Chelation For Heavy Metal Poisoning

Heavy metals are pervasive in the environment.  We can reduce our exposure to some degree, but it is impossible to avoid these substances entirely.  Fortunately there are some treatments that can reduce the body’s load of toxic metals.  If you are suffering from a laundry list of  symptoms but can’t find a diagnosis, have yourself tested for heavy metal toxicity.

Synthetic Chelation  Chelation (pronounced keylaytion) therapy is a process by which a synthetic amino acid is introduced into the body.  This amino acid EDTA (ethylene diamine tetracetic acid)  binds with the heavy metals in a patients blood stream and then carries them out through the urine and feces.  The chelate can be introduced to the body intravenously, orally, or by suppository.   This method is approved by the FDA for detox and is practiced by many physicians.  This method of chelation is absolutely effective, but there are those who believe that EDTA is harmful in it’s own right.  In addition to the toxic metals EDTA binds with some of the beneficial metals in the body causing them to be excreted as well.

Natural Chelation    Many natural substances are also effective for removing toxins from the body .   For example, amino-acids are an important component of the body’s natural chelation system, but as we age our cells become less effective at producing these agents.  It’s a good idea to supplement with these.  Many  other vitamins and minerals function in the same way.   Clay and water can also help to cleanse the body of toxins, but the clay must be absolutely pure.  These methods are gentler  and probably a better option for anyone who wants to detox over an extended period of time.   Natural chelation is usually an oral detox method that  can be an important part of a prevention and maintenance program.  

There are two other good alternatives.  Consider a detox body wrap.  This method draws out toxins that are stored in your fat cells.  You can find body wrap kits on the internet, but this treatment is also available at a lot of health spas.    Detox food pads also help draw toxins out of your body.  You apply the detox food pad to the bottoms of your feet before you go to sleep at night.  These are extremely effective.

Heavy Metal Poisoning Facts

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Heavy  metals are metals that have a specific gravity five times higher than water.  Heavy metal poisoning occurs when these metals accumulate in the soft tissues of our bodies.  Arsenic, lead, mercury, cadmium, and iron are the elements most commonly associated with this kind of toxicity, but there are 19 others that can be poisonous at high levels.  Although aluminum is not considered a heavy metal it too can be toxic in large quantities.   Oddly enough some of these elements are necessary for optimum health, but only in trace amounts  Others have no physical benefits whatsoever.

Heavy  metal toxicity can occur from acute or prolonged exposure.  As we age  we repeatedly come into contact with these elements causing higher levels of the poisons in our body, and as we get older our bodies simply can’t negate the effects of toxicity anymore.  At this point a heavy metal cleanse is recommended.   Heavy metal exposure is known to be a hazard of certain occupations.  In modern industry many jobs entail daily exposure to heavy metals, but this is also an environmental problem.   As levels of heavy metals rise in our air, soil and drinking water more and more people are exposed.  The number of known cases rises every year.  Heavy metal poisoning has become a major public health concern.

These substances accumulate in our bodies and interfere with our normal physiological functions.  Heavy metals are harmful to the heart, liver, kidneys, and brain.   They also displace minerals in our body that are vital to biological function.  They disrupt our bodies at the most basic cellular level.   Symptoms associated with long term exposure will develop and worsen over time.   They mimic the progression of other chronic illnesses.  Sadly it is not common to test for metal toxicity unless there is a known acute exposure.  A patient who presents for a particular set of symptoms could have to suffer through numerous other treatments before a doctor finally checks for these toxins.  The real tragedy of this is that there are numerous options, ranging from chelation therapy to a heavy metal cleanse.

There is nothing we can do to avoid exposure.  Heavy metals are pervasive in the environment.  Leaded gasoline, lead paint, fertilizers, rat poison and lead plumbing all contribute to the problem.  Your best defense is to read the labels of products you buy .  If heavy metals are present look for a safer product.  Educate yourself about the symptoms of heavy metal poisoning.  Your doctor might not look for it. And if you’ve ever been exposed to these toxins tell your doctor.  Without a thorough history your doctor can’t find the proper treatment.

Common Types Of Heavy Metal Poisoning

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There are many sources of heavy metal toxins.  Mercury amalgam fillings, pesticides and rat poisons are just a few common products that contain heavy metals.  Industrial exposure is most common for adults, but children usually ingest toxins.  Here’s a rundown of the most common causes of  heavy metal poisoning.

Arsenic  According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Arsenic is the most common type of heavy metal poisoning for adults. Occupational Exposure can occur in the wood-working, glass making, or even the electronics industry.  Approximately 90% of the arsenic produced in America is used to preserve wood, but it is also widely used as a pesticide particularly for cotton.  Arsenic is also found in some pretty common household substances like laundry detergent, some sea food and even tap water.

Lead Lead is the leading cause of heavy metal toxicity for children.  Lead based paint is the culprit.  This type of paint was banned in 1978, but anything built before then is likely to have a lead based paint somewhere.  As the houses age and the paint deteriorates it becomes lead contaminated house dust.  If young children play in this environment and put their hands or their toys in their mouth they may be ingesting toxic lead dust.  Some candies imported from Mexico and toys imported from China may contain lead.  In production lead is used in batteries, ammunition, and fuel additives.

Mercury  Mercury is used in the thermometer and battery industries.  It is present in fish, fungicides and of course mercury amalgam fillings.  Amalgams in teeth are about 50% mercury.  Mercury was also used  in paint as a fungicide up until 1990, but the primary source of mercury contamination is polluted water.

Cadmium  Cadmium is used in batteries, paints and PVC plastics.  It is also widely used in the agricultural industry in fertilizers, insecticides, and fungicides.

Aluminum Aluminum is not a heavy metal, but there is some evidence to suggest that it is connected with Alzheimer’s disease.  Aluminum is present in cans, deodorants, antacids and buffered aspirin.  You might consider replacing your aluminum cookware with a steel or enamel coated product.  Try not to use aluminum fould.  Particularly with acidic foods.

These are only the most common sources of heavy metal poisoning.  All of these can be inhaled or ingested, but it is possible to absorb toxic amounts of heavy metals through the skin as well.  Symptoms vary and can resemble the symptoms of other chronic diseases.  If you‘ve been exposed to heavy metal toxins please tell you doctor.