While a sabbatical from listening to Metallica might first come to mind when we hear the term “heavy metal detox” (if that was the case, I’ve been on said detox for 36 years)—heavy metal toxicity is a real threat to our health, and hundreds of millions of us are affected by exposure. This is a growing global issue with very localized consequences. And while a single-incident exposure to, say, lead is dangerous, the growing problem is more linked to bioaccumulation.

Chelation therapy (pronounced key-LAY-shun) is an innovative treatment that has been around since the 1950s (modern advances have been made) to “get the lead out” (no one needs to detox from Led Zeppelin, though).

Heavy Metal Toxicity and Our Modern World

Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements found throughout our earth’s crust. These include, but are by no means limited to, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, and mercury. Heavy metals, as the name implies, have a high atomic weight and a density at least five times greater than water. And while heavy metals get a bad rap, some are essential for biochemical and physiological functions, such as iron, magnesium, manganese, selenium, and zinc. 

Exposure to toxic heavy metals can cause disease and dysfunction, but on the flip side, an inadequate supply of essential heavy metals can also contribute to disease and dysfunction. With a focus on the benefits of chelation therapy, we will be tuning into the effects of toxic heavy metal poisoning.

According to the authors of Heavy Metals Toxicity and the Environment, “most environmental contamination and human exposure result from anthropogenic activities such as mining, smelting operations, industrial production, pesticide use, and coal burning,” to name a few. Because of modern industry and mass production methods and demands, toxic heavy metals are seeping into our air, water, and food and are found in our electronic devices and even in certain medications and medical treatments.

How heavy metals affect our health

Heavy metals are difficult to remove once they enter your body (absorption via your skin, inhalation, or ingestion) and are stored in your kidneys, blood, spleen, liver, brain, bones, and/or fatty tissues (all of which are negatively affected). And while some are more toxic than others (mercury is arguably the most toxic), a single atom exposure or prolonged bioaccumulation can lead to neurogenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s disease), cancer, heart disease, thyroid problems, kidney damage, liver damage, infertility and congenital disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and a range of other complex conditions. Heavy metal poisoning can also disrupt the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and cause leaky brain syndrome.

The Benefits of Chelation Therapy

The use of chelation therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for several conditions and issues related to inflammation, heavy metal and other environmental toxins accumulation, plutonium radiation toxicity, calcium and plaque buildup, and nutritional minerals and metallic elements deficiencies. This unique therapy, administered as an oral or intravenous treatment, is a powerful whole-body detoxification method that works to restore the body’s natural abilities to heal itself while eliminating metallic toxins that inhibit a return to homeostasis.

How EDTA Chelation Therapy Works

Chelation treatment works by employing the use of a chelating agent (like ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid, or EDTA), which binds to heavy metals and minerals in the body so that they can be naturally excreted in the urine. For a visual, you can think of the chelating agent as a strong magnet. This process indiscriminately removes heavy metals, including essential ones, so an infusion of natural supplements is added into a therapeutic concoction to help replenish the body during detoxification.

Natural chelating agents such as vitamin C, garlic, cilantro, chlorella, and calcium are also sometimes used to further support the body’s biological processes and vital detox organs such as the liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system.

Change the Station from Heavy Metal to Easy Listening

Toxic metals are incredibly taxing on our cells, organs, and systems (nervous system, cardiovascular, lymphatic system, etc.). Unfortunately, exposure might be more common than you initially thought. To restore health, we need to clear the way for our cells, organs, and systems to do what they were designed to do—we must change the station from heavy metal to easy listening.