What is Chelation? Natural Toxin Elimination at ATMC

Alternative to Meds Editorial Team
Medically Reviewed by ATMC Clinical Review Team

What is Chelation?

To better understand “what is chelation?” let’s look at the root word, “chelates.”

Chelates are molecules of metals or other toxic materials that are bound together by certain compounds, causing them to accumulate and persist in the tissues of the human body. Chelates of heavy metals like mercury, lead, and cadmium are not useful to the function of the human body, and in fact can cause significant damage to health. Other types of toxins, such as chemicals, drug residues, and environmental pollutants, can also become embedded and cause adverse health impacts.

These heavy metals and other forms of toxic chelates can cause neurologic decline, can alter how nutrients are processed, create oxidative stress, adversely affect endocrine function, and have many other negative impacts on human health.

For example, in children, heavy metal toxicity is associated with developmental and intellectual impairments. And in the adult population, they are related to neurologic, cardiac, and other organ degeneration, all of which can become chronic problems over time.

So, one would want to undo these binding elements and remove these metals from the body. The elements that can unbind the heavy metal chelates are called “chelators.” And that is what chelation does. Chelation is the use of chelators to break these bonds, which then enables the body to release and clean out these harmful toxic accumulations.

Difference Between Fat-soluble and Water-soluble Toxins

If a chelate contains toxins that are water-soluble, such as alcohol metabolites, water alone will be able to break the binding property, and the normal detox system of the liver, kidneys, pores in the skin, and other detox organs will be able to mobilize and then release the toxin via normal excretory channels.

But if the toxins are fat-soluble, they can penetrate through the membranes of tissues, where the toxic elements become trapped and remain stored in the fatty tissues of the body. This is highly pertinent to brain and central nervous system health, as these structures in the body are composed mainly of fats. Fat loves toxins and can be laden with them unless chelation occurs.

ATMC’s spa services includes chelation-based sauna treatment using a process that converts fat-soluble toxins into water-soluble, so that they can be safely released through the natural process of sweating them out in the sauna, and normal excretory channels. In this way, purging these toxic elements does not overburden the liver and other natural elimination pathways. They are eliminated directly through the pores of the skin.^6,7

Nutrition’s Role in Chelation

Examples of foods high in insoluble fiber that aid in the process of chelation include:

• Garlic
• Broccoli
• Avocado
• Passion fruit
• Spinach
• Coconut
• Radish
• Green beans
• Fruits with the skin on, such as apples
• Berries
• Wheat bran
• Oatmeal
• Cilantro

The Role of Supplements for Natural Chelation

There are also a great number of organic elements that can assist in the removal of toxins once they have become unbound. Always seek the advice of a skilled naturopath or other nutrition specialist who is familiar with using such supplements. Some, like alpha lipoic acid, should be used with caution. A little can go a long way, without overwhelming the natural detox systems of the body.

Examples of supplements that can aid in the chelation process include:

• Amino acids such as taurine and methionine
• NAC aka N-acetyl-cysteine
• Vitamin C, vitamin E
• Nebulized or IV glutathione, or glutathione in skin creams
• Selenium
• Chlorella
• Citrus pectin
• Algae
• Zinc & magnesium for blunting absorption of cadmium ³

Pharmaceutical Products Used in Chelation

There is a set of pharmaceutical products that is sometimes used in hospitals where toxic exposures in cases of mercury, lead, or other heavy metal poisoning are life-threatening. These types of products would only be used in a hospital or critical care setting where proper management tools and strategies are in place.

ATMC is a holistic care center that specializes in the use of safe and natural products for mental health improvements.

What Problems Can Heavy Metal Poisoning Cause?

“Symptoms and physical findings associated with heavy metal poisoning vary according to the metal accumulated. Many of the heavy metals, such as zinc, copper, chromium, iron, and manganese are essential to body function in very small amounts. But, if these metals accumulate in the body in concentrations sufficient to cause poisoning, then serious damage may occur. The heavy metals most commonly associated with poisoning of humans are lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium. Heavy metal poisoning may occur as a result of industrial exposure, air or water pollution, foods, medicines, improperly coated food containers, or the ingestion of lead-based paints.” ~Rarediseases.org ⁵

Mental Health and Physical Health Symptoms of Mercury Toxicity

Studies have revealed a direct link between toxic exposures and accumulations in the human body. Sometimes these symptoms are misdiagnosed as “mental illness” when in fact, they are caused or contributed to by toxic exposures.^4,7,8,9

The toxic burden that modern life presents us with on a daily basis has spiraled dangerously upwards and is associated with many of the mental health issues that we see an uptick in, according to medical research. ATMC uses lab testing to assess the presence of toxins like mercury in the body. Whether you have a mouthful of dental amalgams, have eaten a lot of mercury-laden seafood, or happen to live near an abandoned mine, we are all subject to mercury exposure.

At Alternative to Meds center, we have seen a high percentage of clients where a buildup of heavy metal toxins has contributed to psychiatric symptoms. This is why neurotoxic removal is such a key component of our treatment programs.

Symptoms of mercury toxicity can include:

• Depression
• Severe fatigue
• Memory loss
• Tremors
• Weakness
• Numbness
• CNS and liver damage
• Anemia
• Incoordination

Avoid Toxic Chemicals in the Home and Work Environments

Whether at home or in the work environment, we are inundated with toxic chemicals in our foods, our carpets, in cleaning supplies, textiles, garden pesticides, and many other sources.

Although it can be a little more time-consuming, it is possible to be mindful of what we are bringing into our homes or using in the garden or workspaces, so that we are not adding to the risks of toxic exposures.

Also, keep in mind that many cleaning supplies used during fire damage cleanup or after hurricane damage may contain toxic chemicals. If using a fire, hurricane, or flood damage restoration company, make sure to ask what type of products they use. For a listing of toxin-free cleaning products, please visit EWG.²

Get Toxicity Help from ATMC

If you or a loved one fears you have been exposed to heavy metal toxins, the safest way forward is to seek medical advice. Alternative to Meds Center can develop a unique plan for you to begin the recovery process. For almost 2 decades now, clients at our center have been able to recover from toxicity and the mental health symptoms associated with a persistent toxic burden. Please contact our admissions team for more information about our inpatient environmental toxicity treatment program and to find out if chelation is an appropriate treatment option for you or your loved one. Chelation therapy is delivered in the context of a full holistic health program and can be easily blended with medication withdrawal, safe tapering, and a wealth of other holistic mental health services at our inpatient center, ATMC.

For Continued Reading on Chelation and Neurotoxicity:

The Chelation Way: The Complete Book of Chelation Therapy by Dr. Morton Walker

Medication Withdrawal & Neurochemistry By Lyle Murphy

for Help with Toxin Removal Using Chelation

Sources:

1. Sears ME. Chelation: harnessing and enhancing heavy metal detoxification–a review. ScientificWorldJournal. 2013 Apr 18;2013:219840. doi: 10.1155/2013/219840. PMID: 23690738; PMCID: PMC3654245. [cited 2025 July 30]

2. EWG’s “Guide to Healthy Cleaning” Environmental Working Group [cited 2025 July 30]

3. Matović V, Buha A, Bulat Z, Dukić-Ćosić D. Cadmium toxicity revisited: focus on oxidative stress induction and interactions with zinc and magnesium. Arh Hig Rada Toksikol. 2011 Mar;62(1):65-76. doi: 10.2478/10004-1254-62-2011-2075. PMID: 21421535. [cited 2025 July 30]

4. Genuis SJ. Toxic causes of mental illness are overlooked. Neurotoxicology. 2008 Nov;29(6):1147-9. doi: 10.1016/j.neuro.2008.06.005. Epub 2008 Jun 24. PMID: 18621076. [cited 2025 July 30]

5. Alyea G  Heavy Metal Poisoning published in the NORD Database of Diseases published online 2024 [cited 2025 July 30] [cited 2025 July 30]

6. Ross GH, Sternquist MC. Methamphetamine exposure and chronic illness in police officers: significant improvement with sauna-based detoxification therapy. Toxicol Ind Health. 2012 Sep;28(8):758-68. doi: 10.1177/0748233711425070. Epub 2011 Nov 16. PMID: 22089658; PMCID: PMC3573677. [cited 2025 July 30]

7. Genuis S, et al, Clinical Detoxification, Elimination of Persistent Toxicants From the Human Body published in the Scientific World Journal, 6 June 2013 [cited 2025 July 30]

8. Wojcik DP, Godfrey ME, Christie D, Haley BE. Mercury toxicity presenting as chronic fatigue, memory impairment and depression: diagnosis, treatment, susceptibility, and outcomes in a New Zealand general practice setting (1994-2006). Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2006 Aug;27(4):415-23. PMID: 16891999.

9. Maramba NP, Reyes JP, Francisco-Rivera AT, Panganiban LC, Dioquino C, Dando N, Timbang R, Akagi H, Castillo MT, Quitoriano C, Afuang M, Matsuyama A, Eguchi T, Fuchigami Y. Environmental and human exposure assessment monitoring of communities near an abandoned mercury mine in the Philippines: a toxic legacy. J Environ Manage. 2006 Oct;81(2):135-45. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2006.02.013. Epub 2006 Sep 1. PMID: 16949727. [cited 2025 July 30]

Editor’s note: This content was originally published on December 18, 2018, and has since been edited, updated with additional information, and republished on August 1, 2025, by Diane Ridaeus

This content has been reviewed and approved by:

ATMC Clinical Review Team

The ATMC Clinical Review Team includes licensed physicians and experienced healthcare professionals dedicated to ensuring the accuracy, quality, and integrity of our medical content. The team reviews articles for clinical accuracy, evidence-based guidance, and relevance while supporting Alternative to Meds Center’s whole-person approach to mental health, recovery, and long-term wellness.

Diane Ridaeus

Diane is an avid supporter and researcher of natural mental health strategies. Diane received her medical writing and science communication certification through Stanford University and has published over 3 million words on the topics of holistic health, addiction, recovery, and alternative medicine. She has proudly worked with the Alternative to Meds Center since its inception and is grateful for the opportunity to help the founding members develop this world-class center that has helped so many thousands regain natural mental health.