ALA, DMSA and EDTA Chelation While on GAPS

It is often asked, “Can you do ALA, DMSA and EDTA while on GAPS? Is it approved?” In the briefest answer possible, yes but no to EDTA. It just needs to be done fitting for the protocol. When working with someone who has a high level of heavy metals, who has been on the GAPS Protocol for a year, and assistance with the metals is needed, Dr. Natasha says, “Please, look into Andrew Cutler protocol for chelation. ALA has to be taken every 3 hours (day and night) on a low dose for a few days (3-7), then have a break for the same number of days. This should be done long term (for 1-2 years). It is a good idea to add DMSA on a low dose as well taken together with ALA.”¹

 DMSA is Dimercaptosuccinic acid and is often called Succimer. It chelates lead, iron, mercury, zinc, nickel, arsenic, and cadmium and is FDA approved. It is most commonly known for lead chelation. The Journal of Medical Toxicology says, “Lead encephalopathy is a severe manifestation of lead poisoning that can present with altered mental status and seizures.” 

DMSA is mentioned in the GAPS book, however it is important to remember, Dr. Natasha is discussing how DMSA was used 20 years ago when the book was written, not how it is used today in low dose chelation such as the Andy Cutler protocol. 

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We always see heavy metals with cases such as autism, FPIES, ME, brain fog, high yeast symptoms, eczema, hives, rashes and the like with high extreme sensitivity and slow progress.  The toxicology world says, “It has been associated with illicit moonshine consumption,” even though autistic children, and others, aren’t known for their moonshine intake. 

The National Institute of Health reports, “Researchers observed higher levels of lead in children with autism throughout development, with the greatest disparity observed during the period following birth,” when studying baby teeth of twins where one had autism and the other did not. 

While doing DMSA on GAPS, small doses are given every three hours. It is finer than ALA, more of a powdered sugar consistency, so it takes a bit more attention when very low doses are tolerated. In cases where higher lead counts show, it’s very important to start extremely small with the dose, just touching the DMSA with a toothpick, only just making contact with the powder. Some can touch this powder to the tongue or inside the mouth so it is absorbed through the mucous membranes. Others prefer to put the toothpick into a two drops of Meat Stock and putting it inside the mouth. Others can start with a specific measure, such as what is divided out into this spoon set. 

After doing DMSA for two weeks, ALA can be added to the regular dosing. 

DMSA can be purchased here. 

Where ever you start on your dose is where you start. Each person takes what is specifically tolerated by them, too high of a dose will be marked by flaring yeast. Working with a Certified GAPS Practitioner who is knowledgeable in these practices is always advised. 

To read how to do ALA, Alpha Lipoic Acid, while on GAPS, click here. Regarding ALA while on GAPS, Dr. Natasha says, “Yes, your body makes ALA. In small frequent doses, yes.”²

Andy Cutler put his findings in his well researched book Amalgam Illness. He said if you’re planning on getting pregnant to wait a minimum of six months if you have been chelating. He says to wait 18 months to get pregnant after having amalgams removed. These numbers are guidelines, not firm numbers, as when the time approaches, the situation should be considered. He said conception during the times when mercury is moving is often the cause for mercury damaged children. 

Regarding testing metal levels to determine if you’re ready to get pregnant Cutler said there is no real hard core solid way of testing. It is simply best to wait. This is not the time for an accident. He stressed the importance of waiting so greatly that he said if you wanted to get pregnant earlier after amalgam removal, to consider if your spouse will stick around for the support needed to handle an autistic child.

Assisting the body to remove heavy metals can be done with an infrared sauna, high dose buffered vitamin C and Lipsomal C every three hours at a minimum, lots of time outside in the sunshine, sweating, and using binders such as Bentonite Clay, Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth and Activated Charcoal along with using GAPS foods at whatever stage tolerated (optimally Stage Two). All of these, including the sauna, can be done while on round or between rounds, according to Cutler. 

Andy Cutler did not support using EDTA until after all mercury is eliminated with chelation. In addition, he absolutely did not approve of liver cleansing in any way while using chelation, including dandelion root granules. Dr. Natasha does not support the use of EDTA, even in low doses. 

Chelation is started three months after the last amalgam is removed at the earliest, six months is better. 

*Nourishing Plot is written by Becky Plotner, ND, traditional naturopath, CGP, D.PSc. who sees clients in Rossville, Georgia. She works as a Certified GAPS Practitioner who sees clients in her office, Skype and phone. She has been published in Wise Traditions, spoken at two Weston A. Price Conferences, Certified GAPS Practitioner Trainings, has been on many radio shows, television shows and writes for Nourishing Plot. Since her son was delivered from the effects of autism (Asperger’s syndrome), ADHD, bipolar disorder/manic depression, hypoglycemia and dyslexia, through food, she continued her education specializing in Leaky Gut and parasitology through Duke University, finishing with distinction. She is a Chapter Leader for The Weston A. Price Foundation. becky.nourishingplot@hotmail.com

“GAPS™ and Gut and Psychology Syndrome™ are the trademark and copyright of Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride. The right of Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with the Copyright, Patent and Designs Act 1988.

1. Campbell-McBride, Natasha. “Re: 6 yr old with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.” Message to Becky Plotner 9 August 2018. E-mail.
2. Campbell-McBride, Natasha. (November, 2015). GAPS Practitioners Meeting. Weston A. Price Annual Conference. Anaheim, California.