Detoxification Protocols
Essential support for clearing toxins, managing die-off, and restoring optimal function
Why Detoxification Matters
Effective infection treatment is only half the battle. When pathogens die, they release toxins that can make you feel worse before you feel better. Additionally, environmental toxins like heavy metals and chemicals can impair your immune system's ability to fight infection.
At Arizona Integrative Medical Center, we consider detoxification an essential component of infection treatment. Our protocols help your body safely eliminate toxins from dying pathogens, clear accumulated environmental toxins, and restore optimal organ function.
The Herxheimer Reaction
A "Herx" or die-off reaction occurs when killing pathogens releases toxins faster than your body can eliminate them. Symptoms can include fatigue, headache, body aches, brain fog, and worsening of existing symptoms. Proper detox support minimizes these reactions and keeps treatment tolerable.
Types of Toxins We Address
Microbial Toxins
- Endotoxins from dying bacteria
- Neurotoxins from Lyme spirochetes
- Mycotoxins from mold/yeast
- Metabolic waste products
- Biofilm breakdown products
Heavy Metals
- Mercury (amalgam fillings, fish)
- Lead (old paint, pipes)
- Arsenic (water, rice)
- Cadmium (cigarettes, food)
- Aluminum (cookware, antiperspirants)
Mycotoxins
- Ochratoxin A
- Trichothecenes
- Aflatoxins
- Gliotoxin
- From water-damaged buildings
Environmental Chemicals
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Plasticizers (BPA, phthalates)
- Flame retardants
- Solvents and VOCs
- Personal care product chemicals
Our Detoxification Approach
We use a multi-phase approach to safe, effective detoxification:
Phase 1: Open Drainage Pathways
Before mobilizing toxins, we must ensure your elimination pathways are open and functioning:
- Bowel function: Regular daily bowel movements are essential
- Liver support: Herbs and nutrients to optimize Phase I and II liver detox
- Kidney support: Adequate hydration and kidney-supportive herbs
- Lymphatic drainage: Movement, dry brushing, lymphatic massage
- Skin: Sweating through exercise or sauna
Phase 2: Binding and Elimination
We use various binders to capture toxins in the gut and prevent reabsorption:
Activated Charcoal
Broad-spectrum binder effective for many toxins. Best for general die-off support and acute exposures.
Bentonite Clay
Binds mycotoxins, heavy metals, and bacterial toxins. Gentle and well-tolerated.
Chlorella
Green algae that binds heavy metals and provides nutritional support. Gentle for long-term use.
Cholestyramine
Prescription binder especially effective for biotoxins in mold illness (CIRS).
Zeolite
Volcanic mineral that traps heavy metals and environmental toxins in its cage-like structure.
Pectin/Fiber
Modified citrus pectin and fiber help bind and eliminate toxins through the digestive tract.
Phase 3: Cellular Detoxification
Supporting the body's own detoxification mechanisms:
Glutathione Support
The master antioxidant and detoxifier. We support glutathione through precursors (NAC, glycine), liposomal glutathione, and IV glutathione.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Chelates heavy metals, regenerates other antioxidants, and crosses the blood-brain barrier.
Liver Herbs
Milk thistle, dandelion root, artichoke, and other herbs to support liver detoxification pathways.
Methylation Support
B vitamins, methylfolate, and methyl-B12 to support methylation-dependent detox pathways.
IV Detox Therapies
Intravenous therapies provide powerful detoxification support:
IV Glutathione
Direct delivery of the body's master detoxifier, bypassing digestive absorption issues. Powerful support during die-off reactions.
High-Dose Vitamin C
Supports detoxification, reduces oxidative stress, and helps manage Herxheimer reactions.
Phosphatidylcholine
Supports cell membrane repair and helps clear fat-soluble toxins from the body.
Chelation Therapy
EDTA or DMPS chelation for heavy metal detoxification when indicated by testing.
Additional Detox Modalities
Infrared Sauna
Far infrared saunas help eliminate toxins through sweat, including heavy metals and fat-soluble chemicals. We can provide protocols for home sauna use.
Coffee Enemas
Stimulate bile flow and enhance liver detoxification. Helpful during intense die-off periods.
Epsom Salt Baths
Magnesium sulfate baths support sulfation pathways and provide relaxation during detox.
Dry Brushing
Stimulates lymphatic circulation and supports toxin elimination through the skin.
Managing Herxheimer Reactions
When die-off symptoms occur, we have strategies to help:
- Increasing binder doses temporarily
- IV glutathione for acute relief
- Slowing antimicrobial treatment if needed
- Epsom salt baths and increased hydration
- Gentle exercise and lymphatic support
- Alkalizing the body with lemon water and greens
- Activated charcoal at night to capture circulating toxins
Go Slow to Go Fast
Aggressive detoxification can overwhelm the body and make you feel worse. We favor a "low and slow" approach that keeps you functional while steadily reducing your toxic burden. This approach may seem slower, but it ultimately leads to faster and more complete recovery.
Detox Testing
We can assess your toxic burden with specialized testing:
- Heavy metal testing: Provoked urine testing with chelation challenge
- Mycotoxin panels: Urine testing for mold toxins
- Organic acids: Metabolic markers that reflect detoxification capacity
- Genetic testing: MTHFR, glutathione genes, and other SNPs affecting detox
- Environmental pollutant panels: Testing for chemical exposures
Ready to Detox Safely and Effectively?
Whether you're struggling with die-off reactions from infection treatment or want to reduce your overall toxic burden, our medically-supervised detoxification protocols can help. We'll create a personalized plan that works for your body.
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