DESCRIPTION

Chelation (pronounced key-LAY-shun) therapy is a safe, nonsurgical treatment used to rid the body of excess toxins, particularly metals. Chelating agents used in this therapy are available in over-the-counter formulas that can be taken orally at home, and in intravenous solutions that must be administered under the supervision of a health care provider. These chelators draw out toxic metals and other harmful substances that impair body function, and help the body eliminate these toxins via the kidneys. Oral chelating agents can often prevent problems from occurring by restoring circulation to the body's tissues. If serious health problems already exist, intravenous therapy is usually necessary.

Chelation therapy is used to treat a variety of health problems. Chelating agents are used to bind with heavy toxic metals such as cadmium, lead, and mercury - substances that enter the body through food, water, and other means - and excrete these metals from the body. As certain minerals accumulate in the body, they interact with other minerals, promoting the actions of some and inhibiting the actions of others. Lead, for instance, has been shown to inhibit the actions of calcium, iron, and potassium, all of which are important nutrients. When chelating agents are used to eliminate toxic metals such as lead from the body, essential nutrients are better able to do their job.

Chelation therapy is also used in the treatment of atherosclerosis and other circulatory disorders, as well as in the treatment of gangrene, which often is the result of poor circulation. In atherosclerosis, deposits of cholesterol, fats, and other substances collect on the walls of large and medium-sized arteries in the form of hard plaque. It has been found that calcium acts as the "glue" that holds the atherosclerotic plaque together. Chelating agents bind with this calcium and carry it out of the body, breaking up the plaque deposits, unclogging the arteries, and permitting more normal blood flow.

Guidelines for Chelation Therapy (From Merck.com)

Chelating Drug* Metal Dosage† Dimercaprol (10% in oil) Some Trade Names: BAL IN OIL Click for Drug Monograph Antimony Arsenic Bismuth Chromates‡ Chromic acid‡ Chromium trioxide‡ Copper salts Gold Mercury Nickel Tungsten Zinc salts 3–4 mg/kg via deep IM injection q 4 h on day 1, 2 mg/kg IM q 4 h on day 2, 3 mg/kg IM q 6 h on day 3, Then 3 mg/kg IM q 12 h for 7–10 days until recovery Edetate Ca disodium (Ca disodium edathamil) diluted to ≤3% Cadmium Lead Zinc Zinc salts 25–35 mg/kg IV slowly (over 1 h) q 12 h for 5–7 days, followed by 7 days without the drug; then repeated Penicillamine Some Trade Names: CUPRIMINE Click for Drug Monograph Arsenic Copper salts Gold Lead Mercury‡ Nickel Zinc salts 20–30 mg/kg/day in 3–4 divided doses (usual starting dose is 250 mg qid) to a maximum adult dose of 2 g/day Succimer Some Trade Names CHEMET Click for Drug Monograph Arsenic, occupational exposure in adults Bismuth Lead if children have blood lead levels >45 µg/dL (>2.15 µmol/L) Lead, occupational exposure in adults Mercury, occupational exposure in adults 10 mg/kg po q 8 h for 5 days Then 10 mg/kg po q 12 h for 14 days *Iron and thallium salts are not chelated effectively by these drugs; each has its own chelating drug (see iron and thallium salts in Table 3: Poisoning: Common Specific Antidotes and Table 8: Poisoning: Symptoms and Treatment of Specific Poisons  †Dosages depend on type and severity of poisoning. ‡Chelating drug of choice.

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ORAL CHELATION THERAPY

Oral chelating agents offer a safe, convenient alternative for persons who are at risk for circulatory problems or problems caused by toxic metal accumulation. Among the many disorders that may be helped by chelation therapy are multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and arthritis. Despite reservations voiced by many in the medical establishment, many severely disabled, high-risk individuals have reported dramatic improvement in arterial circulation after chelation therapy.

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PROCEDURE

The following chelating agents can be used to prevent many generative illnesses, and can often alleviate the symptoms of existing conditions. These agents can be purchased in the combinations shown below in health food stores and drugstores. Follow package directions regarding dosage.

• Alfalfa, fiber, rutin and selenium.


• Calcium and magnesium chelate with potassium.


• Chromium, garlic, pectin, and potassium.


• Coenzyme Q-10.


• Copper chelate, iron, sea kelp, and zinc chelate.

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See Nutrients below for the supplements that can act as oral chelating agents to rid the body of excess minerals.

Nutrients
Supplement	Suggested Dosage	Comments
AAngamik DMG from FoodScience Labs	Available in 125 mg or 250 mg dosages. Take at least 200 mg daily Use as directed on label.	Increases available oxygen and prevents cellular and tissue oxidation. DMG Supplement N, N Dimethyl Glycine, NOW Foods, 125 mg, 100 Caps
Alfalfa liquid or tablets	Take as directed on label.	Detoxifies the liver and alkalizes the body. Chelates toxic substances from the body. Alfalfa Powder, Whole Food Supplement, NOW Foods, 1 lb., Alfalfa, NOW Foods, 650 mg (10 Grain), 500 Tabs, Alfalfa Leaf Root (Medicago sativa) Powder, Kosher, 4 oz. Bulk
Apple pectin and rutin	As directed on label.	To bind with unwanted toxic metals and remove them from the body through the intestinal tract. TwinLab Apple Pectin USP Caps, with Vitamin C, 500 mg, Capsules, 100 capsules (Pack of 3) Rutin 500mg - 100 - Tablet
Calcium	1,500 mg daily.	Replaces calcium lost by using chelating substances. Use calcium citrate form. Cal-Mag Liquid, Vital Earth, 32 oz, Calcium Citrate / Malate Complex, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 250 Caps, Calcium Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 700 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.
Magnesium	700-1,000 mg daily.	Displaces calcium within the cells of the artery walls. Cal-Mag Liquid, Vital Earth, 32 oz, Magnesium Ionic Mineral Supplement, Absorbable, Magnesium Water, 350 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.
Coenzyme Q-10	60-90 mg daily	Improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, and acts as a chelating agent. CoQ10, NOW Foods, 400 mg, 60 Softgels, CoQ10, Vegetarian Coenzyme, NOW Foods, 30 mg, 60 VCaps
Garlic (Kyolic)	2 capsules twice daily, with meals.	A good chelating agent and detoxifier. Garlic Oil, NOW Foods, 1500 mg, 250 Softgels, Garlic Bulb Cloves, Garlic Supplement, Nature's Way, 580 mg, 100 Caps
L-Cysteine and L-methionine	500 mg each twice daily, on an empty stomach. Take with water or juice. Do not take with milk. Take with 50 mg vitamin B-6 and 100 mg of vitamin C for better absorption.	Two of the most important natural dietary chelators. L-Cysteine Structural Support, w/ Vitamin B-6 & C, Vegetarian, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 Tabs, L-Methionine, NOW Foods, 500 mg, w/ B-6, 10 mg, 100 Caps
L-Lysine plus Glutathione	500 mg each daily.	Aids in detoxifying harmful toxins and metals. Powerful free radical scavengers and antioxidants that remove unwanted substances from the body. Caution: Do not take lysine longer than 6 months at a time. L-Lysine, Pharmaceutical Grade, Stable Tartrate Form, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 Caps, L-Glutathione, NOW Foods, 250 mg, 60 Caps
Selenium	200 mcg daily.	A powerful free radical scavenger. Selenium, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 100 Caps
Vitamin A plus Natural beta-carotene or carotenoid complex	25,000 IU daily. If you are pregnant, do not exceed 10,000 IU daily. 25,000 IU daily. As directed on label.	To aid in excreting toxic substances. Use emulsion forms for easier assimilation. Vitamin A, Nature's Way, 10,000 IU, 100% Natural, 100 Softgels, Beta Carotene, (Natural Dunaliella salina), Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 25,000 IU, 100 Softgels
Vitamin B complex	100 mg 3 times daily.	B vitamins aid in protecting the body from harmful substances and are needed for all cellular functions. Ultimate B (Vitamin B Complex Formula), Nature's Secret, 60 Tabs
Vitamin B-3 (Niacin)	50 mg 3 times daily.	B vitamins aid in protecting the body from harmful substances and are needed for all cellular functions. Caution: Do not take niacin if you have a liver disorder, gout, or high blood pressure. Niacinamide Non-Flushing Niacin, 100% Natural, Vitamin B-3, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 100 Caps, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 100 mg, 100 Caps
Vitamin B-5 (Pantothenic acid)	50 mg 3 times daily.	B vitamins aid in protecting the body from harmful substances and are needed for all cellular functions. Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B-5), 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 250 mg, 100 Caps
Vitamin B-12	200 mcg 3 times daily.	B vitamins aid in protecting the body from harmful substances and are needed for all cellular functions. Vitamin B-12 (Cyanocobalamin), 2000 mcg, 100 Sublingual Lozenges, Ultra B-12 Liquid, NOW Foods, 4 oz.
Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids	5,000-15,000 mg daily in divided doses.	Powerful chelating agents and immunostimulants. Vitamin C Liquid, w/ Rose Hips & Bioflavonoids, Kosher, Natural Citrus Flavor, 1000 mg, Dynamic Health, 16 fl. oz., Vitamin C 1000 W/ Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 250 VCaps
Vitamin E	Start with 600 IU daily and increase slowly to 1,000 IU daily.	Removes toxic substances and destroys free radicals. Emulsion form is recommended for easier assimilation and greater safety at higher doses. Vitamin E-1000, NOW Foods, 1000 IU, 100 Gels, Ester E Natural Vitamin E, California Natural, 400 IU 60 Softgels

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HERBAL & HOLISTIC RECOMMENDATIONS
FOR ORAL CHELATION THERAPY

Follow a diet designed to treat heart disease and/or high cholesterol. Avoid fried foods; dairy products; mayonnaise, oils, and other fats; red meat; processed and fast foods; salt; and gravies. Drink only steam-distilled water. Eat as many fiber-rich foods as possible. Oats, brown rice, and wheat bran are all good sources of fiber.

MoonDragon's Health Information: Cardiovascular Disease

MoonDragon's Health Information: High Cholesterol

Add a high-protein drink to your diet, or take the essential amino acids in supplemental form. A deficiency of any one amino acid will reduce the effectiveness of all the others.

Ideal Meal Protein Supplement, Vanilla, Hi-Tech, 3.2 lbs
Ideal Meal Protein Supplement, Strawberry, Hi-Tech, 3.2 lbs
Ideal Meal Protein Supplement, Orange Creamsicle, Hi-Tech, 3.2 lbs
Ideal Meal Protein Supplement, Chocolate, Hi-Tech, 3.2 lbs
The Ideal Meal Protein Supplement was specifically developed to provide the vital nutrients which are crucial to the body's ability to build quality muscle tissue and strength. This product is based upon proven nutritional concepts which are the principles of strength and fitness. Protein, and only protein, can build and repair muscle tissue. The Ideal Meal provides you with a protein blend unmatched in this industry. It is comprised of four types of whey proteins, plus agglomerated egg albumen and calcium caseinate for texture and taste. This blend of unique, high quality protein includes a high percentage of Ion Exchange whey protein isolate, hydrolyzed whey protein isolate, and the main protein is micro, ultra filtered whey protein concentrate containing high amounts of branch chain amino acids. The Ideal Meal contains 40 grams of high quality protein per serving. Our whey comes from Land O' Lakes (the leader in whey technology) and not from an inferior source.

Soy Protein, Unflavored, NOW Foods, 1 lb
NOW® Soy Protein is a good vegetable source of high quality complete protein that is very low in fat and carbohydrates and contains an excellent amino acid profile. Soy products, including Soy Protein, are high in phytoestrogens, which may positively support natural estrogen levels in women. Soy Protein also provides beneficial proteins such as Genistein and Diadzein, which have been shown to support good health through various biochemical processes. Make sure you're getting the basic building blocks of good health with high quality Soy Protein from NOW®. NOW® Soy Protein is a good vegetable source of high quality complete protein which is very low in fat. Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 25 grams of soy protein a day may reduce the risk of heart disease. One serving of NOW® Soy Protein Powder provides 21 grams of soy protein.

HerbalRemedies Products: Protein Supplements

Increase your intake of manganese by eating Brazil nuts, pecans, barley, buckwheat, whole wheat, and dried split peas. Manganese is an important chelating agent when consumed in manganese-rich foods. It is a major factor in blocking calcium from entering the cells of the arterial lining.

Add and eat onions in your daily meals. Onions produce a natural chelating effect in the body, and tend to decrease the "clotting power" of blood.

When using chelation therapy, make sure to replace any essential minerals that might be displaced by chelating agents. Alfalfa, iron, kelp, and zinc supplements are recommended. Use a natural source of iron, such as blackstrap molasses or Floradix Iron Plus Herbs from Salus Haus.

Alive! Whole Food Energizer Multi Vitamin with Mineral, Nature's Way, 18 mg of Iron Added, 90 Tabs
Alive Whole Food Energizer Multi Vitamin with Mineral with Iron by Nature's Way is absorbed into your blood stream 5 times faster than other leading brands.

Iron Complex with Vitamins & Herbs, Vegetarian, NOW Foods, 250 Tabs
Now Foods utilizes the superior Albion Labs patented Ferrochel iron chelate which research has shown to be highly absorbed, well tolerated, and non-constipating at recommended levels.

If taking zinc supplements, eat sulfur-rich foods, like garlic, onions, and legumes. Zinc inhibits the action of sulfur.



INTRAVENOUS CHELATION THERAPY

Intravenous chelation therapy is often used to remove calcified, hardened plaque from the arterial walls, improving circulation. When used under the care of a qualified chelation therapist, this procedure can be a safe alternative to vascular surgery. This therapy is also used to remove heavy metals, such as lead, from the body. Most serious illnesses require repeated injections of the agents.

The most common chelating agent now used in intravenous therapy is ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). A strong substance, EDTA attracts lead, strontium, and many other metals, as well as calcium. Although there is controversy surrounding the use of this agent, it has not been found to be toxic when used correctly.

Prior to beginning a course of EDTA chelation therapy, the person receiving the therapy must undergo a thorough physical examination. This includes a series of laboratory tests, including evaluations of cholesterol, blood, kidney function, liver function, glucose, and electrolytes. In addition, an electrocardiogram and chest x-ray are routinely performed. Other studies often assess vitamin B-12 and mineral status. Typically, kidney function studies are repeated several times during the course of chelation therapy. Blood studies may have to be repeated, too, depending on the initial laboratory results.

The course of chelation therapy varies from person to person, but a typical course includes two treatments per week, each of three hours' duration. In addition to EDTA, chelation therapists frequently administer supplements, which may include vitamin C, magnesium, and trace minerals, with the intravenous infusion, depending upon the individual's particular illness and the results of the laboratory studies.

IRON OVERLOAD

Intravenous Desferal® for Transfusion Iron Overload: The Desferal® can be given as an infusion of 2 to 4 grams per day when given IV. Skin irritation limits subcutaneous administration to about 2.5 g/d. Patients who receive the larger doses should be watched carefully for toxicity, including renal or hepatic dysfunction. Reversible neurovestibular dysfunction occurred in some children who were treated with high doses of Desferal® (greater than 50 mg/kg). This complication has not been reported in adults.

The Desferal® is mixed in sterile water. With syringe pumps, the volume is limited to about 5 ml. This limits the quantity of Desferal® that can be given as only about 2.5 g can be dissolved in this volume. Infusion pumps which use the plastic reservoirs have a larger volume capacity and the Desferal® is more dilute. Infusion tubing (preferably 12 inches in length) with a 25 or 27 gauge needle is used. The Desferal® solution is filled to the end of the tubing so no air is present. The needle is inserted into the port for the Hickman or Portacath line. The infusion pump should be set to deliver the Desferal® over about 12 to 16 hours. The initial infusion should be given in the presence of a health care provider for about 20 minutes. Patients can rarely have an anaphylactic reaction to the drug, and appropriate corrective measures including the cessation of the infusion should be instituted should this occur. Another problem which requires immediate cessation of infusion is the development of urticaria. More serious problems such as laryngeal edema have not been reported in patients with urticaria. However, the risk should not be taken.

When testing the efficacy of Desferal® therapy, 24 hour urine collection should be performed on the 3rd day for iron determination. This value should be compared with a preinfusion 24 hour urine iron determination. In order to gain benefit from the use of Desferal®, a 24 hour excretion of 30 mg or more of iron is generally required, particularly for patients with significant ongoing transfusion requirements (each unit of blood contains about 220 mg of iron). Patients should be warned that their urine will take on an orange color. This is the iron which is being excreted. Patients should be encouraged to use the pump every day to maximize iron excretion. A minimum of about 5 days per week is needed to get adequate excretion in general, however.

Ascorbic acid increases iron excretion with Desferal®. Vitamin C can be given with the following provisos. The ascorbic acid should be given only after the infusion of Desferal® has been in place for a month or two, to ensure that the patient is using the medication properly. The dose of ascorbate should be 250-500 mg per day, orally. Ascorbate should not be used on days on which Desferal® is not used.

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HERBAL & HOLISTIC RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
INTRAVENOUS CHELATION THERAPY

While undergoing EDTA chelation therapy, be sure to take supplemental vitamins and minerals, particularly zinc, chromium, and the B-complex vitamins. This is important, as chelation agents are known to bind with and remove certain vitamins and minerals from the body. During therapy, take these supplements as directed by the chelation therapist as outlined in the Nutrition Basics Index.

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CONSIDERATIONS FOR CHELATION THERAPY

When supervised by a qualified chelation therapist, EDTA intravenous chelation therapy is safe and causes a few side effects.

In a 1989 study, published in the Journal of Advancement in Medicine, EDTA was used to treat 3,000 people with coronary artery disease and other vascular problems. Nearly 90 percent experienced significant improvement.

Hair analysis is an excellent means of determining the concentration of minerals in the body.

There are over 150 health care providers in the United States who are certified by the American Board of Chelation Therapy as approved chelation therapists. For information on the approved health care providers in your area, you can contact one of the following groups:

The American College of Advancement in Medicine (ACAM)
P.O. Box 3427
Laguna Hills, CA 92654
800-532-3688 or 714-538-7666
www.acam.org

Permutter Health Center
800 Goodlette Road, Suite 270
Naples, FL 33940
941-649-7400
www.perlhealth.com

OTHER CHELATION THERAPY LINKS:

Autism Chelation & Detoxification
Awaken Nutrition
Fountain Hills, AZ
1-800-267-5273 (Toll Free US and Canada)
1-480-837-6300 (International Calls)
Fax: 480-816-1843
Email: info@awakennutrition.com
Website: www.awakennutrition.com

EDTA Chelation Therapy: Mechanisms of Action





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HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION

HerbalRemedies: Chelation Therapy / Oral Chelation / Chelating Agents Information

Detoxamin EDTA Chelation Therapy, Time Release Calcium Disodium EDTA, 30 Suppositories, 750 mg
Detoxamin EDTA Chelation Therapy Suppositories are a new patented method of Ca-EDTA chelation therapy medically equivalent to I.V. chelation therapy.

Cardio EDTA Oral Chelation Formula, W/ Ethlene-Diamine-Tetra-Acetic Acid & Garlic, 690 mg, 120 Caps
A Health Care Provider recommended, scientifically advanced, Cardio EDTA Oral Chelation Formula with 400 mg of EDTA, Ethylene-Diamine-Tetra-Acetic Acid, and Garlic to promote Cardiovascular Health and well being.

Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition

Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition

Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch

CHELATION THERAPY



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