br br What Chelation Means br br Chelation comes from the Greek word echelei, meaning "claw." This means that chelating agents literally clasp or claw minerals, and as mineral transporters they are an essential part of the process of absorbing minerals into the blood from the digestive tract. br br Natural chelation processes in the body are responsible for such things as the digestion, assimilation, and transport of food nutrients, the formation of enzymes and hormones, and detoxification of toxic chemicals and metals. br br The chelating agent actually encircles a mineral or metal ion and carries it from the body via the urine and feces. br br Chelation Therapy & Removing Mercury Fillings in the Teeth br It is not advisable to get Chelation Therapy done, since they dump too many toxins into the body at one time, making the person even more sick than they already are. It is better to chelate out heavy metals the longer, slower way, that Nature has provided. br br It is also not advisable to have mercury fillings removed until after the person is healthy, when they are more able to withstand the onslaught of toxins. br br Natural Chelating Agents br br Natural chelating agents include amino acids, obtained from proteins such as meats, fish and eggs. Protein deprivation has been shown to decrease the liver content of several enzymes the body needs to remove toxins. Trans fats also interfere with the detoxification enzyme system, according to research carried out by Dr. Mary Enig. Besides amino acids, other organic acids found in the body or in foods can act as chelating agents, including: br br Acetic acid is a natural substance found in fermented foods and drinks, i.e. sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, kvass, apple cider vinegar, etc. br Citric acid is found in citrus fruits, i.e. lemons and limes. br Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) found in many foods including meats, vegetables and fruits. br Lactic acid is found in dairy products, i.e. whey, kefir, and yogurt. br Natural fats, such as butter, lard, unrefined coconut oil, and all natural occurring fats and proteins found in animals, eggs, and seafoods. br br Natural fats naturally cleanse the entire body, and help get rid of all heavy metals. Eric Davis points out in his article Health Hazards of Mercury: “That is because neurotoxins are transported throughout the body attached to protein components of lipoproteins, and therefore require cholesterol for their transport and elimination. A rise in cholesterol levels and triglycerides in response to neurotoxins protects by preventing permanent attachment of the neurotoxins to the nerve and brain cells. Symptoms of neurotoxicity are most likely to occur when the cholesterol is lowered suddenly or when the affected patient goes on a low-fat, low-cholesterol, low-protein diet.” That is also the reason cholesterol levels increase when a person is detoxifying.