I’m Dr. Sal, and after more than 30 years of experience as a practicing surgeon, my mission is to help you align your health practices with God’s will for optimal well-being. Today, we’re diving into a fascinating topic: chelation therapy and the impact of heavy metals on our health.
Understanding Chelation Therapy
Chelation therapy is primarily used to eliminate heavy metals—such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and aluminum—from the body. These metals are all around us, found in the air, water, and even our food sources. With increasing industrialization, heavy metals have become more prevalent, infiltrating our environment and, consequently, our bodies.
Take lead, for example. Despite advances like unleaded gasoline, we still find traces of lead in tissues at levels far higher than before industrialization. This heavy metal lodges in bones and gradually leaks into soft tissues, posing a silent, ongoing threat. Studies have shown lead contamination even in the Arctic and Antarctic—evidence of its global spread.
What is Chelation Therapy?
Chelation therapy involves using a synthetic amino acid called EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid), which binds with heavy metals in the body and removes them through urine. Originally approved by the FDA for lead poisoning, chelation therapy has shown promise in other areas of health due to its detoxifying and cardiovascular benefits.
The Benefits of EDTA Chelation Therapy:
1. Detoxification of Heavy Metals: EDTA binds to heavy metals like calcium and lead, helping eliminate them from soft tissues.
2. Cardiovascular Health: Chelation therapy can reduce atherosclerosis by removing calcium buildup in the arteries, improving blood circulation and reducing blood clotting.
3. Antioxidant Support: EDTA serves as an antioxidant, helping to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
4. Energy and Cellular Health: By reducing heavy metal burden, chelation therapy enhances mitochondrial function—the energy powerhouse of our cells.
Chelation Therapy and Cardiovascular Health
One of the most compelling applications of chelation therapy is its impact on cardiovascular health. Plaque buildup, or atherosclerosis, is a leading cause of heart disease. EDTA helps dissolve calcium deposits in blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure.
In a study at Wayne State University, researchers showed that EDTA could effectively remove calcium from blood vessels. By restoring the function of the endothelium (the inner lining of blood vessels), EDTA also supports nitric oxide production, which naturally relaxes blood vessels and improves circulation.
Aspirin vs. Natural Blood Thinners
Many people rely on aspirin to thin their blood and prevent clots, but it’s effective only about 30% of the time. Natural mechanisms, like the enzyme plasmin, are much more reliable at dissolving blood clots and work continuously. EDTA supports these natural processes by optimizing blood vessel health.
The Role of Heavy Metals in Health
Heavy metals interfere with various bodily functions. For instance, they can increase oxidative stress, which damages cells and accelerates aging. Heavy metals also bind to the mitochondria in cells, disrupting ATP production (our cellular “fuel”) and compromising cellular energy levels.
Additionally, heavy metals contribute to the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, forming what we call “foam cells” that accumulate in blood vessels. Over time, this leads to plaque formation, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Removing heavy metals can alleviate these burdens and support heart health.
Types of Chelation and Administration
Chelation can be administered intravenously for rapid and efficient detoxification. Here’s a breakdown of the different types:
1. Sodium EDTA: An earlier form, administered over four hours. It’s effective but can be irritating to veins.
2. Calcium EDTA: A newer and quicker form of chelation therapy, which can be administered in seconds. It removes approximately 90% of heavy metals in one session.
3. Oral EDTA: While only 15-20% is absorbed, it’s beneficial for those looking for a less invasive, daily approach, particularly for detoxing the digestive tract.
To maximize benefits, many protocols supplement chelation therapy with antioxidants and vitamins like magnesium, glutathione, and B vitamins.
My Approach to Health Restoration
Here’s a holistic plan to reduce the body’s toxic burden and restore optimal health:
1. Detoxification: Using a combination of chelation and a two-day detox protocol to eliminate toxins.
2. Gut Health: Supporting a healthy microbiome with probiotics and prebiotics, which are essential for immune and neurological health.
3. Balanced Diet: I recommend a paleo-style diet—lean proteins, vegetables, nuts, and fruits—consumed within an intermittent fasting window. For example, have your last meal by 6 p.m. and eat breakfast around 9-10 a.m. the next day. This fasting period encourages the body to break down and recycle damaged cells.
4. Supplementation: Even with a nutrient-rich diet, supplementing with vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K is essential to fill in nutritional gaps and counteract the depletion of nutrients in modern soils.
The Bottom Line
Chelation therapy, in conjunction with lifestyle changes, can help alleviate heavy metal toxicity, reduce inflammation, and promote cardiovascular health. Keeping our arteries healthy doesn’t rely solely on aspirin or drugs. Instead, we can support our bodies by reducing exposure to heavy metals, eating healthy fats, exercising, and being mindful of our environment and lifestyle choices.
I hope this message resonates with you and inspires you to take steps toward a life of health and purpose. Each blog post is backed by research, helping you align your health with a disciplined, purpose-driven life. Please share your thoughts, leave a review, or reach out with any questions. May this journey bring you closer to the health and vitality God intends for you. I also have an upcoming workshop where we dive into these very topics.
God bless,
Dr. Sal
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