kb69
Junior Member
Posts: 72
|
Post by kb69 on Nov 29, 2017 20:43:29 GMT
Hi,
Just looking for clarity around the use of binders...
I've been using activated charcoal to get through a "herx from beyond." I think the charcoal has really helped, particularly when I upped the dose to twice per day (thanks Trav). Now that I'm seeing the herx diminish, my question is: do folks use binders on a regular basis (ie: when not herxing)?
I apologize if this seems like a stupid question. I ask because my LLMD, who I really trust and has worked with Dr. H., never recommended a binder, even though he is HUGE on all forms of detox that we often discuss.
I've also seen an LLND, who takes insurance and is able to spend more time with me focused on other issues -- immune support, gut health, adrenal support, etc. She only recommended I use a binder when I had a bad herx after a deep tissue massage (but did not encourage me to continue with it).
I think, from what I've read, that it's important to use a binder daily. I'm wondering if activated charcoal on a daily basis is okay. I'm also wondering about other binders people have found helpful.
I read that some people swear that "cholestyramine" is "the ultimate binder." But, do you have to use that -- I believe it is an Rx -- to actually achieve results in removing toxins?
I have major issues with neuro toxins and appreciate any thoughts on what binders folks think are most helpful in that area.
Thanks so much!
|
|
|
Post by Admin/ Traveler on Nov 30, 2017 0:37:05 GMT
Well, there are NO dumb questions here!! If you (anyone) has questions about something, ask!!! That's what we are here for! Not many of us are in our 2nd or 3rd go round with these infections, so most are in their 1st time around - and how can we know everything about something the very first time.....especially when, like with these infections, there's no instruction book!!! GAH!! I have only used activated charcoal myself - it's cheap, easy to find and keep around. There are a handful of good binders, and some are more specific for one thing than another, but most are good at general detoxing. Cholestyramine (I believe) is the one to use if you are battle mold though. Not everyone needs to use binders daily, some use more than one type, and some don't need to use binders at all. I was using charcoal daily for the first 9 or so months of my herbal treatments (didn't know what their use was about before that), but after that, I've had a good enough handle on my detoxing to keep the use of binders down to only occasionally. It's all about the toxin levels and how much help you may need though. You can take binders daily, every other day, weekly or occasionally - it's as needed. One of the biggest issues is timing of the binders, and the possibility of constipation. If you are careful to only take the binder no closer than 2 hours before or after nearly everything other than water, and can avoid the constipation, then their use can be a really good help in our treatments. I plan a 4 hour window where I'm not taking anything orally, and drink a minimum of 8 ounces of water with it, I usually do well. It's easiest for me to sneak in a dose in the middle of the night when I have to make that 'midnight bathroom run' anyway. I just set out the caps and the glass of water, and chug it down quickly and get back to bed. Some people have set an alarm, with the caps and water next to their bed - when the alarm goes off, they roll over, take the caps, drink the water and go right back to sleep. I figure I'll be getting up anyway (it's highly unusual for me to sleep through the night), so I just put it in the bathroom and take it when I get up. LOL.
|
|
|
Post by acres on Nov 30, 2017 12:29:21 GMT
Hi, I used a binder (cholestyramine) during my recovery from c diff.... If you go that route and become constipated (that's what happened to me)...what helped with the constipation was dgl licorice (2 tablets before each meal), drinking gallons of water, and taking ground flaxseed (2 heaping teaspoons, twice a day with water)....
I wish I knew about Travelers advice regarding the proper time to take a binder ....Hopefully that will help you avoid the constipation....
|
|
kb69
Junior Member
Posts: 72
|
Post by kb69 on Nov 30, 2017 18:02:10 GMT
Thanks Acres and Trav.
|
|
|
Post by Little Bear (LB) on Nov 30, 2017 19:53:38 GMT
Hi kb69!-
I tried activated charcoal in the past. Personally, it made me even more constipated. The only time that I was able to take it was if I woke up between 12:00 - 4:00 A.M. I was on a lot of meds, herbs, and supplements at that time.
For quite some time I didn't take any binders. I thought that all of them lead to issues of constipation. I have enough issues with my GI.
One time my LLMD gave me Byron White Detox 2 to try. This has clay in it. I took it daily for several months. I personally didn't notice a difference.
When I found out that I have a mold sensitivity, my doctor prescribed Cholestyramine. I didn't take the pure stuff. I purchased a canister of the med. The canister has additives and fillers. My doctor told me to take this med 4 times a day for 1 month. Taking a binder 4 times a day, doesn't leave much time to take other meds in the day. Since it can bind to meds if taken too close together.
I think that I did notice some small improvements when using Cholestyramine. It might be because that was the most that I have ever used a binder in 1 day/ for a month. It could also be that it was somewhat helping with my mold issue. I don't know?
There are a lot of different binders to try. What might work for one person might not work for the other.
Here are some other binders that you might want to look into:
1. Welchol- I think that you need a prescription? 2. Bentonite Clay 3. Chlorella- I think this one helps a lot with binding to heavy metals. So be careful if you have issues with heavy metals 4. Zeolite 5. Pectin 6. Diatomaceous earth
Best Wishes!
|
|
|
Post by Admin/ Traveler on Nov 30, 2017 21:33:49 GMT
Constipation has been an issue of mine all my life. Most of it is due to motility issues due to nerve damage in my intestines, but that's another part of the story.
There are many things that can be done/taken to help with constipation, depending on exactly what reason a person is suffering with constipation. I take magnesium oxide twice a day, every day - as this pulls water into the colon. I use fiber, but only once a day - otherwise I have too much gas, which causes not only bloating, but pain for me.
Because of my issues with motility, that's what I have to deal with next, once I'm sure that those issues are dealt with.
The timing of the binders has nothing to do with the constipation - binders just cause constipation in most people. The key is to not only drink plenty of water with each dose of a binder, but to address any other issues as well, and possibly adding in magnesium or other to help.
|
|