Chelation Therapy - An Alternative Approach to Saving Lives

Metals can enter the human body through various sources, such as contaminated food or water, exposure to mining, manufacturing, or environmental pollution, or even through certain consumer products. The body can accumulate excessive levels of certain metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium, leading to metal poisoning. Metal poisoning can disrupt normal functioning, leading to various health issues ranging from mild symptoms to severe life-threatening complications. Chelation is a process in which a substance is used to bind and remove toxic metals from the body. Chelation therapy benefits are gaining traction as the alternative approach for managing various diseases. This article shall explore the potential of chelation therapy in managing various health conditions that are beyond its original scope.  

Cardiovascular Disease

Heart disease patients seek chelation therapy as an alternative approach using disodium EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid). It reduces plaque buildup in arteries by targeting calcium deposits and improving blood flow, potentially reducing heart-related issues. 

Autism Spectrum Disorder and Alzheimer’s disease

It is believed that heavy metal toxicity, particularly mercury, may contribute to these neurological 

conditions, leading to the adoption of chelation therapy as a means to remove these metals from the body.  

Treating and Preventing Cancer

Chelation therapy benefits regarding prostate and breast cancer are positive. Considering the fact that tumors require metal ions to grow, specifically, those of iron, copper, zinc, and chelators can control their accumulation, they can block the metabolic pathways of cancerous cells.  

Diabetes

Although chelation therapy is not known to treat or cure diabetes, since people with diabetes face a higher risk of developing heart problems, chelation therapy can help reduce the risk. As per research results of Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy (TACT), participants with diabetes had a 41% overall reduction in the risk of cardiovascular events and a 40% reduction in the risk of death from heart disease.  

Risks and Limitation

While ongoing research, especially a large-scale study called Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy 2 (TACT2), is investigating chelation therapy benefits broadly, its use should be approached cautiously. Removing metals from the body can also eliminate essential minerals, leading to potential imbalances and deficiencies. Additionally, chelation agents can have adverse effects, too, ranging from mild reactions like nausea and vomiting to more severe complications like kidney damage. Hence, professional medical guidance and supervision are necessary to ensure its safe use. 

In a nutshell

Chelation therapy benefits in lowering blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart attacks, combatting inflammation, and reducing fatigue are already, to some extent, evidence-backed; the efficacy of chelation therapy remains debatable. After the completion of the large-scale ongoing study of EDTA chelation therapy for heart disease, the results can be used by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) to decide on chelation therapy as a life-saving procedure.