SO, WHAT IS EDTA CHELATION EXACTLY?

EDTA is a chelation agent. In chemistry, it makes a heterocyclic ring structure. The ions are held by the chemical bonds from each of the participating rings. Drawn out, it looks like a claw is holding the metallic ion. The word chelation comes from the Greek word "chele" which refers to the claw of a crab or lobster.

During a chelation treatment, the free, electrically-charged ionic forms of minerals are removed first, chromium having the highest selection. Serum calcium level is reduced during chelation and the parathyroid attempts to maintain a stable level of calcium in the blood. Calcium is withdrawn from the circulation of the joints, skin, and vessel walls. Stimulation of cells involved in bone metabolism is accomplished by pulsing bursts of parathyroid hormone, new bone continues to build through a rebound effect achieving new levels up to three months after cessation of EDTA treatment. Improvement in circulation is the result of blood flow being restored by increasing peripheral circulation. Some believe the removal of calcium plays a role in the removal of plaque and restoration of arterial flexibility. Most of the beneficial effects of EDTA are seen in its indirect modulating effects on free radical proliferation. For more information, read The Scientific Basis of Chelation Therapy, by Bruce Halstead, M.D..

Simply stated, EDTA has an affinity for transition metals (iron and copper) and related toxic metals (lead, mercury, cadmium, and others) which are potent catalysts of excessive free radical reactions. Free radical pathology is believed to be the underlying process that triggers development of most age related diseases like cancer, senility, arthritis and atherosclerosis - most often by promoting inflammation.

WHAT TYPES OF PATIENTS USE CHELATION?

Patients who use chelation are those who have heart disease or a family history of heart disease. Fully half of the bypass operations performed in the United States are unnecessary. A decade of scientific study has shown that except in certain well-defined situations, bypass surgery does not save lives or even prevent heart attacks: Among patients who suffer from coronary-artery disease, those who are treated without surgery enjoy the same survival rates as those who undergo open-heart surgery. MD Magazine, Feb. l995.

Diabetics and macular degeneration patients use chelation to increase peripheral circulation. Chelation is also frequently used and found beneficial in the treatment of osteoarthritis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fribromyalgia, organic poisoning, and heavy metal reduction. In so doing, a detoxification takes place and induces and encourages an anti-aging effect.

A SAFE WAY TO GO

One of the greatest attractions of chelation therapy is that it is very safe. There are very few medical procedures that can report as safe a record as can chelation. Every year, in contrast, prescribed drugs, hospital accidents and mistakes result in many deaths. At our Center, the only treatments we offer are those that have a history of being safe. By now, modern medicine has the benefit of a long history of chelation in numerous application, and those who specialize in it are sure of what it can do and the very best ways of using it.

In early experiments, EDTA was often used in doses up to 10 times the amount now recommended. This resulted in serious adverse effects including renal failure. With the use of laboratory testing, including kidney function tests, and by following recommended protocols, a physician can chelate safely.

One form of EDTA Chelation that is most recognized is the Sodium EDTA which is administered in I.V. form and each session takes from three to four hours at the clinic. Safety requires that it take this long because the salt used to activated the EDTA is magnesium. The magnesium, if infused too quickly in some individuals, can drop the level of serum calcium too quickly, causing an unsafe condition.

Another form of chelation is Calcium EDTA which is administered usually in three to five minutes. The same dosage is used as is in the Sodium EDTA, only the salt used is calcium. We use Calcium EDTA when we are trying to remove heavy metal burden that has accumulated in the body. The longer, or slower IV administration method (Sodium EDTA) provides enhanced benefits for our patients where we are dealing with various aspects of metastatic and pathologic calcium accumulation.

Oral EDTA is recommended concurrently with the parenteral (IV)chelation. Oral chelation of EDTA is only 5-18% absorbed so the remainder can be in the intestine where it can chelate any toxic metals presented through the bile. This oral EDTA can trap and hold these toxins largely eliminating the enterohepatic re-uptake. It should be understood that no single chelator adequately binds all the toxic metals. Thus, patients need to utilize other oxidative therapeutics as well. And it is important not to plan to stop the oral chelation or the .....IV pushes even after all symptoms go away. Chelation should be periodically maintained throughout life because of the continued assault from our polluted environment.

Side effects may occur including vein irritation, mild pain, headache, fatigue, hypoglycemia, or other detoxification symptoms, although many patients have no problems at all. Fortunately, these and other side effects can be controlled.