Shawn, there is an alternative to using ALA, if you want to go slower. The combination of C + E + selenium, supports well the generation of the glutathione peroxidase enzyme, which is a powerful free radical scavenger and has also anti-viral properties. Magnesium is also really essential, detoxing candida etc. seems to drain a lot of stuff like magnesium, and a deficiency in magnesium will lead to a really restless and jumpy heart, and muscle stiffness and pain. I had this problem, and 350 mg magnesium per day totally calmed down the heart in a few weeks. On the other hand I didn't find zinc so useful, perhaps for hair regrowth, but for detoxing it does not appear to have a great impact, although it is probably not harmful either. However, when detoxing, your requirement of minerals, vitamins etc. increases to above normal, so you better not leave out anything essential.

But I would still try out ALA in a small dose to probe the situation. You won't probably die from taking 10-20 mg. Only if you have SEVERE depression or other severe mental problems would I recommend to stay away completely from ALA. ALA is still the agent that can give fastest relief. If you just feel spacey from the ALA (10-20 mg), but it goes away within a few hours, you are ready for chelation with ALA in low doses according to the Cutler protocol (10-20 mg per dose). More serious symptoms of course indicates that you are not ready for ALA. Taking care of the candida will solve your copper problem on its own, there is no need to focus on it. I never worried about my copper levels at least. Spaciness is by the way, a symptom of candida, not mercury, this is mentioned on several web sites about candida, some even appear to mix copper toxicity with candida. Candida toxins and metals differ from each other like a day and night, you can't arbitrarily assume that their effects would be even close to similar in my opinion.