It can be toxic when iron, mercury, arsenic, lead, and other metals build up in the human body. Chelation therapy is designed to remove these metals to prevent illness. Additionally, the therapy may be used to treat autism, Alzheimer’s disease, and heart disease. However, there is no strong evidence supporting the benefits of using chelation therapy for these infirmities.
Heavy metal poisoning occurs when soft tissues in the body absorb large amounts of metal. When chelation therapy is performed, chelators bind to the heavy metal and encourage them to be transported out of the body. The treatment involves using medication to encourage the process of chelation.
A Common Health Problem
Unfortunately, heavy metal poisoning is a common health problem. It often comes from agricultural, industrial, and sewage waste. It can happen because of consuming certain types of foods or using medications.
The type of metal a person was exposed to, their age, how much was absorbed in the body, and the duration of exposure all affect the level of metal toxicity a person experiences. Lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury are the most common types of metal that cause a person to have heavy metal poisoning.
A person can deal with various symptoms when they have heavy metal poisoning.
What Does Chelation Therapy Involve?
Medications are used to help rid the body of heavy metals. Drugs called chelators are administered intravenously. An IV drip is used to introduce chelators into the body. They will bind to metal molecules that are found in the bloodstream. As the chelators are filtered through the kidneys and flushed out of the body with urine, the heavy metals bound with the chelators are also removed.
Chelation therapy should only be performed by a qualified medical professional. The patient should understand the benefits and risks of the treatment.
Why Chelation Therapy Can Be Beneficial
The benefits of chelation therapy have been scientifically proven when used to help individuals dealing with heavy metal toxicity. However, the benefits have not been scientifically proven for other conditions. An individual should only use chelation therapy that has received approval from the FDA. It requires a prescription and must be used under the supervision of a qualified doctor.
If you are interested in chelation therapy for Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, autism, and Parkinson’s disease, talk with your doctor. They may feel like recommending this treatment for conditions other than heavy metal toxicity could be beneficial in the right circumstances.
Determining If Treatment Is Right For You
If you or someone you love is dealing with heavy metal toxicity, you are likely interested in learning as much as you can about the benefits and risks of chelation therapy. If it is right for you, you may be prescribed a course of treatment. The course of treatment will likely be prescribed to be used a couple of times a week over a few months.
Chelation therapy requires a prescription from a doctor. Before using the prescription, you must understand all benefits and risks. Additionally, find out about costs and inquire through your insurance company to determine if they will help cover the cost.
How to Benefit from Chelation Therapy
Heavy metal toxicity is dangerous. You should seek medical care if you are experiencing common symptoms of heavy metal toxicity, including weakness, chills, tingling in your hands and feet, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea.
You should also know that there are metal-specific symptoms that you or your child could experience. For example, mercury poisoning could include symptoms like trouble walking, vision changes, speech and hearing difficulties, muscle weakness, and lack of coordination. Symptoms of lead poisoning could include high blood pressure, headaches, loss of appetite, irritability, aggressive behavior, and constipation.
Your doctor can check for heavy metal poisoning using a simple blood test. It will be called a heavy metal toxicity test or a heavy metal panel. They will draw a small amount of blood and test it for signs of heavy metals. Once you receive a diagnosis, treatment will likely be prescribed.
If you want to learn more about chelation therapy, contact us today at 205-352-9141. We are happy to provide information about this effective treatment.
