Gadolinium MRI Dye: A Nano Heavy Metal That Insults Your Body

MRIs. Gadolinium. Here’s what you need to know to make an informed decision.

Radiologists and patients began to question the safety of gadolinium (a standard MRI contrast dye) a few years ago when a study came out in late 2014 showing the agent is deposited and retained in the brain. (source)

Gadolinium Banned In Europe

In July, 2017, the European Medicines Agency (the EU equivalent to our US FDA) gave recommendations to restrict/ban the use of gadolinium agents used in MRI scans. They found that “the benefit-risk balance of gadolinium agents are no longer favourable.” (source)

Meanwhile, the FDA stated, gadolinium can linger in the body “for months or years after receiving the drug.” (source)

So, if the EU is banning it, why are we still using it in the US? Doctors have used gadolinium-based agents for 30 years—totaling more than 300 million doses.  Are patients seeing a downturn in health following their MRIs? These are valid questions.

The Downsides

Gadolinium is a nanotized heavy metal mixed with a chemical. Gadolinium has acute side effects including death not to mention the inflammation caused in the brain (which you will not hear much about since the death is not often tied to the MRI contrast dye).

Emerging evidence has linked MRI signal changes in deep nuclei of the brain with repeated administration of gadolinium-based contrast agents. Gadolinium deposits have been confirmed in brain tissue, most notably in the dentate nuclei and globus pallidus. 

Gadolinium retention occurs when the particles are not removed from the body via the kidneys and urination. Instead, the metal settles in the brain, bone and other tissues. Gadolinium contrast agents (GBCAs) have been shown to persist in bone tissue eight years after injection.

Those with MTHFR gene mutations need to be aware of the heightened repercussions this contrast has on their body due to the delayed metabolization of the cocktail.

On December 19, 2017, the FDA issued a public safety announcement, stating it is ‘requiring several actions to alert health care professionals and patients about the gadolinium retention.’

Actor Chuck Norris and hundreds more have filed lawsuits. Norris is seeking $10 million in damages against a contrast vendor and the contrast distributor for allegedly poisoning his wife Gena. She had several contrast MRI exams and alleges numerous adverse health effects began after these exams. 

Gadolinium contrast can be fatal for some people or lead to severe disability. (source) Currently, there is no cure for renal failure, NSF/NFD, caused by gadolinium, according to the Mayo Clinic, and the treatments that are available, are not effective for everyone.

It is NOT recommended during pregnancy, either.

I recently heard ads on the radio for the $279. MRI, so are unaware people are getting MRIs more frequently because of lower cost? 

There are cases where an MRI CAN be done without a contrast agent, “It’s reasonable for patients to ask their doctor whether it’s needed or not.” (source)

Can You Say NO to the Gadolinium Contrast Dye?

I heard of one friend’s husband has avoided this toxic cocktail 3 times during the treatment of a hip injury, by outright refusing the contrast without the doctor signing a document to be liable if any medical issue did occur. Obviously, they wouldn’t sign it.

Patients harmed say they have gotten no informed consent on gadolinium’s potential hazards, while the practices looking into written informed consent fear it may open the door to litigation. (source)

Gadolinium is an Emerging Micro-Contaminant in our Water.

MRI Gadolinium Contrast Awareness is a great group with lots of info on gadolinium toxicity.

Ionic silica via Fiji water (as sold in many grocery stores) can help remove aluminum from people with Alzheimer’s and Autism and those people have had significant improvements in clinical studies. There are also other partially successful detox methods. There is only one way that actually fully grabs the metals (and does not release them back in part to the body) and that is TRS. There are totally no-side-effect safe (See this definitive PubMed study stating safety in humans and animals).

TRS nano-zeolite removes heavy metals, including Gadolinium effectively and safely. I love this product, because I have seen what it can do. If you want to know more (no arm-twisting), leave a comment with your full FB name and what your profile picture looks like, and I will try to get you information in a timely manner.

“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” ~3 John 1:2

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