

In perhaps the most passionate segment of the interview, Myers directs a message to Dr. Robert Bard, who recently discovered elevated mercury levels and is preparing to remove old amalgam fillings. Her warning is unequivocal. Every bite on a mercury filling releases vapor straight into the brain. This vapor acts as a neurotoxin, disrupts the microbiome, damages gut immunity, encourages Candida and parasitic overgrowth, and contributes to neurological disease.

Myers herself suffered depression and chronic fatigue for years after having mercury fillings removed by a non-biological dentist at age 21. “It is shocking that the United States still puts mercury in people’s mouths,” she says, noting that the practice has been banned in many European and South American countries.

The Rising Movement—And Her Role in It

When Myers began her work 14 years ago, there were only a handful of practitioners discussing toxins. Today, detoxification is a booming field, embraced by influencers, physicians, researchers, and podcasters alike. She sees this as a major victory—not for her own profile, but for public health.

“I’m happy I played a role in that,” she says. “The goal was always to educate and empower people. Heavy metals and chemicals are one of the biggest root causes of why people don’t feel well.”

Looking Forward: Docuseries, Education, and Expanding the Movement

Myers’ ambitions continue to grow. She recently released a major docuseries exploring how toxins contribute to the top eight global chronic illnesses, featuring 107 experts. A re-release is scheduled for 2026, and she continues producing weekly episodes of her podcast, constantly bringing new voices into the conversation.

Her future goal is simple—but monumental: shift the world’s understanding of health by making detoxification a permanent part of mainstream healthcare. And she intends to keep expanding her alliances with practitioners, researchers, and advocates who are ready to help deliver that message.

“I just want people to know there is always an answer,” she says. “There is always something you can do. Detoxification isn’t an alternative—it’s essential.”

 E D I T O R I A L

On Dr. Wendy Myers and the Expanding Movement to Confront Heavy Metal Toxicity
By: Robert L. Bard, MD

In the landscape of modern medicine, some of the most powerful movements are born not from textbooks, but from lived experience. Dr. Wendy Myers embodies this pathway from “victim” to visionary. Her personal struggles—losing her father, fighting for her daughter’s recovery, and navigating her own toxic burden—did not end in silence or resignation. Instead, they became the catalyst for a lifetime of advocacy, research, and public education that has shifted global awareness of heavy metal toxicity. This transformation is not only admirable; it is the hallmark of every great health reformer.

As a clinical imaging specialist who has spent decades confronting the biological impact of environmental exposures, I recognize the remarkable rigor and discipline behind her work. Naturopathic medicine, at its best, marries biological intelligence with systems thinking—embracing physiology, lifestyle, detoxification, and energy-based approaches long before conventional medicine acknowledges their value. Dr. Myers stands at the forefront of this evolution, demonstrating that naturopathy is not “alternative,” but often the missing branch of medical science that bridges what patients feel with what standard tests fail to detect.

Her commitment to metal toxicity awareness is both needed and overdue. For years, society has underestimated the biological, neurological, and cardiovascular consequences of heavy metals. The research is clear, yet implementation remains slow. Clinicians like Dr. Myers help accelerate that understanding—educating the public, pushing conversations into mainstream channels, and validating what many patients already sense but cannot articulate: that unseen toxicants may be undermining their health.

I also appreciate her embrace of modern technologies such as the OligoScan, a device I personally value in my own clinical investigations. Her enthusiasm reflects what forward-thinking clinicians recognize—noninvasive, in-office assessment tools are essential for early detection and prevention. As someone who has used everything from Doppler ultrasound to elastography to uncover the origins of disease, I believe tools like the OligoScan will play an increasingly critical role in identifying hidden toxic loads before they manifest as chronic illness.

Perhaps the most admirable quality Dr. Myers brings to the global conversation is her openness to collaboration. She seeks answers, not authority. She builds bridges, not silos. In an era where medical progress depends on multidisciplinary insight, her willingness to learn, adapt, and partner with experts across fields—from radiology and dentistry to endocrinology and environmental sciences—demonstrates a rare professional courage. This collaborative spirit is what fuels breakthroughs. It is what transforms scattered evidence into unified understanding. And it is what will ultimately elevate detoxification science into a standard pillar of preventive healthcare.

Dr. Myers’ journey is one of resilience, intellect, and service. Her voice strengthens a growing global movement committed to exposing the silent epidemic of heavy metal toxicity. As a clinician, researcher, and advocate, I stand in full support of her mission and applaud her continued contribution to the future of environmental health.

— Dr. Robert L. Bard, MD, DABR, FAIUM, FASLMS
Advanced Integrative Imaging & Diagnostics
BardDiagnostics / AngioInstitute

Silent Exposure: How Dental Amalgams Can Drive Mercury Poisoning

For more than a century, “silver” dental fillings have been sold as routine and harmless. Few patients are told that these restorations are actually dental amalgams—a metal mixture that is roughly 50% elemental mercury by weight.U.S. Food and Drug Administration When placed into a warm, acidic, constantly grinding environment like the human mouth, these fillings can slowly release mercury vapour, which is inhaled into the lungs, absorbed into the bloodstream, and distributed to organs and tissues.

Mercury itself is not a minor contaminant. The World Health Organization classifies it as one of the top ten chemicals of major public-health concern because of its toxic effects on the nervous, immune, and digestive systems, as well as the kidneys, lungs, skin, and eyes—even at relatively low levels of exposure.World Health Organization Earlier WHO analyses have identified dental amalgam as the largest source of mercury vapour exposure for the general population in non-industrial settings.World Health Organization

Regulators now acknowledge that certain groups are more vulnerable to mercury from amalgams, including pregnant women, children, people with kidney impairment, and those with heightened sensitivity or reduced capacity to clear mercury.U.S. Food and Drug Administration+1 Risk analyses indicate that mercury vapour can interfere with fetal and early childhood brain development, raising concern about even “low-level” exposure during critical windows.PubMed Autopsy and biomonitoring studies have consistently shown higher mercury levels in organs and fluids—such as brain, kidney, liver, placenta, and breast milk—in individuals who carry amalgam fillings compared with those who do not.IAOMT

This introductory segment frames dental amalgams not as inert relics of traditional dentistry, but as a continuous, internal source of a potent neurotoxin. For patients already struggling with unexplained neurological, immune, or metabolic symptoms, the mercury burden from their own teeth may be a missing piece of the diagnostic puzzle.

 TOP RELATED ARTICLES

Exploring High Mercury content

Mercury is a naturally occurring element found in air, water, and soil—but when it enters the human body, even in small amounts, it can cause serious harm. “Elevated mercury” refers to higher-than-normal levels detected in the blood, urine, or hair—an indicator of toxic exposure. The degree of elevation often reveals how, and how long, someone has been exposed.  ...More moderate exposure may stem from dental amalgams (“silver fillings”), broken thermometers, fluorescent bulbs, or industrial pollution. Inhalation of mercury vapors during home renovations or lab work can raise internal levels quickly. Pregnant women, children, and those with compromised detoxification capacity (such as certain genetic polymorphisms) are especially at risk. (Go to complete feature article)

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How Metal Toxicity Ended a Surgeon’s Career and Sparked a Clinical Health Movement

Dr. Scott Schroeder never imagined that the very materials he once trusted to restore life would one day take his own career away. A skilled surgeon known for his precision and compassion, he spent decades healing others with the same surgical steel that would later become his enemy. His story—both tragic and transformative—has become a powerful testament to the hidden dangers of metal implants and the growing crisis of medical material sensitivity...When testing revealed his sensitivities, the findings were unmistakable: nickel, mercury, lead—and through cause and effect, titanium. Years earlier, dental amalgams containing mercury had already caused him chronic issues, and pushed his immune system beyond tolerance. (See complete feature with video)

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The Awakening: When Pain Turns Desperate 

One defining case forever changed the course of Dr. Kelly Blodgett’s career—and, in many ways, the future of biological dentistry. A surgical nurse, once thriving and full of life, came to his practice in crisis. Her mouth contained ten dissimilar metals, each from a different manufacturer, creating a toxic electrical storm that her nervous system could no longer tolerate. What began as subtle discomfort escalated into a catastrophic decline—loss of motor control, blurred vision, and eventually suicidal ideation. When she called Dr. Blodgett’s office one Friday, saying she could no longer bear the pain, he immediately cleared his schedule. The following week, as he carefully removed each incompatible implant, something remarkable occurred: her clarity returned, her pain disappeared, and her emotions flooded back. “It was like someone flicked a switch,” Blodgett recalled. “Her brain and body came back online in real time.”  (Go to complete feature article)

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Selected References

(1) World Health Organization. Mercury and Health (Fact sheet). Geneva: WHO; 2024.World Health Organization (2) World Health Organization. Mercury in Health Care. Geneva: WHO; 2005.World Health Organization (3) U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Dental Amalgam Fillings. Silver Spring, MD: FDA; 2021.U.S. Food and Drug Administration (4) Berlin M. Mercury in dental amalgam: a risk analysis. J Dent. 2020.PubMed (5) International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT). Understanding Risk Assessment for Mercury From Dental Amalgam. 2017.IAOMT

 SURVIVOR STORY

Neurotoxins in Plain Sight: A Journey from Pain to Purpose

By: Lennard M. Goetze / Additional interview with: Dr. Scott Schroeder

For decades, Terri Beckley dedicated her life to nursing — thirteen years in the ICU and another thirteen in the PACU, caring for patients before and after surgery. She was a strong, capable clinician known for her compassion and humor, yet behind her smile was a lifetime of silent suffering. From childhood through adulthood, she battled a profound and persistent sadness that no one could explain.

By the age of six, Terri’s mouth was filled with mercury amalgam fillings, metal caps, and spacers. That same year, she developed rheumatic fever and had her tonsils removed. What followed were learning difficulties and waves of melancholy that shadowed her entire life. “I had profound sadness as a child,” she recalled — a sadness that persisted into adulthood despite therapy, medications, and the support of psychiatrists and counselors.

In 2019, after a serious foot condition, Terri underwent extensive reconstructive surgery involving plates and screws. Following the operation, her depression deepened dramatically. “My depression went through the roof,” she said. “I’d open my eyes in the morning and have no idea how I was going to make it through the day. I was suicidal.” The pain in her foot was excruciating; even with medication and therapy, she struggled to find relief.

When her surgeon, Dr. Scott Schroeder, later removed the metal implants, Terri’s transformation was almost instantaneous. “After the metal got out,” she said, “my spirit soared. It chokes me up every time.” The sadness lifted, her pain subsided, and the suicidal thoughts vanished. “No more crying, no more sadness, no more horrible pain.”

A year later, another major foot surgery brought new complications. Once again, she endured another round of intense depression — and once again, when the hardware was removed, her mood and vitality returned. “It was just amazing what happened to me,” she said. “By the grace of God, I connected with Dr. Schroeder. I know that this was no accident.” 

Terri had never suspected that the metals in her body — from childhood dental work to orthopedic implants — might be contributing to her lifelong depression. “As a nurse, I was educated and informed, but I had no idea that there was even a possibility of a metal allergy contributing to my symptoms,” she admitted. It was only after living through the profound emotional changes following the removal of her surgical implants and dental amalgams that she began to understand the connection.

Today, Terri speaks openly about her journey. Decades of therapy, psychiatric care, and antidepressant medications had brought limited relief — yet the removal of toxic orthopedic hardware and dental metals gave her back her peace of mind. “I am happy. I am not crying. I am not suicidal. It’s like I got my life back,” she said with emotion. “And I’ve got a lot of living to do. I’m sixty-five.” She will still experience occasional episodes of situational depression which she has learned to manage with the help of her medical team.

Terri’s story is not only one of physical healing but also of emotional and spiritual renewal. Having survived years of childhood trauma and the invisible torment of neurotoxic exposure, she has embraced a new mission — to help others who may be suffering unknowingly from similar causes. “I’ve always had a longing to help, to create some peace in the world,” she reflected. “It’s my natural inclination.”

Now retired, Terri continues to care for others in her community, drawn instinctively to people in need. “Once a nurse, always a nurse,” she said. She has become an advocate for awareness around metal sensitivity, toxic exposures, and emotional health — combining her personal experience and professional insight to bring hope to others.

“I love the concept of helping and healing,” Terri said. “Through my story, if even one person realizes what might be happening to them, then it’s worth it.” 

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

PIERCINGS, TATTOOS & THE HIDDEN RISK OF METALS

 WHAT EVERY PATIENT SHOULD KNOW

Body art has long been celebrated as an expression of identity, culture, and personal story. Yet behind the beauty of tattoos and piercings lies a lesser-known concern that is becoming increasingly important in modern health discussions: metals. Whether in tattoo pigments, piercing jewelry, or even medical implants and surgical hardware, metals can trigger allergic reactions, chronic inflammation, immune dysregulation, and systemic illness—especially in individuals with heightened metal sensitivity.

Tattoos are not simply dyes; most inks contain metal-based pigments.  Darker skin may contain iron oxide; reds may include mercury sulfide; greens often contain chromium; blues may contain cobalt. These metals give tattoos their vibrance—but they also introduce potential immunological stress.

Piercings come with a similar risk. Even “hypoallergenic” jewelry can contain small amounts of nickel, chromium, titanium alloys, or other mixed metals. For individuals with unknown sensitivities, this may trigger itching, swelling, delayed healing, rashes, or even systemic symptoms.

This is why dermatologists, allergists, and integrative physicians increasingly recommend allergy testing or patch testing prior to ink or piercings. Identifying metal sensitivities ahead of time may prevent years of complications.

WHEN TATTOOS BECOME MEDICAL PROBLEMS

For millions, tattoos cause no issues. But for a subset of people, tattoo-associated reactions can manifest as:

• Localized rashes or eczema

• Granulomas

• Autoimmune flare-ups

• Hypersensitivity reactions to specific pigments

• Complications during MRI scans due to metal heating

If a patient experiences persistent inflammation or systemic symptoms after getting tattooed, metals might turn out to be the hidden culprit as reported. Laser tattoo removal has been one of the most reliable ways to eliminate problematic pigments. However, removal often requires multiple sessions, because breaking up the ink releases particles that the body must process and excrete—another reason why underlying metal sensitivity or impaired detoxification can complicate recovery.

A SURGEON TURNED ADVOCATE

Dr. Scott Schroeder, former surgeon and now a leading advocate for heavy metal screening, has seen firsthand how pervasive and poorly understood metal exposure can be. His shift toward advocacy began after witnessing how patients—often unknowingly—accumulated metals not only from tattoos and piercings but, more critically, from medical devices and surgical materials.

“Whenever I evaluate someone for metal-related symptoms,” Dr. Schroeder explains, “I always start with a full history. That includes every surgery, every device, and what metals might have been used—even metal clips.”  Many patients are not fully aware of the potential risks and complications of metallic implants or that surgical clips were left inside their body after certain procedures. Surgeons do not routinely relay the metal composition of hardware used during procedures. As a result, individuals with metal allergies may face years of unexplained symptoms, often misattributed to unrelated conditions.. See Dr. Schroeder's complete story.

TESTING: A MISSING STEP IN MODERN MEDICINE

For people considering tattoos, piercings, or any form of implant, proper pre-screening could dramatically reduce adverse outcomes.  Dr. Schroeder relies heavily on specialized testing such as the Lymphocyte Transformation Test, including the MELISA® test, which evaluates a patient’s immune reactivity to specific metals. This test helps identify potential sensitivities before metal exposure occurs—or, in the case of metals already inside the body, helps pinpoint a potential cause of chronic reactions.

The MELISA test gained significant attention among FDA panel members reviewing metal allergy concerns, particularly regarding:

• Pre-operative evaluation

• Screening patients for known sensitivities

• Assessing allergic responses to metals already implanted

For tattoo and piercing enthusiasts, such testing provides early warning. For surgical patients, it can guide material selection, prevent complications, and even influence whether implants should be removed.

A CALL FOR AWARENESS

Whether on the surface of the skin or buried deep within the body, metals are a constant presence in modern life. Tattoo inks and piercings are only one part of a much larger picture. As metal sensitivity becomes more recognized in immunology and integrative medicine, doctors like Dr. Schroeder continue pushing for greater transparency, better testing, and more comprehensive patient education.

The message is clear: before you puncture, pierce, or pigment your skin, know your metal sensitivities. Awareness is protection—and in some cases, it may prevent years of avoidable suffering.

REFERENCES

1) de Cuyper C, Lodewick E, Schreiver I, et al. Are metals involved in tattoo-related hypersensitivity reactions? Contact Dermatitis. 2017;76(6):371-377. doi:10.1111/cod.12862.

2) Zemelka-Wiącek M, Cempel M, Brzeziński P, et al. Metal allergy: state-of-the-art mechanisms, biomarkers, and clinical implications. Front Immunol. 2022;13:934. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2022.934. PMC

3) Vrbová R, Podzimek S, Himmlová L, et al. Titanium and other metal hypersensitivity diagnosed by MELISA® test: follow-up study. Biomed Res Int. 2021;2021:5512091. doi:10.1155/2021/5512091. PMC

4)Karadağlı S, Cirak M. Are some metals in tattoo inks harmful to health? An analytical-toxicological study. Chem Res Toxicol. 2022;35(11):2171-2182. doi:10.1021/acs.chemrestox.2c00323. pubs.acs.org

 Science Editorial 

CONNECTING THE HIDDEN DOTS BETWEEN TOXINS AND ENDOCRINE HEALTH

By Dr. Angela Mazza, Integrative Endocrinologist

One of the most striking innovations emerging from this collaboration is the identification of what Dr. Bard cleverly calls the “Starry Night” signature—an ultrasound pattern that visually captures early inflammatory or autoimmune activity in tissue. For integrative clinicians, this is an invaluable diagnostic cue, providing confirmation that cellular and metabolic disturbances are not just theoretical—they are visible. It validates what functional medicine has long proposed: that toxins and oxidative stress create micro-inflammatory cascades long before full-blown disease develops.

Heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, aluminum, and lead are known endocrine disruptors. They can interfere with thyroid hormone conversion, blunt adrenal output, and impair insulin signaling—sometimes years before standard biomarkers register dysfunction. What Dr. Bard’s imaging and OligoScan analysis offers a way to connect biochemical evidence with real-time physiology, giving clinicians an earlier and more precise look at the origins of endocrine disturbance.

The recent advancements mark an important leap in understanding how environmental toxins silently shape our hormonal health. For decades, endocrinologists have witnessed patients presenting with unexplained fatigue, metabolic sluggishness, thyroid irregularities, and adrenal imbalances—yet conventional labs often fail to reveal the root cause. This is where toxin detection and advanced imaging bridge the gap between symptoms and science. 

HEAVY METAL EXPOSURE can leave visible clues on the body’s surface—particularly through changes in skin color, texture, and resilience. In functional and environmental medicine, these external signs often serve as the first indicators of deeper biochemical disturbances. Below is a breakdown of three common dermatologic responses linked to toxic metal exposure, each reflecting a distinct underlying mechanism.

Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation refers to darkened patches or spots on the skin caused by excess melanin production. In cases of heavy metal exposure—particularly arsenic—melanin synthesis can become overstimulated as the body reacts to oxidative stress and cellular injury. The result is a pattern of grayish-brown or black discoloration, sometimes described as a “raindrop” appearance on the trunk, neck, or extremities. Lead exposure may also contribute by altering enzyme activity in melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells, resulting in uneven or mottled skin tone.

Hypopigmentation
Hypopigmentation is the opposite effect—the loss or reduction of normal skin color due to diminished melanin production or destruction of melanocytes. Chronic exposure to arsenic or mercury can damage the pigment cells themselves or disrupt the pathways that regulate melanin synthesis. This produces irregular pale patches, often interspersed with darker areas, giving the skin a patchy or marbled appearance. The contrast between hyper- and hypopigmented zones can sometimes be an early dermatologic sign of cumulative toxic stress.

Hyperkeratosis
Hyperkeratosis involves an abnormal thickening of the outer skin layer, the stratum corneum, due to accelerated production of keratin. In arsenic-related cases, this hardening typically appears on the palms and soles, where small, corn-like elevations develop over time. These lesions may evolve into painful nodules or fissures if exposure continues. The thickened skin represents the body’s attempt to protect itself from ongoing irritation or injury at the cellular level—a defensive, yet maladaptive, reaction to chronic toxicity.

Together, these manifestations—hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and hyperkeratosis—offer valuable diagnostic insight. They are the skin’s visual language for what is happening beneath the surface: the cumulative stress of heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and mercury altering cellular metabolism, hormone regulation, and immune signaling long before systemic disease is diagnosed.

This **two-step model—screening and confirming—**represents the future of precision endocrinology. By integrating toxin mapping through OligoScan with high-resolution ultrasound, practitioners can track how detoxification, chelation, or mineral rebalancing therapies are truly influencing patient physiology. It transforms the process from guesswork into measurable, visual progress.

This direction supports the core principles of integrative medicine: prevention, personalization, and patient empowerment. When we can show patients that what’s happening on a biochemical level matches what we see in tissue, it deepens understanding, trust, and motivation.

In a world where environmental exposures are rising, this partnership between toxin science and endocrine diagnostics offers hope—and a clear path toward early intervention and true functional restoration.

AUTHOR:

Angela Mazza, DO is a triple board-certified endocrinologist specializing in thyroid and hormone health. Her expertise is essential to LYMESCAN’s multidisciplinary care, as Lyme disease often disrupts endocrine function, mimicking or triggering conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Dr. Mazza’s precision in evaluating thyroid dysfunction helps distinguish infectious causes from autoimmune disorders, providing patients with targeted, hormone-balanced recovery plans.

 FROM THE CLINICAL FIELD

The Neurotoxic Puzzle - When Metals Affect the Mind    

Bridging Psychiatry and Imaging Science

For years, Dr. Barbara Bartlik, an integrative psychiatrist known for her work at the intersection of mental health, endocrinology, and environmental medicine, and Dr. Robert L. Bard, a diagnostic imaging specialist and pioneer in noninvasive brain and body scanning, have shared a common goal: connecting emotional health with biological truth. Their collaboration merges psychiatry with precision imaging—what they call “evidence-based neuro-scanning.” Together, they study how environmental toxins, heavy metals, and implanted materials can alter brain chemistry, impair mood regulation, and trigger psychiatric symptoms that conventional medicine often misattributes to purely psychological causes. 

“Many of my patients came to me saying, ‘I’ve tried every antidepressant, but something still feels toxic inside,’” explains Dr. Bartlik. “For years, psychiatry focused on neurotransmitters without asking what might be poisoning the system. That’s where imaging gives us a clearer window into the physiology behind emotion.”

Dr. Bard’s imaging work has validated that insight. “With Doppler and elastography, we can actually see how neurotoxins create microvascular inflammation,” he notes. “The brain, liver, and endocrine organs all communicate through shared biochemical pathways. When metals interfere with those systems, mood and behavior inevitably change.”

The Hidden Toll of Neurotoxins

“Ultrasound and thermography are now capable of showing tissue-level responses to chemical or metallic stress,” explains Dr. Bard. “We’ve observed thermal asymmetries and perfusion deficits in patients with long-term implant exposure. These are not abstract findings—they’re visual, quantifiable, and repeatable.”

The human nervous system is remarkably sensitive to toxic insult. Metals such as mercury, lead, aluminum, cadmium, and nickel—whether inhaled, ingested, or implanted—can accumulate over decades, crossing the blood-brain barrier and disrupting neurological signaling. “What people call depression or anxiety may in some cases be neuroinflammation,” says Dr. Bartlik. “The symptoms can mirror mental illness, but the cause is physiological—a toxic exposure the body cannot clear.”

Recent imaging data reveal that patients with chronic metal exposure show subtle but measurable changes: vascular irregularities in cortical regions, altered perfusion in limbic areas, and disrupted microcirculation in the temporal lobes—regions intimately tied to emotion and memory. These findings support a growing theory that certain psychiatric symptoms may have a toxic origin.

From Case Stories to Clinical Science

Terri Beckley’s story, among many others, is adding weight to this emerging evidence. After decades of depression and multiple metal implant surgeries, she experienced profound emotional relief once her hardware was removed. “Her experience is not an anomaly,” says Dr. Bartlik. “We are hearing similar accounts from patients across the country—people whose psychiatric distress lifts after detoxification or explantation. It’s time we stop calling these coincidences.” 

Dr. Bard agrees: “The body’s electrical and biochemical systems are interdependent. When you introduce dissimilar metals, you risk creating electrochemical reactions that can alter cell function. What we’re seeing in Terri’s case—and many others—is the biology of suffering caught on camera.”

Their joint research now extends to cross-disciplinary collaborations with neurologists, endocrinologists, and toxicologists. They are mapping how chronic exposure affects neurovascular flow and correlating those findings with psychiatric symptom profiles. Early results suggest that even trace-level accumulations may influence serotonin and dopamine pathways through oxidative stress.

A Call for Awareness and Reform

Dr. Bard envisions a diagnostic future where psychiatry and imaging merge seamlessly. “We must move from speculation to visualization. Once we can show inflammation or metal deposition on a scan, no one can call it imaginary.” Their partnership underscores a vital truth: the mind and body cannot be separated in diagnosis or healing. As the medical community begins to recognize the biological roots of emotional suffering, stories like Terri Beckley’s are no longer outliers—they are signals of a paradigm shift.

Both physicians emphasize that neurotoxic injury is not rare—it’s underrecognized. “Every time someone shares their story, we add another data point to a pattern medicine has ignored,” says Dr. Bartlik. “We need broader screening for toxic exposure, especially in patients with resistant depression or cognitive decline.”

“Neurotoxicity may be invisible to the naked eye,” says Dr. Bartlik, “but its effects are written all over the human experience. The science is catching up to what patients have known all along—something real is happening inside.”