HEAVY METAL TOXICITY AND
CHELATION TREATMENT

OUR TOXIC ENVIRONMENT

We live in a very toxic world; we are constantly exposed to more chemical toxins than at any other time in human history.
* The air we breathe is polluted with thousands of chemicals and heavy metals from industry and exhaust fumes.
* The food we eat has been exposed to chemical fertilisers, pesticides, radiation, additives, improvers, preservatives, colourants etc.
* The water we drink is either polluted or adulterated.
* Cooking utensils, such as aluminium pots and Teflon coated pans and plastic microwave dishes, all add toxins to our food.
* Household cleaners, laid carpets, paints, glues and solvents release many hidden pollutants.
* Body products often contain harmful chemicals, which accumulate in the body.
* Our work environment is filled with electro-magnetic radiation from cellphones, computers and other electronic devices.
* Our minds are polluted with negative thoughts and emotions, which have an impact on our health and those around us.
* In addition to all this, some choose to smoke tobacco, inhaling many more chemicals.

SOURCES OF TOXIC METALS

The largest sources of toxic metals come from;

[1] Industrial, exhaust and tobacco fumes contain cadmium, arsenic, lead, tin, beryllium and polonium. Lead, silver and uranium are present in the air everywhere.

[2] Dental fillings may contain mercury, platinum and palladium.

[3] Drinking water may contain aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, lead, nickel, silver and uranium.

[4] Foods are contaminated in several ways:

* Food additives may contain aluminium and tin.
* Fertilisers contain aluminium, cadmium, polonium and uranium.
* Fungicides and pesticides contain mercury and tin.
* Tea, cocoa and coffee may contain high levels of cadmium and nickel.
* Large fish such as tuna often have high levels of mercury.
* Cooking utensils made of aluminium should be avoided, because of the aluminium which leaches into the food.
* Canned foods often contain aluminium, antimony and tin.

[5] Medicines such as antacids and anti-diarrhoeals contain aluminium; chemotherapeutic medicines may contain platinum.

[6] Cosmetics, paints, ceramics, batteries, electronic equipment and plastics all contain varying levels of toxic metals.

EFFECTS OF TOXIC METALS

The effects on the human body are wide ranging. The most serious effect is that of directly or indirectly causing cancers. Toxic metals are carcinogenic in several ways:

- damage to DNA or genes
- depletion of protective anti-oxidants
- suppression of the immune system
- activation of oestrogen receptors.

Many metals, such as aluminium and mercury, severely attack the nerves and brain causing seizures, dementia, hyperactivity in kids and Alzheimer’s disease in the aged.
Any other organ system can be susceptible, especially the gastro-intestinal tract, kidneys, liver and bone marrow.

Toxicity may not be apparent for many years until debilitating nerve disorders become apparent, at which stage it may be too late.
Toxic build-up may be the reason for unexplained symptoms such as:

* lack of energy, vertigo, headaches, numbness, pins and needles, muscle weakness, neuralgia.
* behavioural changes, hyperactivity, learning disability, depression, insomnia, irritability.
* hypertension, anaemia.
* abdominal pains, loss of weight.
* allergies, asthma, skin problems.
* overall immune system weakness.

WHAT IS CHELATION?

The word “chelation” is derived from the Greek word chele which means “claw” [like that of a crab]. When a chelating agent comes into contact with certain positively charged metals, it surrounds and binds to them forming a complex which can then be transported safely. Examples of chelating agents in nature are haemoglobin, which chelates an iron molecule in blood, chlorophyll which chelates a magnesium molecule in plants and vitamin C which chelates an iron molecule to facilitate its absorption from the gut. Chelation is the process whereby certain chelating agents are administered over a period of time, to draw toxic metals out of the body to restore health.

EDTA is a synthetic amino acid, which has been used since the 1940’s for chelating heavy metals, and is still widely used today in chelation treatments. Some agents such as EDTA, DMPS and DTPA are given intravenously, while others such as DMSA and Chorella are given orally.

WHO NEEDS CHELATION?

Almost invariably, everyone has toxins in their bodies. In order to ascertain whether the toxin load is high and whether this may be having an impact on one’s health, one needs to undergo testing. Hair analysis is easy to perform, but does not always give an accurate result. A urine challenge test is the most accurate way of testing for toxic metals. The chelating agent is administered [usually intravenously] and urine is collected for several hours. This is then analysed by the laboratory to determine which metals may be problematic.

HOW IS IT ADMINISTERED?

A comprehensive history is taken and a full physical examination is performed. A series of blood tests are required to assess the functioning of the kidneys, liver and pancreas, and the level of minerals and lipids in the blood. Cardiovascular and respiratory fitness testing is also done. Different chelating agents work best on different metals, so a protocol needs to be worked out depending on the results of the testing.

Some chelating agents such as DMSA and Chorella, can be administered by mouth over a prolonged period of time. More often chelating agents are used in combinations to get the maximum effect. These are usually given by intravenous injections once or twice a week for a course of 25 treatments before retesting is performed. One may need several courses of treatment extending over years. EDTA is given by slow infusion, mixed with vitamins and minerals, over 3 hours, whereas some of the others can be administered more quickly. Adherence to a healthy diet, avoidance of smoking and exercise are mandatory as is the supplementation of multivitamins, anti-oxidants and minerals.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Chelation therapy halts the bad effects of heavy metal toxicity on the organs and systems of the body, thereby removing obstructions to the restoration of health. This stimulates the body’s healing process, activating enzyme pathways and other metabolic reactions, and often damage can be reversed. One may start to feel more alert, with improved concentration and memory, less depressed and more energised.

Chelation therapy with EDTA is widely used in the USA and Europe for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders. EDTA improves function and exercise tolerance in conditions associated with atherosclerosis, such as angina, peripheral vascular disease and cerebrovascular disease. By chelating and removing calcium, along with a variety of other metals, it has a direct effect on reducing platelet aggregation, which prevents clotting of the blood which may otherwise have had fatal consequences. It stimulates the functioning of the heart, and by stimulating the parathyroid glands it dilates the coronary arteries. The stimulation of the parathyroids also has a positive effect on building bone. EDTA stimulates enzyme activity and improves the ratio of HDL [good] to LDL [bad] cholesterol.

Thus for anyone with one or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease, EDTA has been shown to reduce these risks greatly while improving overall health.

EDTA also has a positive effect on the aging process and many other conditions such as Diabetes Mellitus, Rheumatoid arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, fibromyalgia, peripheral neuropathy, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, thyroid disorders, porphyria and auto-immune disorders.

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS

Hundreds of thousands of chelation treatments have been performed with few side effects and no deaths. If practised according to established protocols chelation therapy is very safe:

[1] Critics claim that EDTA is dangerous to the kidneys, but if given slowly and in the correct quantity, it does not harm the kidneys and in fact will improve kidney function with time.

[2] If given too quickly, calcium levels may drop too far causing cramps, but this can be rectified easily.

[3] Blood sugar levels may also drop, especially in diabetics, but this is carefully monitored during treatment.

[4] Blood pressure is also monitored during treatment as it may drop causing dizziness. This could be caused by the needle becoming dislodged from the vein.

[5] Fatigue in the early stages may be due to mineral or vitamin deficiencies, which can be corrected.

[6] EDTA may be combined with most cardiovascular medication without the risk of serious interaction.

COST

Although it may seem expensive at first, a course of 25 treatments costs a fraction of the cost of bypass surgery, and the benefits are life-long.

WHY IS IT NOT MORE WIDELY USED?

Chelation therapy is approved in the USA only for very limited usage; lead toxicity, treatment of hypercalcaemia, and digitalis toxicity. Over the years there has been enormous opposition to the use of EDTA for cardiovascular disease. Cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons and pharmaceutical manufacturers are threatened by the use of a substance, which is effective, relatively cheap and safe. Bypass surgery benefits surgeons and hospitals alike. Pharmaceutical drugs needed by sufferers over many years produce enormous profits. In spite of the cries of “unscientific” and “unproven” by the orthodox medical community, there are many studies highlighting the effective use of EDTA. The thousands of patients worldwide who have benefited from chelation support the evidence that it is safe, effective and beneficial.

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