> Holistic Healing > Chelation Therapy (EDTA)

Chronic degenerative diseases continue to be North America’s primary killers, with heart disease and cancer leading the way. These conditions are no longer an affliction of the aged, but are reaching into younger and younger age groups.

Hundreds of thousands of Canadians take high blood pressure and anti-cholesterol medicine, undergo angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery and require long-term management of their circulatory systems. Although many are satisfied with this approach, some are not and seek alternate treatment. Once such treatment is chelation therapy.

What is Chelation Therapy?

The word “chelate” is derived from the Greek word chele, which refers to the claw of a crab or lobster, implying the firm, pincer-like action. Chelation therapy is a treatment in which a variety of specific compounds are administered orally or intravenously so as to bind or chelate unwanted substances so they can be properly eliminated.

It was initially thought that chelation therapy somehow leached calcium out of atherosclerotic plaque, thereby opening up arteries and improving circulation. This has recently been proven to be a false assumption.

It is currently believed that toxic metals such as arsenic, mercury, lead, cadmium and possibly excess amounts of iron or calcium, can accumulate in the arteries and other tissues of the body. This accumulation can lead to free-radical damage, micro-inflammation and increased vulnerability to infection of the blood vessels, which, in turn, initiates the process of atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries). Since these abnormal metals cannot be excreted efficiently by normal detoxification functions, a chelating agent can be introduced into the body to bind them and allow for their removal.

How It Works

EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid) is a synthetic amino acid and the primary chelating agent used in chelation therapy. Several different forms of EDTA exist that can be used in a variety of ways within a chelation protocol. When administered intravenously and possibly orally or by suppository, EDTA circulates via the bloodstream; claws on to any toxic minerals deposited in the artery wall and excretes them through the kidneys and bile.

A host of other chelating agents are available if EDTA is not the preferred choice. DMPS (2,3 dimercapto-1-propane sulphonic acid), DMSA (2,3 dimercapto succinic acid), peptide clathrating agent, sodium alginate, cilantro, chlorella, certain amino acids, and high-dose vitamin C are other options. Each has pros and cons on their use and has variable rates of effectiveness. Of course, a chelation physician will ultimately determine which of these agents is most appropriate for the individual case.

The ultimate effect of chelation therapy is to restore the health of the arteries. This is obtained by the removal of the pathological heavy metals and, according to current research, the increased production of a naturally formed substance called nitric oxide. Nitric oxide, also called endothelial-relaxing factor, relaxes blood vessels, decreases resistance to blood flow and, subsequently, improves the delivery of oxygen and other vital nutrients to the tissues supplied by the vessels. Such effects are desirable in a majority of cardiovascular diseases.

To find a qualified chelation therapist in your area, contact the Canadian Naturopathic Association at 1-877-628-7284 or the Chelation Association of Vancouver at 604-324-3889. Dr. Garrett Swetlikoff is a naturopathic physician who has incorporated both traditional and progressive naturopathic methods into his practice. His interest in treating the acute and severely ill has led him to specialize in what he calls “interventional natural medicine.” Phone 250-868-2205 or e-mail gswetlikoff@shaw.ca. We invite your feedback at editorial@alive.com.

Source: alive #253, November 2003