The Ultimate Guide to Detoxing from Contrast Mediums: A Holistic Approach
- Dr. Salome Masghati, MD
- Aug 6, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Are you someone who has undergone imaging procedures using contrast mediums like gadolinium and is concerned about the long-term effects on your body, especially if you have underlying liver or kidney issues? Detoxing from these substances is crucial to support your overall health and well-being. In this guide, we will explore a holistic approach to detoxing from contrast mediums.
Gadolinium (Gd) is a contrast agent used in many imaging studies, especially MRIs. While it's helpful for diagnostics, emerging research shows that Gadolinium can persist in the body for years, especially in those with impaired detox pathways or high oxalate levels.
Recent studies have found that elevated oxalate levels before Gadolinium exposure may increase its toxicity. Oxalates can bind with Gd to form more reactive and damaging complexes, contributing to tissue retention and inflammation. These Gd-oxalate complexes have even been found in the brain and bones of patients years after exposure.
In Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA), Gadolinium retention doesn’t always show up directly — but it can appear as organic acid markers like trimesic acid (benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid), suggesting that Gd is still in the system, forming complexes with acids and other compounds.
What You Can Do Before a Gadolinium Scan:
Avoid high-oxalate foods for at least a week prior. This includes spinach, beets, almonds, sweet potatoes, and dark chocolate.
Skip vitamin C supplements during that same week. While vitamin C is a great antioxidant, it can increase endogenous oxalate production, which may worsen Gd retention.
Support your detox pathways with antioxidants like glutathione and gentle binders like zeolite.
Understanding the Importance of Detoxing
Contrast agents, while essential for enhancing imaging results, can pose risks to individuals, particularly those with compromised liver or kidney function. Gadolinium, commonly used in MRI scans, has been linked to potential toxic effects when it lingers in the body. This is where detoxing comes into play, helping to rid your system of these harmful substances and prevent any adverse impacts.
The Power of Glutathione and Zeolite
Glutathione is one of the body’s most powerful natural antioxidants, playing a key role in detoxification. Supporting your glutathione levels through oral supplementation can boost your body’s ability to clear out toxins — including contrast agents used in imaging tests. But not all glutathione supplements work the same. I personally use Neumi Glutathione because it’s formulated with a unique Hydrostat™ nanotechnology, which breaks glutathione down into ultra-tiny particles — far smaller than those in traditional liposomal formulas. This means faster and more complete absorption through the mucous membranes in your mouth and gut, allowing more glutathione to actually reach your cells.
Here is a link: https://neumi.com/drmasghati/shopping/item?itemId=300
Zeolite is a natural mineral with a negatively charged honeycomb structure that acts like a cage for positively charged toxins — including heavy metals and Gadolinium. When taken consistently around the time of exposure, zeolite can help trap and safely eliminate these substances through the gut, reducing their systemic burden.
Here is the link for my favorite zeolite: https://www.zeolitelabs.com/shop
IV Chelation for Gadolinium: What We Know So Far
Most of the available evidence on IV chelation for Gadolinium comes from small case reports or observational studies, not large randomized trials. Patients with symptoms of Gadolinium Deposition Disease (GDD)Â have reported improvement after undergoing IV chelation, particularly with agents like:
EDTA (Calcium disodium EDTA or Na-EDTA)
DTPA (Diethylenetriamine pentaacetate) — especially Zn-DTPA or Ca-DTPA, which are FDA-approved for radioactive metal detox.
DTPA is the most studied for Gd chelation: Studies, mostly in animals and some human models, have shown that DTPA binds Gadolinium strongly and increases urinary excretion. It's used in Europe and the U.S. under compassionate use for suspected Gd toxicity.
Chelation may reduce Gd levels but not eliminate it completely: Even with chelation, Gd can persist in tissues (especially bone and brain). A 2020 review noted that Gd can remain detectable for up to 3 years or longer — and chelation may reduce circulating levels but has limited penetration into long-stored tissue-bound Gd.
Timing matters: Chelation is thought to be more effective closer to the time of exposure, before Gd binds irreversibly to tissues or forms oxalate-like complexes. However, there is some anecdotal success in people years out from exposure, especially with symptom relief.
Risks and considerations: Chelation is not benign — it may also deplete essential minerals like zinc, calcium, and magnesium. Careful monitoring and mineral repletion are necessary. Patients with impaired kidney function are especially vulnerable, as chelators rely on renal excretion.
Supporting Detox with B Vitamins and Magnesium
Magnesium
Magnesium is another essential nutrient that can aid in detoxing from contrast mediums. This mineral supports over 300 enzymatic processes in the body, including those involved in detoxification pathways. Ensuring an adequate intake of magnesium can help optimize your body's natural detox mechanisms. Gadolinium has been shown to interfere with calcium channels in neurons. Gd interferes with calcium and magnesium signaling, especially in nerves and mitochondria. Magnesium acts as a natural calcium channel blocker, helping to reduce Gd-induced oxidative stress and potential neuroinflammation.
Hydration
Drink plenty of water with electrolytes and trace minerals the day of and the day after your gadolinium exposure. Iv Myers (without Vitamin C) might also help hydrate and push out Gd.
Tailoring Detox Strategies for Individual Needs
Detoxing from contrast mediums is not a one-size-fits-all approach, especially for individuals with underlying health issues. Factors like liver and kidney function, detoxification capacity, and the level of contrast agent exposure should be considered when designing a detox plan. Consulting with a healthcare provider or a knowledgeable practitioner can help tailor a detox strategy that suits your specific needs and ensures optimal results.
Conclusion
Detoxing from contrast mediums is a critical step in safeguarding your health, particularly if you have pre-existing liver or kidney conditions. Remember, the key to effective detoxing is consistency and personalized care tailored to your unique health profile.
Embrace these holistic detox strategies to cleanse your body from contrast mediums and promote overall well-being.
By following these comprehensive detox tips, you can take proactive steps towards supporting your body's natural detoxification processes and promoting long-term health.
Here is a link to my favorite oral glutathione product: