Thanks for the wealth of feedback, Russ! I'm actually about to move to Europe in a couple weeks and intend to stock up on a supply of Algin before I go, since it's likely there isn't any of Nature's Sunshine products available overseas. I'll have to give you a call about placing an order.

Just to follow up, I took another two Algin capsuels later in the day yesterday and it definately wasn't placebo this time. There was no doubt about the way I felt: incredible! It was amazing, I feel as though I've just discovered some new wonder drug. The sensation almost kicks in right away for me (approximately 15 minutes) and there's a definate peak where I feel elated, after which the sudden rush subsides and I just feel "really good" for about an hour. I still can't get over that some crushed up seaweed could do THAT! Though I'm curious to see what side effects I'll experience after a week of regular Algin consumption; I expect I'll be making more frequent visits to the toilet due to the high fiber content and it's possible I'll become more thirsty (not that either of those side effects are bad, per se.) Any idea why it's suggested to drink so much juice with algin? Would it be any different than consuming it with lots of water instead?

Interesting thoughts about the emotional side effects of mercury. Though I'm always cautious when blaming my emotional well being on environmental or similar factors (such as dental fillings), I'm inclined to agree with your sentiments on this one. Sure, there will always be people who are
just naturally shy and introverted or who have a hard time with public speaking and so on. But how much of our behavior is based on genetics or individuality and how much on what's happening to our bodies? It's proven that different substances can affect the mind and, thus, the way we behave (such as with alcohol and other narcotics), so it stands to reason that the chemicals invading our ecosystem must, in turn, affect our minds in other ways -- likely very powerful ways. And if it's a proven fact that mercury plays a role in learning disabilities with children, in alzheimer's disease, and in the harming of a fetus, then there's no way anyone can convince me otherwise that mercury and other heavy metals don't affect our individual psyche as well. Who we grow up to be must be heavily influenced by the volume of heavy metals that our bodies intake during our growing years. Of course, there's more than just mercury poisoning us -- and who knows what role these other chemicals play on our minds, such as sodium lauryl sulphate, flouride, chlorine in the water supply, which, even if you drink bottled water instead, you're still absorbing it in your skin through bathing, and so on.

I recently met up with a friend I hadn't spoken with in years and she, apparently, has acquired this incredible phobia of flying -- as if out of nowhere! By all accounts, she was never a fearful individual and not more than a few years before, I'm told, she had been flying without a second thought. Why at the age of 27 did she suddenly get this fear of flying for no apparent reason? Well, she too has silver fillings in her mouth. I won't be so quick to jump to conclusions by saying: THAT'S IT! But I also won't write off the possibility that the mercury poisoning from her fillings has created the fears either.

Very interesting topic.