Are you struggling with taking anti-pathogens or detoxing? Maybe you’re finding it a challenge to take anti-pathogens because it causes more negative symptoms?

Today I want to talk to you about “binders” and how, when added to your protocols, they can assist with the negative symptoms of detoxing (or “die-off” symptoms).

But first, let’s start with anti-pathogens…

Anti-pathogens

Many of Jini’s protocols, most notably Jini’s Wild Oil of Oregano Protocol, consist of consuming some sort of anti-pathogen to help sweep out the bad bacteria in the gut. Wild oregano oil, olive leaf, garlic – all of these are considered anti-pathogens.

Before beginning an anti-pathogen treatment, I recommend reading my blog: Anti-Pathogen Treatment: The Fundamental Way to Heal Your Gut! There you will learn everything you need to know beforehand to better prepare yourself and your body.

I also received a great question from a reader in response to the above anti-pathogen post, and you can find both the question and my answer here: Can I Start an Anti-Pathogen Treatment During a Crohns/Colitis Flare?

Mycotoxins

Here’s the part many people don’t realize. When we consume antipathogens, they kill the “bad guys” – as I like to call them. However, during this process mycotoxins are released as the bad pathogens are dying. It’s almost as if it’s their last effort to hold onto staying in our body! And although we don’t want to be plagued by this bacteria, our bodies are used to it, the microbiome is used to it…so any change causes a bit of chaos.

As these toxins are being released, you may feel sick. I would get extremely sick after I took anti-pathogens, which is why I am sharing a little trick with you today. 🙂

But first, let me explain binders…

Binders

To avoid a HERX reaction, which is the flu-like symptoms or sickness we can feel after taking antipathogens, we need BINDERS.

Binders do exactly what they sound like – they bind things together and pull them out! Especially when reacting, a binder is usually what we need because it’s a signal to us that we aren’t detoxing the anti-pathogens properly. As the bacteria are dying, we need to get them out. We don’t want them to stay in our bodies, wreaking havoc!

How binders work is they grab and pull, creating a vacuum-type detox. It’s fantastic because it’s safe for IBD patients, so while bad stuff is being killed in your system, the binder goes in grabs it, and pulls it out! Thus relieving you of the Herx reaction symptoms and sickness.

Binder Options

Now that we know what binders do, I have a list below with the names of a few different binder options and then you can choose which one is best for you! Just find which one your body needs and do your own research and consult a professional to see which one suits you best!

  • Bentonite clay (can be used on its own or in combination with other ingredients, see below)
  • Activated Charcoal or Charcoal
  • GI DETOX (A powerful, strong combination binder, for some, has been very helpful. Please consult a professional before use of this binder for your specific condition)
  • Sun Chlorella (this is usually considered a light binder for most people, Jini’s MultiAbsorb Immune product has Chlorella in it)
  • Chlorophyll (similar to Sun Chlorella this has been known to help detox the body, so could potentially help purge the toxins out)
  • Sprouted chia or flaxseed (This can be taken on its own or in the BCPH shake, see below, either way, it must ALWAYS be taken with lots of water to avoid constipation)

BCPH

This stands for Bentonite Clay and Psyllium seed husks. These are two widely available binders that work well separately, or together. They combine and create that “vacuum” I mentioned above. Substances like clay, acacia, chia or charcoal bind the bad things together and work to remove them, and the soluble fiber helps to push them out, without irritating the gut. You may have more bowel movements while you are detoxing, but the other negative symptoms associated with Herx usually start to subside. These would be things like headaches, fevers, flu-like symptoms, joint and muscle pain, sore throat, chills, etc.

Thank goodness for Binders! They were life-saving for me, and I hope they are for you as well! Jini has recently formulated an awesome binder for Imix Nutrition called ColonEaze – she’s formulated one version for people who tend towards diarrhea and another for people who tend towards constipation. It’s not available yet, but rest assured we’ll post as soon as it is! ColonEaze consists of Jini’s ideal blend of the substances mentioned here, along with targeted herbs. For those of you who’ve been around for a decade or more, you’ll remember a product called MetaCleanse – this is Jini’s version of that product (they had their factory destroyed in a fire and never rebuilt).

So, here is the trick I promised to share with you: below are the directions on how to make a BCPH shake.

How to Mix a BCPH Shake:

* Note: These are just recommendations, so make sure you use these according to YOUR body. Use this as an outline to see what works for you, and always start “low and slow.” This means start with a small amount, then work your way up according to your own body’s needs.

Water: 10-20 oz at least of water. If not all at once, drink some with the shake and the rest right after.

NOTE: You NEED water for this treatment to work successfully, push out, and flush out properly. Otherwise, it can get stuck in your GI tract, as these products are binders and need liquid to pull out!

  1. Start with water as your base in a glass. Glass is best for your cup vs. plastic, and starting with water as the base is best because the products won’t get clumped in the bottom.
  2. Take 1-2 teaspoons of bentonite clay and dump it into your glass. Charcoal can also work well, but start small and increase from there based on what your body needs.
  3. Take 1 teaspoon of the soluble fiber of choice. Widely available options are psyllium husk, psyllium seed, chia seed, or flaxseed, but start small with the dosage and increase as you see what your body needs. Since I was so sensitive, I only used ½ a teaspoon of psyllium seed* when I began – and that for me was just fine.
  4. Shake or stir and drink immediately so it doesn’t clump or build up!

Jini recommends you use psyllium seed, rather than just the husk, although a blend of the two (more seed than husk) can also work well.

NOTE: 1.84% of women over age 60 have heart palpitations caused by psyllium. Either due to an allergic reaction or due to psyllium slowing down the digestion/absorption of carbohydrates, thus resulting in low blood sugar and increased heart rate.

And remember, it’s important to supplement with a potent probiotic when using both binders and anti-pathogens, as they not only sweep away the bad bacteria but ALL bacteria – including the good guys. You want to replenish all bacteria lost with beneficial bacteria from probiotics, thus resetting your gut flora.

*Note: It’s recommended that anything with BCPH or binders be taken at least 90 minutes away from any meds, probiotics, and antipathogens. In my case, however, I would get SO SICK after taking an anti-pathogen that I would have to drink a BCPH shake 20 minutes afterward. I bent the rules to what worked best for my body because of the severity of my HERX. It’s important to listen to your gut!

I’d love to hear from you all! Have any of you tried binders before? Please share your experiences with me below!