IV Chelation Therapy
Heavy metal poisoning is rampant in our society. The federal government’s NHANES study showed large segments of the population carrying dangerous burdens of mercury, lead and other toxic metals.
Heavy metals disrupt a wide range of bodily functions and contribute to many diseases. People acquire body burdens of metals in several ways. Mercury is most commonly obtained from “silver” amalgams, which average 52% mercury and vaporize slowly at body temperature, and to a lesser extent from fish. It is estimated that 80% of oral mercury vapor is absorbed, and goes to the brain, kidneys, liver, and thyroid or other endocrine glands. Mercury can go pretty much anywhere in the body and produce a wide range of toxic effects.
“Sliver” fillings have been illegal in much of Europe since 1994, because of their proven toxicity, and many dentists in this country are quietly phasing them out. There is no safe body level of mercury. Not everyone, however, needs to be treated for mercury unless their symptoms justify the effort and expense. Amalgam removal must be done by a specially-trained dentist to avoid aggravating the problem.
Lead is acquired by eating old paint, by living in a polluted city prior to removal of lead from gasoline, or from various glazed ceramics. It has been proven to lower IQ scores and to contribute to several diseases. There is no safe body level of lead.
Other heavy metals such as cadmium, tin, strontium, uranium, arsenic and the like can sometimes be found in groundwater or herbs.
There are a number of chemicals capable of removing heavy metals when given intravenously. These are administered under protocols developed by the American Board of Clinical Metal Toxicology (who trained Dr Bernhoft). Each chelating agent has a specific affinity for each of the heavy metals (including both toxic and necessary metals) and its own pros and cons in specific clinical situations. These are powerful drugs and must be given carefully, but are very safe when given with full attention to replacement of essential metals and complete obedience to the proven protocols.