Chelation Therapy

Q: Why should I be concerned with toxic metal in my body?

• In 1974 The World Health Organization reported that "82% of all chronic degenerative diseases are caused by environmental exposure to toxic metals." This is further substantiated by over 5,000 pages of US government funded toxicological reports found at the *ATSDR website. During my 35 plus years in medical practice I have seen patients with complaints from chronic fatigue to high blood pressure restore health and energy by cleansing the body of toxic metals (via Chelation) and reducing their external exposure ( i.e. contaminated water, food, personal care products, toxic homes etc.) and internal exposure (i.e. amalgam fillings).

Q: Do I have Metal Toxicity

• In my experience, over 80% of patients tested by hair analysis have at least one toxic metal over the normal reference range, particularly metal workers, mechanics, painters, printers, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, electronic technicians, jewelers and people who handle firearms, or solder.

Q: What is Chelation Therapy?

• Chelation therapy for toxic metals is a procedure that introduces a substance (natural or synthetic) into the body which bonds to toxic metals in blood and various tissues, thus protecting the body from harmful effects. The body then excretes the bound toxic metals through the kidney, GI tract, sweat glands and hair.

Q: What is the difference in Chelation methods available?

• The most common chelation methods are intravenous (IV) and oral. In IV chelation, the chelating agent is injected directly into the blood stream over 2-3 hr. period. It is performed in an office, hospital or clinic 1-2 times per week for 3-6 months. The cost rangers from $3000-$5000. Oral chelation involves taking a chelating agent by mouth in the form of pills or liquid, prescription, or non-prescription formulas. These can be taken at home, work or while on vacation. (usual 6 to 12 week time period). Cost ranges from $150 to $2,000 depending on the agent.

Q: What is the best Chelating agent?

• In addition to the ability to bind and remove toxic metals, an ideal chelator can do so without producing adverse effects. Most of the prescription chelators (IV & Oral) have had a high incidence of significant adverse reactions for four reasons. 1) Synthetic chelators must be detoxified. A high portion of people with metal toxicity have impairment of glutathione dependent detoxification mechanisms and are already chemically sensitive, leading to severe side effects. 2) Synthetic chelators cause excessive toxic metal release in persons whose antioxidant defenses are depleted due to chronic metal poisoning resulting in immune suppression and free radical damage to the body. 3) EDTA has been shown to form a toxic complex with mercury which can damage the brain. 4) Chelators can cause significant essential trace metal depletion.

Q: Why do you prefer natural chelators?

• Synthetic chelating agents have a very high incidence of severe adverse reactions because they release excessive amounts of toxic metals in patients whose anti-oxidant defenses are depleted. In addition, studies have shown them to be relatively ineffective in reversing physical, neurological and behavioral symptoms of chronic metal poisoning. Following a course of chelation, levels of toxic metals, especially lead, tend to rebound after an initial decrease because of ongoing release of lead from bone or recurrent environmental exposure. Clearly, what was needed was an effective chelating agent for all toxic metals, based on natural therapeutic ingredients which could penetrate the blood brain barrier and be taken safely for an extended period of time at a reasonable cost with minimal or no side effects. Using my background in biochemistry and my clinical experience, I formulated a combination of individual natural ingredients that performed well on my patients without adverse side effects.. Listed below are the individual ingredients and some of their functions, which have been verified by numerous studies. Using the most cost effective natural chelators available, we performed clinical studies which thus far have exceeded expectations with removal rates on 12 toxic metals over the normal reference range as high as 88% for a (90 dose 45 day) treatment. (See Chart at Below)

Q: Should I be on a chelating agent before I remove my amalgam fillings?

• Synthetic chelators are contraindicated in this situation.. However our formulation can be safely taken in order to protect against transient surges of mercury which can occur during amalgam replacement. The Greenberg Formula not only binds the mercury, but protects tissues from free radicals by raising glutathione levels, providing antioxidants, and supplying protective trace minerals (Zn, Mg, and Se).

Q: Why do you recommend hair analysis?

• Hair analysis is the best indicator of chronic exposure and total body burden for toxic metals. It is used by government, private industry, law enforcement, and by natural health practitioners. It provides a vast amount of information regarding toxic and trace minerals which relate to health and nutrition, at a tiny fraction of the cost of other methods such as blood and urine testing which only reflect recent toxic metal exposure. It is the only practical method of assessing for multiple toxic metal exposures, which is extremely common. It also should be used to monitor the progress of chelation therapy. Significant residual levels of lead and other toxic metals indicate the need for additional chelation with the Greenberg Formula. This is crucial, especially where there is continuing occupational or environmental exposure.