Toxin binders are an essential part of any detoxification protocol to optimise our health, remove harmful chemicals and toxins and help ease symptoms like fatigue and digestive problems. Below is a full guide on the 8 different types of detox binders available, the best time to use each of them and 4 tips to maximise the benefits.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. Information in this post and blog is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for medical advice. I’m not a qualified practitioner and I’m not encouraging anyone else to implement the things detailed in this post. Please consult a qualified practitioner if you have any questions regarding medical problems and before making any changes to your current diet or treatment plan. This post contains affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you I will earn commission if you click on a link and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclaimer here.
Jump To Section:-
- What are toxin binders?
- Types of detox binders
- Toxin binder dosage
- 4 tips to maximise the benefit of detox binders
- Possible binder side effects
- Other health and wellness posts
What are toxin binders?
Everyday we’re exposed to thousands of chemicals and toxins in our homes, workplaces and outside from a range of sources, such as:-
- Pesticides used to grow our food,
- Chemicals in our body care and cleaning products,
- Heavy metals from our water, cookware and food storage,
- Plastics from our food and drink storage containers and
- Radiation from Wi-Fi.
- Bacteria, viruses and parasites (1).
Our body has 6 drainage pathways which naturally remove the toxins and chemicals we’re exposed to from our body. However, we’re exposed to more chemicals and toxins now than ever before, which can cause our drainage pathways to become overloaded. If the amount of chemicals and toxins were exposed to exceeds the amount our body naturally removes then this can cause the chemicals and toxins to be stored and accumulate in our body, which is associated with a range of negative effects on our physical and mental health, such as fatigue, dizziness, headaches, allergies, nausea, skin rashes, anxiety, hormonal imbalances, digestive and sleep issues and impaired concentration and memory (2, 3, 4).
This is why to optimise our health, ease symptoms and manage chronic illness it’s recommended to do the following 3 steps:-
- Switch to non toxic living to reduce the number of chemicals and toxins we’re exposed to, such as replacing plastic containers with glass or ceramic, switching Wi-Fi and electronics off when not in use.
- Implementing strategies to open and support our 6 drainage pathways to maximise the removal or chemicals and toxins (my other How To Open Drainage Pathways post has detailed instructions of various ways to do this).
- Implementing protocols to cleanse the body of parasites, bacteria, viruses and fungi.
This is where binders really benefit us. The liver is our main organ which produces bile to store all toxins and chemicals we’re exposed to and parasites, bacteria, viruses and fungi in. The bile then gets transported along the digestive tract for the toxins and chemicals to be removed via the colon in our bowel movements (5). However, most of the bile is reabsorbed in the gut lining so it can be reused to reduce the amount of bile our liver has to produce (6). This results in the toxins and chemicals also being reabsorbed and recirculated throughout the body, which can cause uncomfortable detox symptoms, such as nausea, fatigue, skin rashes and digestive and sleep problems (7). Binders really benefit us as they cling to the bile that the toxins and chemicals are stored in to ensure they are completely removed from the body without being reabsorbed, which also prevents and lessens detox symptoms (8).
There are various binders available, which attract and absorb different toxins. Therefore, varying the binders taken and adjusting the binders to match the specific toxins and chemicals you’re targeting is recommended. Below is a list of each type of binder available and the specific toxins they attract and absorb.
Related Posts:- How To Open Drainage Pathways, 6 Free Ways To Start Non Toxic Living, 15 Easy Ways To Detox Your Home & 10 Tips For A Non Toxic Kitchen
Types of Detox Binders
1). Activated Charcoal (UK Link/US Link)
This is a general binder that binds to and absorbs a wide range of toxins, including heavy metals, environmental toxins, such as pesticides and herbicides and toxins from mould and fungi (9).
2). Bentonite Clay (UK Link/US Link)
This binds to toxins from mould and fungi and environmental toxins (10).
3). Chlorella (UK Link/US Link)
This is an algae which binds to heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pesticides, herbicides, and toxins from mould and fungi (11). It also contains a wide range of health promoting nutrients, including vitamin A, C and E and has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties (12).
4). Diatomaceous Earth (UK Link/US Link)
It’s rich in silica, which binds to heavy metals, toxins from mould and fungi and parasites (13, 14).
5). Fulvic & Humic Acid (UK Link/US Link)
Fulvic and humid acid are substances naturally found in our soil which contain over 70 amino acids, trace minerals and antioxidants to help remove heavy metals and environmental toxins. It’s also been shown to help support the immune system, boost energy, improve gut health and reduce inflammation (15).
6). Modified Citrus Pectin (UK Link/US Link)
This binds to heavy metals, including arsenic, cadmium and lead (16).
7). Silica (UK Link/US Link)
This helps remove heavy metals, especially aluminium (17, 18).
8). Zeolite (UK Link/US Link)
This binds to heavy metals, plastics and pesticides and can also improve gut health by increasing the amount of good bacteria, inhibiting the growth of viruses and bacteria and healing a leaky gut – reducing the size of gaps in the gut wall (19). This can be taken in powder or liquid form. Nano zeolite in liquid form has the ability to break through the intestinal and blood brain barrier, allowing it to remove and bind to toxins from the whole body, whereas powdered zeolite cannot do this and can only bind to and remove toxins in the digestive tract (20). Touchstone Essentials do a zeolite detox pack, which removes toxins from the whole body.
Toxin Binder Dosage
It’s typically recommended to take 1 teaspoon of a binder each day, starting with a low dose and very gradually increasing the amount taken. However, the dosage will vary for each individual’s specific needs and how you respond to the binders, which is why it’s important to work with a practitioner.
4 Tips To Maximise The Benefit Of Detox Binders
1). Take On An Empty Stomach Away From Food, Supplements & Medications
With the exception of chlorella and fulvic and humic acid, there are concerns that binders not only bind to toxins, but also nutrients (21).
Although research found zeolite had no negative effect on nutrient levels (22), it’s recommended to take binders at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating, supplements or medications to ensure only harmful toxins and chemicals are absorbed and prevent nutrient deficiencies (23). Binders have the greatest effect when taken on an empty stomach first thing in the morning, as overnight is when our body works hardest to detoxify, rest and repair causing the highest amount of toxins to be released.
2). Rotate & Vary Binders
As each binder absorbs different toxins, it’s recommended to vary the binder you take, either alternating it each day or each week (24).
3). Start Small & Progress Gradually
When first starting to take binders, it’s recommended to start with 1 specific binder at a low dose and gradually increase the amount taken (24). For example, start with 1/4 teaspoon activated charcoal on the first day then increase to 1/2 teaspoon on the second day, 3/4 teaspoon on the third day and 1 teaspoon on the fourth day.
4). Stay Hydrated
As binders bulk up our stool they can cause constipation. Therefore, it’s recommended to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, with lemon or lime juice or electrolytes added, to ensure we regularly have 3 bowel movements each day (25).
Possible Binder Side Effects
Although constipation and nutrient deficiencies are potential concerns, when implementing the above advice binders allow us to safely and effectively remove toxins and chemicals from our body. It is always recommended to work with a qualified practitioner before implementing binders to determine the best types and dosages to take (24).
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