Occasionally, potentially harmful substances enter the body, accumulate in abundance, and result in illness or disability. When such untoward events occur, these chemicals must be removed as quickly and effectively as possible. One specific removal method is known as chelation therapy.

Overview

Chelation therapy is a medical procedure most commonly employed to extract heavy metals from the human body. Common types of such materials include:

• Mercury
• Lead
• Cadmium
• Arsenic
• Iron

Heavy metal poisoning might be precipitated by several underlying causes such as:

Environmental Exposure

Residing near institutions utilizing the aforementioned metals for industrial purposes might increase one’s chances of becoming poisoned by said materials.

Ingestion

Occasionally, traces of heavy metals are found in food sources and water. Consuming said products over a prolonged duration could lead to excessive bodily concentrations.

Medications

Certain prescription drugs might contain small quantities of heavy metals. Persons ingesting such substances for extended periods stand at greater risk of heavy metal poisoning.

Those plagued with said condition might experience a host of common physical manifestations including:

• Digestive issues like vomiting, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea
• Anemia
• Fatigue
• Dehydration

That said, each chemical carries the potential to cause its own set of symptoms. The severity of these issues will also depend upon how severe the toxicity is and the length of time the impacted subject has been ingesting the metal.

Other Conditions Chelation Therapy Is Used To Address

The Food and Drug Administration has only approved the therapeutic protocol as a treatment for heavy metal intoxication. That said, the endeavor has also proven somewhat effective in addressing other health problems including:

Cardiovascular Illness

Studies have shown that the procedure may reduce the risk of subsequent heart attacks or other cardiovascular concerns in persons who have previously experienced such untoward events.

Parkinson’s Disease

Certain facets of the medical research community suggest that this neurological malady might result from afflicted subjects carrying excessive systemic concentrations of iron. Chelation therapy has reduced levels of said chemical element in certain patients.

Autism

A significant amount of research conducted hypothesizes that children with autism often have elevated systemic quantities of heavy metals. Therefore, certain healthcare providers maintain that chelation therapy may prove beneficial to such patients.

Alzheimer’s Disease

A percentage of scientific investigators argue that this progressive and degenerative brain disorder might be brought forth by increased concentrations of a protein known as beta-amyloid. These same medical professionals maintain that chelation therapy may reduce amounts of said chemical in an afflicted person’s brain.

Despite some documented success in treating issues other than heavy metal poisoning, healthcare providers caution that more research must be performed before any firm conclusions can be drawn.

The Process

Chelation therapy typically involves the intravenous injection of specific drugs called chelating agents. These substances bind to heavy metal molecules present in the recipient’s bloodstream. Once this process is complete, chelating agents help the kidneys filter these toxic materials, which are eventually expelled during urination.

In certain instances, treatment can be administered through oral preparations. Those receiving intravenous therapy usually undergo said process several times a week over multiple months.

Specific Chelating Agents

Drugs employed for the procedure include dimercaprol, succimer, deferoxamine, penicillamine, and edetate calcium disodium.

Types Of Medical Professionals Who Perform Chelation Therapy

The procedure can be undertaken by any licensed medical doctor. However, most physicians will only employ the treatment to alleviate heavy metal toxicity. That said, many healthcare providers who routinely administer the procedure received specialized training in said effort.

Potential Side Effects

The procedure does carry a notable risk of side effects. Common manifestations include:

• Weight loss
• Digestive disturbances
• Elevated blood pressure
• Skin eruptions
• Symptoms associated with the flu and other common pathogens

Side effect severity will be influenced by one’s general health, the specific chelating agents or agents employed and how much of said substances are administered.

Level Of Effectiveness

Chelation therapy is highly effective in lessening or eliminating the impact of heavy metal poisoning. That said, researchers are still studying the treatment’s efficacy as an accepted therapeutic protocol for the other previously mentioned conditions certain health industry representatives believe it could prove beneficial in addressing.

Cost

Prototypical intravenous therapy may cost the recipient several thousand dollars. Additionally, the procedure might not be covered by one’s health insurance plan.

Contacting Us

The highly trained team of medical professionals working for Vital Force Therapy and Wellness perform chelation therapy in a safe and well-supervised environment. Those feeling the impact of excessive bodily concentrations of heavy metals or other ailments said treatment might benefit from are urged to contact us.

Our team can offer a thorough evaluation and determine if chelation therapy is the most appropriate course of action and administer the procedure safely and effectively.

For additional information about our clinic, please call us at 205-352-9141.