Cleanse Your Body with Chelation Therapy

Chelation therapy was originally developed to remove harmful lead from the bloodstream. Dr. Bret Mosher offers the treatment at his Poway, CA, practice as a way to filter a variety of heavy metals and minerals from the body. Chelation is used to treat atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and other conditions. In some cases, it may also be used to boost overall health.

Chelation may help lower the levels of mercury, copper, iron, arsenic, aluminum, and calcium in your body.

What is Chelation Therapy?

Pronounced “kee-lay-shun,” chelation therapy is a type of detoxification treatment that removes heavy metals such as lead from the body. Although it was historically administered through injections, Dr. Mosher provides oral supplements on an outpatient basis. The name comes from the Greek word chele, which means to claw or bind.

This is precisely how chelation therapy works: the drug ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) directly binds to metals. After ingestion, EDTA is absorbed from the stomach into the bloodstream, where it can grab onto heavy metals. As a result, when the blood is filtered through the kidneys, the metal is more easily removed through urination.

What Can It Treat?

The only condition that chelation therapy can completely cure is lead poisoning. However, it may help lower the levels of other metals or minerals, such as mercury, copper, iron, arsenic, aluminum, and calcium. As a result, it is sometimes recommended as a method for cleansing the body and boosting overall health. Other applications include:

Pain Relief: Chelation may prevent inflammation and protect the body from the effects of conditions such as arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma.

Coronary Artery Disease: Because EDTA can also remove calcium and certain types of cholesterol, chelation therapy is sometimes recommended as a treatment for heart disease and high cholesterol. These conditions are tied to the buildup of plaque, which contains some calcium. It is thought that clearing the bloodstream of calcium could prevent more dangerous levels of plaque. By attaching to cholesterol, it can also prevent damage to the arteries.

However, patients should keep in mind that there are side effects, including headache, nausea, and diarrhea. It is important that you discuss the treatment with your general practitioner beforehand to make sure that it is safe for your needs.

What Should I Expect during My Consultation?

During your consultation, Dr. Mosher will review your symptoms, ask about your health history and conditions, and conduct a thorough assessment. Treatment itself is straightforward. Dr. Mosher will provide a dose of oral chelation appropriate to your needs and give you instructions on how and when to use it. If necessary, he may recommend herbal remedies and acupuncture to supplement the effects.