Chelation describes the process of removing heavy metal toxins,
including lead and arsenic, from the bloodstream. A chelate is any
substance that assists in this process. EDTA and DMSA are both
chemically synthesized substances used as chelates. Their acronyms
stand for ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and dimercaptosuccinic
acid, respectively. Heavy metals enter the body through a variety of
means including eating non-organic foods and fish, and inhaling
smoke. Natural herbs have shown the ability to act as chelates too.
Check with your health care provider before using any herbal remedy.
Cilantro
Cilantro can be used to
remove heavy metals from the bloodstream. Cilantro is an herb
that is also used as a seasoning or garnish. According to Maile
Pouls, Ph.D., Director of Research for Extended Health, cilantro is
effective as an oral chelator. The benefit of cilantro is that it is
easily found and inexpensive. Pouls found that oral chelators, such
as cilantro, can actually outperform intravenous EDTA chelation.
Garlic
Garlic, also known as allium sativum, not only has a culinary
purpose but a medicinal one, too. In 1994, the National Institutes
of Health published findings that garlic was an effective in
chelation of lead. The study showed that when lead alone was given
to chickens there was a spike in lead concentrations in the
chickens' livers and surrounding tissue. When chickens were given
both lead and garlic, the concentration of lead was reduced.
Selenium
Selenium is a non-metal located just under sulfur on the periodic
table. In 1999, The University of Arizona found that selenium
reduced metal toxicity. Glutathione peroxidase is an enzyme that
protects organisms from oxidative damage. Selenium plays a major
role in this enzyme’s function. Researchers explain that through the
process of mercury binding with selenium,
metal toxicity is reduced. It is possible to control consumption
of mercury through smart food choices, but mercury also is emitted
naturally through the degassing of the earth’s crust.
