Chelation Therapy

Here is How Chelation Therapy Works

Since the Industrial Revolution, the use of heavy metals has greatly escalated. Due to the common practices of using heavy metals in technological devices (lead, mercury, and arsenic are used in microchips and batteries of cell phone) and their prominence in modern agriculture (heavy metals are a major component in inorganic fertilizers and pesticides), as well as increased rates in food supply, heavy metal exposure continues and is increasing in many parts of the world.

Once in the body, heavy metals can have very detrimental effects on numerous systems and organs and are contributing factors to conditions like heart disease, thyroid problems, dementia, neurological and degenerative conditions, autism, infertility and birth defects.

Chelation offers an effective clinical manner to remove heavy metals that otherwise are stored in the kidneys, blood, spleen, brain, liver, bones and fatty tissues. Of the two methods, intravenous chelation is quicker and more effective, as oral chelation involves taking supplements that contain the binding agents over a longer period of time. After administration of the drug into a patient (whether orally or intravenously), the chelating agent works by binding to heavy metal particles and the complex is then removed from the body through normal excretory methods (urination, sweat, etc). The chelating process also removes vital nutrients such as vitamins C and E, so additional supplementation may be necessary while undergoing treatment.

Let’s take a closer look at these methods:

Oral Chelation

Oral chelation is a safe and effective way for many people to detoxify. Frequently, oral chelators are given to people while intravenous chelations are performed as supplemental and supportive agents to overall detoxification. EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is a safe oral chelator used by many to detoxify, which will be thoroughly covered in the intravenous section. Other oral chelators include Vitamin C, garlic, cilantro, chlorella, as well as pleomorphic remedies such as Pleo-Chelate. In addition, many people take oral supplements that support and nourish the body and the vital organs while it is going through a detox program. These supplements are also safe to take any time since they are supportive of the body’s natural processes and vital detox organs (liver, kidneys, lymphatic system, etc.). Specialized biological medicines, such as spagyric medicine, can also be very effective for chelation since they support the organs responsible for detoxification.

Intravenous Chelation

There are several different types of intravenous chelation. Some provide general detoxification of heavy metals while some are more specific to a certain heavy metal such as lead or mercury. They all involve receiving an I.V. drip (or push) directly into the vein for an extended period of time, usually anywhere from half an hour to 3 hours depending on the chelating agent and desired speed of the drip. The more effective and specific the I.V. drip is, the shorter the time period. Chelation treatment should never be rushed because it does take time for the chelators to be administered into the body and work properly. Before chelation is started, a complete medical workup is performed. Complete chemistry panels for blood, thyroid, kidney, and liver function are standard. The main active chelating agent in intravenous infusions is EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid), a synthetic amino acid. EDTA binds to heavy metals and minerals in the blood so that they can be excreted in the urine. The two main types of EDTA are calcium and magnesium; calcium being the more effective in that it doesn’t deplete the body of calcium. Vitamin C is also a powerful chelating agent and used by some doctors. Another intravenous agent used by some physicians for mercury detoxification is called DMPS (2,3-Dimercapto-1-propanesulfonic acid). Along with the chelating agents, certain other nutrients are also introduced in the infusion, used as a “piggyback” to the chelating agent. These include magnesium chloride, ascorbic acid, vitamin B12, B complex, and multi-mineral compounds. This is often done to replenish the body as it flushes out more than just toxins.

In summary, chelation therapy is a chemical process in which a chelating agent is introduced into the bloodstream to help remove heavy metals and toxins from the body. Chelation means “to bind”, and when the chelating agent enters the body, whether intravenously or orally, it binds with heavy metals and toxins such as lead, mercury, copper, iron, arsenic, aluminum, and calcium and the compound that is created is ushered out of the body.

It is advised that practitioners utilize a method of personalization to increase the effectiveness of chelation therapy and avoid side-effects that may come from intensified heavy metal detoxification.