Chelation Therapy in Ashland, Oregon

Heavy metal toxicity cannot be diagnosed by symptoms alone. Dr. Wilson evaluates your symptoms (chronic fatigue, brain fog, neuropathy, digestive issues) and exposure history (amalgam fillings, large fish consumption, occupational hazards, old homes with lead paint) to determine if testing is warranted. He orders provoked urine heavy metal testing—the gold standard that uses a chelating agent to mobilize metals from tissue storage, then measures what's eliminated over 6-24 hours. Standard blood tests only show recent exposure and miss chronic accumulation. Results showing significantly elevated mercury, lead, arsenic, or cadmium indicate chelation is appropriate. Dr. Wilson won't recommend chelation without objective testing evidence, ensuring you only receive treatment if genuinely needed.

Chelation is very safe with proper protocols and monitoring. Dr. Wilson uses pharmaceutical-grade chelating agents (EDTA, DMPS, DMSA) and evaluates kidney function before and during treatment. Our protocols include comprehensive mineral supplementation since chelation can deplete calcium, magnesium, and zinc. Common minor side effects include mild fatigue during IV infusions, temporary metallic taste, and increased urination. Some experience temporary detox symptoms (headache, fatigue) for 24-48 hours as metals mobilize. Serious adverse effects are extremely rare with proper oversight. Dr. Wilson's protocols include all necessary safeguards—proper screening, mineral support, and careful monitoring.

Chelation uses pharmaceutical-grade agents with proven mechanisms that bind heavy metals and enable kidney elimination—not vague "detox" claims. Popular cleanses and OTC supplements like chlorella lack evidence and are too weak for significant toxicity. Dr. Wilson prescribes chelation only after testing confirms substantial metal burden, then monitors effectiveness through follow-up testing showing quantifiable elimination. Protocols include mineral replacement, kidney monitoring, and identification of ongoing exposure sources. This evidence-based, medically supervised approach ensures genuine metal removal rather than hoping unproven supplements work.

Treatment varies based on toxicity severity and protocol type. IV chelation typically involves 10-30 treatments over 3-6 months, administered weekly or twice weekly. Each session takes 1-3 hours. Oral chelation continues 3-6 months or longer with gentler, gradual detoxification. Dr. Wilson monitors progress through repeat testing after 10-15 treatments. If adequate reduction is achieved, you transition to maintenance or discontinue. He won't continue treatment unnecessarily—if testing shows sufficient results, he'll recommend stopping rather than extending for revenue.

Chelation therapy uses specialized molecules—chelators—that bind metals like a “claw,” forming stable complexes that your kidneys can safely filter and eliminate. As the chelators circulate through your bloodstream and tissues, they pull metals out of long-term storage sites such as bones, organs, nerves, and fatty tissues. Because metals release gradually over time, treatment typically requires repeated sessions to fully reduce the body’s total burden.

Dr. Wilson uses only well-studied, clinically established chelators including:

• EDTA – highly effective for most heavy metals including lead

• DMPS – excellent for mercury as well as other metals

• DMSA – a go-to oral chelator for mercury and lead

If you proceed with IV chelation, sessions take place in our comfortable Ashland clinic and last 1–2 hours depending on the protocol. You’ll relax in a recliner while the infusion runs—many patients read, work, or rest. Dr. Wilson or trained clinical staff monitors you throughout your infusion.

Most patients tolerate IV chelation very well. Temporary, mild effects may include:

• Slight fatigue or lightheadedness
• Metallic taste
• Mild nausea (rare and preventable with slower infusion rates)
• Increased urination as metals are cleared

Some patients feel energized afterward, while others prefer rest—both responses are normal. In the days following treatment, you may notice temporary detox symptoms such as mild headache or fatigue, urine color or odor changes, or no noticeable symptoms at all.

Oral Chelation

For oral protocols, you’ll take capsules at home in a structured cycle (chelation days followed by rest/mineral repletion days). Oral chelation is gentler and progresses more gradually, with minimal side effects beyond steady symptom improvement as metals decrease.

Chelation works gradually, and results vary depending on your toxic load, overall health, and treatment intensity. Many patients notice improvements in energy, cognition, or inflammation within 2–4 weeks, while others experience steady, progressive benefits over several months. Full protocols typically last 3–6 months and include a series of 10–30 treatments.

Throughout treatment, Dr. Wilson offers follow-up consultations every 4–6 weeks to:

• Monitor kidney function and mineral status

• Evaluate symptom progress

• Adjust dosing, frequency, or infusion components

• Ensure treatment remains safe and effective

After completing a treatment series, repeat provoked urine testing assesses how much metal burden has been eliminated and whether additional treatment is necessary. Patients with mild levels of heavy metals need only 10 treatments, while patients with more severe heavy metal levels need 30 treatments or more. Other patients benefit from periodic maintenance if they have ongoing exposure,  exceptionally high initial levels or have osteopenia/osteoporosis.

What never changes is Dr. Wilson’s commitment to integrity and transparency. If chelation is no longer beneficial—or if another therapy would better serve your health—he will recommend transitioning rather than continuing treatment unnecessarily. This patient-first approach sets Valley Integrative Health apart from clinics that promote ongoing chelation without proper testing or monitoring.

1. Occupational or Industrial Exposure

People working in certain fields experience significantly higher exposure:

• Welding, metalworking, smelting
• Construction (especially older buildings)
• Painting and paint removal
• Plumbers and pipefitters
• Mining
• Battery manufacturing or recycling
• Mechanics (lead, cadmium exposure)
• Printing, ceramics, stained glass, pottery glazing
• Agricultural work (arsenic-containing pesticides)

2. Living in Older Homes or Buildings

Homes built before the 1970s may expose residents to:

• Lead-based paint
• Lead plumbing or solder
• Contaminated dust from renovation work

3. Dental Amalgam Fillings

Silver-colored amalgam fillings contain mercury, which slowly releases vapor, especially when chewing, grinding, or drinking hot liquids.

People with 6+ amalgam fillings have increased risk for detectable mercury burden.

4. High Fish Consumption

Regularly eating large predatory fish increases mercury exposure:

• Tuna (especially albacore)
• Swordfish
• Mackerel
• Shark
• Tilefish

People who consume sushi frequently often have elevated mercury levels.

5. Drinking Water Contamination

Depending on geography, water can contain:

• Arsenic (well water, agricultural areas, certain regions in Oregon)
• Lead (old pipes)
• Cadmium

Private well users are at higher risk if water isn’t tested regularly.

6. Tobacco Use

Cigarettes and vape products contain cadmium and lead, increasing risk for heavy metal accumulation over time.

7. Environmental Pollution

Living near:

• High-traffic highways
• Industrial plants
• Incinerators
• Landfills
• Farms using arsenic-containing pesticides

…can contribute to chronic low-level exposure.

8. Contaminated Soil or Household Dust

Especially in older neighborhoods or near industrial sites. Exposure occurs through:

• Gardening
• Outdoor play
• Tracking dust into the home
• Eating produce grown in contaminated soil

9. Certain Cosmetics, Spices, and Herbal Products

Products imported from other countries may contain:

• Lead
• Mercury
• Arsenic

Examples include some kajal/eyeliner products, skin-whitening creams, and certain turmeric or Ayurvedic products.

10. Occupational or Hobby-Related Exposures

Certain hobbies increase exposure risk:

• Shooting firearms (lead dust)
• Reloading ammunition
• Casting bullets or fishing weights
• Pottery glazing
• Jewelry making
• Soldering
• Metal engraving

11. Old or Imported Cookware & Dishes

Some ceramic, clay, and metal cookware can leach:

• Lead
• Cadmium
• Aluminum

Especially when used for acidic foods.

12. Poor Detoxification Capacity

Even with moderate exposure, the following increase risk of accumulation:

• Genetic variations (e.g., impaired glutathione production)
• Chronic stress
• Nutrient deficiencies (zinc, magnesium, selenium)
• Liver or kidney dysfunction
• Chronic inflammatory conditions

These individuals accumulate metals more easily and detoxify them more slowly.

13. Past Medical History

People with the following backgrounds may be at higher risk:

• Frequent childhood exposure to lead paint
• Multiple prior surgeries or implants
• Use of older medical devices containing metals
• Previous mercury spills (in homes, labs, or workplaces)

Not everyone needs chelation. Dr. Wilson uses comprehensive evaluation—never guesswork—to determine appropriateness.

Chelation is most clearly indicated when:

• Provoked urine testing shows elevated heavy metals
• You have known environmental or occupational exposure
• You have chronic symptoms linked to metal toxicity (fatigue, neuropathy, cognitive issues, immune dysfunction)
• You have cardiovascular disease or risk factors where EDTA benefits may apply

Provoked urine testing is central to accurate diagnosis. Standard blood tests often miss metals stored in tissues, bones, and the nervous system; provoked testing mobilizes these metals, revealing your true toxic load.

IV Chelation is ideal for:

• Significant or urgent toxicity
• Severe symptoms
• Cardiovascular support needs
• Patients wanting faster results

Oral Chelation is ideal for:

• Mild to moderate toxicity
• Maintenance after IV therapy
• Patients preferring home-based treatment

Dr. Wilson will explain the benefits, timelines, and expected outcomes for each option based on your lab data and health goals.

Chelation’s benefits extend beyond detoxification. The landmark TACT study (JAMA, 2013) showed that EDTA chelation reduced cardiovascular events by:

• 18% overall
• 39% in diabetic patients with prior heart attacks

Mechanisms may include:

• Reduced oxidative stress
• Improved endothelial function
• Potential removal of calcium from arterial plaque

While still debated in conventional cardiology, Dr. Wilson’s cardiovascular and chelation training allows for informed, evidence-based discussion so you can make the best decision for your health.

When properly supervised, chelation therapy is very safe. Dr. Wilson ensures your treatment remains safe by monitoring:

• Kidney function (creatinine, BUN, eGFR)
• Mineral levels (zinc, magnesium, calcium)
• Hydration and detoxification capacity
• Liver and cardiovascular parameters when indicated

Chelation cannot be performed during:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Severe kidney dysfunction
• Certain cardiac arrhythmias (for IV EDTA)
• Active severe liver disease

Your full safety profile is carefully evaluated before any treatment is recommended.