

              The Truth About Chelation Therapy  
               =================================      
                   by Michael Janson, M.D.

  Blood vessel diseases are the leading killers in America 
and much of the industrialized world. Loss of circulation to 
affected parts leads to some of the signs of this hardening of 
the arteries. This condition is even more common in diabetics 
and it is worse in smokers. Most of the time it is the result 
of lifestyle choices (diet, lack of exercise, high stress).

  The signs of vascular disease may appear on the legs as loss 
of hair, thinning and atrophy of the skin, non-healing sores, or 
even blackened toes from gangrene, and pain on exercise. In the 
heart the signs may be pain or pressure in the chest, shortness 
of breath or unusual fatigue. It can also affect the brain, causing
loss of memory and confusion, or momentary lapse of consciousness 
(sometimes called a TIA, or transient ischemic attack).

  One of the most effective treatments for arteriosclerosis is 
being ignored and even maligned by mainstream practitioners. 
This treatment is known as chelation therapy, and it has been 
successful for over forty years. What is chelation therapy all
about?

  EDTA  (Ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid) is a synthetic amino 
acid which has the ability to attach itself to metals and minerals, 
forming a particular kind of bond called a chelate. Heavier metals 
have a greater affinity for the EDTA and form stronger bonds. 
 
  Early in its history, in the 40's and 50's, EDTA was found to 
be an effective treatment for lead toxicity and was approved as 
a safe drug for that purpose. In many cases, patients who 
coincidentally had symptoms of heart disease, such as angina, 
improved while undergoing the lead toxicity treatment. Since 
that time, a number of studies have confirmed the effectiveness 
of chelation therapy for blood vessel disease, including improved 
blood flow to the heart, the legs and the brain. They have been 
published in reputable journals by experienced physicians and 
medical researchers. 
 
  Two events occurred which slowed down the growing use of EDTA 
in traditional medical settings. One was the expiration of the patent 
on EDTA. It became less profitable to drug companies to pursue or 
finance studies on the drug. The other was the development of the 
heart-lung machine allowing open-heart surgery. Coronary artery 
bypass surgery has become a multi-billion dollar industry. Even 
today there is controversy about how much of the bypass surgery 
that is done is actually necessary. Most estimates are that 
50-75% of the surgery being done is unnecessary. There are no good 
studies supporting the value of the extensive amount of bypass surgery 
that is being performed today. 
 
  The exact action of EDTA in improving blood vessel disease is 
not clear, and it probably works by several mechanisms. One theory 
of aging and degenerative disease is the Free Radical theory. 
Free radicals are highly active molecular fragments formed during 
the production of energy in the cells. They have high energy, 
like sparks in a fireplace, and this energy can be used by the 
body, when properly handled.

  However, if these free radicals get out of control they can 
cause damage to surrounding tissues, just as sparks that get out 
of the fireplace can cause the rug to catch fire. Excess free 
radicals contribute to the obvious signs of aging such as 
wrinkling and loss of elasticity of the skin, and the deposition 
of age pigment (commonly called liver spots). Internal damage 
is less visible but even more serious.

  In addition to the formation of free radicals in the body, you 
are exposed to them in the environment. They are found in cigarette 
smoke in high amounts, and also in polluted air. They are caused 
by radiation and rancid oils, by hydrogenated oil such as those 
found in margarine and shortening, and by many therapeutic drugs.
  
  Heavy metals cause an increased production of free radicals. One 
of the most interesting properties of EDTA is the removal of lead, 
iron and other metals that have accumulated in the body. Excess 
accumulation of iron (usually from consumption of meat products) 
leads to the production of free radicals. Heavy metals are 
directly toxic. Removal of iron and heavy metals with chelation 
is thought to help prevent and reverse the tissue damage of
vascular disease.

  Free radicals, with their high energy levels, are thought to 
contribute to the development of heart disease, cancer, arthritis, 
and certain immune system disorders. A recent study in Zurich, 
Switzerland showed a markedly lower incidence of cancer among 
patients who had received chelation therapy. This makes a strong 
case for chelation inhibiting free radicals.

  For protection from free radicals, your body has a number of 
defenses. You produce enzymes that are free radical scavengers, as 
are many nutrients. These include vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, 
bioflavonoids, coenzyme Q10, sulfur amino acids, and many others. 
These protect you from aging and degeneration. A comprehensive 
approach to treatment is more effective than any one treatment 
alone. This includes diet, exercise and stress management, 
as well as dietary supplements.
 
  Another mechanism of action of EDTA is to bind calcium in the 
blood stream, and alter the intra-cellular balance of calcium 
with magnesium. This also favorably affects the circulation.
There are also other potential mechanisms of action.

  I have personally had 43 chelation treatments myself for 
preventive medicine. I expected to reduce my body burden of heavy 
metals, as reflected by lead levels. Before starting the
treatment I had the laboratory measure a 24-hour urinary lead excretion,
which was 17 micrograms. I then had a chelation treatment and collected 
the urine for 24 hours again. This time the EDTA pulled out 
113 micrograms of lead, which had been hidden in the tissues. After 
six treatments I repeated the EDTA challenge and eliminated only 
34 mcg, indicating that much less lead was available for removal. 
I am continuing my chelation in order to remove lead and other toxic 
metals from my body. All of us are constantly exposed to these in 
the environment. 
 
  Although most patients are treated with chelation for vascular 
disease, it has many other benefits, as well as value as preventive 
medicine. Specific benefits are found in diabetic arterial disease, 
macular degeneration, decreased mental function from vascular 
disease, osteoporosis, intermittent claudication (leg pain on exercise), 
and other conditions.

  There have been no serious side effects from the treatment since 
the 1950's, when it was first being administered. We have learned 
much about the treatment since then, and it is now safely 
administered by physicians trained by the American College for 
Advancement in Medicine (ACAM), and certified by the American Board 
of Chelation Therapy (ABCT).

  Doctors critical of chelation therapy are usually unfamiliar 
with the literature and have no experience with the treatment in 
practice. Studies are ongoing, including one sanctioned by the 
FDA being conducted at army hospitals. Currently this study is on 
hold for financial and, perhaps, political reasons.

  For further information, I recommend Bypassing Bypass by Elmer 
Cranton, MD, an in depth look at chelation with a chapter on free 
radical theory. Another book, Chelation Therapy by John Parks 
Trowbridge, MD, and Morton Walker, DPM, is shorter but still
gives a good overview.

  Heart disease is the number one killer in America. Bypass surgery 
is expensive and risky, and has not been shown to be of clear 
benefit. It is important to consider the value of chelation therapy, 
which has so many direct and side benefits with so few negative side 
effects. If you have vascular disease, it would be worthwhile to look 
for a doctor who does chelation therapy as part of a comprehensive 
approach to treatment.

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For a physican referal near your area that practices EDTA chelation
therapy, please contact

American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM)
23121 Verdugo Drive, Suite 204
Laguna Hills, CA 92653

Tel : 714 - 5837666
Fax:  714 - 4559679

(Free information and catalog of publication that is for sale at
ACAM  is available by calling above number.)
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Dr. Janson is currently running "Center for Preventive Medicine"
in Barnstable, MA. USA.


