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Chelation Series, Part 4: Alpha-Lipoic Acid: The Only Chelator That Reaches the Brain

Updated: 3 hours ago

This article is part of the Chelation Education Series. For an overview and full list of articles, visit the Chelation page.



Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is the detox world’s double-edged sword.Used correctly? It’s the key that unlocks brain recovery.Used incorrectly? It’s the fastest way to make mercury symptoms explode.


Let’s get clear on what makes ALA uniquely powerful — and uniquely dangerous — especially for anyone who takes it casually because it's hidden in half the supplement aisle.


ALA Crosses the Blood–Brain Barrier — That’s the Whole Game


ALA is the only chelator that can reach the brain, bind mercury, and escort it out when used properly.

That’s why ALA is essential.That’s also why ALA is risky.


Anything that can move mercury out of the brain can also move mercury into the brain — if the dosing isn’t handled correctly.


ALA Must Be Taken Every 3 Hours. No Exceptions.


This is the rule nearly everyone breaks.


ALA’s half-life is about 3 hours.When blood levels drop too low between doses, the mercury that ALA pulled out of cells becomes unbound again — and redeposits anywhere, including the brain.


This is why people say:“I felt great on ALA… then everything fell apart.”


It’s not the ALA.It’s the schedule.


ALA only works when taken on a strict, round-the-clock schedule for several days — details coming later in the series.


Why Timing Matters More Than Dose


A perfect 12.5 mg round taken on time beats 600 mg taken randomly “when I remembered.”

Your body doesn’t care how motivated you are.It cares about blood levels.And blood levels don’t negotiate.


Symptoms That Mean You Need to Adjust (NOT Stop)


Common signs your dose or timing needs tweaking:

  • head pressure

  • irritability

  • mood dips

  • insomnia

  • sudden fatigue

  • feeling overstimulated

  • spaced out or foggy


These are flags that ALA is moving metals faster than your mineral system can buffer — not a reason to quit chelating forever.


Lower dose.Tighten timing.Support minerals.


Then continue.


Absolute Rule: No ALA With Amalgams


If you still have mercury fillings, ALA will pull mercury out of them — and redeposit it in your brain.

This isn’t fear-mongering.It’s chemistry.


Remove ALA from every supplement you take until you’re amalgam-free.


(Go back to Part 2 if you need a refresher.)

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