FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 
FAQS

QUESTIONS ABOUT HMD

How do I know that HMD™ actually works?

HMD™ is the only natural, patent-pending, toxic metal chelator in the world to be backed by a 3-year, double-blind, placebo controlled study with 350 people working in a metal foundry. There were many trials conducted over this 3-year period that shows conclusively that HMD™ works effectively at eliminating all metals including Aluminium, Antimony, Arsenic, Beryllium, Cadmium, Lead, Mercury, Nickel, Thallium and Uranium without removing the good, essential minerals from the body. There is probably no other natural heavy metal chelator that has undergone a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with so many people.

This research has been published in a number of peer-reviewed journals. Please feel free to download the following articles:

1. Natural Heavy Metal Chelators: Do They Work? (2007)

2. A Natural Heavy Metal Chelator is Born: It's Use in Paediatric Cases (2007)

• How do I know if toxic metals are being eliminated by my body while using the HMD™?

This is a very good question, but one that is also difficult to answer! As there is no practical way of measuring the TOTAL levels of toxic metals in the body, then consequently there are no absolute ways of determining how many metals have actually been eliminated in a 3-6 month period of time. The only thing that we can measure is the amount of metals being eliminated in any one short period of time - this is what we do with the pre-post provocation test using urine and faeces, as described above. If there are metals still being eliminated with this test, then this is an indication that metals are still present in the body and you should continue to take the toxic metal chelator. HMD™ is so gentle that it can be used for long periods of time - the inventor of the product has been taking it every day for the last 18 months, with no side effects whatsoever!

• Does HMD™ remove other good minerals and trace elements?

In some of the testing that was done it showed that this was not the case. In fact, due to the natural minerals and trace elements that some of HMD's™ ingredients contain, such as the Cilantro and the Chlorella Growth Factor, we have reason to believe that it is actually feeding the body with these good minerals.

• Is HMD™ effective at removing mercury?

In the test trials that have been done, the answer is "yes". There was about a 448% increase in mercury in the post-urine sample, compared to the pre-urine sample.

• Does HMD™ have a nice taste, or is it bitter?

Tastes seem to differ from one person to another, but certainly HMD™ is not bitter, neither is it sweet. As it contains algae and vegetables it seems to have a "veggy" taste which many find quite pleasant. There is also a vegetable glycerin version of HMD™ that is presently being sold for the US market, which is sweet and contains no alcohol.

• Does HMD™ eliminate most metals through the urine or the faeces?

All the trials that were conducted showed that HMD™ prefers the urinary route - many more metals are eliminated in the urine compared to the faeces. This is probably an advantage as metals are prevented from being reabsorbed in the gut.

• Does HMD™ have any side effects?

In the final trial using HMD™ on 84 people, only a couple reported minor headaches that lasted a couple of hours. Otherwise, no-one else reported any other side-effects whatsoever, which is in direct contrast to what people report when taking synthetic drug chelators. However, some people who have sluggish detoxification systems may have some detox reactions such as headaches, sore muscles, flu-like symptoms, tiredness and a general feeling of malaise - if this is the case then the dosage should be reduced, sometimes by up to 50%; and then build up slowly.

• How long should I stay on the HMD™ for?

This question has more or less been answered above, but to recap briefly; if your pre-post provocation test has shown that you are still eliminating metals in the post-urine and faeces samples, then this means that you still have these stored in the body. Taking the HMD™ for a further few months would then be indicated - it really does take a long time to remove metals from the body, and even then it is literally impossible to completely eliminate them as we are constantly being exposed to them through the air that we breathe, the food that we eat, the amalgam fillings in our mouths, as well as other sources. This is one very good reason to take HMD™ on and off in order to reduce this load on the body.

• Is HMD™ expensive?

The simple answer is "no", it is actually one of the cheapest natural heavy metal chelator in the market, even though it has undergone research that cost in excess of $1 million. We believe that HMD™ should be affordable for all people, all over the globe and can be taken like a food supplement over prolonged periods of time, without costing more that the daily cost of an ice-cream! Comparing other natural chelators on the market, a 4 oz bottle of HMD™ lasting one month for adults and up to 3 months fro children, sells for $60 or the equivalent currency, while a month's equivalent of NDF sells for $79.95 for a 1 oz. bottle; Metal-Free is $129.00 and Detoxamin suppositories are $269 for a month's supply.

• What is the recommended dosage?

Adult dosage is 50 drops x 3 daily - it may be worth while beginning with a lower dosage and working up slowly, particularly if your detoxification organs are not working too efficiently. Most people begin with 25 drops x 3 daily and increase by one drop x 3 daily, every day until they reach the recommended dosage.

• How does HMD™ compare to other drug chelators?

We don't really know as research in this field has not been conducted to compare. We believe, however, that HMD™ may not eliminate the same degree of metals as these drug chelators, but it certainly does remove considerable amounts of most metals such as arsenic, antimony, aluminium, cadmium, lead, mercury, thallium, uranium and others.

If the blood, urine and faeces tests show that the person is suffering from an acute toxicity of toxic metals where the levels are extremely high, then it would be wiser to use a strong drug chelator in order to reduce the levels quickly. It is possible, however, to combine the HMD™ with these drug chelators in order to give an element of protection to the liver and kidneys, the red blood cells, the immune system and other body organs. This has been demonstrated in other research studies that have been conducted on two of the natural ingredients of HMD™, namely Cilantro (Corriandrum sativum) and the Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF).

• Does HMD™ chelate iron and copper?

In the research trials we did not find this to be the case, even though in some of the people that worked in the metal foundry who had extremely high levels of copper and iron, which were part of the by-products of the smelting process, there were considerable amounts of copper and iron eliminated in the post-urine and faeces samples compared to the pre-samples. It may be that the HMD™ is acting as an adaptagen and balancing the body's essential minerals according to need.

• Can HMD™ be taken PREVENTATIVELY even though there are no overt symptoms?

Absolutely, and it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED as it would be true to say that everyone living on this planet is affected by heavy metals in some way or other. It's in the air we breath, the water we drink, the food we eat - such as fish, in our teeth (amalgams), in vaccinations (thimerosol and aluminium) given to our young ones, mothers' milk, in various household furniture and bedding that we use every day, etc, etc.

This is one excellent reason why it is important to take a heavy metal chelator that can eliminate these heavy metals that are the underlying cause of many chronic diseases. It would be possible to take a variety of "drug" chelators that must be given by a medical doctor, but this would mean expensive visits to the doctor and the possibility of having adverse side-effects,as these drugs are generally quite aggressive and all have known side effects. It is much wiser to take a "gentle chelator" such as HMD™ that has been proven to eliminate metals without any side effects. Use it daily for a few months as a preventative; it is a wise health insurance and investment that will keep your health optimised and protect you from all sorts of chronic, degenerative diseases.

• Does HMD™ have a Certificate Of Analysis for microbes etc?

Yes, there are Certificates of Analysis of all the raw materials used. Indeed, one of the microbial tests showed that there were high numbers of Lactobacillus colonies, a very beneficial bacterium present in the HMD™, probably being maintained by the rich nucleopeptide nutrients present in the HMD™.

• Are your manufacturers GMP certified?

Yes, most certainly.

• What's the storage and shelf life of HMD™?

It has been tested now for 36 months and the product is still intact and active. It is predicted that the shelf life should be in excess of 4-5 years, as is the case with most herbal remedies.

Who should NOT take HMD™?

Pregnant women and possibly epileptics, as well as people who have just had a major operation. However, these people should always seek the advice of their health practitioner who would have the history of the patient and could therefore make more bespoke decisions as opposed to general guidelines.

What's the "healing crisis" when taking HMD™?

As when taking any type of heavy metal chelator, or undergoing a detoxification protocol to clean the body and organs, it is possible that the patient will have certain "detox" symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, feelings of malaise, tiredness, "brain fog", difficulty concentrating, aches and pains in muscles and joints. All these symptoms are transitory and usually do not last more than about 12 hours - they are all due to heavy metals and toxins being released from the tissues and organs and eliminated from the body. It is important to drink at least 10 glasses of mineral water while taking the HMD™ to help flush the metals out of the body, mainly through the kidneys. Taking DRAINAGE REMEDIES would also be wise as these help "open-up" and make more efficient the detoxification pathways of the liver and kidneys. Obviously if symptoms persist for days then you should consult your health practitioner.

Generally, amongst the hundreds of people that took part in the HMD™ trials, no major side effects were recorded, apart from two people who complained of a minor, transitory headache. Kidney, heart, liver and electrolyte blood tests showed that there were no pathological parameters during the provocation phase.

Moreover, Heart Rate Variability Testing (HRV) - a measure of the functionality of all the physiological systems of the body, showed a significant increase in 40% of the people tested in only 48 hours.

• What's the mechanism involved with HMD™ in heavy metal removal?

Definitive, empirical research has not yet been undertaken to determine the exact mode of action of HMD™. However, based on research of similar products such as Chlorella Growth Factor, which is a neuropeptide, it is possible that the peptides in HMD™ bind to several receptor sites on the metal molecule, creating a strong irreversible bond; with little chance of competition from other competitor molecules - this means less reabsorption of the metal by the body.

Peptides really stick to metals with an order of magnitude far greater than their synthetic chelating counterparts. This means that the metals are more likely to be eliminated by the body as opposed to being reabsorbed.

The research conducted on HMD™ to date has clearly shown that it has a natural affinity for eliminating metals through the urinary tract, as opposed to the biliary tract. This again will lessen the likelihood of metals being reabsorbed in the gut.

It is freely absorbed by the oral mucosa and it is postulated that it will also cross the blood-brain barrier, but more work is required to confirm this hypothesis.

• What's the excretion route for the eliminated heavy metals when using HMD™?

• What are the indications that HMD™ is actually working once you have taken it?

• On your website you mention that the Chlorella Growth Factor that is present in the HMD can actually increase the growth of beneficial bacteria in the GI tract by 400%. Will it actually increase the growth of bad bacteria in the gut as well?

Excellent question! Maybe this piece of research sums it up - algae in general are capable of producing antibacterial substances such as Chlorelline which counteract harmful gram positive bacteria. So these are actually suppressed in the gut, while the Lactobacillus acidophilus species increase due to the richness in DNA/RNA of the nucleopeptides. Yes, the L. acidophilus are rod-shaped, but they are not pathogenic and it appears that thankfully the body can differentiate between pathogenic and non-pathogenic - it is antibiotics that cannot! 

Another mechanism that would kick in as the L. acidophilus increase in number is the higher production of lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and other byproducts that make the environment hostile for undesired organisms. There is also evidence that CGF is an anti-fungal too.

• Is there a load on the kidney or liver from taking HMD?
  
  

Conclusion: HMD™ is a gentle chelator that does not adversely effect liver and kidney function tests and is tolerable by most people of all ages.  

DETAILS OF THE LIVER AND KIDNEY FUNCTION TESTS

• Is it OK to use HMD with amalgam fillings?

Yes, as long as you do not keep it in contact with the fillings - swallow immediately. The HMD is probably not strong enough to extract the mercury from the amalgam alloy as it would be difficult to break the bond.

• I have amalgam fillings in my mouth, should I take HMD before they are removed? 

Yes, it is crucially important that you begin taking HMD BEFORE you begin removing any amalgams. It is suggested that you follow the detox protocol suggested HERE.

Removing amalgams without beginning a detox protocol is very dangerous to health and can lead to very serious disease processes due to the flooding of mercury into the body during amalgam removal. This is why it is also important to go to a Holistic Dentist who is aware of the amalgam removal protocols in order to provide maximal protection. Also make certain that you are taking HMD throughout the removal process and for at least 3 months after.

•  How does HMD compare with other chelators? 

There are a few other natural products that purport to detox metals, but when you ask for the clinical trials and research data, it does not exist. As far as we know, HMD is the only natural product that has undergone the "Gold Standard" research design - double blind, placebo controlled trials -  with 350 people - that PROVED it works. This research has been validated in peer reviewed journals which can be downloaded from this web site. It is also one of the cheapest available, despite the fact that the three year research project cost over a million dollars! Our philosophy is to make it available to all at a reasonable price.

The cost works out about the same price as a good chocolate bar or a cup of coffee - about $2 per day or $60 for a month's supply. Other chelators on the market include DMSA, a chemical chelator that can have adverse side effects - especially in people with neurological problems. It is a prescription-only drug in most countries. Average price is about $5 per day or $150 for a month's supply.

Detoxamin, a suppository chelator is also considered a drug as it contains EDTA. It sells for $269 for a one month supply. NDF is another natural chelator that sells for $89 for less that one month's supply and has no peer-reviewed supporting science. Metal-Free, another natural chelator retails for $129.95 for one months supply. Zeolite (Destroxin) is a natural mineral that contains an aluminium molecule that is supposed to be "locked in" by various divalent bonds. Two people who sent in their analysis reports following Zeolite treatment, had INCREASED levels of aluminium after they took the Zeolite. More research is required here. The price of this product varies but is usually about $150 per month.

 

• How can I tell what toxic metals I have in my body?

This is a rather complex topic, but certainly there is no conclusive way of finding the total load of metals in the body as this would mean incinerating the body and measuring the metal content of all the ash - rather impractical!

TISSUE HAIR MINERAL ANALYSIS
There are certain tests on the market that can give an indication of the amount of metals in the body. First, there is the Tissue Hair Mineral Analysis which measures the amount of metals in the hair as the body tends to push these metals out of the body into more inert tissues such as the hair and the nails, in order to prevent the metals from doing damage in the body. About 5cm or 2 inches of hair is snipped from the back of the head - you will require about 2 tablespoons of hair. This represents about 3 months of growth, which means that the test will show which metals have been stored in the hair over the last 3 months. This will only happen if there are metals in the blood during the last 3 months that have been stored in the hair - if no metals have been mobile as they are all stored in the body tissues and organs, then it is possible that the hair mineral analysis will not show any metals. This does not mean that there are no metals in the body, only that they are not being mobilized to be stored in the inert tissues of the hair.

PRE-POST URINE PROVOCATION TEST
A more thorough test that can determine whether toxic metals are stored in the body tissues and organs is the pre-post provocation test using urine. What this test does is take a baseline urine sample, also known as a pre-sample usually over a 6- or 24-hour collection period. After the pre-sample is collected then a provocation agent is used to push the metals out of the tissues and organs into the blood and through the kidneys where they are measured in the urine. Provocation agents will depend on what type of metals you have been exposed to, as well as your doctor's preference, so this must be discussed with your health practitioner. Once the provocation agent has been taken, then urine is collected in a container for 6 or 24-hours, depending on your practitioner's instructions. A sample of the pre- and post-urine is sent to an analytical laboratory that specializes in this type of testing using analytical instruments called spectrometers. If the body has metals stored in the tissues and organs, then we would expect to see a percentage increase of metals in the post-urine sample compared to the pre-urine sample. The amount of metals eliminated would also be an indicator as to how toxic the person is compared to reference ranges, even though the ideal "normal" range should be zero as these toxic metals cause many health problems in the body.

This is a test that can only be conducted by a qualified health practitioner.

PRE-POST FAECES PROVOCATION TEST
As metals sometimes are eliminated through the urine and faeces, there are certain practitioners that will demand both urine and faeces provocation tests. The faeces test is similar in principle to the urine test described above - a pre-sample is collected, the provocation agent is then taken and a post-sample is taken usually 48 hours later, due to the slower transit time. If the body has metals stored in the body tissues and organs, then we would expect to see a percentage increase of metals in the post-faeces sample compared to the pre-faeces sample.

This test can only be administered by your health practitioner.

GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT TOXICITY

• How do people get exposed to toxic or heavy metals?

There are many sources of toxic metals in the world that we live in. Here are some examples, even though this is not a conclusive list:

· Mercury amalgams in the mouth

· Thimerosol, a mercury preservative in some vaccinations given to young babies

· Fish which can be toxic in mercury as well as other metals

· Chicken - in some cases chickens are toxic in arsenic as this is intentionally given to them as a growth stimulator

· Vegetables - if the vegetables are grown near major roads then they could have accumulated lead and other petrochemicals from vehicle pollution

What mechanisms do heavy metals use in the body for causing diseases and how do they damage the body?

Heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, lead, and tin affect chemical synaptic transmission in the brain and the peripheral and central nervous system. They also have been found to disrupt brain and cellular calcium levels that significantly affect many body functions: such as:

(a) calcium levels in the brain affecting cognitive development and degenerative CNS diseases

(b) calcium-dependent neurotransmitter release which results in depressed levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine. These are related to mood and motivation.

(c) cellular calcium-sodium ATP pump processes affecting cellular nutrition and energy production processes.

(d) calcium levels in bones causing skeletal osteodystery.

Toxic metals have also been found to affect cellular transfer and levels of other important minerals and nutrients that have significant neurological and health effects - such as magnesium, lithium, zinc, iron, Vitamins B-6 & B1-12. Based on thousands of hair tests, at least 20% of Americans have been shown to be deficient in magnesium and lithium, with zinc deficiencies also common. The resulting deficiency of such essential nutrients has been shown to increase toxic metal neurological damage.

Studies have also found heavy metals to deplete glutathione and protein-bound sulfhydryl (SH) groups, resulting in the inhibition of SH-containing enzymes and the production of free radicals such as superoxide ion, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radical. This has been found to be a major factor in neurological and immune damage caused by the heavy metals, including damage to mitochondria and DNA, as well as chronic autoimmune conditions and diseases.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), impulsivity, and inability to inhibit inappropriate responding have all been associated with high lead levels. High aluminium levels are related to encephalopathies and dementia. Some individuals have been found to be more sensitive to toxic metals depending on genetic sensitivity and past exposure to toxic substances. Nickel exposure is common and nickel exposure has been found to be significantly related to mortality in animal studies. Large numbers of people affected by allergic conditions such as eczema and psoriasis vulgaris and serious autoimmune conditions such as lupus and CFS have also been found to have high levels of nickel in their body.

The endocrine system organs such as the pituitary gland, thyroid and hypothalamus can be affected by heavy metals such as mercury which can result in developmental delays such as learning and behavioural disabilities, mental retardation and autism. Other more subtle neurological effects can be seen such as small decreases in IQ, attention span, and connections to delinquency and violence, which can have potentially serious consequences for society. The incidence of neurological conditions in children such as autism has increased over 200% in the USA in the last decade, with a 600% increase in the US - mercury has been found to be a factor in most of those tested. Recently, Dr. Stearns and her team at the Northern Arizona University, USA, are the first to show that uranium could be chemically genotoxic and mutagenic through the formation of strand breaks and covalent U-DNA adducts.

• How do heavy metals cause Cardiovascular Disorders and Central Nervous System problems?

Let's take CNS problems and neuropathology first. There are a number of mechanistic bases for metal neurotoxicity such as:

* Disturbances of macromolecular synthesis and metabolism, such as those of protein and nucleic acids
* Disturbance of Ca2+ homeostasis

•   Some people are allergic to cilantro. What do you suggest in this case? 

Yes, based on our research, using Cilantro tincture by itself, it can actually provoke the body to mobilise and store metals rather than eliminating them. This can cause all sorts of symptoms. However, when one combines the Cilantro with CGF and the homeopathic chlorella, there is a different synergistic compound created that not only eliminates metals but does not have the side effects.  Those allergic to cilantro should begin with a lower dose – for an adult beginning with 15 drops x 3 daily, increasing by one drop x 3 daily every day until you reach the 50 drops x 3 daily adult dosage.  Unless the allergy is a true IgE-mediated response by the immune system, which means that you will not be able to tolerate the Cilantro, then taking the HMD as a synergistic formula at lower dosages initially should avoid allergy-related symptoms.

• I have been tested and found to have 5 - 6 times the normal level of mercury in my blood. How long does mercury stay in your body? How does it affect normal day to day life? 

Mercury gets locked into tissues and organs over many years and is released only with the help of a chelator. It is probably one of the most neurotoxic agents known to man and can cause a wide variety of health problems. Using HMD combined with Chlorella (500mg) - 2 caps x 3 daily will gradually mobilize and eliminate mercury from your body but you need to  persist for 3-6 months.  

• Can HMD be taken during pregnancy or whilst breast feeding?   

Dr. Georgiou, the inventor of HMD advises AGAINST using any type of chelator, even the gentle HMD when one is pregnant or breast feeding as the mobilization of metals in the mother will go through the placenta into the baby. The mother is advised to detoxify before pregnancy and after breastfeeding finishes - she can then give the baby a couple of drops of HMD to help the little one detoxify too. 

• What symptoms – including neurological and hormonal are improved by taking HMD?  

There have been many testimonials citing symptoms that have been reduced after a course of HMD. Every person is different, and the effects are different. Many experience a reduction or the complete disappearance of  symptoms. Women with chronic hormonal imbalances and irregular periods have reported them becoming regular. This is probably because HMD is also removing organic xenobiotics that are endocrine mimicking molecules and endocrine disruptors. Many people report better sleep patterns, more energy, elimination or reduction of joint pains, gut problems improved etc.   

• Should I see a doctor first to confirm the presence of heavy metals before I order your products online? 

HMD is considered a dietary or food supplement. It can also be used prophylacticly as a treatment for heavy metals. If in doubt, we advise anyone to see their health practitioner.  

• How do I know for sure that HMD is safe? 

HMD has been used by thousands of people around the world in the past few years without problems, including children of all ages, adults, the elderly and even pets such as ponies, horses, dogs and cats. It has also undergone a one million dollar research project which has been peer reviewed and published.  

• Do I need to adhere to any special diet while taking HMD?

You can basically eat normally, but it always helps to have plenty of fresh fruit and veg, along with some carrot juice which is cleansing for the liver. Any detox that can take a load off the liver, like removing heavy metals is going to help your hepatitis. 

• Can HMD be used with children of any age?  

Age is irrelevant, but the dosage needs to be monitored. See the web site for further details on dosages for children. For autistic children it would be best to start at a very low dose (2-3 drops x 3 daily) and gradually increase by one drop X3 daily until the recommended dose is reached for the age/weight of the child.

• Are there any side effects with taking HMD?

When undergoing any type of detoxification protocol, it is possible to experience certain "detox" symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, feelings of malaise, "brain fog", difficulty concentrating, and aches in muscles and joints. All these symptoms are transitory and usually do not last more than about 12 hours - they are all due to heavy metals and toxins being released from the tissues and eliminated from the body. It is important to drink at least 10 glasses of mineral water while taking HMD™ to help flush the metals out of the body. 

• Can HMD be used with animals?  

Vets report that a very large number of domestic animals die prematurely from liver and kidney failure. A recent report states that the natural lifespan of a dog is around 30 years, whereas few live beyond 10 years, these days. Though it is expensive and therefore rare for the causes to be investigated, it is believed by some that heavy metal toxicity is a primary cause of the liver and kidney failure. This is not surprising, as recent press reports indicate that many commercially prepared pet foods are full of undesirable waste products, including heavy metals. This is particularly true with dried pet foods.  There is no reason why HMD would not be useful in chelating your pets, using the weight / dosage table used for children. Several people are currently experimenting on their animals, including professional horse trainers. 

•  Is there any other research on HMD to support that it is chelating other chemicals too?

There is anecdotal evidence to show that HMD is capable of chelating organochlorine pesticides, PCBs, depleted uranium and other organic chemicals - we already know that it removes inorganic metals. We already have some preliminary data to show that it does work on xenobiotics as well and further research is being carried out to substantiate these beliefs.

•  Can I get some free samples to try? 

Many people write in asking for free samples. It is expensive for us as a company working on narrow margins to provide free samples. The research and development costs are high, and remember that HMD is already backed by a one million dollar research protocol. No other product of its type has this type of research.  We are therefore sorry, but we only give samples to researchers or charities which are carefully assessed by our board of directors.  Our suggestion is that you sign up as a practitioner, which will entitle you to purchase at a greatly reduced price if you purchase 12 bottles or more. You can still obtain a substantial discount by purchasing a Tri- pack. Try it for 3 months and this will give you a good assessment of its effectiveness.

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