EDTA is short for Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetate. Is an acetic acid salt. EDTA was invented in Germany in 1935 where the substance was used in the dyestuff industry where soft water was needed to dye the textiles. EDTA is able to bind calcium. Later it was discovered that it also binds a number of metals in soluble compounds that can be disharged in the urine, especially lead, and therefore, EDTA injections has become an effective detoxication device in case of lead poisoning.
The reason why it is given as an injection (drip) is that it is not absorbed well from the gastrointestinal tract.
After an accident in 1950, where 30 workers from an accumulator factory in the USA were lead poisoned and received EDTA treatments, some of the workers discovered that their heart problems and leg pains from atherosclerosis disappeared suddenly. This was the beginning of EDTA treatments for circulatory diseases.
EDTA's effect is not completely known. It is now said that the EDTA molecule counteracts atherosclerosis when given as a shock dose where it binds and discharges iron and copper from the blood where they take part in the formation of free radicals that are involved in the process of atherosclerosis. At the same time, the calcium content in the blood is lowered, and the body compensates for the loss of calcium by taking it from the calcium which has been deposited in the arteries.
EDTA treatment
For circulatory diseases it is given as an ambulant treatment in private hospitals. The regulations for subsidy varies from country to country.
A typical course of treatment consists of an introductory examination including various blood tests. Then you receive treatment 1-2 times a week. This basic therapy amounts to about 30 treatments. Then you receive treatment once a month for a year, and after this, you will get a maintenance treatment once every quarter for the rest of your life.
An EDTA treatment is relevant in case of the following conditions :
- Coronary sclerosis - which can cause Angina pectoris (chest pains) and AMI (coronary thrombosis).
- Hardening of the carotid artery often causes dizziness due to the decreased blood flow to the brain, and cerebral haemorrhages can arise from this.
- Atherosclerosis in the legs (intermittent claudication).
- Late complications after diabetes also causes atherosclerosis.
- Macular degeneration - hardening of the arteries in the eyes.
- Heightened iron deposits - a contributory factor in case of atherosclerosis and the formation of blood clots.
- After a bypass operation - prevents reoperation by prolonging the durability of the operated blood vessels.
- Lead poisoning.
Contraindications
EDTA has few or no side effects. It can cause tiredness, light fever or dizziness. These side effects can often be removed by adjusting the course of treatment.
However, people with a severely lowered kidney function should not receive EDTA treatment. This is checked at the introductory examination.
Further information
www.drcranton.com/chelation/
