A safe level of heavy metals in humans has never been established.
Removal of these metals from the body is important because they can have widespread
adverse effects on human health. Mercury, for instance, is a potent selenium
scavenger that binds avidly with this substance in the body, an action that
can compromise the body's ability to maintain an appropriate level of health.
Although desirable, the removal of toxic metals from tissues can be exhausting
and debilitating, and the agents used to chelate and remove these metals have
their own side effects. Before chelation is instituted, proper preparation
is vital to minimize side effects and smooth out the detoxification procedure.
The detoxification process is comprised of the following: silver dental amalgam
removal, if needed; nutritional preparation which includes vitamin and mineral
intravenous infusions in conjunction with oral supplementation; and the administration
of an intravenous chelating agent. Before instituting the detoxification process,
a chelation challenge test to assess the degree of heavy metal body burden
with the necessary preparation is required.
Before chelation is initiated, "silver" dental amalgams should be removed,
if necessary. Preferably, a dentist who is versed in this procedure should
remove the amalgams.
Nutritional preparation includes a diet that is high in protein and lower
in carbohydrates along with a variety of specific nutritional supplements.
Mercury contaminated foods, particularly fish must be avoided as much as possible.
The heavy metal challenge test involves an injection of a water-soluble chelator.
Urine is then collected and analyzed to determine heavy metal levels.
Blood tests for kidney function, blood cell levels and liver enzymes are mandatory.
Hair analysis for toxic and nutritional minerals needs to be done. In addition,
other test such as red blood cell levels of toxic and nutritional minerals
may be necessary. Liver and gastrointestinal tract functions must be addressed
and supported.
Intravenous administration of a chelating agent is given every three to four
weeks for a program of ten to thirty treatments followed by a vitamin and
mineral infusion. Urine and blood tests monitor kidney and liver functions.
Infusions of the chelating agent are terminated when acceptable level of urine
heavy metals is reached.
Toxic metal detoxification can be lengthy and expensive. It requires determination
and tenacity. However, over time health should improve and symptoms of fatigue,
pain, memory loss and emotional instability should decrease.
