Chelation therapy: Overview
Chelation therapy is a chemical process in which a medicine is injected into the bloodstream to remove heavy metals and/or minerals from the body. Chelation means "to grab" or "to bind." When the medicine is injected into the veins, it "grabs" heavy metals and minerals such as lead, mercury, copper, iron, arsenic, and aluminum, and it removes them from the body.
Chelation therapy
Chelation (say "key-LAY-shun") therapy is a medicine treatment for removing poisonous metals, such as lead, from the body. It also may be used to remove excess iron from the blood.
During chelation therapy, the person takes or has an injection of a medicine (chelating agent) that binds to the metal. The medicine and metal are then removed from the body through the urine. Chelation therapy also removes metals (like iron) that the body needs. So chelation therapy must be done carefully.
Chelation therapy can be used to treat severe lead poisoning. It also may be used to treat iron overload in people who need frequent blood transfusions, which can create organ-damaging excesses of iron. (People who have conditions such as thalassemia often receive blood transfusion therapy.)
Why is chelation therapy used?
Chelation is a very effective way to treat heavy metal poisoning.
At high levels, heavy metals and minerals such as lead, mercury, copper, iron, arsenic, aluminum, or calcium are toxic to the body. Chelation is used to lower the amount of heavy metals and minerals in the body.
What are some of the side effects of chelation therapy?
Side effects of chelation treatment may include headaches, rash, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
The treatment may remove vital minerals from the body along with the toxic metals. Sometimes vitamins and minerals are added to the treatment solution to help keep them at an optimal level in the body to maintain health.
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