Chelation

How Does Chelation Therapy Work?

Chelation involves the intravenous administration of a powerful antioxidant called ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). EDTA enters the bloodstream and latches onto heavy metals such as lead, iron, and cadmium that can cause free radical damage to the arteries. By binding to these heavy metals and carrying them out of the body through the urine, EDTA reduces the body’s toxic metal burden and helps slow the process of atherosclerosis.

EDTA also removes excess calcium from artery walls, making them more responsive and better able to dilate. Since calcification of the arteries is a major factor in atherosclerosis, this is yet another way in which chelation restores the integrity of arteries and enhances blood flow. As an added benefit, EDTA chelation has blood-thinning effects and discourages the formation of potentially dangerous blood clots that can cause a heart attack or stroke.

During treatment, which lasts one-and-a-half to three hours, you relax in a recliner while EDTA is administered slowly through an IV. A complete course of EDTA chelation therapy consists of about 30 treatments, usually done one to three times per week.

Chelation of Gadolinium

Gadolinium is a toxic metal that is used as a contrast medium to visualize the body tissues better during an MRI scan. Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents (GBCAs), used for contrast-enhanced MRIs and MRAs, are injected into the body before a scan. It causes the MRI scanner to highlight certain body structures better. GBCAs are generally thought to be safe to use in patients with good kidney function. Gadolinium has been found to be retained in bone, skin and even brain tissue.

Chelation therapy is the best treatment to remove Gadolinium from the body. The strongest approach is with intravenous (IV) infusion of a chelating agent(s) by a doctor. The chelating agents ZnDTPA, CaDTPA or CaEDTA, are presently used to ‘chelate’ gadolinium. Oral chelation can either be done with a chelating agent in pill or capsule form, or it can be done with herbs and other foods.

Herbs such as cilantro and garlic, pectin and chlorella, and supplements such as Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) and N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) have some chelating properties and may be worthy of additional research.

Nutrition Therapy

Begin a special detox diet designed to restore mineral imbalance. Chelating agents can remove important nutrients like calcium and zinc from the body.

Saunas

Some experts believe that the FAR Infrared saunas can help keep the skin healthy while aiding the skin in ridding the body of toxins.

Epsom Salt Baths

Epsom salt baths have the ability to detoxify by absorbing magnesium into the body and the muscles.