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naturopathic doctor north vancouver

Heavy Metal Chelation

Chelate the toxic heavy metals out of our system. Followed by diagnosing and monitoring heavy metals in the body.  Resulting in better immune, cognitive, and gut function. 

Heavy Metals in our  Environment

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It is of no surprise that many hard to treat conditions stem from heavy metal toxicity. We all have heavy metals stored within us. Dependent on your work history and exposure levels, after testing, the right treatment approach will be selected for you. 
 
Heavy metals are taken in via ingestion, inhalation of polluted air and via absorption through the skin.
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Heavy metals can accumulate in the body for years if not decades. Heavy metals accumulate in plants and animals. A common example is mercury in tuna. 

What are some Symptoms caused by heavy metal build up in My body?

  • Allergic reactions (beryllium, chromium)

  • Neurotoxicity (lead)

  • Nephrotoxicity (mercuric chloride, cadmium chloride)

  • Cancer (arsenic, hexavalent chromium)

Heavy Metals: sources & Symptoms

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  • Aluminum

    • Sources: Beverage cans, pots and pans, foil, metal alloys, water treatment, furnace linings, antacids, antiperspirants, astringents, buffered aspirin, food additives, injectables, dialysis, cosmetics, colloidal mineral products.​

    • Symptoms: Pulmonary disease, osteomalacia, neurotoxicity, suspected cause of Alzheimers Disease.

  • Antimony

    • Sources: Smelters, Coal-fired plants, refuse incinerators, tobacco smoke, antihelminthic/antiprotozoal agents, automobile batteries, solder, sheet metal, pipes, bearings, castings, ammunition, cable sheathing, pewter, semiconductors, aluminum, gallium, infrared detectors, thermoelectric devices. Trioxide: flame retardants, plastics, textiles, rubber, adhesives, paper, pigments, paint, ceramics, pesticides, fireworks.

    • Symptoms: Topica/Respiratory irritant, dizziness, headache, insomnia, anosmia, hypertension, spontaneous abortion, menstrual disturbances, ECG abnormalities.

  • Arsenic

    • Sources: ​Lime manufacturing, automobile batteries, asphalt, asphalt felts and coatings;, lead and copper refining (smelters), wood preservative, pesticides(primarily cotton), insecticides, herbicides, algicides, growth stimulants for plants and animals, lead oxide, glass, electronics, semiconductors, metallurgy, pigments, electroplating, well water, seafood and shellfish, smog, rodenticides, fungicides.

    • Symptoms: Respiratory/GI Irritant, Lyphocytopenia, Anemia, Birth Defects, Anxiety, Carcinogenic (skin, lung), Cardiac arrhythmias, neurotoxicity, depression, garlic breath, headaches, Hyperpigmentation of Skin, Keratosis, Neuralgia/ Neuropathy, PVC’s, Spontaneous Abortion, Nephritis.

  • Cadmium

    • Sources:  Asphalt, asphalt felts and coatings, lime manufacturing; batteries; metal plating; pigments; plastics; paints; metal soldering and welding; electroplating; semiconductors; metallurgy; photography; printing; textiles; food-shellfish, liver and kidney meat; cigarette smoke; fertilizer; drinking water; fungicides; rubber; photoconductors

    • Symptoms:​ Respiratory/GI Irritant; Nephrotoxicity; Anemia; Bhavioral Changes; Cancer (lung, prostate ); Emphysema; HA; HTN; Osteomalacia; Autoimmune Disorders; Immunosuppression; Neurotoxicity; Birth Defects; Infertility.

  • Lead

    • Sources: Lead crystal; pesticides; batteries; sheet lead; solder; pipes; roofing materials; caulking; buckles; petroleum refining; radiation protection; pigments; paints; plastics; ceramics; electrical devices; ballast; tv glass; brass; bronze; gasoline; ammunition; mining; electrical wire insulation; drinking water; fertilizer; candle wicks

    • Symptoms​: GI Symptoms; Colic; Anemia;Neurotoxicity; Neuropathy; Hepatotoxicity, P-450 Enzyme Inh; ECG Abnormalities; Infertility; Gingival Lead Lines; Ototoxicity; Growth Retardation; Developmental Delay; Psychomotor impairment; Fatigue; Anxiety; HA; Immunotoxicity; Cancer.

  • Mercury

    • Sources: ​Thermometers; batteries; fish; Pigments; bactericides; antiseptic creams; skin lightening creams; fireworks; dental amalgams; pesticides; asphalt; agricultural chemical; photography; taxidermy; electrical equipment; electroplating; felt making; textiles; interior paint before 1990; hemorrhoidal preparations; hospital wastes; waste incineration; paper industry; explosives; fungicides

    • Symptoms: Fatigue; Neurotoxicity; Emotional; Disturbances; Neuropathy; Altered Libido; Birth Defects; Spontaneous Abortion; Excessive Salivation; Tremors; Irritability; Menstrual Disorders; Autoimmune Disease; Nephritis.

  • Nickel

    • Sources: Jewelry; coins; stainless-steel; ceramics; pigments; cast iron; batteries; electroplating; metal alloys; electrical circuits; dyes; pesticides; lime manufacturing, asphalt; tobacco smoke; volcanoes; power plants; waste incinerators; diesel exhaust; cocoa; hydrogenated oils.

    • Symptoms: Dermatitis; Respiratory Irritation/Cancer; Emphysema; Colic; Excessive Salivation; Fatigue; HA; Muscle Pain; Vertigo; Hepato/ Nephrotoxicity; Male Infertility

  • Tin:

    • Sources: Antihelminthic drugs, bactericides; brass; bronze; coated wire; colored glass; dental materials; dyes; electronics; fabrics; fencing; fingernail polish; flooring; food​canning; fungicide; glass; leather; mining; nuclear reactors; paints; ​paper; perfumes; pesticides; pewter; pharmaceuticals; pipes; ​polyurethane foams; rodent repellants; ropes; silicone; silverware; soaps; soft plastics; soldering material; wood preservative; food additives; toothpaste (past); plastics; paints; ​flame retardants; cosmetics; ​bleaching agents; rodenticides

    • Symptoms: Topical/Respiratory/GI Irritant; Pneumoconiosis; Neurotoxicity; Immunosuppression; Photophobia; HA; Impaired Memory; Hepato/ Nephrotoxicity; Behavioral Changes; Vertigo; Anemia; Birth Defects

  • Tungsten

    • Sources: light bulbs; carbide tools; ammunition; fishing sinkers; golf clubs; ceramic pigments; textile dyes/waterproofing/flame retardants.

    • Symptoms: Topical/Respiratory Irritant, Pneumoconiosis; Lung Cancer; Antagonism of Molybdenum.

Where are heavy metals stored in My body?

  • Fat

  • Bone

  • Nervous system tissues

  • Organs

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Heavy Metal Testing

Done through a urine sample, where we are looking at a heavy metal concentrations consistent with your current exposure, as well as chronic exposure. The higher the storage, the higher the amount we see in the urine filtered by your kidneys.
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Removal of Heavy MEtals & Nutrient Support

Heavy metals are removed or "chelated" out of the body slowly and consistently over time to prevent harm. The oral and IV chelators are: DMPS, Na-EDTA and DMSA. At the same time you will be places on mineral supplementation as well as other natural chelators to support the detox process. 

Dependent on what heavy metals show up elevated on you test, you will need do IV or oral chelation treatments or both at the same time. 

Treatment Timeline and Frequency

In office IV Chelation is done once per month for 6 months. During which time you will also be on an oral agent with instructions if you are a candidate for it. Each IV chelation takes about 3.5 hours. You can eat on the day of the treatment.

At the 6 month mark, you will have blood work done as well as another urine test to see how far you have chelated your heavy metals. You may continue on this treatment for 3 years depending on your heavy metal burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IV and oral chelation treatment safe?

What are some risks and side effects of chelation treatment?
Headaches, rash, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The treatment aims to remove vital minerals from the body along with the toxic metals. Typically you would be on mineral supplementation as well as other natural supplements at the same time.

Who is not a good candidate for heavy metal chelation?
Already pregnant or breastfeeding women, children and individuals on dialysis.
 
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