Have you been trying to get your heart health under control with diet, exercise, and perhaps even medications but still aren’t seeing healing? Unfortunately, there’s a good chance that your doctor is missing a crucial piece of the puzzle. 

Millions of people unknowingly walk through the world with an unhealthy accumulation of metals in their bodies. Heavy metals, such as iron, copper, lead, and mercury, cause cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease. 

Chelation therapy, a treatment used to remove heavy metals from the body, is sometimes recommended for individuals with heart problems like CAD. While chelation works for a small subset of individuals, there are many downsides to this labor-intensive and expensive treatment therapy. 

Where do heavy metals come from?

Heavy metals naturally exist on the earth and are essential to human life. Our bodies would fail without trace amounts of heavy metals such as zinc, iron, and copper. 

Unfortunately, modern farming, industrial practices, and pollution have caused metals to be far more widespread. Moreover, heavy metals are found in dental fillings, vaccinations, cookware, cosmetics, and beyond. Even babies are exposed to heavy metals in the womb and through breast milk. 

Sadly, heavy metal poisoning is cumulative. Daily exposures in the air, water, and environment build up over time and create a health catastrophe. 

Heavy metals harm health 

There’s no doubt that heavy metals are detrimental to health. Like other toxins, heavy metals disrupt the body’s optimal function. For example, heavy metals deactivate essential enzymes in the body, leading to cellular damage and inflammation. In addition, they are neurotoxins that damage brain cells and influence hormone function. 

Heavy metals are particularly harmful to the heart. Studies have found heavy metal exposure to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. For example, a 2021 study showed a significant link between heavy metals, the inflammation marker C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and the 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease. Moreover, these toxic metals contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. 

Research has also documented that elevated toxic metals lead to an increased risk of:

• Stroke
• Hypertension
• Congestive heart failure
• Atrial fibrillation
• Alzheimer’s and other brain diseases 

What is chelation therapy?

The word chelation comes from the Greek word chele, meaning claw. More specifically, chele refers to the pincers of a crab or lobster claw. As the name suggests, chelators act like tiny molecular claws, binding to metals and removing them from the body. 

During chelation therapy, a chelating agent, such as ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA), enters the bloodstream through an IV drip. Once there, it binds to heavy metals and removes them from the body through urination. 

What are the downsides of chelation therapy?

Chelators don’t just remove toxic heavy metals from the body, but they also pull out essential elements such as calcium and magnesium. As a result, many people who undergo chelation therapy are depleted of vital minerals. 

Moreover, chelation therapy has significant side effects, including gastrointestinal disorders, high blood pressure, rashes, weight loss, and flu-like symptoms. 

Finally, chelation is a time-consuming and expensive endeavor. EDTA chelation therapy typically requires weekly IV infusions for 20-40 weeks. Each chelation session lasts anywhere from 1 to 4 hours. Chelation therapy costs around $,5000 and is not typically covered by insurance. 

Does chelation therapy help with CAD? 

A common belief of those who support chelation therapy is that it can aid in treating coronary artery disease (CAD). Some practitioners argue that chelation therapy can help “clean out the pipes,” opening blood vessels by removing calcium deposits often found in artery-clogging plaques.  

However, scientific research regarding chelation therapy’s benefits is limited. In the most extensive study, researchers concluded that chelation is only beneficial for diabetic individuals who’ve already had a heart attack. Sadly, this therapy has not been proven helpful for the general population. In fact, some individuals with cardiovascular disorders have suffered significant cardiac effects while undergoing chelation therapy.  

Safer ways to remove heavy metals from the body 

Heavy metals undoubtedly impact the heart and should be removed for optimal health. However, there are safer and more effective ways to initiate detoxification. In addition to avoiding metals in the first place, individuals with high heavy metal loads in their bodies may benefit from the following detoxification methods: 

• Using an infrared sauna 
• Getting regular exercise
• Getting a lymph massage
• Eating an organic whole-food diet 
• Drink plenty of high-quality water 
• Get sunshine, sleep, and chiropractic care 
• Using evidence-based supplements to promote detoxification 

Next Steps 

Many individuals do not know they are living with heavy metals in their bodies. The only accurate way to know your heavy metal load is through testing. Natural Heart Doctor offers a simple urine-based heavy metal panel test for 20 toxic metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and aluminum. 

Results come with a review from a Natural Heart Doctor health coach. Individuals with high levels of heavy metals are offered evidence-based recommendations on removing metals and healing the heart.

Eat well, Live well, Think well