Today, people are exposed to toxins daily as our environment continues to become more and more filled with chemicals and environmental waste. Avante's medical practitioners are trained to discover the origin and storage of environmental toxins in the body. The impact of such chemicals and toxins in the body can be responsible for a multitude of health issues. Determining the origin and stimulating the appropriate, safe elimination of these toxins is paramount when seeking balance and healing in the body while coping with many chronic health issues.

Heavy metals are one such toxin. They are found throughout Alaska in well water, food sources, and foods imported from outside the country. Heavy metals take their toll on health, facilitating oxidative aging issues by increasing the degeneration of cells.

Some chronic illnesses may not respond to therapy because high levels of heavy metals interfere with progress. Decreasing heavy metal burden is believed to assist the reduction of these processes and is used worldwide by top clinics to improve health and reduce premature aging or cellular breakdown. At Avante, we offer screening lab work and treatment for heavy metals, such as: lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and nickel.

Chelation is the process of removing the heavy metals from the body. Chelate is the Greek word for "claw." Picture a claw binding and attaching to a heavy metal like lead and not letting it go, as it is excreted out of the body. That is the concept behind the act of chelation therapy or, more literally, pulling heavy metals out of the body.

There are two primary chelating agents (Calcium EDTA and/or DMSA) used to screen patients for heavy metals at Avante. When high levels of a heavy metal(s)are detected in the body, then chelation therapy may be recommended. The IV protocol includes lab work and additional supplementation.

Kidney function is evaluated and supportive supplementation is critical for this type of chelation therapy; during the process, kidney function is continually assessed. When the chelating agent is administered, we need to make certain that metals are completely bound to chelators. Additional antioxidants and oral chelators are critical and part of the protocol to ensure the safe chelation of metals. Chelation therapy itself is a safe therapy; there are no outward reactions or side effects to expect. An individualized protocol is designed for each person at his or her appointment.

Bethany Buchanan, ANP, oversees the chelation department at Avante. She has been certified in chelation therapy by the American College for Advancement in Medicine and has attended numerous conferences on heavy metal detoxification for adults. She has 15 years of experience working with IV chelation therapy. Currently she is following a protocol developed and established by Gary Gordon, MD.