Oral chelation simply means
trying to use foods or substances taken by mouth to chelate undesirable
substances out of the body. There are two basic approaches: the
first uses foods and nutrient supplements to achieve this effect
and the other uses oral EDTA supplements.
Does it work?
We will discuss the controversial
oral EDTA approach after first looking at the nutritional approach.
The current vogue for oatbased
foods as a means of reducing cholesterol levels is but one form
of chelation which we take for granted. In fact the different
forms of fibre found in food, soluble pectin in apples and other
fruits, guar in beans as well as the forms found in grains, all
produce multiple chelating effects as they pass through the system.
These act largely in the bowel where they speed up transit time
and in this way prevent cholesterol reabsorption from bile as
well as clearing putrefactive material from the system more rapidly.
Fats in the bloodstream are reduced by soluble fibre in the diet,
reducing the potential for free radical activity.
The advice given in Chapter
8 regarding the ideal pattern of eating can easily produce just
these effects if followed reasonably closely. In addition many
basic nutrients such as vitamins C and E are natural chelators
and when in abundant supply act in the bloodstream to damp down
free radical activity as well as chelating toxic substances.
Several formulae have been
developed for oral chelation using variable combinations of substances.
Some are extremely complex and others simple enough to put together,
given a little patience and effort.
Oral chelation: Formula
1
This is known as the Rinse
Formula, after Dr Jacobus Rinse of Vermont, who has popularized
this highly effective combination of substances, now advocated
by the Dutch National Health Board for the prevention of heart
disease
A daily intake of the following
is suggested:
4 grams of lecithin (try to
ensure a form which is high in phosphatidyl choline)
12 grams of coarsely chopped
sunflower seeds (for their linoleic acid, potassium and fibre
content)
5 grams debittered Brewer's
yeast powder for its selenium, chromium and B vitamins (not suggested
for anyone with active Candida albicans overgrowth)
2 grams of bonemeal
as a source of calcium and magnesium, or a nutritional supplement
form of calcium and magnesium (in a ratio of 2:1)
5 grams unpasteurized or untreated
wheatgerm for its vitamin E and trace elements
500 milligrams of vitamin
C (as sodium ascorbate, in powder form if possible)
1001U vitamin E (make sure
this is DAlpha tocopherol)
40 milligrams vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)