Have you ever heard that heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic can be toxic if they enter our bodies? Yes, if these accumulate inside our bodies, they can cause various diseases. So, a special treatment method used to remove such toxic metals from the body is called ' Chelation therapy '. This is done to remove those toxic metals from the body before you get sick.
Simply put, how does this treatment work?
This is a very simple concept. Imagine that you are given a special drug that acts like a magnet that can capture the toxic metals inside your body. This is what happens in this treatment.
Chelating medicine is a special medicine that binds to the toxic metal in your blood. It is usually given through a saline solution (intravenous - IV) in a vein in your arm. It is also sometimes given as a pill. When the medicine enters your body, it binds to the toxic metal in your blood, and the two are combined and excreted in your urine. Very simple, right?
But there is one very important thing. Before starting this treatment, your doctor must definitely do a blood test to confirm whether you actually have toxic metal levels in your body. You cannot just do this treatment.
Is it true that this treatment is used for other diseases?
This is the biggest question many people have. Some alternative medicine practitioners and organizations are promoting this treatment as a treatment for conditions like heart disease, autism, and Alzheimer's disease.
But we need to be clear, this treatment is only approved by medical science to remove toxic metals from the body. It has not yet been scientifically proven to be useful for other diseases. In fact, if this treatment is used incorrectly, it can cause serious side effects that can even lead to death.
Let's look at these diseases separately.
| Medical condition | Scientific opinion and the real situation |
|---|---|
| Autism | This belief is based on the completely false belief that childhood vaccines contain mercury, which is a cause of autism. Research has shown that this is false. However, some people believe that removing the metal from the body will reduce symptoms of autism. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that there is no evidence that this treatment is effective for autism, and it can be dangerous . One child with autism has even died as a result of this treatment. |
| Alzheimer's Disease | People with this disease have abnormal proteins that build up in their brains, damaging the brain. Some researchers believe that metals like copper, iron, and zinc may also be involved. But that's just speculation. While some people think that chelation therapy might be helpful, there's no scientific evidence to support it. |
| Heart Disease | Heart disease is caused by fatty deposits (plaques) in the blood vessels, which narrow them. These fatty deposits contain calcium. A drug used in chelation therapy (disodium EDTA) binds to this calcium. So, some people think that this treatment can remove calcium and fatty deposits from the blood vessels. A large study (TACT study) found that it was able to slightly reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke only in people with diabetes . However, it was not enough to prove that this is an effective treatment for heart disease. Therefore, it is not an approved treatment for heart disease. |
What are the side effects of this treatment?
If the exact cause, which is toxic metal ingestion, is treated correctly, it can be safe. However, even then, some side effects may occur.
The most common side effect is a burning sensation at the IV site. In addition, fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting may also occur.
But there is something more serious. The drugs used in this treatment can not only remove toxic metals from the body, but also essential minerals such as calcium , copper, and zinc. This can lead to deficiencies in these nutrients.
The most dangerous aspect of this is that for some people, serious conditions can develop, such as dangerously low blood calcium levels and permanent kidney damage .
Things you should pay special attention to
If you are considering this treatment, please keep these points in mind.
Chelation Therapy is currently only approved for the treatment of toxic metal overload in the body. There is not enough evidence to support its use for any other condition. Additionally, it can be very dangerous if used for an unapproved purpose.
Be very careful with chelation products sold online or claiming to treat conditions like heart disease or Alzheimer's. These medications are not approved for use without a doctor's prescription. They are not approved for use at home.
Therefore, if you are considering this treatment, or if someone suggests it to you, be sure to discuss it clearly with your doctor first. He or she will give you the most accurate and safest advice.
Take-Home Message
- Chelation Therapy is a specific treatment that is only used for heavy metal poisoning that has been confirmed by a doctor through a blood test.
- There is no strong scientific evidence that this treatment is effective for conditions such as autism, Alzheimer's disease, or heart disease. It can be dangerous to use it for these conditions.
- This treatment can cause serious side effects, such as kidney damage and loss of essential minerals from the body.
- Never use chelation products obtained online or through other means without a doctor's recommendation.
- In any case, if you are considering this type of treatment, be sure to discuss it with your doctor before making a decision.
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