Heavy Metal Chelation and Detoxification in Vancouver
Improving your body’s ability to bind and excrete heavy metals
Heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic, aluminum, thallium, and uranium, can be detrimental to our health, even in low concentrations.
OverviewA complete heavy metal detoxification plan supports your detox organs, chelates (binds) heavy metals, ensures healthy nutrient status, and eliminates sources of exposure. | BenefitsClearing heavy metals from the body can improve neurological health, support regulation of the immune system, and aid in the restoration of hormonal balance. |
About
About Heavy Metal Chelation and Detoxification
Ideally, our bodies can dispose of them; however, if we absorb them faster than our body can excrete them, they can accumulate.
Heavy metals are all around us
We take in heavy metals through the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink. Ideally, our bodies can dispose of them But if we take them in faster than our body can excrete them, they accumulate.
Small amounts of heavy metals can be considered toxic
Once heavy metals are in our bloodstream, they can be stored in the cells of tissues and organs for years, predisposing us to pain and chronic health issues until we take action to move them out of our body.
Our Approach
An Integrative Approach to Heavy Metal Chelation and Detoxification
At Integrative, we will build a safe and effective protocol for you based on four key steps:
- We will use chelators – substances that selectively bind with certain metals – to remove the toxic metals from your system
- We rebuild nutrient levels that have been depleted by the toxins so you can more effectively excrete heavy metals and block their absorption in the future
- We support the healing of tissues damaged by toxicity
- We teach you methods to avoid further contamination
Prior to developing a plan for you, we will guide you through one or more testing methods to determine your heavy metal status:
- Post-Provocation Urine Testing
- Hair Elemental Analysis
- Serum Metal Testing
Applications
Applications of Heavy Metal Chelation and Detoxification
Heavy metal detoxification may be a helpful component of your treatment plan, especially if you are struggling from one of these conditions:
- Atherosclerosis/Coronary Artery Disease
- Autoimmune Conditions
- Neurological Conditions
- Depression & Anxiety
- Digestive Disorders
- Anemia
- Fibromyalgia and other Chronic Pain Conditions
How it works
How does Heavy Metal Chelation and Detoxification work?
Overview
Heavy metal detoxification uses specific chelators to safely bind and excrete heavy metals, alongside other detoxification and supportive techniques.
Targeted Area of the Body
Heavy metal detoxification encourages the excretion of heavy metals via your own detoxification organs, such as the liver, bowels, and kidney.
Health Benefits of Heavy Metal Chelation and Detoxification
Removing heavy metals from the body reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, and may improve neurological, digestive, cardiovascular, and immune system functioning.
Resource Centre
Explore Research Articles
First Visit
What does your first visit look like?
Your first visit is the opportunity for you to share your health goals, and for your doctor to gather vital health information that will help them to determine the root cause of your health concerns, and the best treatment plan for you.
One
Complete Medical and Lifestyle History
Your Doctor will take a complete history, gathering details regarding your current and past health concerns, lifestyle, as well as current supplements and medications.
Two
Testing
Your Doctor will recommend various tests, either at Integrative or with your medical doctor. These may include Biomeridian Organ Scan, Standard Lab Tests and Heavy Metal Tests (serum, urine, or hair). They may also requisition results from diagnostic tests you’ve completed in the past.
Three
Physical Exam
Within your first visit, your doctor may also perform a physical exam. This may include basic vitals, Applied Kinesiology, or inspection and palpation of specific areas of concern.
Practitioners
Your Participating Practitioners
The Naturopathic Doctors at Integrative are primary care providers with expertise in a wide variety of functional medicine techniques, including Pharmacology, herbal medicine, nutritional science, and acupuncture. This knowledge allows them to apply a truly Integrative approach to each of their unique patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
View all FAQs 
-
Am I candidate for chelation therapy?
Only a practitioner trained and certified in both intravenous therapy and chelation therapy, can determine whether or not you are a good candidate. Within a visit with your Naturopathic Doctor, they will determine if you are a good candidate and make recommendations regarding a heavy metal detoxification and chelation treatment plan.
-
Do I need to see a Naturopathic Doctor in order to receive chelation therapy?
Yes, you must be a current patient of a Naturopathic Doctor at Integrative in order to receive chelation therapy. During a visit, your Naturopathic Doctor will review your full health history, current health concerns, medications, and supplements, and determine if heavy metal testing is appropriate.
-
How many chelation therapy treatments are typically required?
The response to treatment varies, depending on the overall health of the patient, severity and chronicity of health concerns, and frequency of chelation treatments. Many patients receiving intravenous chelation therapy require a significant number of chelation visits, but retesting is typically recommended following ten sessions of chelation therapy. Once you begin treatment, your Doctor will be able to monitor how you respond and provide a better estimate of how many treatments may be required.
-
What are the side effects of chelation therapy?
Typical side effects of intravenous chelation therapy include pain, swelling, and bruising at the site of insertion of the IV. These side effects are typically transient. Additionally, chelation therapy influences mineral levels within the body which can lead to further side effects. Your Doctor will do a full review of potential side effects prior to your treatment.
-
How much does chelation therapy cost?
The cost of intravenous chelation therapy will vary depending on how many sessions are required and what type of chelation therapy you are receiving. Our reception can provide a quote prior to a visit to our lab.
-
What does chelation therapy treat?
Intravenous and oral chelation therapy is used to chelate (bind) heavy metals within the bloodstream. This treatment is considered in a variety of conditions such as atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease, autoimmune conditions, neurological disorders, depression, anxiety, digestive disorders, anemia, and fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions.
-
Is chelation therapy covered by MSP or Extended Health Plans?
No, intravenous chelation therapy is not typically covered by insurance providers. Your visit will be billed through our Lab, and cannot be billed as a visit with a Naturopathic Doctor. However, we recommend contacting your insurance provider directly prior to your visit to determine your coverage.