What is Chelation Therapy? Process, Benefits, Chelating Agents

When people encounter high levels of heavy metals in their bodies, they can exhibit a number of symptoms, such as nausea, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, fatigue, and more. Eventually, increased exposure to heavy metal toxicity can damage vital organs, such as the brain or liver. While our bodies may come into contact with metals in various ways, it may surprise some people just how much we can be exposed to them. Whenever you get a silver (amalgam) filing at the dentist or eat certain seafood, mercury is present. If you drink water from lead pipes or work in construction, you are exposed to lead. Certain topical creams, contaminated water, and paints offer up arsenic. When these metals and others are absorbed in excessive amounts, chelation therapy products may provide a healthy and safe solution to removing them.

What is Chelation Therapy?

Chelation therapy is a form of medical treatment administered to individuals affected by heavy metal toxicity. The body’s soft tissue may absorb high levels of metal, resulting in heavy metal poisoning. Chelation therapy gets its name from chelator—a molecule that has the ability to bind strongly to metal ions. As chelators attach to metals, they help escort them out of the body and relieve the high levels of metal toxicity. The process of reducing heavy metal poisoning is known as chelation.

Essentially, chelation therapy involves introducing certain organic chemicals in the body to promote a particular chemical reaction. The end goal of encouraging this reaction is the removal of toxic heavy metals from the body, commonly referred to as “detoxing.” Because of this ability, chelation is a common treatment for heavy-metal poisoning, most notably from lead. A solution is injected into the body which binds with the toxic metals and minerals, and leads them to be removed through the kidneys.

Some have also used chelation therapy to treat conditions like coronary artery disease. This method of treatment hasn’t yet been supported by the extensive scientific evidence that backs up chelation for other purposes, and it shouldn’t be used in lieu of lifestyle changes or other proven treatments.

How Does Chelation Therapy Work?

When health providers administer chelation therapy, they introduce a combination of chelators into the body. Chelation therapy can be offered as a pill and taken orally or as a suppository. It can also be administered by intravenous (IV) drip. Three types of chelators are ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), and dimercaptopropane sulfonate (DMPS). Each chelation agent contains properties that allow them to address certain types of metals. In other words, some agents may be better at removing certain toxins than others. Depending on which form of metal toxicity a patient is experiencing, a health provider may choose the appropriate remedy. Chelations can be very effective at removing metal toxins. So much so that they may even bind to trace amounts of metals that are beneficial to the body. As chelation agents enter the bloodstream, they circulate through the body, binding to metals in the bloodstream. Once the metals have been rounded up, they are transported to the kidneys, where they await excretion via urine. Some metals that may create toxic levels in the body include lead, mercury, iron, copper, nickel, and arsenic.

Uses of Chelation Therapy

Chelation therapy can effectively remove heavy metal toxins from the body. Whether drinking polluted water with heavy metals, breathing heavily polluted air, or accidentally ingesting lead paint, chelation therapy may provide relief. Chelation therapy allows people encountering high levels of metal to expel them naturally through the excretory system without having to endure expensive surgeries or dangerous medications. With Chelation therapy, individuals can have more control over the various metals that enter their bodies. Metals are always present in our daily lives, whether in the air, soil, water, or even our homes. Chelation therapy can be right for anyone experiencing heavy metal toxicity. Also, several medical conditions can influence the build-up of metals in the body.

Hemochromatosis

Hemochromatosis is a condition that causes the body to absorb high levels of iron from food.
Excess iron can affect several areas of the body, such as the heart, pancreas, liver, joints, and skin.

Wilson’s Disease

Wilson’s Disease is a rare genetic disorder that creates excessive amounts of copper in the body. Usually, a healthy liver can excrete copper. With Wilson’s Disease, the liver is unable to expel copper, causing it to build up and destroy the liver. Other ailments beyond liver failure can follow, such as brain damage.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Individuals suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) require dialysis to help their kidneys function. However, dialysis does not remove aluminum, which can eventually build up and cause greater health problems. Chelation therapy may be administered to reduce the level of aluminum in the body.

Blood Disorders

Blood disorders can cause a significant increase in certain metals within the body. For example, thalassemia destroys healthy red blood cells, resulting in anemia. Thalassemia can cause an increase in iron.

Types of Chelating Agents

Chelation Health Products is equipped to provide you with whatever chelating agents you need to complete your chelation therapy. These include:

DMPS

In use since the 70s, and primarily for clearing out mercury, DMPS as a chelate can be administered orally, through injection, or through suppositories. Generally, it is well tolerated, but some users may experience rashes or allergic reactions. People with amalgam fillings should never use DMPS.

DMSA

One of the most effective agents for lead chelation, DMSA is an agent that requires particular care to administer and should only be given by a physician. It is often used to treat children experiencing high levels of lead.

EDTA

The primary benefit of EDTA chelating agent is that it is attracted to a wide variety of toxic metals, making it useful for general detoxing. It can also be administered easily without danger of any significant side effects.

Whatever your detoxing or chelation needs, Chelation Health Products has you covered. Visit us online to see our full catalog of products, or contact us with any questions!