Chelation is a medical treatment for the treatment of hardening of the arteries. Holistic practitioners actually use heavy metal poisoning in the process. Chelation is also being used to treat heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and kidney disease, though the scientific evidence supporting its efficacy in the treatment of other diseases is not as strong as that which supports its use in treating atherosclerotic disease.
History
Chelation therapy traces back to the 1950s when it was developed to treat heavy metal poisoning. The subject would be treated with chelation therapy as a method for the binding and ultimate removal of excess lead. If the therapy was given early enough it could be successful in the reducing the damage done by the presence of lead in the body.
Process
The actual process of chelation is quite sophisticated. Therapy is accomplished by introducing a synthetic amino acid known as ethylen diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) to facilitate the removal of metals and toxic substances from the blood. As the therapy continues, it is believed to clear the arteries as well. If successful, this will cease the progression of atherosclerosis. In the best case, chelation actually reverses the progression.
Identification
Chelation is also identified as a treatment that involves chemicals known as cleaning agents that work to bind substances in the body. The purpose in this kind of chelation is also the removal of these substances. Chelation is not just used to treat accidental ingestion of metals, but also the condition of thalasemia which is buildup of iron overload due to repeated blood transfusions.
Infusion Therapy
Chelation therapy is practiced most often through infusion into a vein. This is preferable to oral ingestion of EDTA because the stomach does not absorb it as readily. The animo acid is usually excreted by the kidneys in the form of urine and up to 95 percent is usually removed from the body within the first 24 hours.
Time Frame
The standard time frame for chelation therapy is around three hours. Subjects typically begin with weekly treatments for anywhere from two to three weeks. Following this initial period, the chelation infusions are cut down to every few months. This is done to ensure that the benefits of the treatment remain in place. In addition to the venous infusion, high dose vitamins are taken orally.
Side Effects
Side effects of chelation are rare but not unknown. Some side effects that have been reported include phlebitis at the site of venous infusion. Others may experience a temporary drop in blood pressure or lowered levels of blood calcium. More serious potential side effects include kidney damage, heart rhythm abnormalities and bone marrow suppression.
Tags: Chelation also, heavy metal, heavy metal poisoning, metal poisoning, used treat, venous infusion