Recently I have been asked a lot about Chelation therapy. Chelation therapy, or simply “Chelation”, is the administration of metal-binding agents to remove heavy metals from the body. We are exposed to a variety of different environmental pollutants over time – e.g. lead for lead pipes, lead gas, lead paint; mercury from large fish and amalgam fillings; cadmium from cigarette smoke; and arsenic from contaminated rice and well water. Although we are able to get rid of them, we can only get rid of so much so fast. Any excess will build up and get stored in our body.
Symptoms of heavy metal excess can be vague and non-specific, but some common symptoms are:
- Chronic fatigue
- Neurological conditions
- Auto-immune disease
- Brain fog
- Insomnia
- Tremors
- Numbness/parasthesias/tingling
- Unexplained anemia
- Tinnitus
- Cardiovascular disease
- Gout
Treatment is suggested after analyzing a Urine Toxic Metal and/or Whole Blood Elements profile which can indicate a high body burden of metal in your body. The two main agents given are DMPS, for mercury and arsenic, and Calcium EDTA (CaEDTA), for lead, cadmium and aluminum. DMSA may also be recommended based upon your results and health history.
DMPS – mercury & arsenic removal
DMPS is a synthetic chelating agent in use in Europe and North America for approximately fifty years. The DMPS-metal complexes are readily eliminated through the kidney with greater than 95% of this elimination occurring within twenty-four hours. DMPS can be offered as either an intramuscular injection or intravenously for the effective removal of mercury and arsenic from the body.
Calcium EDTA (CaEDTA) – lead, cadmium & aluminum removal, as well as, cardiovascular concerns with or without elevated lead
CaEDTA is an FDA and Health Canada approved chelating agent for the treatment of lead toxicity children and adults but has also been used for the removal of other metals such as cadmium, aluminum and nickel. CaEDTA is administered as a short intravenous treatment.
CaEDTA can also be used for individuals with a pre-existing cardiovascular condition (e.g. high blood pressure, coronary artery disease). CaEDTA aids in the removal of lead from the body and has also been noted to lower blood pressure, reduce free radical (tissue) damage and improve arterial elasticity.
DMSA – lead, cadmium, mercury & arsenic removal
DMSA is a chelating used that has a broad affinity for many heavy metals including lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic. It is only provided in capsule form and is offered to individuals who cannot tolerate IV or injection therapies or perhaps cannot maintain a more regular treatment schedule.
Chelation is also administered without elevations in heavy metals for the cardiovascular benefits. A study released in 2014 called the TACT trial showed that chelation therapy had a41 percent overall reduction in the risk of any cardiovascular event; a 40 percent reduction in the risk of death from heart disease, nonfatal stroke, or nonfatal heart attack; a 52 percent reduction in recurrent heart attacks; and a 43 percent reduction in death from any cause in people with diabetes and heart disease. The TACT study team also looked at the impact of taking high-dose vitamins and minerals in addition to chelation therapy. They found that chelation plus high-dose vitamins and minerals produced the greatest reduction in risk of cardiovascular events versus placebo.
I have administered and supervised thousands of Chelation treatments over the past 6 years and am confident in the safety of chelation therapy, as well as, the benefits I have seen in patients. To discuss further please book online through my website www.drpatt.ca or call 778-478-0048