What are the benefits of binders and which should I be using?

Take a moment to hear from Immanence Health physician, Dr. Amanda Wilms who recently lead a talk and Q&A on How and When to Use Binders.

Dr. Amanda Wilms specializes in PANS/PANDAS, Complex Chronic Illness, Autoimmune Conditions, Bio-Identical Hormones, and Lyme disease.

It’s no secret that toxins are everywhere. From harsh chemicals that make cleaning easier and makeup last longer to harmful additives that make food sweeter, crunchier, and saltier —our systems are heavily burdened by foreign substances that can wreak havoc on the brain and body.

However, it’s not enough to just clean up your diet and take a few random detox supplements. Binding and excreting heavy metals and other harmful toxins from the body is a complex process that involves a set of steps and specific compounds that help bind toxins without the risk of re-toxification.

One of the most foundational and effective approaches to natural detox includes toxin binders. Read on for all the details about detox binders, the best ones for your goals, and exactly how to use them. 

What Are Toxin Binders?

Toxin or detox binders are specific compounds that bind toxins and remove them via the digestive tract so they’re not reabsorbed into the body. 

Taken orally in pill, powder, gel, or tincture form, binders are a crucial piece to many treatment protocols, whether they include removing environmental toxins, reducing toxin exposure, or treating infections. Different binders can attract different toxins, so knowing which one to use can make or break a protocol. 

You can use binders to help bind and excrete toxins from: 

• Heavy metal toxicity
• Dental work, including amalgam removal
• Lyme disease
• Vaccine aftercare
• PANDAS
• Coinfections
• Parasite removal
• Mold 
• And more

And binders work to remove everything from: 

• Heavy metals, including aluminum, mercury, and lead
• Mycotoxins from mold
• Biotoxins from Lyme and/or parasitic infections
• Plastic particles
• Pesticides
• Herbicides
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• And much more

Binders can also help to remove endogenous toxins created by different pathogenic organisms. Typically referred to as biotoxins and endotoxins, these are released by bacteria, parasites, molds, and yeasts, activating inflammatory cytokines and other molecules that trigger inflammation and other symptoms in the body. 

And while your body has an incredible detox system that helps to remove toxins on its own, an accumulation of harmful compounds, plus exposure to infections or acute chemical exposures, require the help of detox binders to get things moving safely. 

How Binders Work 

Your liver is your main detox organ and can remove toxic chemicals on it’s own. It does this by creating bile, a digestive fluid that flows from the liver through the intestines to help break down fats for digestion and absorption.

Since many toxins are fat-soluble, they enter the bile. And in a perfect world, toxins would move with the bile through the intestines and out of the body through the stool. However, your gut lining is made of delicate tissues with veins and nerves that can pick up these toxins and recirculate them. 

This is where binders come in. Binders attach to toxic metals, chemicals, biotoxins, and more to shuttle them safely out of the digestive tract without the risk of reabsorption and recirculation. Binders also reduce stress on other elimination and detox organs and help prevent herxheimer (inflammatory) reactions and uncomfortable detox symptoms. 

Benefits of Toxin Binders

The primary benefit of taking binders is ridding your body of toxic chemicals that can cause painful symptoms and make your detox organs work overtime. Other benefits may include: 

• Lowering cholesterol
• Alkalizing the body
• Helping with gastric issues like gas, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation
• Mitigating the effect from EMF exposure and radiation

So, which binders help detox which chemicals? And which ones are right for you? Each binder is slightly different and can attract different toxins. Read on for the most effective binders for your goals.

Top 6 Toxin Binders

Chlorella

Chlorella is a powerful blue-green algae rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and omega-3 fatty acids. It also binds to heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, molds, mycotoxins, and VOCs. (1,2)

One problem with binders is that many of them bind to and remove minerals as well as toxins. But chlorella only binds to toxins and won’t excrete essential minerals, so you can use it long-term without the risk of nutritional deficiencies. 

Chlorella is safe, well-tolerated, and acts as a mini multivitamin because of its potent nutrient content. It’s also a good binder to start with if you’re sensitive or extremely toxic because you can start slowly and work your way up in dosage. 

Charcoal

One of the more well-known binders, activated charcoal is a fine, black powder made from carbon-based organic matter —usually from coconut shells, bamboo, or peat. 

Materials are heated at high temperatures and combined with oxygen to make the charcoal “active,” which significantly increases the absorption area of each particle to soak up and remove more toxins on its way through the digestive tract. (3,4) 

Charcoal is a broad-spectrum binder that not only removes toxins, but certain nutrients as well. While it has its place in detox protocols, this isn’t a binder that you’ll want to use long-term because it can cause mineral depletion.

Instead, try charcoal cycling or using charcoal for acute detox, as opposed to consistent or long-term use. This might look like using charcoal for three days, then avoiding it for two to three weeks before taking it again. 

You can also use it acutely anytime you know you’re being exposed to mold or if you’re having a serious Herxheimer reaction. If you’re unsure how much to take, or when, work with an experienced physician to figure out what’s right for you.

Clay & Zeolites

The next binder to mention is clay. There are many different types of clay that are safe for internal consumption, but the best ones on the market for detox include zeolite and bentonite clays.

While chlorella is safer for long-term consumption and charcoal is more for acute situations, clays fall somewhere between in terms of selective absorption. They can still bind some beneficial nutrients, but they also absorb a variety of toxins, including heavy metals, VOCs, mycotoxins, and other biotoxins. (5,6,7)

You can get many of these clays in capsule form or as powders that you can mix with water and drink. We primarily use ZeoBind, a powder made from a naturally-occurring mineral known as clinoptilolite —a particular type of crystalline aluminosilicate in the zeolite family. 

Clinoptilolite is formed when volcanic molten lava comes in contact with seawater, forming 3-dimensional honeycomb-like molecular structures with a negative charge that attract positively-charged toxins. 

Fruit Pectin

Fruit pectin is a potent fiber that’s highly absorptive and beneficial for binding a variety of compounds from heavy metals and mycotoxins to herbicides and pesticides. (8,9,10) While they’re not as strong as charcoal or clays, they’re still very effective and include anti-inflammatory benefits. 

Dietary fiber offers the added benefit of acting as food for beneficial gut bacteria. Citrus or apple pectin are great for those with gut issues like constipation, or for anyone who is too sensitive for more powerful binders. 

Humic and Fulvic Acids

Humic and fulvic acids are made up of negatively-charged atoms that attract positively-charged mineral particles like heavy metals. Formed by decomposing plant matter, these natural compounds are excellent for removing various heavy metals, environmental toxins, and other harmful chemicals —particularly glyphosate. (11) 

Some studies also suggest that fulvic acid has the potential to help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and may even change metals and minerals into compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. (12)

Humic and fulvic acids are gentle on the system and one of the only binders you can take with food.

Silica

Silica is rarely talked about as a supplement, but studies show impressive benefits for gut health and general detox. Silica is particularly good for binding aluminum, but can bind other toxic metals as well. It also has a low affinity for vitamins and minerals, so mineral depletion is less of an issue than using a stronger binder like charcoal. (13,14,15,16)

How to Take Binders 

Always take binders according to your doctor’s recommendations. But if you’re experimenting with binders on your own, here are some tips.

Take Away From Food

Most binders will have a stronger effect when you take them on an empty stomach. And since some types have the ability to bind and excrete essential vitamins and minerals, you’ll want to take them at least 30-60-minutes away from food, supplements, and medications. For stronger binders like cholestyramine and charcoals, consider waiting an hour before and two hours after eating or supplementation.

While chlorella and humic or fulvic acids aren’t as likely to excrete minerals, they may work better on an empty stomach. However, if you’re eating a non-organic or heavily processed meal, these are good options to help you bind any potential heavy metals or toxins that you don’t want to absorb.

Drink Plenty of Water

All binders have the potential to cause constipation. To avoid any digestive upset, take all binders with a full glass of water and make sure to get plenty of water throughout the day. If you’re still having issues, you might want to add in some magnesium citrate, vitamin C, or lower your intake of binders.

Start Low and Slow

If you’re starting binders for the first time, it’s best to start with one type at a time and to begin with a lower dose before working your way up. If you’re particularly sensitive to new supplements or know that you’re extremely toxic, it’s best to start with gentler binders like chlorella before trying something stronger like charcoal.

Consider Taking Binders at Night

You can take binders at any time of the day, but you might want to consider making them a part of your nighttime routine. Your body is doing most of its restoring and repairing while you sleep, which means you’re releasing toxins at a higher rate throughout the night. Just remember to take your binders 30-60 minutes apart from other nighttime supplements, like magnesium. 

Consider Cycling Your Binders

Since all binders attract different toxins, you may want to consider cycling binders every two to three months, depending on what you’re treating. This works with nearly all binders except for charcoal, which isn’t meant to be taken on a long-term basis. If you’re unsure how and what to cycle, work with a trusted practitioner to help you determine the best protocol for your body. 

Possible Side Effects of Chemical Binders

While binders offer a natural, effective way to safely remove toxins from the body, there are a few possible side effects to be aware of. 

• Constipation
• Constipation is the most common side effect, but it’s still rare, and is unlikely to become a problem if you stay well-hydrated. Other ways to mitigate constipation are vitamin C and magnesium citrate, both of which can help loosen bowels. If you continue to experience constipation, talk to your doctor about switching your formula.
• Electrolyte Imbalance
• Other symptoms like nausea, fatigue, or muscle cramps could indicate a possible electrolyte imbalance. In this case, it’s important to take some extra minerals or a high-quality electrolyte supplement. 
• Nutrient Depletion

Mineral or general nutrient depletion is a concern when you’re working with specific binders, especially for longer periods of time. If binders can absorb and remove toxins, what about healthy, beneficial nutrients? Luckily, there are plenty of ways to avoid possible nutrient depletions: 

• Take binders away from food, on an empty stomach
• Take stronger binders, like charcoal, for short periods of time
• Consider taking a multi-mineral supplement and a full-spectrum electrolyte
• Cycle your binders, according to your doctor’s recommendation

Other Detox Strategies Worth Considering

While we know about the dangers of toxin exposure, we live in a world where the buildup of harmful chemicals in our soil, air, and water are a bigger threat to our health than ever before. Binders are a revolutionary way to detox your system at a cellular level, but there’s even more you can do to lower your toxic load and support your body through the detoxification process:

• Eat an organic, whole foods-based diet 
• Move your body daily 
• Infrared sauna therapy with binders
• Glutathione
• Calcium D-glucarate
• Massage
• Lymphatic work

Detox Binder Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Take Too Many Binders?

While you can always take too much of anything, the main symptom of too many binders will likely be constipation, and in rare cases, diarrhea and other gut issues. For constipation, continue to drink plenty of water and take vitamin C and magnesium to loosen stools. You can also suspend use of any binders until your bowel movements have returned to normal.

Can You Take More Than One Binder at Once?

Yes, you can take multiple binders at once, layer them in, rotate them, or take one at a time. You can also mix binders together to take them all at once. This is hugely dependent on what you’re working to detox and how sensitive you are to the process. 

Can Children Take Binders?

All of the binders mentioned are safe for children. The trick is getting your kids to take pills or unappetizing powders. Certain silicas and fruit pectins come in drops, gels, or chewable tablets that your little ones can take in water or chew. Chlorella has a very “green” seaweed taste, but many children won’t mind chewing chlorella tablets or drinking chlorella in a smoothie. While it’s best to take binders away from food, you can add chlorella to smoothies for your little ones without impairing the efficacy too much.

Liver Support and Binders

Technically, you can take binders without additional liver support, especially chlorella and pectins. However, if you’re working on heavy metal detoxification or using stronger binders like charcoal or zeolites, you might want to add some glutathione or milk thistle to support the liver. 

For those with liver congestion or if you’re sensitive to supplements, start with chlorella or modified citrus pectins (or both at once). If you’re sensitive and working on heavy metal removal, you can start with or add in silica.

Binders and Mercury

Mercury is one of the most common heavy metals we see in the general population, mostly due to old dental amalgams. You can use binders if you’ve had amalgams, currently have them, or are in the process of getting them removed. 

If you currently have dental amalgams, you can safely take chlorella and zeolites without too much concern that they’ll draw toxins out of your existing fillings and distribute them throughout the body. You can also use a charcoal rinse every night before bed.

If you’re getting amalgams removed, you can chew up chlorella and activated charcoal and swish around the mouth as a rinse after amalgams are removed.

If you’re detoxing after having amalgams removed, you can use chlorella and zeolite clay. Stronger heavy metal chelators are an option, but you’ll want to do these under a doctor’s supervision.

Binders for Mycotoxins

Mycotoxins detox usually requires multiple binders because we’re usually exposed to different molds and mycotoxins from a variety of sources. Activated charcoal is one of the best places to start, but you can also use zeolites and chlorella. You can rotate all three or take zeolite and chlorella more long-term, while alternating in some charcoal short-term. 

Best Binders for Lead Detox

If you know you’ve been exposed to lead, start with zeolites. CytoDetox+, in particular, is formulated with EDTA, an incredible binder and chelator for heavy metals —especially lead and mercury.

Binders for Vaccination Aftercare

Binders are a wonderful tool for vaccine aftercare. Since the binder stays in your digestive tract, it’s a good option for removing inflammatory cytokines and other toxins associated with vaccines without interfering with efficacy. 

An optional vaccine-care protocol would be a cocktail of vitamin C, N-acetylcysteine, glutathione, milk thistle, and alpha-lipoic acid beforehand, activated charcoal for about 24-hours after the vaccine, and then another round of the aforementioned cocktail in the days and weeks after.

Best Binders for Lyme

Clays and zeolites are a wonderful start to help support the elimination of neurotoxins and biotoxins that tend to be a byproduct of the disease. You can also add in short stints or “pulses” of charcoal or heavier chelators—especially if you’re also using herbal antimicrobials or antibiotics.

Binders for Children with PANDAS

For children with PANDAS, start with chlorella and modified citrus pectin. You can also layer in some zeolites and silica at some point because, with PANDAS, there’s always the potential of more than one trigger. 

Binders and Sugar and Other Additives

Unfortunately, there’s no way to go back in time and absorb sugar you ate years ago… or even days ago. Sugar is metabolized differently than most toxins, quickly turning into energy or converted into fat and stored. 

However, you can use binders to help remove some excess sugar that you’ve just eaten, before it makes its way out of the stomach. And binders can be especially helpful in removing toxic additives from occasional treats like food coloring and artificial flavors. Try zeolites, chlorella, or a single dose of charcoal after a particularly sugary or processed meal.

Binders for Parasites

Stronger binders are best when you’re treating parasites because the die-off and toxic offloading can be so intense. Because patients often feel worse before they feel better, I like to use zeolites and potentially activated charcoal, especially when we’re initiating treatment. 

How to Determine the Right Binders for You

Binders are an excellent way to safely remove toxins from the body to help you heal and thrive. Every person has unique needs and responses to binders, so if you’re unsure where to begin, find an experienced physician to go through your health history and recommend a specific protocol based on your unique needs.

When in doubt, start with chlorella or humic and fulvic acids, which tend to be gentler on the system and can be taken with food, if necessary. 

For more guidance and information on whole-body healing and detox, contact our team for a complimentary discovery call.

References

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Disclaimer: this post is for informational purposes only and is not meant to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease. Please do your own research and consult with your own personal licensed health care provider before making any treatment decisions.