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What is Natural Chelation?

Angela Brady
Angela Brady

Natural chelation is the process of removing toxic heavy metals from the body using natural means rather than man-made methods. Many heavy metals occur naturally in the body in small amounts, and are necessary to maintain good health. Repeated exposure to heavy metals can increase their levels in the body to the point where they are no longer metabolized, however. The heavy metals then build up in soft tissues, and the resulting condition is called heavy metal toxicity.

Heavy metal toxicity can cause reduced mental and central nervous system function, low energy levels, and damage to the blood, lungs, kidneys, and liver. There are 23 heavy metals that most concern doctors by causing heavy metal toxicity. Just a few of these are arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury.

Cilantro is often used to reduce toxins in the body.
Cilantro is often used to reduce toxins in the body.

Natural chelation uses plant-based substances in an attempt to flush heavy metals out of the body. The three main components of natural chelation are alpha-lipoic acid, cilantro, and chlorella. All three components are available as supplements, although they can also be found in therapeutic concentrations in a vegetarian diet.

Alpha-lipoic acid is a fatty acid that occurs naturally in cells, and converts glucose into energy. The body's supply of alpha-lipoic acid is replenished naturally through the consumption of green vegetables, although a larger dose is provided via supplement for natural chelation. According to proponents, alpha-lipoic acid's occurrence in cells allows a therapeutic dose to be absorbed quickly into the bloodstream, where it "traps" heavy metals, and prevents them from settling in the soft tissue, where they can cause cellular damage. Along the way, it is also said to help replenish the body's natural antioxidants, like vitamins C and E, and CoQ10.

Dried coriander seeds, which can be used for natural chelation.
Dried coriander seeds, which can be used for natural chelation.

Cilantro is a culinary herb, the leafy part of the coriander plant. When used as a part of natural chelation therapy, cilantro is said to attack heavy metals in the body's tissues and central nervous system. It is believed to act as a reducing agent, changing the metals' charge, which the allows the heavy metal to diffuse down the concentration gradient. Cilantro also lowers blood sugar, and has been known to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Tuna -- fresh or canned -- can contain relatively high levels of mercury.
Tuna -- fresh or canned -- can contain relatively high levels of mercury.

Chlorella is a single-celled freshwater algae, named for its high concentration of clorophyll. When taken as part of natural chelation therapy, the fibrous material in chlorella is believed to bind the heavy metals in the gastrointestinal tract. From there, the heavy metals are eliminated.

The benefits of chelation therapy for other than medically-diagnosed heavy metal poisoning are debatable. Many people believe that natural chelation can be safe and effective. Studies are ongoing to determine if this type of therapy does offer any health benefits.

Discussion Comments

Spotiche5

@raynbow- You should definitely talk to your doctor before beginning a treatment like natural chelation therapy. He or she will be able to advise you about the best way to begin your new diet, the types of foods that you should be eating, and what foods you should eliminate. He or she will also be able to monitor you for any problems that arise while you are detoxing from heavy metals.

Heavanet

@raynbow- You are very smart to begin the process of natural chelation therapy gradually. You should start slowly by introducing various healthful foods into your diet, such as the ones mentioned in this article. You should also gradually eliminate foods that may be adding to the heavy metal levels in your body while doing chelation therapy.

Raynbow

What is the best way to start a natural chelation diet? I worry about the levels of heavy metals in the body, but I also don't think it is healthy to drastically change a diet drastically.

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    • Cilantro is often used to reduce toxins in the body.
      By: Amber DeGrace
      Cilantro is often used to reduce toxins in the body.
    • Dried coriander seeds, which can be used for natural chelation.
      By: Uros Petrovic
      Dried coriander seeds, which can be used for natural chelation.
    • Tuna -- fresh or canned -- can contain relatively high levels of mercury.
      By: bit24
      Tuna -- fresh or canned -- can contain relatively high levels of mercury.
    • Chlorella is one of the three main components of chelation.
      By: Andrew Scheck
      Chlorella is one of the three main components of chelation.
    • Side effects of chlorella may include nausea.
      By: Gabriel Blaj
      Side effects of chlorella may include nausea.
    • Heavy metal toxicity can cause reduced mental function and low energy levels.
      By: miya227
      Heavy metal toxicity can cause reduced mental function and low energy levels.