Detoxification & Chelation Therapy
Metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic, along with other environmental toxins, can build up in the body over time. Our lab-guided program starts with testing and a careful review of your history, and any therapy is provided under physician supervision.
Testing before treating
Exposure to heavy metals can come from old plumbing or paint, certain seafood, occupational settings and the environment. Not everyone with an exposure has symptoms, and not every symptom is caused by a toxin, which is why we begin with careful testing rather than assumptions.
If results show elevated levels, your plan is built in stages. First comes support for the organs involved in elimination, including the liver, kidneys and gut, along with nutrition that supplies needed minerals. Binders and, when clinically appropriate, chelating agents may then be considered.
Chelation is FDA-approved only for confirmed heavy metal poisoning, and it requires monitoring. Provoked-urine testing, where urine is collected after a chelating agent is given, is not a validated diagnostic method, so we rely on standard blood and urine testing instead. We recheck labs and watch essential mineral levels throughout.
At a glance
- Start
- Consultation and testing for metals and toxins
- Tools
- Nutrition, binders and physician-directed chelation
- Monitoring
- Repeat labs and mineral checks
- Timeline
- Often several weeks to months
Who may consider it
Patients may explore detox evaluation after:
- A known metal exposure
- Occupational exposure
- Abnormal screening labs
- Unexplained digestive issues
- Questions about environmental exposures
- A desire for lab-guided evaluation
What to expect
- 1Exposure review and labs. We discuss your history and order urine, blood or other tests suited to your concerns.
- 2Preparation. Before any chelation, we support your digestion, hydration and nutrient status.
- 3Treatment and rechecks. Therapy is delivered in steps, with follow-up labs to confirm progress and safety.
Supervised by Dr. Deborah Viglione, MD
Dr. Viglione is a board-certified internist who oversees each detox evaluation. With nurse practitioners Amy Schram, APRN and Brandy Nicholson, APRN, she keeps decisions tied to your lab results and your safety.
Detox and chelation questions
Do I need testing before chelation?
Yes. We recommend confirming an exposure with lab testing before starting chelation, so treatment is based on your results rather than guesswork.
Is chelation safe?
Chelation is FDA-approved only for confirmed heavy metal poisoning. For other uses it is not approved, and it carries risks such as mineral depletion and kidney strain. That is why we monitor labs closely and screen carefully.
What are binders?
Binders are agents, often fiber-based or mineral-based, that bind substances in the gut. They are not FDA-approved to remove toxins or metals, and we discuss what is and is not known before suggesting one.
Will I feel different during detox?
Some people notice temporary fatigue, headache or digestive changes. We start gradually and give guidance to help you stay comfortable.
Visit us in Gulf Breeze
103 Nightingale Ln, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 · Get directions
Text or leave a voicemail at (850) 934-8138. Serving Gulf Breeze, Pensacola, Pensacola Beach and Navarre.
Individual results vary. This page is for information only and is not medical advice. Chelation is FDA-approved only for confirmed heavy metal poisoning, should only be used under physician supervision and is not appropriate for everyone.