Besides treating symptoms and the disease itself, most chronic Lyme patients understand the importance of ridding the body of toxins generated from killing bacteria. Other toxins may also be present in the body from heavy metals, mycotoxins (from mold), normal metabolism or from the environment itself. The point is, in order to give the body a chance to heal properly, these toxins must be removed in a way that does not disrupt our system.

This is where toxin binders can be helpful. A toxin binder is a supplement that can attach itself to a toxic substance and render it harmless, while escorting it out of the body through the digestive or urinary tract. However, they are not all the same and it is important to understand the best one to use to help with an individual’s particular health issues.

1. Activated Charcoal

 This charcoal is similar to common charcoal (derived from peat, coal, wood or coconut shells), but it is made especially for medicinal use. It becomes “activated” during a process where it is heated in the presence of a gas that causes the charcoal to develop an abundance of internal spaces or pores.

Activated charcoal can be used to treat poisonings, reduce intestinal gas, lower cholesterol levels, prevent hangover and treat bile flow problems (cholestasis) during pregnancy. It is also effective at removing most toxins generated from a die-off reaction during Lyme treatment.

Side effects/concerns: Activated charcoal is safe for most adults when used short-term. However, long-term use can cause constipation and black stools. It should always be taken at least an hour away from food or vitamin supplementation to avoid it binding with them and rendering them ineffective. 

2. Bentonite Clay

 This clay is composed of ash made from volcanoes, the largest known source being in Fort Benton, Wyoming, where numerous volcanoes are present and where this particular clay gets its name. Because the clay requires no modern processing, it has become a popular and cost-effective way of detoxing the body. Unlike activated charcoal that binds with toxins physically, Bentonite clay binds with toxins electrically. When the clay touches any type of fluid (normally water), it takes on a different charge, causing it to bind to substances with a different charge. Through this reaction, the clay is able to help remove toxins, chemicals, impurities and heavy metals from the gut, skin and mouth.

The clay can be ingested to remove internal toxins or used on the skin to heal bug bites, acne, eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. It can also be added to a bath to remove toxins transdermally.

Side effects/concerns: The FDA rates bentonite as “generally regarded as safe” as a food additive, but it can be harmful if inhaled or exposed to eyes. Bentonite clay should be taken at least an hour away from food or supplement intake. Do not use metal spoons or allow metal objects to come in contact with the clay, as metal can change the clay’s electrical charge and render it less effective.

3. Chlorella

 This is a blue-green algae (like its cousin spirulina) that can be found in Taiwan and Japan. It is also known to be a superfood rich in phytonutrients, including amino acids, chlorophyll, beta-carotene, potassium, phosphorous, biotin, magnesium and the B-complex vitamins. Studies have shown that chlorella benefits the entire body by supporting healthy hormone function, cardiovascular health, negating some of the effects of chemotherapy and radiation, and lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.

One of chlorella’s most significant health benefits is that it attaches to heavy metal toxins in our bodies such as lead, cadmium, mercury and uranium, and keeps them from being reabsorbed or being stored in our body’s soft tissues. Chlorella’s high levels of chlorophyll have been shown to protect the body against ultraviolet radiation treatments while removing radioactive particles from the body.

Side effects/concerns: In rare cases, chlorella may cause swelling of the face or tongue, sensitivity to sunlight, digestive upset, acne, fatigue, lethargy, headaches, vertigo and shaking. Patients who are allergic to iodine or have been prescribed Coumadin or Warfarin should consult with their physician.

4. Takesumi Supreme

 This carbonized bamboo (finely-ground bamboo charcoal) is well known in Japan, but is just now becoming familiar in the U.S. It is known to bind with heavy metals, toxic chemicals and can help alleviate food sensitivities. It also adsorbs mycotoxins and endotoxins and helps facilitate liver and kidney function.

Because of the porous nature of the bamboo, it is an amazing absorber of toxins—up to 10 times stronger than activated charcoal. Research from Japan claims it emits far infrared rays (thus improving circulation) as well as negative ions, and it shields the body from electromagnetic fields.

Side effects/concerns: Patients suffering from variegate porphyria should avoid use of Takesumi Supreme. It should be taken at least two hours away from supplements, food and medications.

5. Zeolite

 This is a volcanic silica mineral with a microscopic crystalline structure that can trap toxins at the molecular level. It has an uncanny ability to absorb and exchange different chemicals, nutrients, toxins and ions according to the body’s needs. Since the body doesn’t absorb the zeolite, the pollutants it attaches to are safely removed when it is washed off the skin or sent through the digestive tract.

Zeolite can withstand extremely high temperatures, is not dissolved by stomach or gastric acids and is not water soluble or fat soluble, which is why it can pass through the body completely intact, with toxins in tow.

Like Bentonite clay, Zeolite may be used on the skin to absorb toxins transdermally or it can be ingested.

Side effects/concerns: Zeolite powder can be harmful if inhaled or exposed to eyes. Do not use metal spoons or allow metal objects to come in contact with zeolite because metal can change its electrical charge and render it less effective.

Gregg Kirk is an author, energy healer and Lyme disease advocate who runs a clinic in Darien, where he incorporates herbal treatments to help patients with Lyme disease. Connect at LymeRecoveryClinic.com and GreggKirk.com. See ad, page 3.

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