Heavy Metal Toxicity & Chelation Therapy

Heavy metals are toxic in small doses and pose a threat to every organ system in the body.  Found throughout the environment, they originate primarily from industrial sources which contaminate our air, food and water.  Heavy metals accumulate in the brain, kidneys, liver and bone causing oxidative damage to cell membranes, mitochondria and DNA.  They contribute to heart disease, hypertension, autoimmunity, dementia and other neurological problems, diabetes and some cancers.  Symptoms of heavy metal toxicity are as varied as the illnesses they cause. Complaints such chronic fatigue, pain, headaches, poor concentration, decreased  memory, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, numbness and tingling, and chronic or frequent infections are just some of the symptoms that could represent heavy metal toxicity.

Mercury comes from coal burning power plants, auto exhaust, and the incineration of industrial waste. It is used in dental amalgam fillings and as a preservative in vaccines. Eating predatory fish like tuna, swordfish, shark, cod and halibut can be a major source of contamination. 

Lead can be found in the peeling paint of older homes, fossil fuels, mining, batteries, solder and pipes.  It contaminates some children’s toy manufactured in China.  The EPA reports that no safe level of lead exists. Lead causes learning disabilities, IQ deficits, and can permanently damage brain and nervous tissue, cause kidney disease and osteoporosis.

Arsenic is a natural contaminate of well water.  It is found in fertilizers and pesticides, and is used in pressure treated wood and in electronic manufacturing.  The largest source of exposure comes from the eating of meat, fish, and poultry.

Cadmium has been classified as a carcinogen and can lead to cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, kidney and liver disease.  Exposure comes from metal working, eating shellfish and cigarette smoke exposure.

Testing for Heavy Metal Toxins

Prior to treating heavy metal toxicity a “provoked” urine heavy metal test is performed to test the levels and types of heavy metals.  It gives the best representation of heavy metals in storage. After receiving a single dose chelating agent, six hours of urine is collected. The laboratory analyzes the urine for heavy metal levels.  Heavy metal testing of serum can be used for acute exposure but gives no information related to body storage while hair mineral analysis only confirms heavy metal exposure in the past.

Heavy Metal Chelation Therapy

Chelation is a safe and well-tolerated method of removing heavy metal toxins from the tissues of the body.  During chelation therapy, a chelating agent appropriate to the toxicity is administered intravenously or orally to bind to and remove heavy metals.  One of the following agents is administered in cycles.   Heavy metal testing is repeated after six or ten chelation treatments. A series of six, twelve or eighteen sessions is sufficient to lower heavy metals to acceptable levels over a period of six to twelve months.

DMPS (dimercaptopropane sulfonate) can be administered intravenously or orally and most effectively binds to mercury, removing it through the kidneys.

DMSA (dimercaptosuccinic acid) most effectively binds to and eliminates mercury and lead through the kidneys.

EDTA (disodium ethylenetetraacetate) is administered intravenously and most effectively binds to and eliminates lead, cadmium, arsenic and other metals through the kidneys.

Heavy metal chelation is performed in the context of a comprehensive detoxification program which includes vitamin, mineral and antioxidant  support to assist in the elimination of heavy metals and to protect organs from free-radical damage.  Intravenous nutrient therapy maybe recommended to replace minerals lost during chelation. Sauna treatments and colonic hydrotherapy are recommended along side chelation therapy to assist in the removal of toxins such as solvents, pesticides and heavy metals.

Dr. Ayo Bankole has received advanced training in environmental medicine and detoxification and is member of the American Acadamy for the Advancement of Medicine, the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians www.naturopathic.org, and the California Association of Naturopathic Doctors www.calnd.org.