MadWorldDetox

Quick Rankings

#1 Cholestyramine (Rx): Gold standard. Broadest spectrum, most research.
#2 Welchol (Rx): Similar mechanism, better tolerated. Tablets easier than powder.
#3 Activated Charcoal: Best OTC option. Broad spectrum.
#4 Bentonite Clay: Excellent for aflatoxin specifically.
#5 Zeolite: Good general binder, also gets metals.

Common Mycotoxins

Not all mycotoxins are the same. Different molds produce different toxins with different health effects:

Ochratoxin A

From Aspergillus, Penicillium. Kidney damage, neurotoxic, immunosuppressive. Very common.

Aflatoxin

From Aspergillus. Carcinogenic (liver cancer), immunotoxic. Found in food (peanuts, grains) and buildings.

Trichothecenes

From Stachybotrys ("black mold"), Fusarium. Protein synthesis inhibition, immunosuppressive. Very toxic.

Gliotoxin

From Aspergillus. Immunosuppressive, damages glutathione systems.

Zearalenone

From Fusarium. Estrogenic (hormone disrupting). Common in grains.

Prescription Binders

#1 OVERALL

Cholestyramine (CSM)

9.5/10

Bile acid sequestrant that binds mycotoxins in the gut. Gold standard in Shoemaker protocol. Decades of clinical use.

Binds Well

• Ochratoxin A +++
• Gliotoxin +++
• Aflatoxin ++
• Trichothecenes ++

Downsides

• Severe constipation
• Terrible taste
• Depletes fat-soluble vitamins
• Requires prescription

Dose: 4g 4x daily (work up gradually). Take 30+ min before food. Manage constipation with magnesium.

#2 PRESCRIPTION

Welchol (Colesevelam)

8.5/10

Newer bile acid sequestrant in tablet form. Better tolerated than CSM. May be slightly less effective for some mycotoxins.

+ Tablet form (easier than powder)
+ Less constipating
+ No terrible taste
- May be less potent for some toxins
- More expensive

Dose: 625mg tablets, 3-6 daily

Natural/OTC Binders

#1 NATURAL

Activated Charcoal

8.0/10

Broadest spectrum natural binder. Binds most mycotoxin types. Readily available, inexpensive.

Binds

• Ochratoxin ++
• Aflatoxin ++
• Trichothecenes ++
• Zearalenone ++

Notes

• Also binds nutrients/meds
• Take 2+ hrs from everything
• Can cause constipation

Dose: 1-2g 2-3x daily. Full guide →

#2 NATURAL

Bentonite Clay

7.5/10

Excellent for aflatoxin (FDA-approved for animal feed). Also binds zearalenone and some other toxins.

• Aflatoxin +++ (strongest natural option)
• Zearalenone ++
• Ochratoxin +
• Gentler than charcoal

Dose: 1/2-1 tsp in water 1-2x daily. Full guide →

#3 NATURAL

Zeolite

7.0/10

Binds mycotoxins plus heavy metals. Ionic cage structure traps toxins. Good versatile option.

• Binds multiple mycotoxin types
• Also gets heavy metals
• Safe for long-term
• Quality varies by brand

Dose: 1-3g daily. Best products →

Saccharomyces boulardii

6.5/10

Beneficial yeast that binds mycotoxins while supporting gut health. Research supports ochratoxin A binding.

• Ochratoxin A ++
• Supports microbiome
• Can take with food
• Weaker binding than charcoal

Dose: 5-10 billion CFU daily

Chlorella

6.0/10

Gentle binder with nutritional benefits. Weaker binding than other options but good for sensitive individuals.

• Gentle action
• Provides nutrients
• Systemic reach
• Weaker binding

Dose: 3-10g daily

Binding Affinity by Toxin

Binder	Ochratoxin	Aflatoxin	Trichothecenes	Gliotoxin
Cholestyramine	+++	++	++	+++
Welchol	++	++	+	++
Charcoal	++	++	++	+
Bentonite	+	+++	+	+
Zeolite	++	++	+	+

Binder Protocol

If You Have Prescription Access

Cholestyramine 4g 4x daily. Work up gradually. Manage constipation. Take fat-soluble vitamins separately.

Natural Protocol (No Rx)

• Morning: Charcoal 1g (empty stomach)
• Midday: Bentonite 1/2 tsp (between meals)
• Evening: Zeolite 1g (before bed)
• Add S. boulardii with meals for gut support

Duration

Minimum 3-6 months. Many need 12+ months. Retest mycotoxins every 3-6 months to track progress.

Full Mold Protocol →Cholestyramine Alternatives All Binders Compared

Mycotoxin Binders Ranked: What Actually Works