But is chelation beneficial? We will look at the data. First, let’s discuss define chelation.

What is Chelation?

The Greek word for “claw” is chele. Think of a tiny molecular claw that binds metals like iron, copper, lead, mercury and other toxins from the body. This tiny claw is known as a chelator and the process of removal is called chelation.

In cases of acute toxicity, chelation is a recognized therapy for metals like cadmium, mercury, and lead. MD’s have long prescribed other chelators for iron and copper overload, usually for genetic conditions that lead to their collection in the body.

Chelators cause also pull good elements like calcium and magnesium.

Are Metals in the Body Bad?

Hundreds of studies document that elevated toxic metals lead to an increased risk of:

• Coronary artery disease
• Stroke
• Hypertension
• Congestive heart failure/ Cardiomyopathy
• Atrial fibrillation
• Brain disease

How Do Metals Damage the Body?

Metals such as lead, aluminum, mercury, cadmium, iron and copper may lead to:

• Oxidative stress and inflammation
• Smooth muscle dysfunction
• Endothelial dysfunction
• Immune dysfunction
• Mitochondrial dysfunction
• Dyslipidemia
• Disorders of coagulation
• Autonomic dysfunction
• Lower glutathione
• Activation of the Renin-Angiotensin system
• Lower nitric oxide
• Lower heart rate variability

Intravenous Chelation and Heart Disease

Although holistic doctors have used chelation for years in the name of heart attack prevention and clearing arteries, the evidence suggest something different.

Simply, there is little evidence that chelation acts like a “Draino” to the arteries. In fact, some of the worst coronary artery disease I have ever seen was in patients with chelation.

I have seen several patients who had a heart attack while under a chelation protocol.

But what does the science tell us? Let’s look at the TACT trial, published in JAMA.

This trial in patients with a HISTORY of a heart attack found that event rate (total mortality, recurrent MI, stroke, coronary revascularization, or hospitalization for angina) was lower in the chelation group. The chelation group was assigned to 40 treatments. Most patients were on conventional heart medications.

From the above chart, you can see that the risk was lower in the chelation group and 1 event was prevented after 5 years for every 18 people who were chelated. This number is called NNT (number needed to treat).

The NNT dropped to 6 people if they also had diabetes.

Although the numbers were small and not considered statistically relevant, 6 FEWER people died in the chelation group.

Another trial found that chelation did NOT help ischemia or exercise duration.

Other trials were small. Some showed benefit. Some did not. Some animal and ex vivo (non-living) did show reversal of calcification. Hopefully we will see more trials going forward.

Should You Use IV Chelation?

Chelation is a serious commitment. 40 treatments are the standard in those with a history of heart attack and on conventional meds. That is a lot of time AND expense with the holistic doctor.

My clinical experience shows chelation can make a stable situation unstable.

The real benefit was people with a heart attack who also had diabetes. If you have diabetes AND suffered from a heart attack, IV chelation may be a good route for you.

For the rest of society, I think there is a better way.

Get Tested

There are many ways to test for metals including blood, hair and urine. All have pros and cons to their use. Of note, the TACT trial did not assess for metals before treatment. You could say why bother? If you fit the criteria of heart attack and diabetic, just chelate.

I like metal testing in blood and urine, finding this information very useful.

Natural Ways to Cleanse and Detox Metals from Your Body

• Avoid the metals in the first place.
• Drink plenty of quality water including Pellegrino in glass.
• Make sure you are moving your bowels EVERY day.
• Eat organic, Paleo food with focus on spices, garlic, onion, Brassica, and eggs.
• Get sunshine, sleep, and chiropractic care.
• Get outside and sweat. Use a FIR sauna.

Supplements to Assist with Metal Detox

• EDTA – 4 caps at bedtime.
• Glutathione Boost 2 caps 2x per day.
• Superfood 1 heaping teaspoon per day.
• Garlic Force 1 tab per day.
• Paleo Cleanse (soon to be called Daily Defense) 2 scoops per day.
• Foundation 5 – Daily Greens, MULTI, Omega DHA, Gut Flora, and Digest.

The post All About Chelation Therapy for Heart Disease appeared first on TDW.

But is chelation beneficial? We will look at the data. First, let’s define chelation.

What is Chelation?

The Greek word for “claw” is chele. Think of a tiny molecular claw that binds metals like iron, copper, lead, mercury and other toxins from the body. This tiny claw is known as a chelator and the process of removal is called chelation.

In cases of acute toxicity, chelation is a recognized therapy for metals like cadmium, mercury, and lead. MD’s have long prescribed other chelators for iron and copper overload, usually for genetic conditions that lead to their collection in the body.

Chelators also pull good elements like calcium and magnesium.

Are Metals in the Body Bad?

Hundreds of studies document that elevated toxic metals lead to an increased risk of:

• Coronary artery disease
• Stroke
• Hypertension
• Congestive heart failure/ Cardiomyopathy
• Atrial fibrillation
• Brain disease

How Do Metals Damage the Body?

Metals such as lead, aluminum, mercury, cadmium, iron and copper may lead to:

• Oxidative stress and inflammation
• Smooth muscle dysfunction
• Endothelial dysfunction
• Immune dysfunction
• Mitochondrial dysfunction
• Dyslipidemia
• Disorders of coagulation
• Autonomic dysfunction
• Lower glutathione
• Activation of the Renin-Angiotensin system
• Lower nitric oxide
• Lower heart rate variability

Intravenous Chelation and Heart Disease

Although holistic doctors have used chelation for years in the name of heart attack prevention and clearing arteries, the evidence suggests something different.

Simply, there is little evidence that chelation acts like a “Draino” to the arteries. In fact, some of the worst coronary artery disease I have ever seen was in patients with chelation.

I have seen several patients who had a heart attack while under a chelation protocol.

But what does the science tell us? Let’s look at the TACT trial, published in JAMA.

This trial in patients with a HISTORY of a heart attack found that event rate (total mortality, recurrent MI, stroke, coronary revascularization, or hospitalization for angina) was lower in the chelation group. The chelation group was assigned to 40 treatments. Most patients were on conventional heart medications.

From the above chart, you can see that the risk was lower in the chelation group and 1 event was prevented after 5 years for every 18 people who were chelated. This number is called NNT (number needed to treat).

The NNT dropped to 6 people if they also had diabetes.

Although the numbers were small and not considered statistically relevant, 6 FEWER people died in the chelation group.

Another trial found that chelation did NOT help ischemia or exercise duration.

Other trials were small. Some showed benefit. Some did not. Some animal and ex vivo (non-living) did show reversal of calcification. Hopefully we will see more trials going forward.

Should You Use IV Chelation?

Chelation is a serious commitment. 40 treatments are the standard in those with a history of heart attack and on conventional meds. That is a lot of time AND expense with the holistic doctor.

My clinical experience shows chelation can make a stable situation unstable.

The real benefit was people with a heart attack who also had diabetes. If you have diabetes AND suffered from a heart attack, IV chelation may be a good route for you.

For the rest of society, I think there is a better way.

Get Tested

There are many ways to test for metals including blood, hair and urine. All have pros and cons to their use. Of note, the TACT trial did not assess for metals before treatment. You could say why bother? If you fit the criteria of heart attack and diabetic, just chelate.

I like metal testing in blood and urine and find this information very useful.

Natural Ways to Cleanse and Detox Metals from Your Body

• Avoid the metals in the first place
• Drink plenty of quality water including Pellegrino in glass.
• Make sure you are moving your bowels EVERY day.
• Eat organic, Paleo food with focus on spices, garlic, onion, Brassica, and eggs
• Get sunshine, sleep, and chiropractic care
• Get outside and sweat. Use a FIR sauna

Supplements to Assist with Metal Detox

If you are chelating, make sure you are also taking a quality multivitamin to replenish lost nutrients. Test your nutrients as well.

• EDTA – 4 caps at bedtime
• Glutathione Boost – 2 caps 2x per day
• Superfood – 1 heaping teaspoon per day
• Garlic Force – 1 tab per day
• Daily Defense – 2 scoops per day
• Foundation 5 – Daily Greens, MULTI, Omega DHA, Gut Flora, and Digest

The post Does Chelation Help Your Heart? appeared first on TDW.