Natural chelation takes place more commonly in our lives than you
might realize.
When people hear about chelation therapy, some might think about the
modern-day administration of EDTA or DMSA intravenously to remove
heavy metals from the body.
Others might remember the first treatment of lead and arsenic
poisoning with the injection of BAL in the 1940s during World War
II.
However, chelation therapy is more ancient and natural than you
might know. In fact, long before the synthesis of EDTA, DMSA, BAL or
other synthetic chelating agents to remove heavy metal toxins from
the body, other chelators existed in nature and played an active
role in the daily detoxification of the human body. Some of these
natural chelating agents are produced in our bodies and in plants.
Other agents can found in the soil�s composition (i.e. clay).
Natural Chelation - Chelating Agents in the Human Body and from
Nature
The human body has its own cleansing mechanism utilizing chelating
agents. Each cell in the body manufactures its own chelating agents
such as cysteine, histidine, glutathione and other metallothioneins
designed to remove heavy metals and other toxins.
These chelating agents involved in natural chelation are amino
acids. Our bodies can only synthesize these amino acids from a
sufficient amount of dietary protein. For example, our bodies
synthesize cysteine from the amino acid methionine found in garlic
and onions.
Additionally, sugars, lipids (i.e. fat) and other proteins can act
as chelating agents. Recall that our own fat cells are notorious for
storing sugars, minerals and toxins in the human body. See below for
a more comprehensive list of over 90 sugars, lipids and proteins
that function as chelators, whether weak or strong in their
mobilization ability to remove metals. Natural chelation is indeed
more prevalent than you think.
As we age, our cells produce less and less of these chelating
agents. So, over our lifetime, supplementation becomes increasingly
important to remove heavy metals and other toxins from our bodies.
For instance, older adults should greatly increase their
supplementation of these chelating agents from plants, clay and
fermented foods. Therefore an increased dietary intake of plant and
animal proteins is highly recommended to keep natural chelation
going.
Cilantro and Garlic
There are two plants that function as powerful chelators, namely
cilantro and garlic, and they play a great role in natural chelation.
Based on the research of Dr. Yoshiaki Omura, cilantro can
effectively bind and remove mercury from our nervous system. It can
also remove aluminum and lead as well. Daily consumption of cilantro
for up to two or three weeks can eliminate significant amounts of
heavy metals through our urinary track.
Also, garlic, containing both chelating amino acids L-methionine and
L-cysteine, mobilizes and extracts cadmium, lead, arsenic and
mercury within our bodies.
Other Plants
Practically all plants produce sugars, amino acids, vitamins, such
as vitamin C, and even fats that act as effective chelators, but
some produce more so than others. Potatoes and lima beans produce a
notable amount of L-lysine; onion, lentils and other beans produce
L-methionine in good quantities as well.
Also, herbs such as yellow dock root are effective against heavy
metals like aluminum and mercury. Hibiscus, amla (i.e. Indian
gooseberry), sheep sorrel and other plants high in vitamin C have a
natural chelation effect on heavy metals too.
Clay and Water as Natural Chelating Agents
Over any chelator found in plants and animals, some of most
effective chelating agents on Earth can found in the soil we trample
on and the water we drink. Clay (i.e. bentonite and kaolin) and
water function amazingly well as natural chelators.
In regards to clay and water, quality and purity are critical for
natural chelation and detoxification of heavy metal. Any
contaminated clays and water will only introduce additional metals
and other toxins into the body. In this case, bentonite clay and
distilled and / or ionized water are highly recommended for
chelation therapy.
Conclusion
In regards to effective chelating agents in nature, we have an
abundance of natural resources to draw from when creating our own
homemade chelation regime for a healthy, restorative lifestyle.
Even a daily dose of raw apple cider vinegar (i.e. acetic acid, a
weaker chelator than EDTA) is excellent for a daily natural
chelation regime to remove heavy metals from our body. Our ancestors
have been utilizing nature�s own chelation therapy for thousands of
years for health and longevity; so should you.
List of Sugars, Lipids and Amino Acids - Chelating Agents found in
Nature based on Kratzer's and Vohra's Chelates in Nutrition (1986).