Have you ever heard of something called chelation therapy? You might have been told that you may potentially need this type of therapy if you’re suffering from a condition such as atherosclerosis, more commonly referred to as hardening of the arteries. If you’re not familiar with the term, you’ve come to the right place to learn about chelation therapy. Here, you can learn what it is, why it’s used and most importantly, whether or not there are risks associated with it.

What is Chelation Therapy?

Chelation therapy is a type of therapy that’s used to help clear the arteries of calcium. In short, anyone who has beginning stages of hardening of the arteries may benefit from this type of therapy because it removes a significant portion of the calcium that’s building up inside. It’s accomplished by using IV therapy that uses a special solution to circulate through the veins, eventually making its way to the arteries and effectively cleaning them from the inside out. In order to receive the therapy, the only thing the individual in question has to do is get the IV. That way, the patient is receiving what could potentially be a life-saving treatment without being forced to go through anything that’s overly invasive.

Why is Chelation Therapy Sometimes Used?

Chelation therapy is sometimes used because it might be the only thing that can effectively be done for the individual in question. Some people are more prone to having calcium in their arteries than others. In fact, it can start at a very young age for some individuals, often when they’re still in their thirties or early forties. For others, the condition doesn’t become a problem until they’re in their sixties, perhaps even older. Nevertheless, the need for this type of therapy cannot be understated, especially when you consider the fact that it may very well be one of the few effective ways of achieving this particular goal. Short of eating healthy and staying fit, this is one of the only ways currently available to ensure that a person’s arteries are in relatively good condition. The problem is that for some individuals, even the healthiest diet and the most rigorous fitness routines aren’t enough to keep the calcium deposits from forming. In cases like that, this is a type of therapy that could become very beneficial. In fact, it might be the only thing that could potentially help an individual who is in the beginning stages of this particular disease. For some, it genuinely is the difference between life and death.

Common Side Effects Associated with Chelation Therapy

More often than not, the side effects associated with chelation therapy are very mild. In some cases, a person can receive therapy without noticing any side effects whatsoever. Those who do feel side effects usually only have mild issues that have a tendency to dissipate over time. In many cases, the side effects that are felt tend to disappear after just a couple of sessions. For those who suffer from them, it’s usually related to abdominal issues such as pain and cramping, nausea and vomiting. In some rare cases, people may develop a rash that goes away after a few days. Of course, there is always a potential that an individual could be allergic to some of the ingredients included in the IV therapy. If that’s the case, then the individual in question will have to stop getting this type of therapy and be treated by a medical professional for the allergy. Fortunately, this is rare. That being said, it’s also something that the professionals who administer the therapy are always on the lookout for. It’s also worth noting that a lot of individuals find that their electrolytes are largely depleted after a therapy session. Therefore, it’s important to be closely monitored so that you can either adjust your diet or take medication as needed.

Being Prepared for a Therapy Session

There are a few things that you need to be prepared for if you plan on getting this type of therapy:

•  It can take a couple of hours to administer, so schedule your day accordingly.
• There are sometimes side effects that are usually minor
• You’ll need to replenish your electrolytes after therapy

This can potentially be a very beneficial type of therapy, especially if you work closely with your own physician and the facility that is providing the therapy in order to maximize its benefits. You certainly don’t want to go into it without being fully aware of everything involved. That being said, it could potentially add years to your life, especially if you work closely with your doctor both during and after each therapy session. If you’re curious, don’t hesitate to contact either your physician or the nearest clinic that offers the therapy so you can discuss your options. Call us at 205-352-9141.