INTRODUCTION

A Chelation therapy is a detoxification of a very specific type. Chelation involves the specific removal of heavy metals from the body. Sometimes our bodies become loaded with substances called heavy metals. Heavy metals include single atoms or compounds of the following elements: lead, mercury, iron, copper, manganese, cadmium, arsenic, nickel, aluminum, silver, and beryllium. Heavy metals are extremely toxic to our bodies and are not tolerable at any amount. Even a single atom can wreak devastating havoc on our cells, organs, and in turn bodily systems. The EPA and other US health organizations set allowable daily intakes of each metal but the truth is that there is no safe level for any of them. Some of the metals are more dangerous than others such as mercury, arguably the most dangerous of the heavy metals. Only a licensed health care professional can diagnose heavy metal toxicity (normally through blood or urine analysis). If you think you may be at risk please, consult a professional experienced in this area as soon as possible.

A chelator acts as a binding and excretion agent for the heavy metal. The chelator binds itself to the heavy metal particle and the complex is then excreted out the body through normal excretory methods (urination, sweat, etc). There are two main ways chelations are done: orally and intravenously. Of the two, intravenous chelating is quicker and more effective. To receive an intravenous chelation you must seek out the services of a qualified, licensed medical practitioner. The second type of chelation therapy is oral chelation. Oral chelation involves taking supplements that contain the binding agents over a period of time.

INTRAVENOUS CHELATION

There are several different types of intravenous chelation. Some provide general detoxification of heavy metals and 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 a chelation is started, a complete medical work-up is performed. Complete chemistry panels for blood, thyroid, kidney, and liver function are standard. A urinalysis after an injection of DMPS (Dimercapto-propane sulfonate, a strong chelating agent) shows the types and levels of heavy metals in the body’s connective tissues. DMSA (Dimercaptosuccinic acid) is also sometimes used.

The main active chelating agent in the IV is usually EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, a common food preservative). 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. Other chelating agents might be used to remove specific heavy metals, such as DMPS for mercury. Along with the chelating agents, certain other nutrients are also introduced in the infusion, used as a “piggy back” 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.

ORAL CHELATION
Oral chelation is a safe and effective way for many people to detoxify. Many times oral chelators are given to people while intravenous chelations are performed as supplemental and supportive agents to overall detoxification. EDTA is a safe oral chelator used by many to detoxify. Other oral chelators include Vitamins C, garlic, and chlorella. 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 to the bodies’ natural processes and vital detox organs (liver, kidneys, etc).

Cilantro and Chlorella are two excellent all natural supplements that aid in heavy metal detoxification. The ones sold here at Innovative Medicine.com are top of the line and of the highest quality available anywhere (click here to learn more about our Total Quality Assurance).

Homeopathic remedies can also be very effective for chelation. Remedies that support and stimulate the liver and kidneys such as Ailgeno, apo-Hepat and Itires can not only aid in proper detoxification, but speed the process along and keep the excretory organs healthy throughout the detox process. Other homeopathic remedies that can be used for heavy metal detox include Toxex and Renelix.

Content on this site is provided as informational material. Innovative Medicine LLC does not diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any conditions. People with serious conditions should consult with their health care practitioner before applying self-administering supplements.