Glutathione
Glutathione is an antioxidant tripeptide that may protect cells from oxidative stress and support essential detoxification processes in the body.
Chelation therapy is designed to flush out the body’s accumulation of harmful heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic. Chronic, low level heavy metal exposure can accumulate in the body over time and cause serious health problems. Chelation therapy is not considered a quick detox treatment, as it can take weeks or even months to rid the system of built up toxins. The damage from heavy metal poisoning is in part due to the production of free radicals. Free radicals can harm cells in every organ and system, especially the heart, arteries, and brain.
Chelators, drugs used in chelation therapy, find and latch onto toxic substances to carry them out of the body through the organs that naturally eliminate waste. For example, chelators like dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) bind to heavy metal toxins and expedite their removal through the urine. Belmar Pharmacy offers compounded forms of DMSA as chelation support as well as glutathione to promote detoxification functions within the body.
Our Chelation Therapy Offerings
Dimercaptosuccinic Acid (DMSA) (Clear) MCC
DMSA (dimercaptosuccinic acid) binds heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic into water‑soluble complexes that the body can excrete through the kidneys.
About Heavy Metal Poisoning and Chelation Therapy
Symptoms
Heavy metals like lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic can negatively affect health in a variety of ways. They have the potential to damage DNA and cell membranes, change gut bacteria, create oxidative stress, as well as dysregulate organ systems and the body’s immune response. Some of the symptoms of chronic, low level exposure to lead may include:
- Unexplained tiredness
- Confusion or forgetfulness
- Malaise
- Headaches
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Severe constipation
- Anemia
Lead poisoning cannot be identified from symptoms alone, as these complaints can overlap with a range of other conditions such as thyroid dysfunction.
Diagnosis
To determine if a patient needs chelation therapy, healthcare providers may request certain blood tests to evaluate toxicity. Urine tests can also show recent exposure to toxins, while hair and nail testing reflect a longer timeframe of heavy metals in the system. Red blood cell (RBC) testing focuses on metals stored within the body’s cells, including copper and zinc. Kidney function tests are also important because they are an indication of the body’s filtration system’s health and capacity.
Therapies
Chelation therapy is part of a larger detoxification support system involving nutrient balance, gut health, liver function, and hydration. Without the body’s elimination pathways fully functional, chelation therapy could worsen symptoms – patients need to be able to sufficiently excrete the toxin. Chelators may help remove the heavy metal from within the body, but these agents cannot reverse the established effects of previous exposure. Chelation therapy is not a substitute for proper identification and removal of the toxic source.
Belmar Pharmacy offers chelation therapy and other detoxifying drugs in several dosage forms and strengths for personalized prescribing based on individual patient needs.
DMSA
Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) is an oral chelating agent used to detoxify the body of heavy metals like lead or arsenic. Chelators like DMSA bind to heavy metal toxins and expedite their removal through urine.
Glutathione
Glutathione is a natural antioxidant that can help the body clear cellular waste and protect against oxidative stress and damage. Glutathione participates in the processing of heavy metals, environmental pollutants, and other compounds that contribute to oxidative load. It is known to convert certain toxins to water-soluble compounds for elimination and act as a protective buffer. Glutathione production declines with age, making supplementation important for liver detoxification and immune system functioning.
Commonly Asked Questions About Chelation Therapy
Chelation therapy is aimed at removing heavy metals to help the body get rid of environmental toxins. This therapy requires a prescription from a healthcare provider. The goal of chelation therapy is to use chelators like dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) periodically over time to help remove dangerous accumulation of toxins that are capable of damaging the liver, brain, or other organs. During this time, patients are assessed for symptom changes and lab variations.
Chelation therapy with dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) is typically cyclic over weeks or even months. Periods of rest are important to avoid overwhelming the body’s elimination processes. The duration of therapy will depend on the type of toxin, the level of exposure, and how successfully patients respond to the medication. Patients who have experienced chronic low-level heavy metal exposure may require repeated cycles of chelation therapy for up to 6 months.
