Binders: What are they and why do I need them?

When mold grows in a building, it likes to be alone without any competition. In this state, it produces biological toxins (biotoxins) as a defense. Genetically speaking, 25% of us are susceptible and unable to process or remove these biotoxins. With any mold exposure, this 25% will fail to break the toxins down and be unable to excrete them. The toxins are so small that the body recycles instead of eliminating and they continue to poison the body. Furthermore, each toxic mold produces a chemically different biotoxin so the body systems start to get overwhelmed and noticeable symptoms develop like intestinal woes, foggy brain, not being able to focus, rashes and fatigue.

A binder is something that promotes cohesion and sticks to biotoxins. Binders help move mold toxins out. Think of a sponge absorbing the toxins so the biotoxins can’t get absorbed by the body. Once bound, biotoxins can be dumped in the stool. Any person who is exposed to mold can potentially benefit from binders.

IMPORTANT: no single binder works for all biotoxins. That means that a person might have to take several different binders to get the different biotoxins out of their body.

Binders come in several forms. Two medications, Cholestyramine and Welchol, have strong binding properties and are commonly recommended by mold literate doctors and require a prescription. But they do have side effects like bad taste and can cause serious constipation. Some nutritional supplements act as weaker binders but do not have side effects. Nutritional supplements do not require a prescription, tend to be safer, and are readily available.

The product I’ve found to be most effective in my patients is Pectasol-C. The active ingredient/binder is modified citrus pectin. Pectasol-C is generally well-tolerated, tastes good, comes in capsules or powder form, and was effective in providing my patients with improvement in their symptoms. Dosing for most patients is 1 tsp, 2 times per day, though the dose can be decreased if it is being given to children or is not being tolerated at the full dosage.

Other binders that have worked along with Pectasol-C for specific biotoxins include activated charcoal, bentonite clay, chlorella, NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine), and Saccharomyces boulardii.

Binder Tips:

Binders are taken two to four times per day.
All binders should be taken away from food to minimize their binding effect on essential nutrients.

Dr. Jeff Wright

Naturopathic Medical Doctor

Purchase Petasol-C at a discounted rate here.