Grab and go Q: A friend of mine has had great results from chelation therapy, and he says it saved him from heart surgery. Can you tell me more about it and how it works? JVW: Chelation is literally the process of one molecule "grabbing" another. It happens continually in the human body. For example, when you eat, amino acids bind with minerals in the digestive tract so they can be absorbed into the blood stream. Chelation therapy simply takes this natural process one step further to remove unwanted or harmful mineral or metal substances from the body. There are several forms of chelation therapy, and the best approach is to work with a physician to determine which would be best for your condition. The more rapid method of chelation is by intravenous injection. This is done in an outpatient setting and requires a couple of hours per session. There are also oral forms of chelation that come in liquid or tablets and can be purchased from natural food stores. Overall, the oral form acts more slowly but has the advantages of convenience and cost. Generally this method is preferable for those with less severe symptoms or who desire long-term health maintenance. To find a doctor near you who administers chelation therapy, contact the American College for Advancement in Medicine (800-532-3688, 949-583-7666, www.acam.org).
| 
