Chelation therapy is neither new nor unconventional. It aims to imitate the principle which is widespread throughout nature of bonding an unwanted inorganic mineral or metal to an organic chelating substance or chelater and then eliminating it from the body via the kidneys or liver.

EDTA (ethylene-di-amine-tetra-acetic acid), a synthetic amino acid, was the established method for the treatment of lead poisoning when acute and chronic lead poisoning was still common. Today, chelation therapy employs EDTA with a mixture of vitamins and minerals in a series of intravenous drips. Apart from its well documented binding (chelating) effect which results in the elimination of unwanted toxic (heavy) metals and calcium, a number of other possible therapeutic mechanisms of EDTA, such as its role as a potent antioxidant, have been the subject of extensive research with more than 3,500 scientific papers published.

This therapy has been used in cardiovascular disease due to atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. By administering the mixture intravenously the entire circulatory system is reached and treated. The following conditions have been known to be treated with good success rates: angina, coronary artery disease, heart attacks, strokes, blockages of neck and leg arteries, leg ulcers and diabetic complications. Chelation therapy is also a helpful adjunct to a general detoxification or preventative programme.

Infusions for heart and circulatory disorders take approx. 3 hours and a course of 20 weekly infusions is usually recommended in the first stage. Shorter chelation courses are being developed in the case of preventative therapy and as part of the general detoxification programme.

The treatment is accepted as being extremely safe and virtually free of serious side effects, with occasional mild and temporary effects such as: mild flushing, a lowering of blood pressure or low sugar levels and some pain at the injection site can occasionally occur.

Regular monitoring of kidney function is undertaken even though no kidney damage has been reported in the last 20 years. In fact, it has been shown that chelation therapy can improve kidney function. In recent years, with the increasing knowledge of the limitations of heart surgery, chelation has been making a slow but steady comeback despite being seriously hampered by the lack of funding for major research programmes. Generally also, lifestyle changes and dietary adaptation have been taken more seriously by patients to prevent or combat major diseases. Chelation therapy ideally sits in that camp.

Both Drs Pouria and Schellander offer chelation therapy at the Burghwood clinic. Dr Pouria is certified by the International Board of Clinical Metal Toxicology and the Burghwood Clinic protocols are based on those set out by the Board.