Imagine, what would happen if we ingested harmful and toxic heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic? When these accumulate in the body, they can cause various diseases. At such times, today we are talking about a special treatment method that is used to remove these toxic metals from the body. This is what is called Chelation therapy in medicine.
How does this treatment work?
Simply put, Chelation Therapy is the use of special drugs that bind to and remove toxic metals from the body. These drugs are called 'chelating agents'. They work like magnets. When these drugs enter the body, they seek out the toxic metal particles in the blood and bind tightly to them.
Then, both this medicine and the toxic metal it binds to are filtered through the kidneys and exit the body with urine.
There are two main ways this treatment is delivered:
- Intravenous (IV): This is the most commonly used method. This medication is given to the body through a small tube, like saline, placed in a vein in the arm.
- In pill form: Sometimes these medications are also given in pill form.
But this is not something you can do on your own. Your doctor will first do a blood test to determine if you have a serious level of metal poisoning . Only if that is confirmed will this treatment be recommended.
Is this used for other diseases? What is true or false?
This is where many people get misled. Some alternative medicine practitioners and online sellers claim that Chelation Therapy can cure heart disease, autism, and even Alzheimer's disease.
But the truth is, major health agencies around the world, such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have only approved this treatment for proven metal poisoning. It has not been approved as a treatment for any other condition.
Let's see what research says about these diseases.
As a treatment for autism?
There was a widespread misconception that the mercury in childhood vaccines caused autism. Scientific research has proven this to be completely false. However, some people still believe that removing metals from the body will reduce the symptoms of autism.
However, the world's leading pediatric organizations say there is no scientific evidence that Chelation Therapy is effective in treating autism. They also warn that it can be very dangerous for children. There has even been a reported case of one child with autism dying from the treatment.
Does this provide relief from Alzheimer's disease?
When Alzheimer's disease develops, abnormal proteins called tau and beta-amyloid accumulate in the brain, damaging the brain. Some researchers believe that the accumulation of metals such as copper, iron, and zinc in the brain may also play a role in this. Based on that idea, some people think that Chelation Therapy can provide relief. However, no research has been done to date to prove that it is beneficial for Alzheimer's disease.
Chelation Therapy for Heart Disease?
We know that heart disease is caused by plaques, which are fatty deposits that form in the blood vessels. These plaques contain calcium . The drug disodium EDTA used in Chelation Therapy can bind to calcium. So some people think that this treatment can cure heart disease by removing calcium and plaque from the blood vessels.
A large study called the TACT study found that while this treatment may reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with diabetes , there is not enough evidence to recommend it as a treatment for heart disease in general.
| Medical condition | Widespread misconception | Scientific truth |
|---|---|---|
| Autism | Removing the metal from the body can cure symptoms. | There is no evidence. It can be very dangerous for children. |
| Alzheimer's disease | The disease can be controlled by removing metal from the brain. | There is no evidence of benefit. |
| Heart Disease | Removes calcium and fatty deposits in blood vessels. | There is insufficient evidence. Although it has been shown to have a small benefit for people with diabetes, it is not approved as a general treatment. |
Are there any side effects of this treatment?
Yes. It can be safe if done for the right reasons, under the supervision of a doctor, and properly. The most common side effect is a burning sensation where the IV is given. In addition, some people may experience fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
However, the most serious risk of this is that these drugs can trap and remove toxic metals as well as essential minerals from our bodies . For example:
- Calcium
- Copper
- Zinc
When these essential nutrients are removed from the body, deficiencies can occur and other health problems can arise. It can also cause serious side effects, such as dangerously low blood calcium levels and kidney damage .
Take-Home Message
- Chelation Therapy is a specialized treatment used only for heavy metal poisoning that has been confirmed by a doctor.
- There is no solid scientific evidence that this cures other conditions, such as autism, Alzheimer's, or heart disease.
- Taking this treatment for an unapproved reason can be very dangerous and can cause serious side effects, such as kidney damage.
- Never use chelation products obtained online or without medical advice. These can only be obtained on medical prescription.
- If you have any concerns about this treatment, do not fall for misleading advertising and only discuss it with your doctor.
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