I never thought there would be an intersection between my "Entourage"-watching habit and matters of the gullet, but actor Jeremy Piven (who plays Hollywood agent Ari Gold on the show) is apparently a victim of eating too much sushi. As was widely reported yesterday, Piven has withdrawn from his role in the Broadway play "Speed-the-Plow" after discovering unusually high levels of mercury in his bloodstream. The diagnosis was made after he complained of fatigue, dizzy spells, and failing to remember his lines. According to his physician, Dr. Carlon Colker, Piven's mercury levels were roughly six times what the body can handle. His diet is blamed for the mercury poisioning. "He was eating sushi twice a day and taking some Chinese herbs," Dr."I tested his heavy metals and his mercury was amazingly, shockingly high." According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), exposure to mercury "may result in severe damage to the nervous and reproductive systems and may ultimately be fatal.

mercury poisoning are poor coordination and altered sensory perception. Pregnant women and children are especially vulnerable to mercuryThe most common cause of mercury poisoning in the United States is the consumption of fish contaminated with methylmercury." This is not to say that everyone agreees that mercury poisoning can be attributed to fish. The National Fisheries Institute (NFI), abuy sushi grade salmon toronto fishing industry trade association, denies the link entirely. jiro dreams of sushi free online streamingIn a letter to the New York Times disputing a January 24, 2008 article on sushi and mercury, Mary Anne Hansan,where to buy sushi grade fish boston

wrote, "You say that you don’t know whether it’s true that not a single American has ever been clinically found to have mercury toxicity fromI’d say that before you run a front-page story on the topic, that ought to be one of the first facts you should nailIt’s easily confirmed by federal agencies and major medical organizations and the answer is this: zero." The FDA and EPA advisory on fish consumption mainly targets women whosushi grade fish los angeles may become pregnant, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and youngIt recommends limiting consumption to 12 ounces (2 average meals) a week of fish lower in mercury. Let's say Piven had two six-ounce portions of tuna sushi five days per per week, he would have exceeded the FDA advisory in just one day. According to a the Natural Resources Defense Council's mercury calculator, the mercury intake for a 5' 10" (this is disputed, but we'll give him

the benefit of the doubt) white male of average weight (170 pounds for a 43-year old this size) consuming 12 ounces of Bigeye and Yellowtail Tuna per day would average an intake of 1.69 micograms per day, more than 15 times the EPA Interestingly, Piven's bout with mercury poisoning has occurred just as the FDA indicates it may be reconsidering it's original advisory limiting seafood consumption. to be a huge debate over any attempt to reverse current policy, and one wonders if such a public case might be influential. What's next for Piven? Playwright David Mamet told Daily Variety, "My understanding is that he is leaving show business to pursue a career as a thermometer." Alzheimer's Disease Slideshow Pictures Brain Foods Slideshow Pictures What is Mercury Poisoning? When to Seek Medical Care for Mercury Exposure Exams and Tests for Mercury Poisoning Self-Care at Home for Mercury Poisoning Medical Treatment for Mercury Poisoning

Mercury Poisoning Prevention at Home Mercury Poisoning Topic Guide Symptoms of mercury poisoning can be numerous and may occur either rapidly or over long periods of time. In general, symptoms occur and progress more rapidly the higher the dose of mercury encountered. Exposure to the various forms of mercury can result in some similar and some different symptoms. Symptoms can be grouped into three categories based on the form of mercury toxicity: 1) elemental and vaporized mercury, 2) organic mercury, and 3) inorganic mercury.anic mercury toxicity (most frequently in the methylmercury form from ingestion), causes neurological malfunctions, and especially in a fetus, impaired neurological development. Other symptoms include:Since many pregnant women have had methylmercury toxicity, the effects of this toxicity on their children was studied. Importantly, the fetal brain was shown to be very sensitive to methylmercury; developmental impairments such as reduced ability in thinking, attention span, memory, and most motor skills occurred in various degrees, often severe, even if the mother developed few if any symptoms.

Inorganic mercury toxicity often causes skin rashes and inflammation (dermatitis). If ingested, it can dissolve tissues and some may be absorbed by the intestinal tissue. Large amounts of ingested inorganic mercury may cause bloody diarrhea. Absorbed mercury can spread to other organ systems resulting in mental changes including mood swings and memory loss or renal damage. Muscle weakness may also occur.Many other symptoms and health problems have been attributed to mercury poisoning (for example, high blood pressure, endometriosis, headaches) in anecdotal reports in the popular press and in a few case reports in scientific publications. Currently, there are no good studies to support these claims; however, if people have concerns about their symptoms and health problems related to mercury exposure, they should discuss their concerns with their doctor. Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR 45NextGlossaryMercury Poisoning Topic Guide Must Read Articles Related to Mercury Poisoning