Chelation therapy is a means of removing heavy metals from the blood, like mercury or lead. It is one of the types of metal poisoning standard treatments.
Furthermore, studies have claimed that this therapy may be used as a treatment option for conditions including autism, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and some heart ailments. However, more research may be needed to prove these claims.
How Does This Therapy Work?
Chelation treatment includes injecting a chelator or chelating agent, which is a form of medicine. Common chelators were ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and dimercaprol, dimercaptosuccinic acid.
For chelation therapy, a chelating agent is injected through an intravenous tube. These chelators are medications that bind metals in the blood. Heavy metals in the bloodstream are gathered and removed from the system through the urine through this process.
Furthermore, the common chelating agents that are used include dimercaprol, dimercaptosuccinic acid, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Nonetheless, before attempting any treatment, contact a medical practitioner.
What Are The Proven Benefits Of This Therapy?
Chelation therapy has been proven effective in removing several heavy metals from the bloodstream, including:
- arsenic
- iron
- nickel
- lead
- mercury
- copper
What Causes Heavy Metal Poisoning?
Heavy metal poisoning is often caused by ingesting lead, inhaling heavily contaminated air, or drinking contaminated water. However, these are not the only things that cause heavy metal poisoning. In fact, the building up of certain metals in the body may also be a result of several existing conditions, including:
- Hemochromatosis. This condition causes the body to absorb excessive blood iron.
- Chronic Kidney Disease. This disease needs regular dialysis, and it can result in an aluminum build-up in the body.
- Thalassemia. This blood disorder can cause the body’s iron to require frequent blood transfusions.
- Wilson’s disease. This is a rare hereditary problem that involves the body to become copper poisoned.
What Are The Risks Of This Therapy?
Because this therapy uses strong chelating agents, mild to strong side effects are inevitable. It’s possible that you’ll feel a burning sensation where the injection was made. Aside from that, the following may also transpire:
- Vomiting and Nausea
- Headache
- Fever
In some cases, some severe side effects may occur, such as severe allergic reactions, anemia, brain damage, and seizures. As a result of these dangers, chelation therapy is only suggested for the treatment of metal poisoning, as the benefits far exceed the risks.
