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Advantages of Chelation of Metal Ions

The chelation of metal ions breaks down harmful free radical materials in the body. EDTA, or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, is a synthetic amino acid material that's administered orally as a chelation agent. A chelation agent binds ions and removes them from the body. Advantages to using EDTA include decreased concentrations of free radicals in the body, improved cellular functions and healthy blood circulation.

  1. Reduced Free Radical Levels

    • Free radical materials accumulate inside the body's cells and blood, according to HealthCheck Systems. They consist of charged atoms, or ions that form as a result of missing electrons. In effect, these are fragmented atoms that have become unstable. When present inside the cells and bloodstream, these atoms grab electrons belonging to other atoms. When this happens more ions form, which creates an overall cascading effect.

      Metal ions form from fragmented calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron atoms, according to Holistic Online, an alternative medicine resource site. Chelation of metal ions results in the breakdown of ion materials and a reduction in their overall number. As ion levels decrease, the cascade effect decreases accordingly. This gives the body a chance to repair damaged cell and tissue masses.

    Improved Cell Function

    • As metal ions accumulate in and around cell bodies, cellular processes begin to deteriorate, because ions destabilize the materials that make up cell structures, according to Holistic Online. This results in impaired cell metabolism processes and reduced enzyme activity within the cells. Cell membrane functions also decline, because the lipid materials that make up the cell wall begin to deteriorate. The chelation of metal ions enables cells to repair damaged structures as well as the membrane covering, which works toward improving overall cell function. When this happens cells can better manufacture the energy needed to carry out essential cell functions. Improved oxygen and nutrient transport into cells occurs as cell membranes regain their structural integrity.

    Improved Blood Flow

    • The chelation of metal ions in the body can improve blood circulation by removing accumulated calcium and copper ions from the bloodstream, according to Holistic Online. Calcium and iron exist in the blood naturally and play a part in the transport of nutrient materials into cells. When calcium and iron atoms become charged, the contents of the blood begins to disrupt normal cell processes inside artery walls. This can cause damage along artery walls, which can lead to plaque buildup and blocked blood flow. Calcium materials can also accumulate along artery walls, which accounts for the resulting plaque buildup. The chelation of metal ions breaks down calcium and iron ions in blood, which can reduce plaque buildup and arterial wall damage. Once the cells that make up artery walls heal, passageways can start to smooth out and allow blood to flow freely.

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