07/09/2025
If you’re a patient of ours, you’ve likely been on a binder: GI Detox or Charcoal Plus are our two favorites. We use these during the gut healing process to help bind up the endotoxins and organisms that we are attempting to eliminate. I describe it to my patients as a “mop” going in there and cleaning up the mess.
This is important because without use of a binder, gram-negative bacteria have lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxins on their outer membrane. If this is not bound up and eliminated during detoxification, it can lead to very serious complications, especially with the liver. In severe cases, it can get into the bloodstream and cause septic shock! Not only is it involved in cases of sepsis, but is a factor in obesity, type II diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Binders also help mitigate any “herx” or “die off” reactions you may experience while healing. Don’t let all of this scare you. BUT it is important to work with a practitioner who knows what they are doing, and a reminder to not just jump on the next detox bandwagon and do things yourself!
But what else can we use binders for? I tell my patients to always keep some on hand, as there are many uses for them, beyond gut healing.
We are exposed to toxins daily. And if our detoxification pathways are not optimal and open, there will be issues. In walks a binder to save the day. Here are some ways in which we use a binder at our house:
👉 Stomach Flu: Game changer to bind up the organisms causing the disease to minimize symptoms and shorten the duration you are sick
👉 Food Poisoning: Same concept as the stomach flu
👉 Travelers Diarrhea: Or any diarrhea of unknown reason for that matter
👉 Fragrance: Ever rode in a heavily fragranced uber? It’s awful! Or your AirBnb or hotel reeks of chemicals? Perfect time to take some!
👉 Air Travel: The air on planes is not clean to say the least. And you’re surrounded by hundreds of other people in close proximity
👉 Swimming: Chlorinated pools, parasite filled lakes and rivers, or chemicals in a hot tub. Another great time to take a binder.
👉 Salons: Had your nails done recently? Again, so many chemicals! Take your binder.
👉 Alcohol: Did you overdo it last night? Take your binder.
👉 Fertilizer: If you’re in Nebraska, we are surrounded by heavily sprayed fields. And the wind blows all the time. We all need binders just for this reason alone!
👉 Dental work: Cleanings and procedures stir up biofilms (plaque) which are full of organisms. Bind those up!
👉 Eating: Did something at a restaurant not sit well? Or did you consume dairy and you know it causes you gut issues? Have your binder on hand.
👉 Sauna: Sweat is the primary way we detox when we use a sauna, but taking a binder is important to help grab the rest.
👉 Mold: Live or work in a moldy environment? This is a must!
These are just a few of the many reasons it’s important to have a binder on hand! They are safe for children and adults. If your child cannot swallow pills, our GI Detox capsules can be opened and put in water for them to drink. Zero taste. We call it “magic black water” at our house.
GI Detox is a blend of ingredients helpful for binding almost everything, mold included. Charcoal Plus is our other binder that has a less comprehensive ingredient list, but it does include chlorella which is important if heavy metal binding is a priority.
Like everything we do, each case is individualized to each patient. Our team would be happy to help you decide which one is best for you and yours! 🩵
