This poisoning can occur when metals like mercury, lead and arsenic accumulate in the body. In such a situation, these metals are removed through chelation therapy so that it does not affect the health of the person. Although it has not been proven yet whether it is the right treatment for heart disease or not, still some people take this therapy for the treatment of heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
In this therapy, the patient is given chelators which are chemical compounds. It helps in binding the heavy metals present in the body and removing them through urine. Chelation therapy is used to treat diseases like heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and autism.
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How does chelation therapy work?
During this therapy the patient is given an injection of EDTA. After entering the blood, it binds the minerals present in the body and removes them through urine. When heart blockage occurs, calcium accumulates in a person’s arteries. In such a situation, when EDTA reaches the arteries, it binds the frozen calcium and works to clean the dirt from the blood.
Chelation Therapy for Heart Disease
According to the Cleveland Clinic (Ref), this therapy is used to treat mercury poisoning. However, further studies and clinical trials are still needed on how effective and safe it is for heart disease. Its side effects have also been reported in some studies. Doctors use it to clear heart block and treat heart attack or coronary artery disease.
Chelation Therapy for Autism
Since mercury exposure causes autism, according to experts, chelation therapy is used for autism. It is believed that if a pregnant woman is consuming some medicines and food which contain mercury or if mercury is entering her through breath, then the fetus in her womb can also come in contact with it. However, there is no concrete evidence to prove the link between mercury and autism. Different reasons have been suggested in different studies.
Chelation Therapy for Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s is a neurological disease. In this disease, abnormal proteins called tau and beta amyloid accumulate in the brain and damage the brain. Some researchers believe that accumulation of metals like copper, iron and zinc also causes Alzheimer’s disease. If so, then chelation therapy can be used in its treatment. However, there is no evidence yet that it is effective in this disease.
Side Effects of Chelation Therapy
Chelation therapy can be safe if used correctly and for the right reason. The most common side effects include irritation in the area where the IV is inserted. Apart from this, the patient may also experience fever, headache, nausea and vomiting. In such a situation, it is important that chelation therapy is always done under expert supervision.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always consult your doctor for more information.
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone, to this exclusive interview! Today, we delve into a fascinating and somewhat controversial treatment known as chelation therapy, especially as it pertains to heart disease. With us is Dr. Emily Harris, a leading expert in the field of toxicology and cardiovascular health. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Harris!
Dr. Emily Harris: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss this important topic.
Editor: Let’s start with the basics. Can you explain what chelation therapy is and how it works within the body?
Dr. Harris: Certainly! Chelation therapy involves administering chelators—chemical compounds that bind to heavy metals in the bloodstream. The most commonly used chelator is EDTA, which is injected into the body. Once in the bloodstream, EDTA binds to metals like mercury, lead, and arsenic, allowing them to be excreted through urine. Essentially, it cleans the bloodstream of toxic heavy metals.
Editor: That sounds quite effective for heavy metal poisoning! But I’ve heard people also use it for heart disease treatment. What’s the connection there?
Dr. Harris: Yes, that’s where it gets interesting. Some proponents suggest that by removing heavy metals and other minerals, particularly calcium accumulation in the arteries, it could potentially improve heart function and reduce blockages. However, while there are anecdotal reports of benefits, clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness for heart disease is still lacking. The Cleveland Clinic points out that it’s currently more established for treating metal poisoning rather than heart conditions.
Editor: So, there’s a bit of a gray area there. Are there any particular risks or side effects associated with chelation therapy, especially for heart disease treatment?
Dr. Harris: Absolutely. While chelation therapy can be beneficial for specific cases of heavy metal poisoning, it includes potential side effects such as kidney damage, electrolyte imbalances, and the risk of excessive removal of necessary minerals. For heart disease, these risks can be more pronounced. That’s why ongoing studies and clinical trials are crucial to understand its safety and efficacy in that context.
Editor: I see! For those considering this treatment for heart-related issues, what would your advice be?
Dr. Harris: I would strongly advise individuals to consult healthcare professionals and explore evidence-based treatments. Patients should be wary of using chelation therapy without proper guidance, as it may not only be ineffective for heart disease but could also lead to serious health complications.
Editor: It sounds like self-treatment isn’t the way to go! Do you think that there’s potential for chelation therapy in other conditions, like Alzheimer’s or autism?
Dr. Harris: There is ongoing research into the applications of chelation therapy beyond heavy metal poisoning. Some studies suggest possible benefits in conditions like Alzheimer’s and autism, but again, robust clinical evidence is needed before we can make any strong claims. Treatments should always be based on solid research rather than conjecture.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Harris, for shedding light on this complex subject! Your insights are invaluable for our readers who may be considering different treatment options.
Dr. Harris: Thank you for having me! It’s essential to have informed discussions about treatments to empower patients in making sound health decisions.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in! Remember, informed decisions can lead to better health outcomes. Stay safe and see you next time!