Any link between Mercury and Methane producing bacteria?

[Guest guest]

This year I was diagnosed with SIBO. The testing was done via a

Lactulose Breath Test. It found that I produced significant amounts

of Methane producing bacteria. I've been treated with various

antibiotics, but each time it came back. I felt the best after

Neomycin, which seem to helps more for SIBO with Methane. Some

interesting things about Methane is that it reduces serotonin levels

and can cause constipation or at least slow down the gut motility

(movement).

At one point I started wondering about Methane and what it might have

to do with Methylation. Given some recent connection with diseases

such as Autism and being related to the field of Epigenetics. Never

occuring to me to look into the area of Methane producing bacteria

and Mercury.

A couple of studies in this area seemed to indicate that this

bacteria converted the inorganic forms of mercury to methylmercury.

The studies weren't exactly clear so I was wondering if anyone else

came upon such research.

This had me wondering about the chronic aspect of my GI issues with

SIBO that doesn't seem to stay away. I started wondering if perhaps

the Methane producing bacteria slowed down the gut, thus allowing for

more mercury absorbtion along with it's ability to methylate mercury

which would also make the body not as able to fight off the bacteria.

Anyone with expertise in this area that could give feedback?

Thanks,

Mike