DiSodium EDTA Chelation

Chelation Therapy comes in three types but we will only be speaking about the DiSodium form of EDTA.

This form is used for arterial plaque which often has the underlying cause of inflammation and infection.

Part of the plaque is also a composite of minerals and heavy metals which DiSodium-EDTA addresses.

Numerous research articles and clinical testimonies from doctors attest to the many benefits of chelation including improved circulation, stamina, brain function and energy to name a few.

These chelation IVs can also be combined with ozone with the blood ozone treatment being first followed by either of the EDTA chelators.

This combination has been termed by Frank Shallenberger as Chezone.

Chelation Benefits

Since chelation is used to remove various heavy metals from the body the conditions which are helped are numerous.

Here is a partial list.

Cardiovascular Issues
Coronary Artery Disease
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Atherosclerosis
Cerebral Vascular Insufficiency
Elevated cholesterol
Hypertension
Cardiac Arrhythmias
Fatigue
Osteoporosis
Depression
Parkinsonian type presentations
Kidney dysfunction
Joint pains
Fibromyalgia
Lowered IQ
Headaches
Hearing loss
Mood swings
Hair loss
Diabetes
Shingles

Many of the above conditions have multiple causes with heavy metals such as mercury, lead, arsenic and cadmium being some of them.

Lab Testing Before Chelation

Before beginning chelation it is essential to know how well a person will tolerate the therapy, how well their kidneys will be able to clear the chelated minerals, whether the person is a candidate for chelation and if there are other health issues that need to be addressed.

Here is a list of lab tests which every candidate will need to complete before chelation therapy.

Kidney function: The function of kidney filtration is essential and the lab results are used to adjust the gram dosing of the chelating agent.

Liver or Hepatic Function: Since the liver is a vital detoxification organ we must know to what degree liver support is needed.

Ferritin: This test indicates the body’s total iron stores. If low then supplementation is essential since chelators will lower iron even further. If ferritin is elevated then Dr. Haskell will make some recommendations.

Urine Heavy Metals Test: This is not a required lab test yet for some people they want to know if they are being exposed to heavy metals in their home or work environment. Checking urine for heavy metals before beginning chelation will give us this information. If the results from the pre-chelation urine test shows elevation of specific metals then it’s important to investigate the source otherwise chelation therapy can never be completely effective.

This same urine heavy metals test can also be done immediately after the 1^st chelation to see what metals are being pulled and eliminated through the kidneys. This post-chelation urine test will also be occasionally done to monitor progress.

Contraindications for Chelation

There are only a few conditions where chelation should not be administered.

The first is late stage kidney disease, what is termed 4^th and 5^th stage.

People with mild to moderate decrease in kidney filtration function can receive EDTA but the dosage or strength of the chelating agent must be lowered.

Active or acute Hepatitis B&C are contraindicated yet when the acute condition has decreased then chelation can be used.

Active and unstable congestive heart failure is a contraindication. If it is stable then chelation can be used.

Acute infections on the day of a scheduled EDTA IV should be cancelled.

Pregnancy is commonly contraindicated but this depends upon each woman’s needs or reasons for wanting chelation.

A person taking calcium channel blockers is not a contraindication but the dosage of EDTA is reduced at the beginning of treatments.

A history of tuberculosis is a contraindication.

Chelation Initial Consultation

Before scheduling chelation therapy you must see Dr. Haskell for a one hour consultation.

Dr. Haskell is a licensed Naturopathic Physician with over 30 years of experience and has been providing IV chelation for about 20 years.

His training was through Dr. Frank Shallenberger and two chelation physician training organizations, the International Society of Chelation Technicians and the International IV Nutritional Therapy Association.

During your initial visit there’s a complete review of symptoms, a chronological medical and environmental history and a physical exam.

This visit is very important to know if you are a candidate for chelation therapy as well as investigating other causes which may be underling your symptoms and condition.

If you have ordered labs before this first appointment with Dr. Haskell then these will be reviewed during this visit.

If you decide to wait until after this first visit before ordering labs then a second appointment will need to be scheduled to review them.

Besides the above, lifestyle and dietary recommendations will also be covered and making modifications will certainly increase the benefits of chelation.

During the first appointment a tiny drop of blood will be examined under a dark-field microscope to know if any pathogens exist which is a common issue with circulatory problems and inflammation.

Preparation for Chelation

There is definitely a preparatory stage with chelation therapy which can last about two weeks before starting chelation.

This preparation will ensure the highest benefits from chelation.

It is a time to optimize vitamin and mineral status, to improve the pathways of detoxification (kidney, liver and gut) and to begin addressing other health issues unrelated to heavy metals.

Lifestyle modifications are also addressed.

Frequency of Chelation

Minimally we recommend a chelation IV once a week but twice weekly is preferred.

For every two chelations we administer the mineral repletion IV.

As an example, if you are scheduled for IVs on Tuesdays and Thursdays your first two chelations will be Tuesday and Thursday with the nutrient IV the following Tuesday.

Recommended Number of Chelation IVs

Most chelation physicians use 30 as a standard but this can vary depending upon the client’s response and individual needs.

Some clients choose more than 30 treatments to achieve maximum improvement of circulatory issues.

Maintenance treatments are recommended at one or two month intervals to maintain improved circulation.

There are virtually no dangerous side effects from the treatment, although some experience a brief period of fatigue after a treatment.

Results of Chelation IVs

The results are as varied as patient’s conditions but improvement is usually achieved.

Chest pain may be lessened, blood pressure lowered, memory improved, transient ischemic attacks stopped, leg pain relieved, cold extremities warmed and increased physical and mental tolerance.

Hearing improvement can be accomplished if not due to injury.

Adjuncts to Chelation

To improve detoxification and therefore the outcome of chelation various purification therapies may be recommended by Dr. Haskell.

When heavy metals bind with the chelating agent most will pass through the kidneys yet some are processed by the liver and dumped into the intestines. People find great relief using colon hydrotherapy after chelation. This therapy ensures that the chelation-heavy metal complex is not absorbed back into the body through the colon.

Supplements During Chelation

Below is a list of supplements to be started two weeks prior to chelation. We cannot stress enough the importance of supplementing during this time to accelerate the benefits of chelation, to ensure deeper removal of metals from tissues and to repair damaged cells.

Heavy Metal Support by Thorne Research taking 2 twice daily with meals (120vcaps $28)

Detoxification Factors by Integrative Therapeutics taking 2 twice daily empty stomach (60 caps $32)

NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) by DaVinci Labs taking 3 caps twice daily with food (90vcaps $17.50)

Alpha Lipoic Acid by DaVinci Labs taking 2 caps twice daily with food (60vcaps $26)

Liposomal Vitamin C taking 4,000mg daily

All the above are taken every day except the Heavy Metal Support and Detoxification Factors which are not taken on the days of chelation.