記事 | GYM CONQUER ジム筋華

"Good grief..." The foods we consume daily can hide dangers. Not only pregnant women, but everyone should be cautious about certain foods. Understanding the structure of proteins and the impact of heavy metals is the first step in fighting these invisible enemies. Here, we explain these enemies and how to combat them.

Dynamic illustration of a character inspired by Jolyne Cujoh from JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, standing in her iconic JoJo pose. She has long, light green hair styled in two buns with loose strands and wears a green patterned outfit. She stands fiercely, with one arm outstretched and the other on her hip, surrounded by stylized heavy metal symbols and protein structures. The background features swirling energy and glowing elements, symbolizing the battle against harmful substances. English onomatopoeia like 'ORA ORA' and 'MENACING' add to the intense atmosphere. The scene is vibrant, colorful, and dramatic, capturing the essence of a JoJo-style confrontation.

The Structure of Proteins and the Impact of Heavy Metals

During seminars, I often discuss how low pH affects protein structures, which greatly interests the audience. Additionally, heavy metals like mercury, lead, arsenic, and cadmium can prevent the formation of protein quaternary structures. "This enemy is invisible but very dangerous!"

History and Present of Mercury

From 1953 to the early 1970s, organic mercury agents were sprayed on rice fields in Japan. This exposure affected not only those who ate the rice but also fetuses through the placenta. Nowadays, inorganic mercury in seawater becomes methylmercury and accumulates in fish through the food chain. Methylmercury is fat-soluble and accumulates in the brain. The WHO sets a weekly tolerable intake limit of 1.6 mcg/kg, while Japan sets it at 2.0 mcg/kg. "This enemy is still among us!"

Fish Consumption for Pregnant Women

Pregnant women must be especially cautious with fish consumption. Here is a guide on safe fish intake.

Fish to avoid and safe consumption frequency (based on an 80-gram serving):

Up to once every 2 months: Bottlenose dolphin
Up to once every 2 weeks: Pilot whale
Up to once a week: Red snapper, Swordfish, Bluefin tuna, Bigeye tuna, Red scallop, Sperm whale
Up to twice a week: Golden snapper, Black cod, Marlin, Rockfish, Southern bluefin tuna, Mako shark, Bottlenose dolphin

"We can't stop eating fish... but we must do it safely!"

Methods to Detoxify Methylmercury

To avoid the harm from methylmercury, try the following methods:

Phytic Acid: Found in brown rice and soy products, it helps eliminate heavy metals from the body.
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC): Helps quickly remove mercury before it accumulates in the brain.
Selenium: Known to inhibit the toxicity of methylmercury, particularly selenoneine, which detoxifies methylmercury within the body.

Conclusion

Even if you're not pregnant, everyone should be cautious of heavy metals. Pay special attention to fish consumption, but by using proper detox methods, you can minimize risks. "Good grief... but now we see a way to defy fate!"