You’ll Want To Know About These Intestinal Binders
There’s a lot going on in your GI tract, including the presence of toxic heavy metals, which may come as a surprise.
Heavy metals moving through the GI tract are quickly reabsorbed into the bloodstream. It goes without saying that this isn’t a good thing. But the good news is that “binders” attach to heavy metals and hang on to them until they reach the bodies exit door: one flush of the toilet, and your toxic burden has been lowered.
Binders can help remove toxins from your body and put you on a better path to achieving systemic equilibrium, which means that everything in the body is maintaining its delicate balancing act. The following binders can help minimize the presence and effects of toxins – including heavy metals – and help keep your system functioning at its best.
Bentonite Clay
Bentonite clay has been used for centuries to remove toxins from the body. When bentonite clay is mixed with water, the molecular components change and it produces a slight electrical charge. The resulting negative charge attracts positively-charged toxins, a process that results in the heavy metals found in the GI tract being soaked up as if by a magnetic sponge. Bentonite clay also helps to remove a wide range of stomach bugs, and therefore can be helpful with controlling diarrhea. Although this type of clay looks like a cup of unappealing mud when mixed with water, it’s surprisingly easy to drink.
Modified Citrus Pectin
Pectin is a naturally occurring substance found in berries, apples, and other fruit. Modified citrus pectin contains parts of citrus fruits that have been turned into a powder. During the modification process, molecules are reduced in size so that they can be more easily absorbed into the bloodstream, which helps facilitate the removal of heavy metals from the GI tract.
Chlorella
Chlorella is a genus of single-celled green algae belonging to the division Chlorophyta. In the gut, chlorella binds to mercury and lead, but not all chlorella functions effectively; some are high quality, others are nearly useless. Chlorella is a waterborne organism with a high concentrations of chlorophyll, beta-carotene, magnesium, B-complex vitamins, phytonutrients, amino acids, potassium, phosphorous, and biotin.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is manufactured by heating carbon-rich materials, such as wood, peat, or coconut shells to very high temperatures, which produces an extremely adsorbent fine black powder. The resulting powder has the capacity to bind to atoms, molecules, or ions. Activated charcoal can be found in a wide range of items from natural toothpaste to water filters; in addition, it can be used to absorb toxic smells and to extract moisture from the air. Activated charcoal can help treat stomach upsets – and even hangovers – and is sometimes used in emergency rooms to treat drug overdoses. When in doubt about using activated charcoal and any potential effects it may have on your prescription medications, check with your primary caregiver. You may want to avoid taking activated charcoal long-term, as it can bind to beneficial minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants found in food.
Intestinal Metal Detox (IMD)
IMD, a highly purified silica, binds to heavy metals such as mercury in the gut. Available in powdered form, IMD doesn’t contain any known allergens or fillers. Because IMD is much stronger than other binders, it’s best taken under the advice of a healthcare practitioner. IMD is usually taken for five consecutive days followed by two non-IMD days.