Chelation therapy: not a miracle cure

An HSI member named Paul has posted a message in the HSI Forum under the heading “Carotid Arteries.” Paul’s message is a response to a recent e-Alert (“Therapy of the Gods” 6/26/02) in which another member, Fred V., mentioned that he has carotid arteries. Here’s Paul’s comment:

“Why not tell him about EDTA chelation treatments? It will clear all blockages from the cardiovascular system without risk or side affects. I speak from experience.”

Paul’s comment was quickly followed by this very informative message from TS, an M.D. who has some strong opinions about chelation:

“I’m responding to the statement that chelation will ‘clear all blockages from the cardiovascular system’. It won’t, and don’t get chelation if that’s what you’re expecting to accomplish. Don’t get me wrong – I’m a BIG supporter of chelation, and am not real fond of carotid surgeries. It’s a dangerous, expensive, over-performed procedure, but pays a lot of surgeons’ bills.

“Although chelation won’t actually open up a carotid blockage significantly – it’s a big, fat artery – it will improve function in the tiny arteries that are supplying the brain (and other organs)–and those are the ones that are really important. If we have an artery that’s 90% (or more) blocked, then our bodies have already developed a collateral system to supply that organ, otherwise that organ would be pretty much dead already.

“Chelation helps protect and optimize this alternate circulation. So if you do get chelated, don’t think you can go back to eating crap and doing the same things that caused your arteries to plug up in the first place, or your collateral arteries will fill up with gunk, too. Chelation is a great therapy, and can often give you a second chance, but it won’t let you ‘start from scratch’. Your primary circulation is pretty much trashed, and will stay that way. Take care of your new one.”

Thanks, Doc, for that thorough and candid opinion. Anyone else have experience or insights into chelation therapy? If so, please drop by the HSI Forum and let us know about it. The more voices, the better.

To Your Good Health,

Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute

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