Holistic Dentistry on Mercury Poisoning and Chelation Therapy

Since the “mercury-free revolution” began many years ago, the question still remains: how can you be sure that the body is free from toxic metals caused by mercury fillings? If you speak with your naturopath or prefer a holistic dentistry approach, one of the answers is chelation therapy.

Chelation’s literal meaning is “to bind,” which is exactly how chelation therapy works. Chelation therapy is a detoxifying process in which an amino acid called EDTA is administered orally or intravenously, binding to toxic chemicals and minerals to clear the body of harmful pathogens. Holistic dentistry believes in chelation therapy, which rids the body of potentially deadly toxins caused by heavy metals (such as mercury), as well as helps to restore good circulation to the body’s tissues, and removes or reduces the amount of plaque build-up in your artery walls, lowering your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Other ingredients such as B vitamins, Vitamin C, and magnesium may all be added to the chelation therapy to eliminate inflammation, improve circulation, and create more elasticity in your arteries.

Approximately 80% of mercury vapour (which is odorless and tasteless) released from amalgam fillings is inhaled through the lungs and into the bloodstream. Holistic dentistry recommends amalgam chelation, which seeks to remove those toxins from the body. It has become increasingly popular since the health risks of mercury fillings became widely known. The chelating agents used to remove heavy metals such as amalgam must contain sulfur, as it readily binds to mercury, preparing it for removal from the body.  As much as chelation therapy does attempt to remove all toxic heavy metals, no chelation therapy can remove all mercury, which is why avoiding mercury placement, or removing it as soon as possible is in your best interest.

Before Removal of Mercury Fillings: Preparing for chelation therapy can include 1) drinking copious amounts of water to flush toxins, 2) incorporating chlorella, spirulina, vitamin E, and B vitamins into your diet for their antibacterial, anti-toxin, immune-promoting, healing effects, and 3) using magnesium to help with waste removal.

After Removal of Mercury Fillings: Optimum time for chelation therapy. Aside from this, detox techniques for after chelation include changes to your diet by consuming leafy greens, high protein, unprocessed pure oils including flax oil, sunflower oil and sesame oil, and taking in natural fats including seeds, nuts, avocado and organic poultry and eggs. You could also incorporate fresh garlic or garlic pills which enhances sulfur, removing even more mercury. Bowel movements are also important in removing toxins, so try some fresh flax seed grounds, magnesium, or prune juice to get the system going.