Just thought I'd mention my very recent experience with Alpha Lipoic Acid.

In order to continue my detox process, I went on ALA for a couple weeks and got quite sick. I used a little Algin as the binder. Looks like you're using DMSA.

I got bad headaches and several mercury symptoms returned quite dramatically. The headaches were so bad I couldn't work several days. I rarely get headaches otherwise so this is very unusual.

I finally decided to do more research on the effects of ALA and found that Culter said ("Amalgam Illness") that although it's very useful for detox (when used with a powerful binder like DMPS or DMSA), ALA mobilizes mercury in the brain and can cause you to get very sick, especially if you don't have a good binder. Even well-bound, he recommends ALA/DMSA only 3-4 days at a time with a break of several days. I was taking just a little algin daily as a binder.

I went off the ALA but the symptoms continued almost steadily for over a week. I upped algin to about 2 grams 3 times/day (beginning of last week) and symptoms quickly subsided.

I hope it's OK that you're doing DMSA w/amalgams still in. I spent 10 minutes searching today and could not find a reference on the effects of DMSA w/amalgams still in but all related references talked about going on it after they are removed.

Also, I just started a thyroid supplement because I believe the sluggish feeling after exercise (even for days) is caused by inhibited T4 to T3 conversion. It makes a noticeable difference and I'm rather anxious to get back to an exercise routine.

The support formula I'm taking (Thyroid Support by NSP) contains B6, Zinc, Copper (small amt.), Manganese, l-Tyrosine, stinging nettle, protease, kelp (iodine) and a couple other things.