Detox - MTHFR - Acne

Hey all,

I'll keep this post shorter ; ), hoping to get some thoughts on everyone best tips on detoxing. Maybe it's something small that you added or changed and really felt it made a difference. I've read the new to Lyme post on detox as my starting point. My wife does have one copy of the MTHFR mutation (takes a B-complex and avoids Folic Acid). She also has tons of acne breakouts (face, neck, back,chest).

Here is our detox protocol:
1. Daily 30 min. Epsom salt & peroxide bath (1-2 a day, occasionally uses bentonite clay).
2. Daily dry brushing
3. Weekly Lymphatic Drainage Massage (therapist usually remarks about her acne and her body detoxing thru skin - does this signify a big problem in liver or kidney detox ability?).
4. Chlorella, liver support (from Bioactive nutritional), parashield by DaVinci labs, and oxy-plus (a colon cleanser).
5. Ionic Detox foot bath (research seems to be more in favor of this alkanilinizing the body more so than detox directly).

I believe it was Klinghardt who recommends phosphorous to help the kidney's detox, specifically for ammonia. Any experience here?

Please let me know if you think she is doing something wrong or missing something (in your opinion). Her terrible acne seems to be telling us that something is off and not working properly. Also - her urine is usually clear. Another bad sign.

I was thinking the same thing about bartonella possibly causing the acne. In your other post, I had the impression that bartonella was causing the bulk of her horrible symptoms.

Just looking at what you listed, it sounds to me like it could be too strong. There is such a thing as detoxing too much. What I'm about to say is purely speculative, and I have no scientific basis for this idea. I kind of think that excessive detoxing may cause the body's tissues and organs to dump even more toxins at a faster rate than the liver, kidneys, and skin can efficiently eliminate. I certainly get this impression from the glutathione that I take. There are times it feels like my body literally dumps toxins within an hour after taking it, and I experience strong urge to urinate or it burns when I urinate. Sometimes my bowel movements burn when coming out, and I assume it is from toxins in the stool.

Having said all that, if certain things make her feel better, then she should keep doing it. If it makes her feel worse, then stop that one for a while and see if she feels better for stopping.

#3 - could definitely mean that, especially if it's not from bartonella. If she hasn't had liver/kidney function tested via bloodwork recently, I would get that done. Her regular doctor can test those and should be testing them regularly due to the severity of her condition.

#4 - if she has mercury amalgams or mercury toxicity, chlorella is a bad idea in the opinion of Andy Cutler, who wrote a book about chelation. Chlorella can mobilize mercury and is not a strong enough binder to efficiently remove it, so the mobilization causes worse symptoms and problems.

Phosphorus - I'm not familiar with that one.

Clear Urine - Yes. That can indicate a problem. Should be light yellow. Clear urine usually means drinking too much water, but there may be a problem related to the body's ability to properly retain and use the water. Hopefully someone else will read this and elaborate more. My brain isn't working too good today. Some folks take Megahydrate for this. Mineral salt like pink himalayan or Celtic added to food or even some of her water should help.

Milk Thistle is needed for liver support. Dandelion root can be good for kidneys. Burdock root can also be helpful.

I don't recall you mentioning bowel function. Is she moving her bowels daily? Does she have any bowel issues?

Thanks for all the suggestions and replies. This forum has inspired and encouraged me to really try to change up her current protocols and work with her doctors to make some progress!

Mrseaglea - it's comforting for my wife to know someone had a similar experience. We will have to go after Bart (she's given her uninvited guest in her body shortened names). What is best for you to take for your MTHFR Mutations?

Walkingbyfaith- I agree, it is probably too much. I joined the forum to regroup, get some ideas and inspiration from you all, and I think it's time to re-evaluate what she is currently doing and taking as she is not making progress. Going to order the books by Buhner.
- great point about blood test. Next time she sees her functional doctor, who is her primary, I will see what tests he's willing to run. She's probably past due, her last bloodwork was in September.
- no mercury problems, but chlorella does seem tricky. They say small doses mobilize and larger doses bind. Weird.
- never heard of megahydrate, but I was reviewing my notes tho and she used to get some relief or help from lots of pink Himalayan salt. That's ironic you mention it. Time for more salt!
- I will look into the other herbs you mentioned
- bowel movements > lately she has had a few a day. Wasn't always the case, but with a fairly simple diet and taking magnesium they stay regular.

Astroman (cool name!) - milk products like as a culprit? She's avoiding any dairy. Candida may be an issue, I'll look into d-limonene. Hope your doing well! Saw you had/have hashimotos and I feel for you, the thyroid issues were some of the worst! I'm sure you've heard of the Thyroid Secret by Izabella Wentz. She has great videos.