Uses and functions of chelation therapy
Chelation therapy is a medical treatment used to lower the amounts of metals in the body, particularly lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium. Initially developed in the 1940s, this technique has proven to be essential in managing acute metal poisoning and, subsequently, in treating cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.
Let's explore how it works and which are the risks and the benefits associated with the therapy.
Let's explore how it works and which are the risks and the benefits associated with the therapy.
10-01-2025
What is chelation therapy
Chelation therapy is a medical procedure that has been used for decades. It utilizes particular chemical compounds, called chelating agents, to bind with metal ions in the blood to form stable complexes, called chelates, which can be eliminated by the body. This process helps reduce the amounts of heavy metals and, consequently, prevent or reduce damage caused by excessive exposure to lead, mercury, arsenic, aluminum and cadmium, for example.
These chelating agents can be administered to the patient intravenously, in the acute treatment of poisoning, or orally, in case of long-term or maintenance therapy. It is the physician's responsibility to evaluate which approach is most suitable.
Which are the most commonly used chelating agents
There are various chelating agents that can be used for therapy: based on the patient's needs, the doctor can evaluate which is the most appropriate treatment. The most widely used is Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA), particularly indicated for lead poisoning and for the treatment of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Dimercaptosuccinic Acid (DMSA) and Dimercapto-1-Propanesulfonic Acid (DMPS) are also effective for lead, mercury and arsenic poisoning and in cases of dangerous exposure to other harmful metals.
Treatment indications
Chelation therapy is the standard treatment for acute metal poisoning. However, recent studies seem to demonstrate positive effects in the management of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases that can benefit from a decrease in the levels of heavy metals deposited in tissues. Chelation therapy, particularly using EDTA, can reduce calcium deposits in the arteries, showing promising results in patients with cardiovascular diseases. In parallel, some studies suggest that the removal of toxic metals such as aluminum and mercury could play a decisive role in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Finally, chelation therapy can treat patients with hemochromatosis, a condition characterized by excessive iron accumulation.
Contraindications of chelation therapy
Chelation therapy, therefore, is used to reduce the amount of heavy metals in the blood, preventing organ damage and improving neurological and cardiovascular symptoms related to poisoning. Currently, it’s under evaluation the role of chelation therapy against diseases related to excessive exposure to heavy metals.
Chelation therapy must be performed under medical supervision. It’s not indicated for patients with severe renal insufficiency (that could compromise elimination of chelates), in case of hypersensitivity to chelating agents and in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Studio Bonaccorso: experts in chelation therapy
At Studio Bonaccorso, chelation therapy is used safely and in a personalized manner, with an integrated approach that combines advanced medical expertise and cutting-edge technologies. Thanks to our experience and patient-focused care, we offer targeted treatments to remove toxic metals from the body and improve quality of life.
For more information about chelation therapy or to book a consultation, browse our website or contact one of our locations in Milan and Rome.
The information in this article is for informational purposes only. Always consult a doctor before undertaking any treatment.
Studio Bonaccorso is available
to answer all questions.
Studio Bonaccorso is available to answer all questions.
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Neural therapy for headaches and migraines: an innovative approach
Neural therapy is a medical treatment that, through the injection of highly diluted anesthetic substances such as procaine or lidocaine, modulates the activity of the autonomic nervous system to alleviate pain conditions. The goal is to restore the functional balance of the body, offering pain relief even in case of chronic and disabling conditions. Among the disorders that can be treated with neural therapy are chronic and recurrent forms of headaches and migraines.
Neural Therapy: an innovative approach to chronic pain treatment
Neural therapy is a medical treatment that, adopting a functionalist approach, alleviates chronic and acute pain by leveraging the ability of anesthetics such as procaine and lidocaine to trigger tissue regenerative processes. The therapy targets the short circuits that can occur in the nervous system's stimuli mechanisms to initiate cellular renewal that restabilizes the functionality of the apparatus and eliminates the dysfunction causing pain.
Let's see, then, how the therapy works and when it can be used.
Chelation therapy for heavy metal poisoning
The environment constantly exposes us, in various forms, to heavy metals. Today, it is not possible to exclude these substances from our context, but we must consider that this exposure may have contraindications. Some particularly dangerous situations can expose us to high quantities of heavy metals, requiring immediate medical intervention. The risk of acute heavy metal poisoning is mainly linked to environmental circumstances, often resulting from particular work contexts, while poisoning through food is rarer.
In general, metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium, if accumulated in the body, can cause irreversible organic damage. Chelation therapy offers an effective solution to reduce toxicity levels and protect health.
Neural therapy for headaches and migraines: an innovative approach
Neural therapy is a medical treatment that, through the injection of highly diluted anesthetic substances such as procaine or lidocaine, modulates the activity of the autonomic nervous system to alleviate pain conditions. The goal is to restore the functional balance of the body, offering pain relief even in case of chronic and disabling conditions. Among the disorders that can be treated with neural therapy are chronic and recurrent forms of headaches and migraines.
Neural Therapy: an innovative approach to chronic pain treatment
Neural therapy is a medical treatment that, adopting a functionalist approach, alleviates chronic and acute pain by leveraging the ability of anesthetics such as procaine and lidocaine to trigger tissue regenerative processes. The therapy targets the short circuits that can occur in the nervous system's stimuli mechanisms to initiate cellular renewal that restabilizes the functionality of the apparatus and eliminates the dysfunction causing pain.
Let's see, then, how the therapy works and when it can be used.
Chelation therapy for heavy metal poisoning
The environment constantly exposes us, in various forms, to heavy metals. Today, it is not possible to exclude these substances from our context, but we must consider that this exposure may have contraindications. Some particularly dangerous situations can expose us to high quantities of heavy metals, requiring immediate medical intervention. The risk of acute heavy metal poisoning is mainly linked to environmental circumstances, often resulting from particular work contexts, while poisoning through food is rarer.
In general, metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium, if accumulated in the body, can cause irreversible organic damage. Chelation therapy offers an effective solution to reduce toxicity levels and protect health.
