Oral chelation is a therapy that involves taking a number of specific compounds by mouth in order to bind, or chelate, toxic substances and excrete them from your body. Chelating agents can bind to toxic metals such as arsenic, mercury, lead, cadmium and excess iron and calcium in your body, although there is insufficient evidence to back these claims. According to Dr. Garrett Swetlikoff, a naturopathic doctor, these heavy metals can cause free-radical damage, microinflammation and infections in your blood vessels, which can lead to hardening of the arteries and heart disease. Consult with your health care provider prior to taking oral chelation.
Chelating Agents
The primary oral chelating agent is EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid), which is a synthetic amino acid. Two other synthetic amino acids used for chelation are DMPS (2,3 dimercapto, 1-propane sulphonic acid) and DMSA (2,3 dimercapto succinic acid). Other oral chelation agents are peptide calthrating agent, sodium alginate, cilantro, chlorella and high dose vitamin C. Each chelating agent has a varying rate of effectiveness.
How it Works
EDTA, the primary oral chelation agent that is taken in the form of a liquid supplement, circulates through your bloodstream and attaches to toxic minerals on your arterial walls. These toxins are then excreted from the body through your bile and kidneys. According to Dr. Swetlikoff, author of "Alive: Canadian Journal of Health & Nutrition," chelation therapy improves your arterial health and increases nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide can help relax blood vessels, reduce blood flow resistance and improve oxygen and nutrient delivery to your bodily tissues.
Benefits
Oral chelation therapy removes heavy metals from your body and therefore improves heavy metal poisoning and its related symptoms. Chelation can improve the health of your blood vessels and reduce your chances of developing cardiovascular disease. According to the Townsend Letter, chelation therapy may protect against and treat Alzheimer's disease, stroke, arthritis, varicose veins, autoimmune disease, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, Parkinson's disease and kidney and gallbladder stones. Consult with your health care provider prior to using oral chelation therapy.
Side Effects
As your body is detoxifying and excreting heavy metals from your body, you may experience some negative side effects. These effects are generally mild and do not last long. You may experience irritability, body aches or low-grade headaches while using oral chelation therapy. Reducing your dose and drinking extra water may help reduce these symptoms. Consult with your health care provider if you experience any negative side effects with oral chelation therapy.
Choosing a Practitioner
The American College for the Advancement of Medicine (ACAM) and the International Society of Chelation Technicians (ISCT) provide chelation therapy training to medical doctors, naturopathic physicians and osteopaths. They have also developed safe chelation protocols and offer regular courses, conferences and certification exams in chelation. You can ask your current health care provider for a qualified referral for a chelation specialist. When interviewing potential chelation practitioners, inquire whether he has completed chelation therapy training and if he is affiliated with ACAM or ISCT.
References
- "Alive: Canadian Journal of Health & Nutrition:" Chelation Therapy; Garrett Swetlikoff, N.D.; 2003
- "Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients:" Oral Chelation and Nutritional Replacement Therapy for Chemical & Heavy Metal Toxicity and Cardiovascular Disase; Maile Pouls; 1999
Member Comments