What medical therapy is commonly used to remove heavy metals from the body?

Chelation is a medical therapy specifically designed to remove heavy metals from the body. It involves the administration of chelating agents that bind to heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic in the bloodstream. Once these metals are bound to the chelating agents, they can be excreted from the body, primarily through urine.

This process is particularly important for treating heavy metal poisoning, as it reduces the toxic levels of these metals in the body and helps to minimize their harmful effects on various organ systems. Chelation therapy is clinically validated and often utilized in cases of significant exposure or toxicity, making it a critical method in managing heavy metal-related health issues.

In contrast, detoxification generally refers to a broader range of practices aimed at removing various toxins from the body but does not specifically target heavy metals. Hemodialysis is a procedure primarily used to remove waste products from the blood in individuals with kidney failure, not a specific remedy for heavy metal toxicity. Hydration therapy focuses on increasing fluid intake to maintain or restore proper hydration levels in the body, which is not directly related to removing heavy metals.