Benefits of Chelation Therapy

Chelation Therapy Developed in the middle of the 20th Century as a way to combat metal poisoning, chelation therapy is a type of medical treatment used to remove heavy metals and other toxins from the body. The demonstrated benefits of chelation have contributed to its continued use.

Chelation is typically done using an IV, although oral methods have been shown to be effective in some patients. During the procedure, EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), is administered to adhere to the toxins in the body, which are then flushed out with urine. The word “chelation,” from Greek mean “claw,” in that EDTA acts as a chemical claw the grabs heavy metals and removes them from the body. The need for chelation may be a bit concerning to some: why are all these dangerous metals and toxins in my body in the first place? It’s a fair question, and the answer is that the levels of these elements build up over time as a result of lead exposure, dental fillings that contain mercury, some vaccinations, and other exposures to heavy metals, such as regular consumption of farm-raised fish. Most of these metals won’t leave the body on their own, but chelation will reduce their levels over time.

Testing A simple urine test can be done to find out if there are toxic metals present in the body, to determine if chelation therapy is warranted.

Key benefits of Chelation Therapy

1. Can Reduce Fatigue — Physical and Mental

2. When your body is harboring toxins, even in amounts considered safe, it can make you feel physically tired and mentally foggy. You might not have the energy you once had, and you might not feel as intellectually sharp as you want to be. When heavy metals like lead and mercury are removed from your body, these symptoms are minimized, and both your energy and concentration levels bounce back.

3. Can Lower Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke

In addition to removing toxic metals from the body, chelation has also been shown to reduce scar tissue and plaque in the arteries. This removal may help lower blood pressure, which in turn can reduce the risk of both heart attacks and strokes. According to a National Institute of Health-sponsored study called the Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy, or TACT, it was demonstrated that there was a “modest reduction in cardiovascular events” as a result of chelation therapy (https://nccih.nih.gov/health/chelation). While these reductions were most pronounced in patients who also suffered from diabetes, as well as in patients who also supplemented with high doses of vitamins and minerals. EDTA used in chelation therapy has been shown to act similarly to an antioxidant in some patients by scaling back any damage done by oxygen ions and other free radicals. This helps to reduce inflammation and any pain associated with it.

May Limit Symptoms Related to Alzheimer’s Disease

As mentioned above, chelation therapy can help reduce plaque in the body, and plaque is considered a main cause of the onset of Alzheimer’s. A 2003 study and editorial in the Archives of Neurology (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/article-abstract/784999) affirmed this, pointing to chelation therapy as a viable treatment for patients suffering from Alzheimer’s.

Procedure The length of each IV procedure is a few hours, and patients typically need anywhere between five and 10 treatments to see results.