Chelation therapy has been used successfully for over fifty years to treat heavy metal toxicity and cardiovascular disease. The word chelation literally means “to bind”. Chelation therapy requires the use of synthetic amino acids such as: EDTA, DMSA, DMPS to be administered either orally or intravenously. Chelating agents work like magnets to bind up heavy metals such as: Mercury, Lead, Aluminum, Arsenic, Cadmium etc., as well as some minerals that can be potentially toxic to the body.
For example, the chelator NaEDTA can bind up excess calcium from tissues that can contribute to the atherosclerotic plaques underlying heart disease. By decreasing plaque build-up, normal blood flow can be restored to the heart and vascular system. In the case of heavy metal toxicity, low level exposure over time can result in significant retention of these metals in the tissues of the body which in turn can interfere with many metabolic processes in the body such as: blood circulation, detoxification processes, energy production, immune, and neurotransmitter function. Overall, chelation therapy be it for cardiovascular or heavy metal toxicity, has been shown to significantly improve the health status of the body for a variety of conditions.
Before a patient can begin receiving chelation therapy, a comprehensive assessment is required to determine the most appropriate chelator(s) or combination of chelators and the frequency of treatment in addition to other supportive therapies (e.g. oral supplementation, IV Glutathione (link) and/or IV Vitamin C). This involves a thorough review of a patient’s health history, a physical exam, and lab work to assess for heavy metal levels, blood chemistry, mineral status, cardiovascular markers if applicable, as well as adequate liver and kidney function. Throughout treatment, kidney function and urine metal excretion as well as other key lab markers are monitored periodically. For more information about chelation therapy please speak with Dr. Sjovold at your next appointment.
The following is a list of conditions that can benefit from chelation therapy:
- ADD/ADHD
- Autism
- Autoimmune conditions
- Chronic fatigue
- Depression
- Heart & circulatory conditions
- High blood pressure
- Memory impairment
- Metabolic syndrome
drsjovoldnd.wordpress.com 