shutterstock.com/g/Rawpixel
5 NATURAL TOXIN BINDERS Every Lyme Patient Needs to Know
B
esides 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.
Activated Charcoal
This charcoal is similar to common charcoal (derived from peat, coal, wood or coconut shells), but it is made especially for medicinal
18
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
shutterstock.com/g/sujin+fujakkam
1
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.
Fairfield & Southern Litchfield Counties
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 costeffective way of detoxing the body. Unlike eNaturalAwakenings.com
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.
shutterstock.com/g/Iryna+Kalyukina
by Gregg Kirk
