If longevity and elite health are your goals, then you need to address heavy metal toxicity. We live in a polluted world and these little demons are everywhere.
Heavy metal exposure to things like lead, mercury, and cadmium is an unfortunate reality. These metals, found in everything from industrial emissions to contaminated water, pose significant health risks. Heavy metals can accumulate in the body, leading to a range of health challenges, including neurological problems, cardiovascular trouble, and kidney issues and more. Fortunately, science offers a potential solution for detoxification: Oral EDTA.
It is safe to say that everyone has some level of these metals embedded in their tissues. Here's how oral EDTA chelation may help.
Note: Before beginning an oral EDTA regimen or a heavy metal detox, we recommend consulting your doctor and undergoing a heavy metal test to determine the best course of action for your individual needs.
Understanding the Dangers of Heavy Metals
Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements with high atomic weights and densities. When these metals accumulate in the body, they can interfere with various biological functions:
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Lead: Often found in old paints and contaminated water, lead exposure is particularly harmful to children, affecting brain development and leading to learning disabilities. It can also cause hair loss and skin issues.
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Mercury: Predominantly entering the human body through fish consumption and dental amalgams, mercury can disrupt the nervous system and impair cognitive functions. (certain "shots" are also loaded with this dangerous metal.) Don't worry though, at least you won't get the flu....que eye roll.
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Cadmium: Present in tobacco smoke and certain industrial environments, cadmium exposure can lead to kidney damage and bone demineralization.
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Arsenic: Arsenic is a highly toxic element linked to serious health problems, including skin disorders, cardiovascular damage, and neurotoxicity. Exposure to arsenic primarily occurs through the prolonged consumption of contaminated water or food.
How EDTA Works as a Chelating Agent
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is a synthetic amino acid and a powerful chelating agent. It binds to heavy metals in the bloodstream, forming stable complexes that the body can more easily excrete through urine. This process effectively reduces the burden of toxic metals in the body, thereby mitigating their harmful effects.
Oral EDTA is particularly advantageous due to its non-invasive nature, allowing individuals to incorporate detoxification into their daily routine without significant disruption.
Note: EDTA is most often given as an IV directly into the blood stream, which is the most effective form of chelation therapy. However, oral chelation has also been shown to work, it just takes longer for the therapy to do a complete job.
Oral EDTA chelation is significantly cheaper than it's IV cousin, but does require 3-6 months of daily intake to have a similar effect to the IV chelation, which can run between $150 to $200 per treatment.
EDTA and Calcium Removal from Joints
In addition to heavy metal detoxification, EDTA has shown potential in removing calcium deposits from the body. Calcification can occur due to aging and lead to joint stiffness and pain. EDTA's ability to chelate calcium can help dissolve these deposits, potentially improving joint mobility and reducing discomfort over time.
As previously mentioned, to get the full benefit of EDTA therapy, most practitioners we found recommend 10+ IV treatments and/or 3-6 months of daily oral chelation therapy to experience any significant benefits.
Research suggests that EDTA chelation therapy may offer relief for those suffering from joint calcifications. However, scientists acknowledge that more studies are needed to fully understand the extent of EDTA benefits and joint health.
Supporting Research and Further Reading
The use of EDTA in chelation therapy is supported by numerous studies and clinical trials, as well as decades of practical application. Oral EDTA is one of the most effective detox methods for heavy metal toxicity and is available in supplement form.
For example, research we found demonstrated EDTA's efficacy in reducing lead levels in the blood and improved cardiovascular health by removing calcium in the blood stream. Interested readers can explore further by accessing scientific journals and articles that delve into the specifics of EDTA's chelating mechanisms and its therapeutic benefits.
It is especially important to note that most research and clinical trials on the effectiveness of EDTA were using the IV form of the therapy.
Conclusion
As we navigate an environment increasingly laden with heavy metals, oral EDTA presents a viable option for detoxification and joint health. By binding to and facilitating the removal of toxic metals and calcium deposits, EDTA helps protect our bodies from potential harm.
For further exploration, consider reaching out to trusted medical journals or healthcare providers who specialize in detoxification therapies.
