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CHELATION

What is it?
DEFINITION AND EXPLANATION OF CHELATION
Chelation describes the utilization of substances that adhere to unwanted molecules in the body, such as metals or minerals, so these negative substances may be removed.  Chelation has been scientifically proven to remove excess or toxic metals that cause cellular damage. "Chelates" are compounds that engulf metal ions and hold them in the middle of large organic molecules.  The root of "chelate" is derived from the Greek word chele meaning "claw," describing the way the molecule "grasps" the metal within its structure.

As humans become older substances such as cholesterol, calcium, and various minerals build up within the blood vessels.  Over long periods of time this process clogs the vessels, and hinders the flow of blood and transportation of oxygen through the 75,000 miles of blood vessels in the body.

In simplified terms, chelation unclogs blood vessels in much the same way we unclog a blocked drain; we introduce a specific agent into the drain designed to interact with and dissolve the problematic blockage. The resulting compound exits through the existing plumbing system. 

The man-made amino acid called EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid) is a remarkable arterial cleansing agent with the ability to effectively remove plaque, cholesterol and heavy metals such as lead, iron, copper, and calcium. The EDTA is eliminated from the body 95% through the kidneys and 5% through the bile, along with the toxic metals and free ionic calcium that it has locked onto during its transit through the circulatory system.

The most common form of chelation therapy is an intravenous introduction EDTA into the body.

What is it used for?
CONDITIONS CHELATION MAY HELP
Chelation is mainly and optimally used to treat heavy-metal toxicity and cardiovascular disorders. Symptoms of the following conditions have all been reported to improve with chelation therapy:

- Arthritis
- Alzheimer's disease
- Atherosclerosis
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Gangrene
- High Blood Pressure
- Hypercalcemia (excess of calcium in blood)
- Osteoporosis
- Parkinson's Disease
- Psoriasis
- Scleroderma
- Ventricular Arrhythmia (due to digitalis toxicity)

Where did it come from?
HISTORY OF CHELATION
EDTA is a man-made amino acid with a composition very similar to common vinegar. First developed in the 1930s, it was originally used in intravenous injections as a therapeutic agent for those who had been exposed to toxic levels of harmful metals such as lead.  Following these initial uses, patients who were suffering from angina and coronary artery disease saw symptoms drop dramatically. These effects caused researchers to study EDTA’s possible therapeutic uses, particularly focusing its potential to treat atherosclerosis and other heart disease.

In the 1940s the Navy began treating lead poisoning with EDTA, and it is widely acknowledged as effective for this purpose as well as for the treatment of excess calcium in the blood.  EDTA may also be used to address ventricular arrhythmias resulting from toxicities brought about by heart medications.

Additional examination of the therapeutic effects of EDTA by the National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council indicated its potential to treat occlusive vascular disorders resulting from arteriosclerosis.  A recent publication in the Journal For Advancement In Medicine found an 86% rate of improvement in patients with cardiovascular, carotid and peripheral vascular symptoms with chelation therapy. Over 20,000 patients were included in the study.

What is it based on?
THEORY OF CHELATION
When heavy metals remain within the body and come in contact with oxygen, they produce showers of tissue-damaging free radicals. A free radical particle of energy is very unstable, lacking one electron that would make it a balanced and stable compound. Free radicals travel throughout the body in search of this missing electron, damaging the cells lining artery walls and many other tissues.  The removal of heavy metals by EDTA mitigates this process.

The presence of heavy metal in the body also suppresses the normal healthy enzyme reactions which fuel metabolism, so when they are removed, metabolism works more efficiently as well.

EDTA binds with metallic positively charged ions such as lead or calcium and this combination results in a stable compound.  The ionic bonds of the compound must remain strong and stable for the therapy to be a success.

How is it done?
WHAT A SESSION OF CHELATION IS LIKE
Before chelation is performed the physician will evaluate the patient and conduct tests to maximize the likelihood that the patient will receive a therapeutic benefit from the therapy.

A series of diagnostic medical tests such as electrocardiogram, chest x-ray, blood tests, urine tests, dietary tests and hair analysis are commonly given. Exercise tolerance tests are used to determine how the heart, lungs and circulation respond to activity. A Doppler test is also done to establish a current understand of the circulatory system’s present functioning.  The physician will also perform a full examination of the patient’s physical health with additional focus on the patient’s circulation and respiration.  

The physician takes a complete medical history with particular focus on any health problems as well as current physical condition.  Once a problem is detected that EDTA infusion could benefit, the physician formulates a treatment schedule, generally two to three times per week.  Chelation treatments are generally provided in a group setting at chelation centers.

Treatments are generally provided in a group setting at chelation centers.  The intravenous drip is most often administered through a vein in the arm or hand, but the lower leg may also be used.  While the infusion is being performed, the limb is kept stable by taping it to a padded board, which rests on a cushion for comfort.

A bag of solution containing two to three grams of EDTA plus any minerals or supplements the doctor has prescribed for achieving a balanced blood count is drip-fed intravenously at a rate of about one drop per second.  This will introduce approximately one half a liter of fluid over two to four hours of treatment.

In most cases the complete treatment consists of approximately 20 to 30 EDTA infusions. Periodic blood and urine screenings will be done to make sure that the kidney and other organs are operating sufficiently well enough to cope with the EDTA detoxification. Rarely additional infusions will be provided.

Who does it?
CHELATION PRACTITIONERS
A standardized protocol of chelation treatment as well as training and education is offered by The American Collge of Advancement in Medicine (ACAM).

Only licensed medical or osteopathic physicians may practice chelation therapy. Look for a physician who is certified in the procedure. The American Board of Chelation Therapy requires special training, passing a written exam, and 1,000 administrations of chelation therapy before becoming a Diplomate (DIPL). Physicians who are in the process of certification are called Diplomate Candidates, or D/C. Physicians with some chelation training but who are lacking all the requirements to attain certification by attain ACAM designation of Fellow.