Chelation Therapy Explained

Chelation refers to the binding of an organic compound (e.g.EDTA) to a metal ion. The word chelation is derived rom the Greek word “chele”, which refers to the claw of a crab or a lobster. EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid) is a synthetic amino acid which, when added to the blood stream, can bind calcium, lead, cadmium and other heavy metals. The EDTA and metal ion complex is eliminated through the kidneys into the urine.

The presence of toxic heavy metals in the body increases the production of free radicals, which are unstable molecules that react aggressively, producing large numbers of other free radicals. Many “healthy” processes in the body require free radicals and our body is equipped to control a “normal” amount of free radical products. Excessive free radicals overwhelm the body’s defence mechanisms and can result in a range of inflammatory processes. Increased production of free radicals is caused by consumption of high levels of dietary fats (especially those containing polyunsaturated fats), cigarette smoke, alcohol consumption, modern food production techniques, as well as excessive heavy metals in the body (e.g. lead, iron, mercury, cadmium).

The benefit of EDTA chelation is derived mainly from the removal of heavy metals from the body, thereby decreasing the inflammatory and degenerative changes and ageing associated with excessive free radical production, which are the molecular basis for disease promotion.