Chelation Therapy for Heavy Metal Toxicity Q&A

Yes, chelation therapy is used to remove heavy metals or minerals, such as lead, arsenic, and mercury, from the body. Chelation therapy is commonly used in cases of heavy metal poisoning to reduce the toxic burden on the body and prevent further damage to vital organs. The therapy is administered under strict medical supervision, typically through an intravenous (IV) infusion.

The specific chelating agent used depends on the type of metal being targeted. For example, EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is often used for lead poisoning, while DMPS (dimercapto propane sulfonate) or DMSA (dimercaptosuccinic acid) may be used for mercury.

The symptoms of heavy metal poisoning can vary depending on the severity of the exposure and the specific metal. Common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain
• Dehydration
• Weakness
• Diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Numbness in the hands or feet
• Chills or low body temperature

In addition, some of the symptoms of heavy metal poisoning can be life-threatening, such as:

• Abnormal heartbeat
• Kidney damage
• Liver damage
• Difficulty breathing
• Anemia
• Brain damage and memory loss
• Heightened risk of cancer

If you’ve noticed these symptoms after heavy metal exposure, it’s strongly urged that you seek urgent medical care to prevent further complications.

Chelation therapy can remove:

• Lead: Lead exposure often comes from old paint, contaminated soil, and certain industrial environments. It can cause serious health issues, such as nervous system dysfunction.

• Mercury: Found in fish, dental fillings, and industrial emissions, mercury can accumulate and cause various health problems, such as chest pain, insomnia, weakness, and irritability.

• Arsenic: Common in contaminated water, pesticides, and some industrial processes, arsenic exposure can affect the skin, liver, kidneys, and lungs.

• Cadmium: Exposure to cadmium can cause kidney damage and other health issues and often occurs due to contact with cigarette smoke, batteries, or certain fertilizers.

• Iron: Excessive iron, as seen in conditions like hemochromatosis, can be harmful to your wellness.

• Copper: While essential in small amounts, excess copper from sources like contaminated water or certain industrial environments can lead to serious health concerns, such as liver or kidney damage.

• Zinc: Excessive zinc exposure, often from supplements or industrial sources, can interfere with copper metabolism and cause various health problems, such as nausea and weakened immune function.

• Thallium: This rare metal is found in some electronic equipment and industrial processes. Thallium poisoning is often severe.

Chelation therapy is a widely recognized treatment for heavy metal toxicity, and it has proven to be very effective. The primary benefit of chelation therapy is its ability to significantly reduce the levels of these toxic metals, thereby mitigating their harmful effects on the body. For instance, in cases of lead poisoning, chelation therapy can decrease lead levels, protecting the nervous system and other vital organs. Similarly, it can reduce the harmful effects of mercury, cadmium, iron, and arsenic.

The effectiveness of chelation therapy depends on various factors, including the type of metal involved, the extent of exposure, and the individual’s overall health. To find out how chelation therapy can help you, you’ll need to book a consultation with a reputable specialist.

When chelation therapy is administered by a trained professional, this approach is safe. In fact, chelation therapy is the only currently FDA-approved treatment for addressing heavy metal poisoning. Some of the most common side effects reported by patients following chelation therapy are slight discomfort at the IV site, mild fever, headache, or nausea.

Despite its effectiveness and safety, chelation therapy is not suitable for everyone. For example, if you are diagnosed with certain medical conditions, such as heart or kidney failure, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, this treatment approach is not recommended for you at any dose. To learn more about chelation therapy and whether you are an eligible candidate for this heavy metal poisoning treatment, schedule a visit to The Center for Occupational & Environmental Medicine in Charleston, South Carolina. We serve patients from Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Summerville, North Charleston SC, Ladson, SC, Hanahan SC, James Island SC, John’s Island SC, Daniel Island SC, and all of South Carolina, Nationally, and Internationally.