Chelation therapy did find its way into an enormous amount of attention with the treatment of heavy metal poisoning, with recent attention shining light onto this as perhaps a possible cure for other health-related conditions. However, like any therapy, it is important to first understand the benefits and side effects chelation therapy entails.
What Is Chelation Therapy?
Chelation therapy is a treatment that involves the removal of certain metals in the blood using chelating agents as drugs. It is primarily utilized in treating poisoning cases due to heavy metals as, it has an active inclusion of such metals like lead and mercury, which are carried out of the system. While chelation therapy is one of the most popular ways to treat detoxification, many adverse effects of chelation therapy also exist that should be acknowledged. Typical side effects of chelation therapy are nausea headaches and the risk of losing minerals. In extreme situations, it affects the renal system and produces hypersensitivity therefore it is advisable for the individual to speak to their medical practitioner before taking up the procedure.
The Pros of Chelation Therapy
Chelation therapy offers several potential benefits, which include:
Treatment of Heavy Metal Poisoning
Rationale for use: One of the most significant and best-established applications of chelation therapy is the removal of toxic heavy metals from the body. Their removal could be highly beneficial for patients exposed to excessive amounts of metals such as lead or mercury. Chelation therapy binds to harmful metals so that they cannot continue to cause their long-term nasty effects, especially on the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
Potential Cardiovascular Benefits
Other researchers have also established that chelation therapy can help improve cardiovascular health by removing deposits within the arteries. The therapy has been identified by some studies to improve blood flow, hence preventing the occurrence of heart conditions. As some research is still needed for confirmation, the application of this chelation therapy to patients suffering from cardiovascular disorders remains possible if used in conjunction with other conventional treatments.
Detoxification of the Body
General detoxification has been considered as one of the roles of chelation therapy. Some practitioners believe that such treatment can remove environmental toxins, which accounts for improvement in general health. While this potential benefit is more contentious and not well scientifically supported, many still seek chelation therapy as an adjunct to holistic health care.
Alternative to Invasive Procedures
For patients who do not qualify for invasive interventions like surgeries, chelation therapy may offer an alternative. If the cardiovascular condition or heavy metal poisoning is in question, then non-invasive therapy may become an alternative passage for symptoms to be relieved and general well-being improved.
The Cons of Chelation Therapy
Chelation therapy does not come without disadvantages. It has to be included in consideration so that later pitfalls can be avoided.
Common Side Effects
As with virtually all medical treatments, chelation therapy has also shared a list of common side effects, especially during intravenous treatment. Some of these include:
Chelation agents can irritate the stomach, making people feel nauseous, and sometimes even induce vomiting.
Headaches
Patients report having mild to severe headaches before, during, or after the treatment.
Diarrhea
The gastrointestinal side effects caused by the chelation therapy may bring about diarrhea.
These side effects are mostly mild and tend to be temporary but unsightly and may cause some patients to drop their treatment.
Depletion of Essential Minerals
Chelation therapy is a notable risk factor for loss of key minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc. Chelating agents may lead to the removal of toxic metals along with beneficial minerals in the body. This can result in complications like:
- Muscular Cramps
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Heart Trouble (severe cases of mineral imbalance)
As a precautionary measure to these side effects, the patients are sometimes advised to take mineral supplements before or after the treatment.
Kidney Damage
The plain disadvantage of the treatment is that it will add another load to the kidney as it tries to differentially separate the chelating agents and the bound metals. Those who have already suffered from a problem with their kidney should exercise extreme caution as such people will make their kidney problems even worse by the treatment. Treatment in some cases results in complications within the kidneys, hence the need for great assessment of the patient by the doctor before embarking on the treatment.
Allergic Reactions
Some patients who are exposed to chelating drugs might react due to allergic reactions. This can lead to rashes and other symptoms like:
- Rashes
- Difficulty Breathing
- Swelling of the Face or Throat
Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that can prove fatal. It is always important to let the treating doctor know all your allergy history before applying chelation therapy.
Infection Risk
Chelation therapy is delivered most often through intravenous injection, which makes the site most prone to developing an infection. Although it is somewhat rare, the possibility of infection cannot be overlooked when proper hygiene and sterilization policies fail. The patient should be made aware of this risk while he is getting such treatment from a well-qualified medical practitioner in a controlled environment.
Who Should Avoid Chelation Therapy?
While chelation therapy can be helpful to some, it cannot work for everyone. Some patients face higher risks of complications and must therefore refrain from taking this therapy:
Pregnant or Nursing Women
The impact of chelation therapy on pregnant and breastfeeding females is not well established, and it is therefore dangerous. Patients with Severe Kidney and Liver Disease
Patients with Severe Kidney or Liver Disease
Because the kidneys and liver are detoxifying and excreting chelating agents, severe organ damage can aggravate symptoms.
Patients with Pre-existing Heart Conditions
Chelation therapy can cause an imbalance of electrolytes, like calcium, in patients who have heart conditions.
How to Minimize Side Effects
Here are the tips that patients can follow to minimize side effects:
Consult with a Qualified Physician
Ensure that your physician is experienced in performing chelation therapy and is very conversant with your health condition before commencing the treatment.
Follow a Supplementation Plan
Create a supplementation program together with your provider that replaces minerals such as calcium and magnesium that are depleted as a result of therapy.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration before therapy and after discharge will help facilitate the removal of toxins in your body, thus reducing the work put on your kidneys.
Monitor for Side Effects
Report any side effects you notice to your healthcare provider right away to avoid complications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is chelation therapy used for?
A. Chelation is primarily administered to counter heavy metal poisoning, such as lead or mercury toxicity. It has also been researched on cardiovascular wellness and general detoxification.
Q. What are the side effects of chelation therapy?
A. The common side effects are nausea, headaches, and diarrhea. In worse scenarios, it can bring about kidney damage, allergic reactions, or depletion of minerals.
Q. Is chelation therapy safe?
A. Chelation therapy is safe when conducted by a good medical doctor. However, chelation is no exception to many medical treatments in the risk factor.
Q. Can chelation therapy help heart disease?
A. Some studies indicate that chelation therapy enhances cardiovascular health. However, more research is still necessary.
Q. Who should avoid chelation therapy?
A. Pregnant women, patients with diseases in the kidney or the liver, and patients who have previous heart conditions should avoid receiving chelation treatment.
Conclusion
There are a lot of benefits of chelation therapy, especially in treating metal poisoning, and it may also benefit other diseases such as cardiovascular diseases. Once more, like everything else, the risks and side effects are secondary to the benefits bestowed by medical treatment. Among the common disadvantages, this therapy presents symptoms such as nausea, headache, and diarrhea. Although these are minor adverse effects, it would not hurt to consider the severe risks, which are mineral depletion, kidney damage, and allergic reactions.
Most of these, however, can be prevented if one consults with a health care provider and, in return, takes necessary precautions when utilizing this treatment.
If you’re looking to learn more about the side effects of chelation therapy,
schedule a consultation with us today. Visit our website for details, or call us at (212) 794-8800 to book an appointment and explore your treatment options.
