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Chelation Therapy

Treatment Overview

Chelation therapy is a chemical process in which a medicine is injected into the bloodstream to remove heavy metals and/or minerals from the body. Chelation means "to grab" or "to bind." When the medicine is injected into the veins, it "grabs" heavy metals and minerals such as lead, mercury, copper, iron, arsenic, and aluminum, and it removes them from the body.

Why It Is Used

Chelation is a very effective way to treat heavy metal poisoning.

At high levels, heavy metals and minerals such as lead, mercury, copper, iron, arsenic, aluminum, or calcium are toxic to the body. Chelation is used to lower the amount of heavy metals and minerals in the body.

Risks

Side effects of chelation treatment may include headaches, rash, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

The treatment may remove vital minerals from the body along with the toxic metals. Sometimes vitamins and minerals are added to the treatment solution to help keep them at an optimal level in the body to maintain health.

Credits

Current as of: October 24, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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