BINDERS
Updated: Oct 18
Binders are used a lot in Lyme treatment, and they are the core of mold treatment too. Here is what they are, the ones most often mentioned, and how to take them. I was taught that most binders are taken at the same time, and never near supplements, herbals or medication. My doctor had me space them 2 to 3 hours apart.
Here is my short video on binders:
A quick-view graphic with the key points is at the bottom of this post.
The supplements recommended by Rise Above Lyme are listed at the bottom of this post for easy shopping.
WHAT BINDERS DO
- Binders grab onto toxins and help carry them out of the body through the gut.
- In Lyme treatment, they are often used to help with toxins released during die-off. In mold treatment, they help carry mold toxins out.
- Different binders grab different toxins, so many people use more than one.
THE MOST COMMON BINDERS
These are the binders used most often in Lyme treatment.
ACTIVATED CHARCOAL
Learn more here:
BENTONITE CLAY
Learn more here:
CHLORELLA
Learn more here:
PECTASOL-C
A modified citrus pectin binder. Brand matters. Learn more here:
ZEOLITE
Learn more here:
OTHER BINDERS
CSM / CHOLESTYRAMINE (PRESCRIPTION)
Dr. Marty Ross calls it the strongest binder. Welchol is another prescription binder. Learn more here:
CHITOSAN
Made from shellfish. Learn more here:
BLENDED BINDERS
Some products mix several binders in one, like Quicksilver Ultra Binder and Biocidin G.I. Detox+.
HOW TO TAKE THEM
TIMING
- My doctor had me space binders 2 to 3 hours away from supplements, herbals and medication.
- Dr. Marty Ross suggests taking medicines and supplements at least 30 minutes before a binder, or 2 hours after it.
- Binders can also grab onto food, vitamins and minerals, so they are usually taken on an empty stomach, away from food.
- Ask your doctor what timing is right for you.
START LOW AND SLOW
Dr. Neil Nathan says to start with tiny doses and go up slowly, because too much too fast can make you feel worse.
KEEP THINGS MOVING
- Drink plenty of water with binders.
- Dr. Jill Crista says no binders if you're backed up.
- Dr. Nathan uses magnesium and vitamin C to help with constipation from binders.
- My Lyme literate naturopathic doctor had me take constipation remedies right along with my binders.
- If constipation keeps happening, ask your doctor about trying a different binder.
- More ideas are here:
BINDERS FOR MOLD
- Binders are the core of mold treatment.
- Dr. Nathan says binder choice should be matched to the mold toxins you have, not guessed. A urine mycotoxin test shows which ones you have.
- More on mold is in my Mold Possible Solutions post:
BINDERS MATCHED TO MOLD TOXINS
Dr. Neil Nathan and Dr. Jill Crista have shared these matches:
- Ochratoxin: CSM, Welchol (prescription) or activated charcoal
- Gliotoxin: Bentonite clay, NAC or Saccharomyces boulardii
- Trichothecenes and Aflatoxin: Bentonite clay, activated charcoal or chlorella
- Zearalenone and Enniatin B: Bentonite clay or Saccharomyces boulardii
- Chaetoglobosin: Not known yet, but it seems to be covered by the other binders
PLEASE BE CAREFUL
- Binders can be constipating.
- Binders can also bind nutrients, so ask your doctor about timing with your medicines and other supplements.
- Avoid chitosan if you are allergic to shellfish.
- Talk with your doctor before adding anything.
HOW TO BUY AT 25% OFF
Anyone can get 25% off when signed up under the Rise Above Lyme Fullscript discount:
BINDERS
Activated Charcoal by Integrative Therapeutics:
Medi-Clay-FX by Premier Research Labs (bentonite clay):
Medi-Chlorella-FX by Premier Research Labs:
Sun Chlorella 200mg by Sun Chlorella USA:
PectaSol-C by EcoNugenics:
ACZ nano Zeolite Extra Strength by Results RNA:
Ultra Binder Capsules by Quicksilver Scientific (blend with charcoal, chitosan, zeolite, PectaSol-C, aloe and bentonite; contains shellfish-derived chitosan):
G.I. Detox+ by Biocidin Botanicals (blend with zeolite, charcoal, aloe and apple pectin):
ALSO ON THE MOLD BINDER CHART
NAC by Integrative Therapeutics:
Ther-Biotic Saccharomyces Boulardii by Klaire Labs:
TO KEEP THINGS MOVING
Magnesium (Citrate) by Pure Encapsulations:
Buffered Vitamin C Capsules by Allergy Research Group:
Kiwi Kleanse by Priority One (chewable):
RELATED POSTS
Herx Solutions:
Lyme Disease Possible Solutions:
Detox Solutions:
Constipation Solutions:
Activated Charcoal:
Bentonite:
Chitosan:
Chlorella:
PectaSol-C:
Zeolite:
NAC:
Probiotics and Saccharomyces Boulardii:
ALL MOLD AND CIRS POSTS
Mold Directory:
Mold (education):
Mold - Possible Solutions:
Steps to Overcome Mold:
Mold and Lyme Treatment Order:
CIRS and Related Mold Issues:
Find a Mold Literate Doctor:
EC3 Micro Balance for Mold:
Cholestyramine (CSM):
MMP-9:
NeuroQuant MRI:
SOURCES
Dr. Neil Nathan and Dr. Jill Crista, A Comprehensive and Practical Review of Mold Toxicity (2021)
Dr. Neil Nathan with Dr. Tania Dempsey, Mold and MCAS, Mast Cell Matters (2024)
Dr. Neil Nathan with Dr. Jill Carnahan, Toxic Mold Revisited: Mold and the Highly Sensitive Patient (2026)
Dr. Marty Ross, Mold Toxin Illness in Tick-Borne Diseases (updated 2026)
Disclaimer: Rise Above Lyme makes no claims about any possible benefit of using any product mentioned within this site. Always consult with your doctor before adding anything. The information shared is based on personal experience, years of accumulated researched resources from Lyme Literate doctors and polls conducted within Lyme groups from actual patient experience using these solution ideas.
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