Heavy metal toxicity and chelation

Heavy Metal Chelation is a detoxification procedure whereby heavy metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium and others are flushed out of the body by the means of a chelating agent.
Chelation comes from the Greek word “chele” meaning claw. A chelating compound binds and removes heavy and other toxic metals from the body. The result of this binding is a water-soluble molecule, which can be excreted by the kidneys harmlessly.
The most common heavy metals that humans are exposed to are aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, gold and mercury. A build-up of these common heavy metals can lead to the disruption of normal biochemical process in the body.
Major sources of heavy metal toxicity include but are not limited to dental amalgam fillings, air pollution, cookware, tobacco smoke, farm-raised fish, drinking water, vaccinations, dyes, jewelry, batteries, deodorants & cosmetics, pesticides & fungicides.
Many people who have used chelation therapy regularly feel that it helps them remain more energetic and immune to common illnesses and stress. Studies show that chelation is scientifically proven to rid the body of excess or toxic metals, especially certain kinds like lead or mercury, that can lead to poisoning. The biggest benefit of chelation therapy is controlling levels of various environmental metals. Metals, including lead, mercury, aluminum and arsenic can cause short- and long-term health consequences, since they impact functions of the central nervous, cardiovascular, immune and skeletal systems.
Symptoms of heavy metal toxicity are very varied and unless a physician is really informed about the threat to health, which heavy metals pose, heavy metal toxicity may be overlooked as the root cause of the condition. Lack of energy, poor circulation, weight-gain, high blood pressure and unexplained aches and pains are some of the symptoms of heavy metal toxicity. Other symptoms of heavy metal toxicity include chronic fatigue, headaches, mood swings, allergies, cold hands and feet, digestive problems and forgetfulness.
Our chelation protocol which combines oral and intravenous chelating agents usually lasts 10 weeks and the effectiveness is controlled by repeated urine challenge tests.
Chelating agents can potentially bind to needed vitamins and minerals and remove them from the body. Therefore preparation before commencing the detoxification using supplements and environmental modifications, as well as diet changes during chelation are mandatory. Both intravenous and oral chelating agents are terminated, when an acceptable level of urine heavy metals is reached.

Umit Cetinkaya, M.D.
Internal Medicine