Chelation therapy is a chemical process that removes metallic or mineral toxins (such as lead, mercury, copper, iron, arsenic, aluminum, and calcium) from the body by binding them to the amino acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA).

Administered LV. by a doctor, the EDTA bonds with specific metals and minerals in the body and transports them to the urine for excretion. Although chelation therapy is an accepted treatment for lead poisoning and other heavy metal toxicities, practitioners of complementary and alternative medicine claim that it can be used to treat other medical problems, especially coronary artery disease. The theory is that EDTA binds to the calcium in arterial plaque and the resulting compound is excreted in the urine. In this way, proponents claim, chelation therapy can reverse atherosclerosis and possibly prevent the need for angioplasty and bypass surgery.

EDTA may act as an antioxidant, protecting the blood vessels and body tissues from inflammation caused by free radical damage. As a result, it’s believed that chelation therapy with EDTA can relieve the pain associated with chronic inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma, and even slow the aging process.

Benefits And Uses of Chelation Therapy

When combined with specialized nutritional supplements, exercise, weight normalization, and dietary changes, proponents claim that EDTA chelation therapy is an effective method of preventing or treating conditions related to atherosclerosis, such as coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction (MI), angina, cerebrovascular accident (CVA), and peripheral vascular disease, and that it may ultimately prevent associated conditions such as gangrene and senility. In addition, this therapy is thought to promote revascularization of the brain after CVA, of the heart after MI, and of the peripheral circulation in patients with peripheral vascular disease. Through all of its biochemical effects, EDTA may also improve metabolic function.

How the treatment is performed

Administration of chelation therapy requires the placement of a peripheral LV. line. EDTA chelation therapy is administered on an outpatient basis by a licensed doctor as outlined in the protocols of ACAM. The dosage of EDTA is individualized for each patient according to age, sex, weight, and renal function. Vitamins and minerals are usually added to the EDTA solution.

Many studies have been performed to investigate the possibility of oral chelation therapy. However, to date, this administration form has been unsuccessful because only 5% to 10% of the EDTA is absorbed orally, whereas the LV. absorption rate is 100%.

A typical course of treatment consists of 20 to 30 sessions given 1 to 3 times per week. Each session lasts about 3 1/2 hours. Most doctors who administer chelation therapy for cardiovascular disease also recommend that patients undertake a whole-foods, low-fat diet and an exercise program.

Side Effects of Chelation Therapy

Adverse effects of EDTA chelation therapy may include hypotension, hypoglycemia, headache, rash, and thrombophlebitis. Reports of kidney and bone marrow damage, cardiac arrhythmias, LV. site irritation, anemia, and death during the early days of EDTA chelation therapy are attributed to excessive dosages of EDTA. Proponents of the therapy believe that the lower dosages recommended by the ACAM today are safe.

Clinical considerations

• EDTA chelation therapy should be instituted only after consultation with patient’s health care provider to avoid interference with any preexisting conditions or interactions with current medications.
• EDTA chelation therapy is not recommended in children, pregnant women, or patients with renal failure or severe heart failure.

Research summary

Proponents point to studies they say prove the treatment’s effectiveness, while mainstream critics condemn the studies as anecdotal and unscientific. The Food and Drug Administration has not approved EDTA for use in anything other than heavy metal poisoning.

Tagged under:alternative medicine antioxidant arthritis chelation therapy EDT Health Flash scleroderma

Share This

Filed under: Health Flash