Poisonous or nonessential metals such as lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd) and aluminum (Al) have been associated with pathologies in the nervous, cardiovascular, hematopoietic, gastrointestinal and immunological systems as well as renal dysfunction, anemia, liver problems, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

   

In addition, nutritional trace elements can be toxic at concentrations outside their physiological range. Excessive levels of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr) and zinc have been associated with conditions such as degenerative brain diseases, oxidative damage and heart problems. Thus, it is important to regulate essential minerals while limiting toxic metal build-up in the body, and a means of clearing toxic or excess metals from the body is needed.

   

Once heavy metal exposure has been determined through testing, chelation therapy has been proposed for removing poisonous metals such as Pb, Hg, Cd, and Al, as well as reducing abnormal accumulations of trace nutrients such as Fe, Cu, and Zn. Chelation therapy employs anionic chelating agents such as ethylene diaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to bind heavy metal cations found in the blood. Once EDTA bound, these metals can be removed through the kidneys. There is evidence that EDTA chelation benefits patients by removing toxic and trace elements from diseased organs and blood vessel walls.

     

Those who think they may have a heavy metal problem should note: numbness and tingling in hands/feet; twitching or tremors in face or other muscles; excessive sweating of hands and feet; jumpy, jittery, nervousness; unexplained chest pains; tachycardia or increased heart rate; unexplained rashes or skin irritations; excessive itching; bloated feeling most of the time; or frequent or recurring heartburn.