Binders: Why you need them to heal the gut

Nov 07, 2024

Binders are powerful substances that can help draw toxins out the gut and the rest of the body. However, they may not be "just a tool" rather, they may be the KEY to solving your gut/gut-related health issues.

What are binders and why we need them

Binders are negatively charged porous substances that bind to positively charged molecules inside the body. in short, they help bind together toxins/pollutants which allows for them to be safely eliminated from the body. Binders really perform wonders in relation to how toxins recirculate inside the body. If you have leaky gut, where toxins seem to recirculate and enter back into the gastrointestinal tract, binders may serve to be a necessary solution to fixing this issue.

We've all experienced it: when detoxing we begin to see old symptoms begin to reappear. You may see your skin condition get worse before getting better. This can happen when there are blockages within the eliminatory pathways - especially the gut (considering it's arguably the main eliminatory system). The body shows us signs when it struggles to deal with the toxins inside the system. Binders help to solve this issue by encapsulating toxins so that they are made to be easily evacuated from the body.

If we don't eliminate toxins efficiently enough from the body, we could see weight gain, development of inflammatory conditions, painful conditions, and even lymphatic congestion. These issues, when allowed to persist, can quickly shift ones health down to the road of degeneration.

Enterohepatic re-circulation 

We need to interrupt the cycle of enterohepatic recirculation of toxins. This process plays a vital role in the body, controlling the movement of bile from the liver to the gallbladder, into the small intestine, and then back to the liver.

Typically, around 95% of bile, along with toxins released from the liver and gallbladder into the small intestine, is recirculated. Without adequate insoluble fibres or binders in the digestive system, these toxins can be reabsorbed into the bloodstream via the hepatic portal vein, creating additional strain on the liver, kidneys, and the body overall. A diet rich in insoluble fibre can help to mitigate this, but many modern toxins are not easily bound by fibre alone and require more targeted solutions.

Normal enterohepatic recirculation of drugs. | Download Scientific Diagram

It's important to note that taking binders can cause constipation, especially when taking heavier binders such as the clays. This is why it's crucial to stay hydrated and drink plenty of liquids/water whenever using binders. In my 14 Day Binder Blast Protocol, i share the importance of using gentle herbal laxatives and enemas during your binder protocols to ensure the bowels are moving and are being flushed.

Here are some of my favourite binders 

Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay is a powerful natural substance that helps bind and eliminate toxins like pesticides, herbicides, biofilm, mucoid plaque, and cyanotoxins. It also helps to remove harmful microbes from the digestive system and has mild antimicrobial properties.

The quality of the clay matters a great deal, so it's important to choose a trusted brand to avoid the risk of contamination. Since bentonite clay has a negative charge, it’s essential not to use metal utensils when handling it, as this can interfere with its effectiveness. To get the best results, mix the clay thoroughly with water to ensure it moves easily through your digestive tract.

 Bentonite Clay

Psyllium Husk

Psyllium husk isn't a binder, it's a dense insoluble fibre that really encourages peristalsis - movement of the colon to move food through. I've mentioned it here because Psyllium husk works really well with Bentonite Clay and is what makes up Richard Andersons famous binder-shake. 

When using psyllium husk, it's essential you get psyllium husk powder and not the whole husks. The whole husks will not work. 

Psyllium Husk

Modified Citrus Pectin 

Modified citrus pectin from Pectasol helps eliminate heavy metals such as; lead, cadmium, arsenic. It's considered a gentle binder so is safe to have ling term. On the other hand, this formula may cause irritation to those with gut infections such as SIBO. If you have regular gut infections, consider leaving this one out your gut-binder protocols.

Pectasol

Enteros Gel

EnterosGel is a natural silica-based binder that helps detoxify the body by adsorbing and eliminating toxins, heavy metals, poisons, and pollutants from the digestive tract. It’s gentle on the gut because it is non-absorbable, meaning it passes through the system without interfering with nutrient absorption. This makes it a safe, effective option for long-term use, supporting overall gut health, immune function, and reducing inflammation. It has been touted to help reduce radiation poisoning and is an effective endotoxin binder. 

EnterosGel is particularly effective at binding and eliminating heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic, which are commonly found in contaminated food, water, and the environment. These toxins can accumulate in the body over time, contributing to a range of health issues, including neurological, cardiovascular, and immune system dysfunction. By safely adsorbing these heavy metals in the gastrointestinal tract, EnterosGel helps prevent their reabsorption and supports the body in detoxifying more effectively.

For optimal results, it’s recommended to take EnterosGel on an empty stomach, typically 2 hours before or after meals, to ensure it binds to toxins without interfering with nutrient absorption. It should be mixed with water to aid its smooth passage through the digestive system. It's important to follow the recommended dosage and consult with a healthcare professional if using it for prolonged periods or in combination with other detox protocols. Staying well-hydrated during use is also advised to support the body’s natural elimination processes.

EnterosGel

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal from coconut husks is a binder that has been used for thousands of years. It's exceptional for acute poisoning and reducing healing crisis symptoms (if needed). 

Activated charcoal is highly effective at binding urea-derived toxins, particularly in cases of kidney dysfunction or high levels of urea in the bloodstream. Urea is a byproduct of protein metabolism that can accumulate when the kidneys are unable to filter it efficiently. Activated charcoal works by adsorbing these toxins in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing their reabsorption into the bloodstream and aiding in their elimination through the digestive system. This makes activated charcoal a useful tool for supporting detoxification, especially in individuals with compromised kidney function.

Activated charcoal is a broad-spectrum binder, meaning it can bind a wide range of substances in the gastrointestinal tract. However, it’s not particularly effective at binding heavy metals, so it shouldn’t be relied upon as the primary tool for detoxifying these toxins.

Activated Charcoal

Dr. Morse GI Broom

Dr. Morse GI Broom is one of my all time favourite formulas because of the delicate blend between gentle bowel-stimulating (and nourishing) herbs with binders. It's a gentle and effective formula for binding mucoid plaque, toxins, and metals inside the gut.

Ingredients: Psyllium Husk Powder, Cascara Sagrada, Bark Plantain Leaf, Slippery Elm Bark, Marshmallow Root, Fenugreek Seed, White Oak Bark, Irish Moss, Chickweed Herb, Bayberry Root, Mullein Leaf, Cape Aloe Leaf, Bentonite Clay, Activated Charcoal, Ginger Root, Aloe Vera Leaf, Cinnamon and Acerola Cherry Powder.

GI Broom (Code "FOUND5" to save)

Going Forward

It's important to note that you don't want to use binders for too long. Especially clays and any other heavier binders. They do demand a lot form the body and may end up binding minerals inside the body. This is a crucial part of binder protocols. Mineralising is recommended during binder protocols to make up for bonded minerals (because of the binders). To prevent minerals from being bonded, it's essential you follow the recommended instructions regarding when to take binders and how much time to leave between taking them. It is recommended generally to leave 1.5-2 hours before and after meals to not consume liquids or food. This will prevent the binders blocking mineral absorption of the foods you eat.

You can also remineralise the body with Shilajit which is a dense bio-resin used in Ayurvedic medicine. Its name literally translates to "The destroyer of weakness". High quality Shilajit will contain anywhere between 80-90+ trace elements and minerals. The power of Shilajit comes due to its high fulvic/humic acid complexes which act as a target-delivery system. This helps minerals get to the cells much more easily because they are being carried by the humic bases. In Ayurveda, this principle is known as Yogabhahi. 

I recommend our Shilajit: Kensho Herbals (use code "FC10" to save)

If you're looking to experience the powers of binders, learn how to conduct a safe and highly effective binder cleanse, and want to start making the right choices for you health, consider signing up to my 14 Day Binder Blast group coaching. All information HERE.