EDTA

EDTA

EDTA chelation (see chelate) is a therapy by which repeated administrations, either intravenously (IV) or orally, of a weak synthetic amino acid, EDTA (ethylenediaminetetra acetic acid), gradually reduces atherosclerotic plaque and other mineral deposits throughout the cardiovascular system. It does this by literally dissolving them and returning the arterial system to a smooth, healthy, preatherosclerotic state.

Contents

Benefits

  • Removes toxic metals from the blood: Studies have shown that as people age, they continuously accumulate toxic metals – lead, mercury, aluminum, cadmium, and arsenic, among others. The accrual of these toxins invites an increased risk for various diseases, especially heart disease. The less of these metals we have in our bodies, the more likely we are to be physiologically healthy or simply to feel good, and the lower our risk for heart disease. Because EDTA is so effective at removing unwanted metals and other minerals from the blood, it has been the standard, FDA-approved treatment for lead, mercury, aluminum, and cadmium poisoning for more than 50 years. EDTA normalizes the distribution of most metallic elements in the body.
  • Helps prevent heart attack, stroke, varicose veins, and more by inhibiting blood clotting: Because EDTA inhibits blood clotting so well, by tying up calcium, it is routinely added to blood samples that are drawn for testing purposes. Blood can’t clot if the calcium is tied up. Inhibition of blood clotting can help prevent stroke, heart attack, phlebitis (painful inflammation of a vein), pulmonary embolism (potentially fatal clot to the lung), or varicose veins. Generally, these conditions are associated with aging.
  • Makes stronger bones and reduces cholesterol by improving calcium and cholesterol metabolism: EDTA can help to lower cholesterol, the principal component of atherosclerotic plaque. Dr. Garry Gordon (see sidebar, “Dr. Garry Gordon Helps the ‘Hopeless’ with EDTA” ) relays one experience: “I had a patient at Stanford University who could never get her cholesterol below 500. Once she started taking six tablespoons a day of the EDTA-based chelation formula, she got down to 200. So this stuff can work wonders.”

Cautions

  • EDTA is safe when used as a prescription medicine, as eye drops, and in small amounts as a preservative in foods. EDTA can cause abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, low blood pressure, skin problems, and fever.
  • It is UNSAFE to use more than 3 grams of EDTA per day, or to take it longer than 5 to 7 days. Too much can cause kidney damage, dangerously low calcium levels, and death.
  • Pregnancy and breast-feeding: EDTA seems to be safe when used in food amounts. The safety of larger amounts is unknown.
  • Asthma: Nebulizer solutions containing disodium EDTA as a preservative can cause the breathing tubes to narrow in some people with asthma. The size of the dose determines the amount of the narrowing.
  • Heart rhythm problems: EDTA might make heart rhythm problems worse.
  • Diabetes: EDTA might interfere with blood sugar control because it can interact with insulin.
  • Low calcium levels in the blood (hypocalcemia): EDTA can decrease serum calcium levels, making hypocalcemia worse.
  • Low potassium (hypokalemia): EDTA can bind with potassium and increase the amount of potassium that is flushed out in the urine. This might cause potassium levels to drop too low, especially in people who have low levels to begin with. If you have this problem, don’t use EDTA.
  • Low magnesium levels in the blood (hypomagnesemia): EDTA can bind with magnesium and increase the amount of magnesium that is flushed out in the urine. This might cause magnesium levels to drop too low, especially in people who have low levels to begin with. If you have this problem, don’t use EDTA.
  • Liver problems and hepatitis: EDTA might make liver disease worse. Avoid using EDTA if you have a liver condition.
  • Kidney problems: EDTA can harm the kidney and might make kidney disease worse. EDTA doses should be reduced in patients with kidney disease. Avoid using EDTA if you have severe kidney disease or kidney failure.
  • Seizures (epilepsy): There is some concern that EDTA might increase the risk of seizure in people with epilepsy or in people who tend to have seizures. EDTA can cause severe decreases in blood levels of calcium, and this can cause a seizure.
  • Tuberculosis (TB): Tuberculosis is a lung infection that is caused by particular bacteria. Sometimes the body is able to “wall off” pockets of infection, making the infection inactive. The bacteria remain alive behind the wall of scar tissue, but they can’t get out to cause illness or infect other people. This scar tissue frequently contains calcium. There is some concern that EDTA might be able to bind the calcium in the scar tissue, causing the “walls” to give way and release bacteria. Don’t use EDTA if you have active TB or had TB in the past.

Interactions

***Major Interaction Do not take this combination***

  • Insulin interacts with EDTA: EDTA can decrease blood sugar. Insulin is also used to decrease blood sugar. Taking EDTA along with insulin can cause serious decreases in your blood sugar. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your insulin might need to be changed.
  • Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with EDTA: Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood clotting. EDTA has been reported to decrease the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin). Decreasing the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin) might increase the risk of clotting. It is unclear why this interaction might occur. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin (Coumadin) might need to be changed.

Moderate Interaction Be cautious with this combination

  • Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with EDTA: Large amounts of EDTA can decrease potassium levels in the body. “Water pills” can also decrease potassium in the body. Taking EDTA along with “water pills” might decrease potassium in the body too much.

Some “water pills” that can deplete potassium include chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Microzide), and others.’

Other Names

Acide Éthylènediaminetétracétique, Calcium Disodium Edathamil, Calcium Disodium EDTA, Calcium Disodium Edetate, Calcium Disodium Versenate, Calcium Edetate, Calcium EDTA, Chelation Therapy, Disodium Edathamil, Disodium Edetate, Disodium EDTA, Disodium ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, Disodium Tetraacetate, EDTA de Calcium Disodique, EDTA de Fer, Ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, Éthylènediaminetétraacétate de Calcium et de Disodium, Éthylène-Diamine-Tétracétate Disodique, Iron EDTA, Sodium Edetate, Traitement Chélateur, Trisodium ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid.

References

Leave a Reply

Has this product helped you or someone you know? Tell us about it:

Note: Your email address will be kept private, and will NOT show with your statement.