What is Chelation Therapy?

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Chelation therapy is a treatment aimed at reducing calcium deposits in the arteries and other parts of the body.  The procedure involves injecting small amounts of an amino acid, disodium ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), into the blood stream.  The amino acid (has the unique and valuable property of being) is powerfully attracted to ionic calcium.  When EDTA comes in contact with ionic calcium in the body it binds itself to it.  The EDTA-calcium complex is then excreted through the kidneys into the urine and through the liver into the intestinal tract, and finally passes out of the body.  This binding property of EDTA provides the basis for chelation therapy.

 

Chelation Process

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The word chelate is derived from the Greek chele which refers to the claw of a crab or lobster, implying the firm, pincer-like binding of certain chemical substances to a bivalent metal or other mineral.  Chelation is specifically defined as the incorporation of a metal or a mineral ion into a heterocyclic ring structure.

 

Certain chemicals are used in chelation to grasp metals or calcium with this claw-like action so that these minerals are encircled or sequestered by a complex ring structure, thereby losing their physiologic and toxic properties. When chelation takes place, the calcium or heavy metal that comes in contact with the chelating agent, becomes imprisoned in the chelating chemical, and then is excreted from the body in a bound and inert form.

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Chelation Process In Nature

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Chelation is one of the most important natural functions taking place in the bodies of living organisms, both plant and animal.  It is the means by which plants and animals are able to utilize inorganic minerals.  Chlorophyll, the green matter of plants, is a chelate of magnesium.  Hemoglobin, the oxygen carrying pigment of red blood cells, is a chelate of iron.  Chelation is involved in the formation and function of enzymes, the protein substances which control most of the vital functions of the body.  Most of the successful drugs which are used in the treatment of disease are dependent upon chelation processes for their action.  Chelation processes comprise some of the most complex chemical reactions found in nature, and are the mechanisms which control many body functions.  These same principles are used in chelation therapy to treat arteriosclerosis and related diseases.

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Chelation Therapy vs. Surgery:

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By-pass surgery can be performed to circumvent  constricted or blocked arteries. If there is a severe localized blockage of a major artery, surgery is the treatment of choice.  Surgical procedures may also be needed in some cases for conditions which are unresponsive to chelation therapy.  However, if there is a generalized atherosclerotic condition, surgery is usually not effective.  It should be kept in mind that surgery is only effective in those specific sites which are reached by the surgeon’s knife.  Effects of the surgeon’s treatment extends no further.  Chelation therapy involves the entire body, including such areas as the brain, which can not be surgically repaired.

 

Chelation is like a general tune up of the body.  Contrary to what the over-enthusiastic purports, chelation does not “cure” old age and its symptoms.  However, it does help by giving the body a chance to rejuvenate. 

 

To summarize, Chelation therapy . . .

• Removes toxic metals from the body, such as lead.

• Chelates and removes calcium.

• Causes vasodilatation.

• Inhibits platelet aggregation and other coagulation pathways.

• Improves the circulation.

• Helps improve collateral circulation.

• Makes arteries more elastic.

• Nourishes the cells with different vitamins and nutrients contained in the chelation solution.

• Thins the blood to enable better circulation.

• Reduces free radical damage with its antioxidant effect.

 

Benefits of Chelation Therapy:

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• Stabilization of cell membrane

• Improvement in organ functioning

• Normalization of cardiac arrhythmias in many cases

• Improved cerebro-vascular arterial circulation

• Improved memory and concentration when diminished circulation is the cause

• Improved vision with vascular-related vision difficulties

• Significant improvement in other degenerative diseases

• Protection against iron poisoning and iron storage disease

 

Chelation therapy is generally safer than surgery, less expensive, and a more rational approach since it promotes the health of the entire circulatory system whereas surgery is limited to a small segment of the arterial system.

 

Should you have any questions or would like further information regarding Chelation therapy treatment, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

 

Hitendra H. Shah, M.D.

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