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Chelation & Detoxification

Chelation, or chelation therapy, is a technique used to remove toxic substances from the bloodstream. It involves the use of chemical agents that bind to these dangerous substances and create a new compound that can be eliminated from the body in urine. Chelation therapy is a mainstream method of detoxifying individuals who have been poisoned by heavy metals such as lead and mercury.

  1. Understanding Chelation

    • According to the American Cancer Society, the word chelation is derived from the Greek work chele, which means "claw." It is used because it accurately describes the way chelating agents latch on to dangerous molecules and render them harmless. Chelation therapy is needed to remove these molecules because your body cannot break them down on its own, and if they build up inside you they can cause severe or life-threatening side effects. Perhaps the most well-known chelating agent is ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), which you may receive as a standard treatment if you have toxic levels of mercury, lead, iron, cadmium or zinc in your bloodstream. Additional chelating agents include trientine (Syprine) and penicillamine (Depen, Cupramine), which are used to treat a genetic copper imbalance called Wilson's disease.

    Treatment

    • If you undergo chelation therapy, the details of your treatment---including the chelating agent used, the duration of treatment and the method of administering chelation---will be determined by your doctor or medical professional. Typically, treatment is given through one of your veins, either in the form of a brief injection or extended IV (intravenous) drip. In some cases, you may also receive an oral chelating agent. Depending on the severity of your condition and your doctor's preference, you may receive a total of 10 to 20 individual chelation treatments over a period of 10 weeks to two months. However, treatment may also continue for several months or longer.

    Supplemental Treatments and Side Effects

    • In addition to binding toxic substances, chelation also removes beneficial minerals from your bloodstream. To counter this effect, your doctor may recommend a course of vitamin and mineral supplements during your treatment. Be aware that chelation carries risks of serious side effects, including irregular heartbeat, kidney damage, low blood pressure, convulsions, respiratory arrest, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and swelling in your veins. Consult your doctor or health professional about these possibilities and to learn the best ways to safeguard your health during treatment.

    Additional Considerations

    • In addition to its known ability to detoxify heavy metals, chelation has received attention for its potential to stop or reverse the effects of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), one of the main factors in heart disease and stroke. In theory, it could achieve this effect because EDTA binds and removes calcium, one of the major components of the plaque deposits that cause atherosclerosis. Be aware that as of 2009, the American Heart Association finds no grounds for supporting this belief, and does not recommend chelation therapy if you have atherosclerosis, or wish to prevent its occurrence.

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