Why do some people have their fillings removed and become healthy with little or no chelation, and others need to chelate for years to improve? Why does one mercury toxic person have a challenge test and start dumping mercury right away, while another can have aggressive IV chelation for a year before metals start dumping? That is the million dollar question.

Genetic factors play a role (APOE, GSTM, MTHFr etc.) - but I wonder how big that role is, since even people with bad genetics eventually reach a "tipping point" when the body suddenly begins to dump a lot of metals. Another theory I am aware of is that viruses and bacteria may harbor metals. This article contains some speculation on how that might work.

A Unique Approach to Metal Detoxification

DMPS, DMSA and EDTA all have antiviral properties (although it isn't well studied). Or, perhaps slowly removing the metals somehow makes the viruses vulnerable. At Dr. Buttar's they warn of a "shift" with flu like symptoms for a few days, when chelation releases a virus or bacteria. Could it be the "tipping point" occurs when the infection is finally wiped out?

Is the Marshall Protocol another approach to these chronic infections, that ultimately allows the body to detoxify naturally? The Herxheimer reactions from the protocol are "believed to be caused when injured or dead bacteria release their endotoxins into blood and tissues faster than the body can comfortably handle it." Notice the Herx symptoms are the same as mercury/toxicity symptoms including skin rashes, irritability, nausea, metallic taste in mouth, etc.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE MP (Required Reading) > HERXHEIMER REACTION

Many Marshall Protocol success stories are life changing and sound like mercury success stories, especially the cognitive symptoms and fatigue issues.