This post discusses using binders for toxins when you have MCAS.
Toxins are one of the biggest triggers for MCAS. I recently posted about how mycotoxins were triggering my MCAS, and I discussed how binders help you detox toxins from your body. This post delves deeper into what binders are, and how to use them when you have MCAS.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Table of Contents
What is MCAS?
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a chronic condition that affects all organ systems. It can cause severe, disabling symptoms every day, including potentially fatal anaphylaxis. MCAS often occurs with other chronic conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Managing MCAS is challenging because many healthcare providers are unaware of it, and diagnostic tests can be unreliable. Treatments involve using antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, and avoiding triggers. Check out this post on how to manage MCAS.
What are binders?
Binders are substances that help bind toxins in the gut and facilitate their removal from the body, preventing reabsorption and reducing toxic load. They are commonly used in cases of mold illness, heavy metal toxicity, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and other detoxification protocols.
How Binders Work
There are different ways that binders work to eliminate toxins from the body:
• Adsorption or Absorption: Binders attract and trap toxins in the digestive tract.
• Prevention of Enterohepatic Recirculation: The liver excretes toxins into bile, which can be reabsorbed in the intestines. Binders help remove them via stool instead.
• Reduction of Inflammation & Symptoms: By lowering the toxin burden, binders can reduce symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, flushing, and mast cell activation.
Common types of binders and what they target
Here are some binders that I have used to target toxins in my body. I’ve linked some brands that don’t contain other ingredients.
| Binder | Best For | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Activated Charcoal | General toxins, mold, histamine, gut inflammation | Can cause constipation and is best taken away from medications/supplements |
| Cholestyramine (Rx) | Mold toxins (mycotoxins), Lyme, biotoxin illness | Contains nutrients, and can cause detox reactions |
| Bentonite and Zeolite Clay | Heavy metals, mycotoxins, bacteria, pesticides | Ensure purity (some clays may contain contaminants) |
| Chlorella | Heavy metals, mold toxins, ammonia | Contains nutrients, and can cause detox reactions such as die-off |
| Pectin (e.g., Citrus, Modified Citrus Pectin – MCP) | Heavy metals, mold toxins, histamine intolerance | Gentle, good for long-term use |
| Silica (Orthosilicic Acid, Enterosgel) | Aluminum, histamine intolerance, gut inflammation | Helps with MCAS symptoms |
| Saccharomyces boulardii | Mycotoxins, Candida, gut dysbiosis | Prescription-only can deplete fat-soluble vitamins |
Suggestions for using binders safely when you have MCAS
Binders can cause die-off symptoms (also called Herxheimer reactions) when they trigger the release or mobilization of toxins, leading to a temporary worsening of symptoms. This happens because binders don’t just remove toxins—they can disrupt biofilms, pull toxins from tissues, and alter gut microbiota, which can overwhelm detox pathways.
Here are some suggestions for using binders safely when you have MCAS:
• Take Away from Medications & Nutrients (1-2 hours before/after) to prevent interference.
• Stay Hydrated to prevent constipation.
• Start Low & Slow to avoid strong detox reactions.
Use gentle homeopathic remedies while using binders
Gentle homeopathic remedies such as those I sell from Energetix support your detox pathways (liver, kidneys, lymphatic system) while detoxing, facilitate detoxification, and help clear the symptoms of detoxification:
Energetix Hepatic Tone which gently supports liver drainage
Energetix MycoCan-Chord is helpful when you are detoxing mycotoxins
Energetix Lymph Tone III is helpful for the symptoms caused by toxins such as fatigue, weakness, disrupted sleep, pain, digestive upset, and neuropathy
The bucket theory
The bucket theory simplifies understanding symptom reactions with MCAS. Imagine your body as an empty bucket you don’t want to overflow. Reactions to various stimuli fill the histamine bucket at different rates, forming the total histamine level (how full your bucket is). More histamine means more symptoms. By managing triggers, reducing exposures, and taking medications and supplements, you can control your bucket’s level.
Know your typical symptom progression
Knowing your symptom progression in a symptom flare is the key to developing your rescue plan. This post discusses how to recognize your symptom progression so you can be prepared to address those symptoms.
Get my free ebook, symptom log, and meal plan!
Want a tool to easily keep track of your symptoms? Sign up for my newsletter and you will receive my free 50-page ebook of lower-histamine, grain-free, sugar-free recipes, my free symptom log, and a free two-week meal plan!
Sign up for the SSP!
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a listening therapy based on Polyvagal Theory that helps heal nervous system regulation. Many people with MCAS have nervous system dysregulation stemming from infections, toxic exposures, concussions, and trauma. The SSP is an easy-to-use app where you listen to specially filtered music for 30 minutes each day for a 5-hour cycle. Studies show the SSP has a profound effect on mental health and chronic conditions
You can sign up for the SSP here!
Order my book!
Rocks and Roots chronicles my journey solo backpacking the Superior Hiking Trail and overcoming nervous system dysregulation, gut dysbiosis, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome symptoms to hike 328 miles successfully.
Check out this powerful frequency device
Healy is an individualized microcurrent device I use to reduce inflammation. Check out this post for more about Healy.
Sign up for a session!
I provide one-on-one in-person and remote chronic illness and caregiver coaching and Sacred Self-Healing Sessions based on the Sacred Self-Healing Method, a proven novel co-creative healing modality detailed in my Books.
Click here for more information.
What do you think?
I’d love to have your reply below!
Disclaimer
The preceding material does not constitute medical advice. This information is for information purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, cure or treatment. Always seek advice from your medical doctor.
