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A Brief Primer On Chelation Therapy
What is chelation therapy? What is EDTA?
How can chelation benefit my health? This article answers
these questions and explains how chelation therapy has
benefited many who have been exposed to toxins and heavy
metals and details the types of chelation therapy available.
Chelation (pronounced key-lay-shun)
therapy, has been available now for over 50 years. EDTA,or
Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid, is the chemical
most widely used for chelation therapy. It is a novel
synthetic amino acid molecule that binds with metal
ions. It can be given intravenously via drip-feed, orally
in capsule form, or as in suppository form.
EDTA is very common- it is used as a
food preservative in several food products such as salad
dressings, and as a binding agent in many products including
shampoos, and to remove minerals from pools and spas.
It has even been used to remove radioactive elements
from nuke plant workers.
In the case of chelation therapy, EDTA
is used as a "chelating agent". A chelating
agent is a chemical that binds, or attaches itself,
to a heavy metal molecule, such as lead or cadmium,
and aids its movement from the body. Then, the EDTA
chelated compound easily passes through the kidneys
and leaves the body, taking the heavy metal molecule
along with it.
EDTA chelation therapy is known to effectively
remove many different heavy metals from the body and
can reduce the production of free radicals*. EDTA chelation
is generally given in concert with mineral and vitamin
supplementation, as EDTA will remove beneficial minerals
from the body along with the toxic metals. Therefore,
it is important to take the vitamin and mineral supplements
when undergoing any form of chelation therapy to replace
minerals, including calcium, chromium and zinc.
There are several heavy metals (elements
actually) that are poisonous to humans when they accumulate
in the body. Lead, Mercury, Arsenic, Nickel, Cadmium
and Aluminum are the most common metals that are toxic
when they exist in our bodies in excess. Others metals
that are also toxic and can be removed from the body
using EDTA chelation include Copper, Cobalt, Iron, Manganese,
and Molybdenum(2) .
In most cases, the normal excretion
pathways of our bodies are not completely able to eliminate
these poisonous metals from our systems. As toxic metal
levels accumulate over time, premature aging, disease
and even early death becomes the consequence. These
metals can come from a variety of sources, including
dental amalgams (mercury), antacids, underarm deodorant
or aluminum cans (aluminum), chicken products, drinking
water or treated wood products (arsenic), paints (lead),
batteries (cadmium), and so on. In fact, we are surrounded
by a sea of poisonous toxins and pollutants, including
the very air we breathe. These toxins can have a severe
negative effect on our health.
Types
of Chelation Therapy
There are 3 principal types of Chelation
therapies available: Intravenous (I.V.) chelation, oral
chelation, and EDTA chelation suppositories and EDTA
combination therapies. The most widely-known type is
the Intravenous or I.V. EDTA Chelation therapy, which
is typically administered in a clinical setting. However,
over-the-counter chelation products including oral EDTA
capsules, oral non-EDTA sprays and EDTA chelation suppositories
are also available.
About Intravenous
EDTA Chelation
Intravenous EDTA chelation therapy has
become more and more popular over the years, and now
intravenous chelation therapy clinics can be found in
most major cities in the United States. I.V. therapy
is typically only available at a specialized clinic,
usually only found in major cities.
The I.V. treatment typically involves an intravenous
drip-feed of EDTA in solution. Each treatment takes
about 3 hours and usually costs $100-150 per treatment.
The typical dosage is 3 grams, or 3000 mg of EDTA. Auxiliary
treatments of vitamin supplements in liquid form are
generally also administered along with the EDTA.
Intravenous EDTA Chelation therapy has
its disadvantages. The main drawbacks for this type
of chelation therapy are the time required for the treatments
(3 hours 2-3 times per week), the patient's fear of
needles and the pain associated with I.V. treatments,
and the expense of the treatments, which insurance companies
typically do not cover.
About Oral EDTA Chelation
Oral EDTA chelation involves taking EDTA or similar
ingredient in a capsule or powder form, along with vitamin
and mineral supplements. Many attest to the effectiveness
of this form of therapy, which is available at a low
cost.
About
EDTA Chelation Suppositories
EDTA chelation suppositories are a recent addition to
the types of EDTA chelation therapy. Following the success
of I.V. chelation therapy, some companies began to offer
EDTA chelation therapy in suppository form, for use
as an over-the-counter product.
Chelation suppositories have many advantages:
1. Lower dosage - the chelation suppositories
can be taken over a 30 - 60 day period.
2. Lower Cost - the cost of a 30 day supply of EDTA
chelation suppositories is less than $200
3. Convenience - chelation suppositories are taken at
night while you sleep, or at times that are convenient
to your schedule. No time off from work is required
for this therapy.
4. Easy-to-use and pain-free - chelation suppositories
are self-administered in the privacy of one's own home.
What are the Benefits
of
Chelation Therapy?
While chelation therapy was first used
in the treatment of lead poisoning, chelation therapy
has proven helpful in a large variety of disease and
ailments*. Numerous medical studies and articles have
been published on the benefits of chelation therapy
in peer-reviewed medical journals and other sources.
Will Chelation
Therapy work for me?
As with any dietary supplement, individual
results may vary. Also, you should always consult with
your doctor or health care practitioner before you decide
to purchase any health supplement or product, to be
sure it is right for you, or
if you have a serious or life-threatening condition.
[*DISCLAIMER: These statements are provided for
research and educational purposes and have not been
evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These
products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure,
or prevent any disease. Please consult with your own
physician or health care practitioner before taking
any dietary, nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement.
As with any supplement, results will vary. While it
is unlikely, you may experience side effects when using
these products.]
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