WHAT IS CHELATION?
The word “chelation” is derived from the Greek word chele which means “claw” [like that of a crab]. When a chelating agent comes into contact with certain positively charged metals, it surrounds and binds to them forming a complex which can then be transported safely. Examples of chelating agents in nature are haemoglobin, which chelates an iron molecule in blood, chlorophyll which chelates a magnesium molecule in plants and vitamin C which chelates an iron molecule to facilitate its absorption from the gut. Chelation is the process whereby certain chelating agents are administered over a period of time, to draw toxic metals out of the body to restore health.
EDTA is a synthetic amino acid, which has been used since the 1940’s for chelating heavy metals, and is still widely used today in chelation treatments. Some agents such as EDTA, DMPS and DTPA are given intravenously, while others such as DMSA and Chorella are given orally.
WHO NEEDS CHELATION?
Almost invariably, everyone has toxins in their bodies. In order to ascertain whether the toxin load is high and whether this may be having an impact on one’s health, one needs to undergo testing. Hair analysis is easy to perform, but does not always give an accurate result. A urine challenge test is used to measure extra-cellular levels of for toxic metals. The chelating agent is administered [usually intravenously] and urine is collected for several hours. This is then analysed by the laboratory to determine which metals may be problematic.
Spectrophotometric testing is now available to measure intra-cellular levels of toxic metals. Called Oligoscan, it is immediate, easy and accurate.
HOW IS IT ADMINISTERED?
A comprehensive history is taken and a full physical examination is performed. A series of blood tests are required to assess the functioning of the kidneys, liver and pancreas, and the level of minerals and lipids in the blood. Cardiovascular and respiratory fitness testing may also be done. Different chelating agents work best on different metals, so a protocol needs to be worked out depending on the results of the testing.
Some chelating agents such as DMSA, Metout (an extract of brown kelp) or Phycosens (blue-green microalgae), can be administered by mouth over a prolonged period of time. Others, such as DMPS and CaEDTA are given by slow intravenous injections once or twice a week for a course of 8-10 treatments before retesting is performed. One may need several courses of treatment until the Oligoscan shows that the toxic metals have been cleared.
EDTA [or NaEDTA] is given by slow infusion, mixed with vitamins and minerals, over 3 hours. Although this has benefits in clearing toxic metals (other than Mercury), its major benefit is in improving cardiovascular risks, such as atherosclerosis, etc (see below).
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
[a] Removal of toxic metals
Chelation therapy halts the bad effects of heavy metal toxicity on the organs and systems of the body, thereby removing obstructions to the restoration of health. This stimulates the body’s healing process, activating enzyme pathways and other metabolic reactions, and often damage can be reversed. One may start to feel more alert, with improved concentration and memory, less depressed and more energised.
[b] Treatment of cardiovascular disorders
Chelation therapy with NaEDTA is widely used in the USA and Europe for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders. NaEDTA improves function and exercise tolerance in conditions associated with atherosclerosis, such as angina, peripheral vascular disease and cerebrovascular disease. By chelating and removing calcium, along with a variety of other metals, it has a direct effect on reducing platelet aggregation, which prevents clotting of the blood which may otherwise have had fatal consequences. It stimulates the functioning of the heart, and by stimulating the parathyroid glands it dilates the coronary arteries. The stimulation of the parathyroids also has a positive effect on building bone. NaEDTA stimulates enzyme activity and improves the ratio of HDL [good] to LDL [bad] cholesterol.
Thus for anyone with one or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease, NaEDTA has been shown to reduce these risks greatly while improving overall health. Adherence to a healthy diet, avoidance of smoking and exercise are mandatory, as is the supplementation of multivitamins, anti-oxidants and minerals.
NaEDTA also has a positive effect on the aging process and many other conditions such as Diabetes Mellitus, Rheumatoid arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, fibromyalgia, peripheral neuropathy, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, thyroid disorders, porphyria and auto-immune disorders.
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS
Hundreds of thousands of chelation treatments have been performed with few side effects and no deaths. If practised according to established protocols chelation therapy is very safe:
[1] Critics claim that NaEDTA is dangerous to the kidneys, but if given slowly and in the correct quantity, it does not harm the kidneys and in fact will improve kidney function with time.
[2] If given too quickly, calcium levels may drop too far causing cramps, but this can be rectified easily.
[3] Blood sugar levels may also drop, especially in diabetics, but this is carefully monitored during treatment.
[4] Blood pressure is also monitored during treatment as it may drop causing dizziness. This could be caused by the needle becoming dislodged from the vein.
[5] Fatigue in the early stages may be due to mineral or vitamin deficiencies, which can be corrected.
[6] NaEDTA may be combined with most cardiovascular medication without the risk of serious interaction.
COST
Although it may seem expensive at first, a course of 25 treatments of EDTA infusions cost a fraction of the cost of bypass surgery, and the benefits are life-long. The costs of NaEDTA, DMPS and CaEDTA infusions are available on request.
WHY IS CHELATION NOT MORE WIDELY USED?
EDTA chelation therapy is approved in the USA only for very limited usage; lead toxicity, treatment of hypercalcaemia, and digitalis toxicity. Over the years there has been enormous opposition to the use of EDTA for cardiovascular disease. Cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons and pharmaceutical manufacturers are threatened by the use of a substance, which is effective, relatively cheap and safe. Bypass surgery benefits surgeons and hospitals alike. Pharmaceutical drugs needed by sufferers over many years produce enormous profits. In spite of the cries of “unscientific” and “unproven” by the orthodox medical community, there are many studies highlighting the effective use of EDTA. The thousands of patients worldwide who have benefited from chelation support the evidence that it is safe, effective and beneficial.
Toxic metal chelation is not more widely used because the conventional Western medical paradigm does not consider metal toxicity as a potential cause of ill health. Doctors are not made aware of metal toxicity nor how to detect it. Training in chelation therapy is not taught at medical schools, so few doctors have knowledge of it.
