Frequently Asked Questions
EDTA CHELATION FAQ's
Chelation (pronounced Key-LAY-shun) is a chemical process by which a metal or mineral (such as lead, mercury, copper, iron, arsenic, aluminum, calcium, etc.) is bonded to another substance. It is a natural process, basic to life itself. Chelation is one mechanism by which such common substances as aspirin, antibiotics, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements work in the body. |
EDTA chelation is a treatment by which a man-made amino acid called ethylene diamine tetra acetate (commonly abbreviated EDTA) is administered to a patient intravenously, prescribed by and under the supervision of a fully licensed physician possessing an M.D. or D.O. degree. The fluid containing EDTA is infused through a small needle placed in the vein of the patient’s arm. The EDTA in solution binds with harmful metals in the body and carries them away in the urine. Abnormally situated nutritional metals, which speed free-radical damage, and toxic metals such as lead are most easily removed EDTA. |
Memory problems or “brain fog”
Heart disease & hypertension
Alzheimer’s and dementia
Heavy metal removal
Fatigue & Autoimmune disorders
Poor circulation, found in cold feet and/or hands
Arrhythmias
leg cramps
slow-healing sores
shortness of breath
visual & hearing loss
poor digestion
low energy.
Erectile failure
Impotence
Peyronie’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease
Headaches
Multiple sclerosis
Neuropathy
Post stroke syndrome
Hypertension
And many other diseases and conditions
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Chelation therapy is a course of treatments that generally consists of from 20 to 50 separate infusions, depending on each patient’s individual health status. The treatment protocol begins with a minimum of 20 treatments, and many people show improvement with this number. Often people need more treatments if they have significant arteriosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries). Each treatment takes approximately three hours to administer. |
Generally people schedule their treatments once or twice weekly. |
With time, these injections halt the progress of free-radical disease, which is the underlying condition triggering the development of arteriosclerosis and many other degenerative diseases of aging. This gives the body time to heal and to restore blood flows through diseased blood vessels. After several months these injections bring profound improvement to many metabolic and physiological processes in the body. The body regulation of calcium and cholesterol is improved by normalizing the internal chemistry of cells.
Chelation benefits everybody vessel in the body, from the largest arteries to the tiniest capillaries, most of which are far too small for surgical treatment or are deep within the brain and other vital organs where they cannot be safety reached by surgery. In many cases, the smallest blood vessels are the most severely diseased. The benefits of chelation occur from the top of the head to the bottom of the feet, not just in blocked segments of a few large arteries, which can be bypassed or opened by other invasive treatments. |
No, it is an outpatient treatment available in the physician’s office or clinic. |
Being chelated is quite a different experience from other medical treatments. There’s no pain, and in most cases very little discomfort. Patients are seated in comfortable reclining chairs and can read, nap, watch TV, do needlework or chat with other patients. If necessary patients can walk around, visit the restroom, eat and drink as they desire, make telephone calls, all while being mindful not to dislodge the needle attached to the intravenous infusion they carry with them. |
EDTA is relatively non-toxic and risk-free especially when compared with other medical treatments. When properly administered, the risk of serious side effects is less than 1 in 10,000 patients treated. By comparison, the overall death rate as a direct result of bypass surgery is much higher 3 out of every 100 patients. The incidence of other serious complications following surgery is much higher, and includes heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, and permanent brain damage with personality changes and prolonged pain. Chelation is more than 300 times safer than bypass surgery!
Occasionally patients may feel minor discomfort at the site where the needle enters the vein. Some people temporarily experienced mild nausea, dizziness or headache as an immediate aftermath of the treatment. But in the vast majority of cases these minor symptoms don’t occur or are easily relieved. When properly administered by a physician expert in this type of therapy, chelation is as safe as taking an aspirin. Patients routinely drive themselves home after treatment with no difficulty, and we have had patients go golfing, play tennis or work out at the gym following chelation with no problems.
Excessive doses of EDTA improperly administered can certainly be dangerous. However, if you choose a physician with proper training and experience and who is expert in the use of EDTA, the risk of chelation therapy is essentially non-existent. Some physicians, such as Dr. Dooley, have undergone accreditation and board certification by the international Board of Chelation Therapy. Although not officially recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties, IBCT. Certifications denotes a physician knowledgeable and responsible in the practice of EDTA chelation Therapy. |
While it has been stated that EDTA chelation therapy is damaging to the kidneys, research indicates the reverse is often true: in one study consisting of kidney function test performed on 383 chelation patients before and after treatment of EDTA for chronic degenerative diseases, there was, on average, significant improvement in kidney function following chelation. An occasional patient may be unduly sensitive however, and with careful monitoring of blood tests, any kidney function abnormalities can be detected and EDTA doses adjusted downward to avoid overloading the kidneys. Treatments must be given more slowly and less frequently if kidney function is not normal from the start. Patients with some types of severe kidney problems, including those on dialysis, should not receive EDTA. |
Not at all. EDTA was first introduced into medicine in the United States in 1948 as a treatment for industrial workers suffering from lead poisoning at a battery factory. Shortly thereafter, the U.S. navy used chelation therapy for sailors who had absorbed lead while painting government ships and dock facilities. Physicians then observed that adults receiving EDTA chelation treatments who also had atherosclerosis experienced additional health benefits, including diminished angina, increased vigor, and better memory, sight, hearing, and sense of smell. A number of physicians then began to treat individuals suffering from vascular conditi ons with chelation and reported consistent improvements.
Chelation therapy remains the undisputed treatment of choice for lead poisoning, even in children with toxic accumulation of lead in their bodies as a result of eating leaded paint from toys, cribs or walls. |
Absolutely. There is no legal prohibition against a licensed physician (M.D. or D.O.) using EDTA for whatever conditions he/she deems appropriate to be treated. Although EDTA does not have atherosclerosis listed as an indication of the FDA-approved package insert, a physician is entitled to use any drug “off-label,” providing it does no harm. The FDA does not regulate the practice of medicine, but merely approves marketing, labeling and advertising claims for drugs and devices in interstate commerce.
While we are speaking on the questions of legality, the interpretation of state laws pertaining to “informed consent” is evolving in the court systems. It is now possible that a physician who withholds information about the availability of alternative treatment choices such as chelation therapy prior to performing an invasive procedure may be held legally liable. Withholding information or dissuading a patient from doing an alternative treatment may be tantamount to medical malpractice if, as a result, the patient is deprived of possible benefit. Thus, it is the doctors who refuse to recognize and inform their patients of chelation who may be risking legal liability – not those chelating physicians providing innovative treatments that they feel to be the safest, most effective and least expensive for their patients. |
If EDTA chelation is as safe and effective as indicated by scientific studies and by the experience of hundreds of doctors, why haven’t you heard more about it? That’s a good question!
Until quite recently, relatively few patients have been informed that this therapy is available. Most specialists may not even have heard of the treatment and would be reluctant to prescribe it if they had. The American medical association has not yet approved chelation therapy for arteriosclerosis, although it does endorse its use in the treatment of lead and other heavy metal poisoning. Traditional medical organizations, which are politically powerful, have consistently attempted to suppress chelation therapy. There are few hospitals whose financial bottom line is not supported by invasive cardiac surgery. The cost of all medical care for victims of heart disease in the United States in 1986, including coronary bypass surgery and prescription drugs exceed $40 billion. Almost 20 years later this h ealth bill in the United States for 2003 was a staggering $1.3 trillion! Imagine the enormous savings to this country if EDTA chelation became the standard of treatment for the millions of people prior to surgery, and perhaps even medication. |
Life style counts: chelation therapy is only part of the curative process. Improved nutrition and lifestyle are absolutely imperative for lasting benefit from chelation treatments. Chelation is not in and of itself a “cure all”. It merely reduces abnormal free-radical activity, allowing normal control mechanism to come into play so that free-radical damage can be repaired and health can be restored. But that also entails applying good nutrition, antioxidant supplementation and lifestyle corrections, including exercise. Chelation therapy involves all of these factors and is also compatible with other forms of therapy, including bypass surgery and medication.
In addition to receiving the necessary number of chelation treatments, patients eager for long term benefits should be mindful of all of these factors and be willing to improve their diet, take nutritional supplements, be physically active, and eliminate destructive lifestyle habits such as tobacco.
Bolster the body with nutritional supplements: a scientifically balanced regimen of nutritional supplements reinforces the body’s antioxidant offenses and should include vitamins such as E, C, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, pantothenate, PABA, and beta-carotene. A balanced program should also include mineral and trace element supplementation, including magnesium, zinc, selenium, manganese and chromium.
Eliminate Destructive habits: it is important to eliminate the use of tobacco altogether, but if that is not possible, a marked reduction in exposure obviously is helpful. It has been consistently observed that patients who continue to smoke during and following chelation have demonstrated less improvement and for a much briefer time in comparison to nonsmokers who did chelation.
Only relatively healthy adults are able to tolerate alcoholic beverages without generating more free radicals than they can detoxify. Anyone who drinks more than two ounces of pure alcohol within a 24 hour period (four 8-ounces glasses of beer, four small glasses of wine, or two to three shots glasses of hard liquor) risk free-radical damage. Even that amount is harmful on a regular basis. Victims of chronic degenerative diseases would be wise to avoid the consumption of alcohol altogether.
Get out and exercise: physical exercise is very helpful. Even a brisk 45-minute walk several times per week will help maintain the health benefits and improved circulation resulting from chelation therapy. Lactate normally builds up in tissue joints with sustained exercise and is a natural chelator produced in the body.
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Only can you make that decision. Chances are your conventional doctor won’t help you decide. Patients who choose chelation often do so against the advice of their personal physician or cardiologist, who may already have advised vascular surgery. It’s even possible that friends and loved ones will try to dissuade you from chelation. However, a patient may never have heard about chelation until he/she is hospitalized and a friend or relative asks them to look into the noninvasive therapy before proceeding with surgery. In an impressively large number of instances, a new patient comes for chelation on the recommendation of someone who has already been successfully chelated.
If you are interested in chelation and you want more information about it, call our office number (954)584-3198 and ask about our seminars, or schedule an appointment to meet Dr Mayra Zeno, or check on the website to see if there is any seminar coming out! |
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Hormone FAQ's
Hormones are the body’s messengers that transport information from the brain to the glands, from the glands to the cells and from the cells to the brain.
Hormones rejuvenate, regenerate and restore our bodies.
As doctors, we were taught that as we age, our hormones decline. It is now becoming clear that as our hormones decline, we age!
Hormones are considered the strongest at from age 25-30 years, the same period when the body is at its strongest and healthiest.
Diet and exercise will not be as effective if your hormones are not balanced correctly. |
Hormones decline as we age every year after the age of 30.
The human body was never designed to live as long as we are living today. Advances in healthcare, vaccinations, sanitation, and food preservatives have drastically increased life span. However, the glands that produce our hormones do not regenerate and continue to decline, producing fewer hormones with each passing year.
As we age, it becomes increasingly important for both men and women to keep their hormones balanced to protect against fatigue, mood swings, disease, obesity, and to enjoy an overall healthier sense of well being. |
Synthetic hormones, like Provera or Premarin, derived from plant progesterone and animal estrogens, are chemicals that act as toxins in the body. Because they are not natural to the human body, we cannot metabolize them properly.
BodyMed only uses natural bioidentical hormones. Unlike synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones or natural hormones are replicas of the body’s own natural hormones. They’re made from soy, yams and other plant extracts, which are changed in a lab to be biologically identical to the same hormones your body makes.
For optimal safety and results, BodyMed supplements only hormones that are low, evaluates client’s symptoms and retests hormone levels regularly. |
No matter what your age, if your female hormones (estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone) are unbalanced, you may suffer ill effects such as hot flashes, night sweats, depression, vaginal dryness, fatigue, and weight gain. |
As a man gets older, his testosterone declines. Testosterone is the hormone that maintains a man’s mental focus, his energy, his metabolism his muscles, as well as keeps fat off and maintains strong bones. There is often concern that testosterone therapy may cause prostate cancer. The majority of the medical literature does not support this claim and your physician’s close medical supervision takes these risks into account depending on each individual’s personal health history. |
Because bio-identical hormones are just like the ones made in your body, there are relatively few side effects. Side effects occur mainly when the dosage of hormone is too high for the individual. BodyMed monitors and evaluates each patient consistently to assure balanced dosage. |
While it varies with each person, and depends on which hormone therapy you are using, generally you can expect to see results within three to six months. |
People should have their hormones checked by the age of 40 or earlier if they have symptoms of hormonal loss. The way to prevent illness and to optimize one’s health is to take an active role in addressing health care risks before they become a problem. |
No. If you decide to stop, your body will simply return to where it was before starting hormone therapy. |
Generally not. Some medicines may actually be reduced or no longer needed. |
Although we are happy to communicate with your current physician, we encourage you to continue your usual visits with him or her. |
Most of the insurances do not pay for Hormone Replacement Therapy, but lab tests and some medications may be covered by your health insurance. However, patients cannot submit these bills to Medicare or Medicaid. |
HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE – the growth hormone
Decreases body fat
Increases muscle mass
Improves tissue healing and protein synthesis
Increases bone density
Quicker illness recovery
Increases capacity to exercise
Increases skin hydration and elasticity
Improves sense of well being
Decreases incidence of illness
TESTOSTERONE – the male hormone
Improves brain function
Increases energy
Increases strength
Increases bone density
Increases libido
Improves sexual sensitivity
Improves sexual function
Improves HDL and LDL levels
Improves cardiovascular health
DHEA – the mother of hormones
Improves neurological function
Increases sense of well being
Improves immune function
Improves stress tolerance
Increases metabolism
ESTROGENS – the female hormone
Protects against heart disease, stroke
Decreases cholesterol
Lowers incidence of Alzheimer’s
Improves memory
Alleviates symptoms of menopause: headaches, mood swings, bloating, hot flashes, fatigue, waning libido
PROGESTERONE – the hormone of pregnancy
Protects against breast and uterine cancer
Protects against fibrocystic disease
Helps fat metabolism
Helps normalize blood sugar
Helps reverse osteoporosis
Helps thyroid hormone function
Acts as a natural antidepressant
Protects against nervousness
Protects against anxiety and irritability
PREGNENELONE – the gateway hormone
Promotes formation of other hormones
Repairs brain and nerve tissue
Enhances many brain functions
Reduces aging skin
Improves sense of well being
Increases energy and mobility
Improves sleep quality
Reduces harmful stress effects
Reduces aging brain deficiencies
THYROID – the hormone of metabolism
Increases energy
Increases fat burning, and controls weight
Increases your heart rate
Increases your appetite
INSULIN – the hormone of storage
Responsible for getting blood sugar into all cells
Increases fat storage
Increases risk of diabetes, hypertension and stroke
MELATONIN – the hormone of sleep
Responsible for maintaining sleep
Helps alleviate “jet-lag”
Improves one mood
Improves the immune system (by decreasing cortisol)
CORTISOL – the hormone of stress
Responsible for responding to stress
Helps protect you against your environment (allergens)
Mobilizes energy, improves fatigue
Increases your appetite for sugar
Decreases bone mass, muscle mass, and slows down your metabolism
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Botox FAQ's
Botulinum Toxin type A produced by Allergan or Botox is a medication that is used to treat dynamic wrinkles such as crow’s feet, forehead lines, and frown lines. Botox can also be used on the lower face to treat the muscles that cause tiny lines around the mouth, the sad lines at the corners of the mouth, as well as the aging appearance of the neck. Botox Cosmetic works by relaxing the facial muscles, creating a smoother more refreshed appearance. |
Yes. Botulinum Toxin Type A is a purified protein which is extracted from a naturally occurring bacteria and processed under strict pharmaceutical manufacturing guidelines. The cosmetic use of Botox has been FDA approved. |
Generally after the consultation, the procedure takes only 15minutes. Since there is no down time, the procedure can be performed during lunch hour, and no one would know that a treatment has occurred. |
Botox Cosmetic is injected with a very tiny needle and delicate syringe. Most patients say the injections feel similar to a little pinch, or tiny prick. |
Results are normally notices within 3-5 days, but it may take as long as two weeks before the full effect of the treatment is realized. |
NO. Dr Mayra Zeno is trained to restore a natural, youthful facial balance. Most patients simply want to look natural, relaxed, and refreshed, without looking frozen. |
Botox Cosmetic is not permanent. It lasts between 3 to 4 months, but results may vary. Scientific studies show that if you have your first three treatments every three months that subsequent treatments will last longer and possibly even require lower dosing. Patients who adhere to a prompt treatment schedule can stabilize their treatment at approximately two to three times a year. |
No. A patient’s appearance will never get worse if Botox Cosmetic use is stopped or when it wears off. Botox Cosmetic “stops or slows” the clock on aging. When treatments are stopped, the “aging clock” resumes like normal. At the very minimum, the patient’s appearance will simply return to where it started. If patients use Botox Cosmetic for a number of years and then stop, they will receive a lasting benefit as it will take time for the muscles to return to baseline. |
Side effects of Botox Cosmetic are rare and not permanent. Rarely, there can be some minor bruising (which is easily covered up with makeup), redness, swelling, or a slight short term headache. As with any injections, bleeding, infection, or allergic reaction can occur. In less than one percent, a drooping eyelid can occur. Certain patients can develop antibodies to Botox, which may reduce the effectiveness in subsequent injections. Most patients, however, do not experience any side effects at all. |
Dr Mayra Zeno is trained to analyze your individual facial anatomy and then formulate the Botox dose that will give you the best cosmetic enhancement and longevity.
Since each patient’s cosmetic concerns and facial anatomy are unique, the Botox dosage and treatment cost would best be determined in an individualized consultation. |
No. It is recommended that patients wait until they are finished breast feeding to have Botox cosmetic. Although there is no clinical evidence to prove any harm to mother or baby, we prefer to be safe. |
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Restylane FAQ's
Restylane is a safe cosmetic dermal filler that naturally restores the facial volume that is lost with aging. It is used to correct facial wrinkles and folds as well as to enhance facial contours. It is also used to enhance the appearance and fullness of the lips.
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Retylane is made of hyaluronic acid which is a natural substance that already exists in the human body, providing volume and fullness to the skin.
Restylane is biodegradable and completely biocompatible with human hyaluronic acid.
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Restylane has been safely used since 1996 and is the most widely employed facial filler around the world. There is virtually no risk of animal based disease transmission or allergic reaction, so no allergy testing is required. The most commonly reported side effects were temporary redness, swelling, and bruising at the injection site. These effects are typically resolve within two to three days.
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Restylane has been used in more than one million treatments in over 60 countries to correct a variety of wrinkles and do enhance the appearance and fullness of the lips. However, it is currently indicated in the U.S. only for the treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and fold, such as nasolabial folds.
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In order to minimize bruising, patients should avoid using aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, St John’s Wort, high doses of vitamin E, and Omega 3 fatty acid supplements prior to treatment, because they may increase bruising or bleeding at the injection sites. Also, make sure to notify your practitioner if you have previously suffered from facial cold sores, so that they may give you an antiviral medication to prevent outbreak.
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Our clinical experience has shown that the aesthetic correction achieved with Restylane lasts four to six months. Evidence that having a touch-up treatment before the product has fully resorbed will enhance the lasting effect.
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Botox is a purified that blocks nerve transmission and relaxes the muscles of facial expression. Restylane fills wrinkles and folds in the skin. Studies show that combining these two therapies offers superior and longer lasting results.
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Restylane is a customized procedure based on your specific needs, so the cost may vary from patient to patient.
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Generally after the consultation, the procedure takes only 45 minutes.
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The results are practically instantaneous.
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As with any injection, some common related reactions may occur. The most common side effects are temporary redness, swelling, and bruising at the injection site. These typically resolve within two to three days
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