Can You Detox Spike Proteins? A Functional Medicine Take

If you’re experiencing lingering symptoms or new problems after COVID, including fatigue, brain fog, or dysautonomia or POTS, you may have heard about a spike protein detox as a way to help your body recover. 

So what’s the story with these proteins? Can you detox them, and should you? How does it work? 

This is a controversial topic, and my intention with this article is to step away from the noise and provide a nuanced and balanced perspective, informed by research and clinical experience. 

I’ll break down what spike protein is, how it can linger and be problematic for some (not all) people, and the best research-backed tools that I recommend to support the body through a spike protein detox. 

Understanding Spike Protein

The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is a glycoprotein that helps the virus enter cells. For some people, this protein may persist in tissues long after infection, potentially driving or contributing to inflammation, immune system dysregulation, excess mast cell activation, and nervous system dysfunction.  

COVID-19 vaccines also use a modified version of spike protein, which may act in the same way for certain people. 

While they’re not problematic for everyone, research has shown that both the viral and vaccine-generated spike protein can persist for several months or longer in some people, and that both can cause neurological, respiratory, gastrointestinal, immunological, and cardiovascular damage in these cases. (1) 

Is a Spike Protein Detox Necessary? 

The answer to this question depends entirely on the individual. There are a lot of black and white, one-extreme-or-the-other arguments out there, and as always, I wish we were collectively looking more at the nuances. 

The way a person reacts to a viral infection or a vaccine depends on several different genetic and environmental factors. (2) 

Your individual gut microbiome, immune system, stress or trauma load, health history, and genetic profile all play a role in determining whether you’ll bounce back immediately after an infection or vaccine, or whether that stressor will trigger or exacerbate inflammation and dysregulation. (3, 4) 

The big problem with individuals in the conventional medicine community asserting with absolute certainty that nobody needs a spike protein detox (besides the fact that we’re generally supposed to be open-minded in the context of ever-evolving science and medicine) is the lack of consideration of just how many people in today’s world are already at risk of outsized reactions to triggers of all kinds. 

More people than ever are experiencing chronic inflammation, autoimmunity, histamine overload, gut imbalances, and chronic health conditions that may make them susceptible to a state of overload from a viral trigger. 

LISTEN: Autoimmune-Inflammation: Top Causes, Functional Medicine Labs, Diet + Lifestyle Factors, The Nervous System Component & Exactly How To Heal 

All of that to say, and the short answer is, if you’re experiencing long COVID or struggling to recover after the virus or a COVID vaccine, you may benefit from a thoughtful, evidence-informed spike protein detox, supported by an experienced healthcare provider. If you’re not experiencing any health problems, then a spike protein detox is not necessary. 

A Functional Medicine Approach to Spike Protein Detox: What Works?

In my telehealth functional medicine center, I’ve seen a lot of great results with a balanced, comprehensive, whole body approach to detoxing spike proteins. 

While protocols are always personalized in the clinic, these are some of the foundations and supports that I’ve seen be the most effective. Research is in its early stages for spike protein detox, but there are some compelling studies whose findings support many of these tools. 

Supporting Natural Detoxification

Our bodies have their own beautiful and sophisticated detoxification pathways. Responsible detox protocols work to support these liver, gut, and immune pathways whose resources may be depleted from stress or illness. 

For example, spike proteins may deplete glutathione (the body’s master antioxidant), leading to fatigue, oxidative stress, and slower recovery. (5) Supporting glutathione production can help to restore resilience and energy. 

Several foods and nutrients can help support or boost glutathione production naturally. These include: 

• Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts, which are rich in sulfur (essential for glutathione synthesis) 
• Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables 
• Glutathione precursors and cofactors (nutrients required for glutathione production) including N-acetylcysteine (NAC), selenium, vitamin C, and B vitamins (try my blend Liver Guard, which includes NAC, selenium, and additional liver-supporting nutrients) 

Supplemental glutathione can also be very helpful, especially while working through active detoxification. I recommend liposomal glutathione for enhanced bioavailability and absorption. 

And to support detoxification, at the most basic (and essential) level, we also need to ensure adequate hydration (drink plenty of clean, filtered water, and don’t forget about electrolytes—I use Cellular Hydration to make sure I’m getting enough). 

An anti-inflammatory, whole foods based diet and a regular exercise routine are also foundational. From there, lifestyle practices including sauna (or hot baths) and cold exposure can help to enhance circulation, immunity, and cellular renewal. 

Research-Supported Compounds for Clearing Spike Proteins

While research is still in its early stages, studies propose several natural compounds that may aid in healthy spike protein metabolism. A protocol published by researchers in 2023 centers around the following: (6) 

• Nattokinase: A soy-derived enzyme shown to help break down fibrin and protein debris while supporting healthy blood flow. 
• Bromelain: An enzyme from pineapple that reduces inflammation and enhances nutrient absorption. 
• Curcumin: The active compound in turmeric, which supports antioxidant balance and liver detoxification. 

I use these three as foundations in my spike protein detox protocols and see great results. I also include boswellia for additional anti-inflammatory support. (7) 

Mast Cell Stabilization

Spike protein has been shown to trigger the release of inflammatory mediators (like histamine) from mast cells. (8) We know that excess mast cell activation is implicated in long COVID, and this is a pattern I now see all the time in practice. (9) 

So a crucial component of an effective spike protein detox protocol is stabilizing those mast cells in order to reduce inflammation and calm the storm going on inside the body. 

Some of my favorite natural mast cell stabilizers include quercetin, vitamin C, luteolin, and curcumin. 

Mind-Body Support + Nervous System Regulation 

An often overlooked component of detoxification and healing from chronic symptoms and illness is nervous system support. Long COVID and chronic inflammation can trap the body in a prolonged state of stress, which impairs everything from detoxification to immune repair. 

In order to rebuild parasympathetic function (the body’s natural rest-and-repair mode) and support vagal tone, I recommend practices including deep breathing and meditation, and/or somatic tools including grounding and gentle movement like yoga or nature walks. 

These types of practices are often thought of as “bonuses” when it comes to healing, but in my view they’re non-negotiables. 

Fasting and Autophagy

Autophagy is the body’s process of cellular cleanup and recycling, which can help to clear away damaged proteins and support mitochondrial repair. 

Research shows that spike protein can interfere with the body’s autophagic processes. (10) By facilitating increased autophagy, including through intermittent fasting or time-restricted eating, we may be able to clear out lingering spike protein. (11) 

Certain natural compounds including resveratrol and curcumin can also be supportive as they help to upregulate autophagy. (12, 13) Both of these compounds also offer their own anti-inflammatory and wellness benefits beyond autophagy. 

New to intermittent fasting? Read more about how it works and how to do it here: Your Go-To Intermittent Fasting Guide | Dr. Will Cole 

Gut Healing + Peptide Therapy

A healthy gut microbiome is essential for a strong immune system and detox function, and gut dysbiosis (an imbalance within the gut microbiome) is common in patients with long COVID. (14)

Restoring gut balance with the help of prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, and fermented foods is a crucial step when it comes to calming inflammation and improving immune function (and overall health). (15) 

For more advanced support, peptides including BPC-157 (for gut and tissue repair) and KPV (for anti-inflammatory modulation) may offer additional benefits within a functional medicine framework. 

The Importance of Personalized Healing

No two people react to the same trigger in the same way, or detox exactly alike. Genetics, nutrient status, hidden autoimmunity, gut health, and lifestyle factors all influence reaction and recovery. 

For personalized and targeted support no matter where you are, reach out to our telehealth functional medicine practice for a consultation. 

As one of the first functional medicine telehealth clinics in the world, we provide webcam health consultations for people around the globe.

FAQs

Sources

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• Ferreira, C., Viana, S. D., & Reis, F. (2020). Gut microbiota dysbiosis–immune hyperresponse–inflammation triad in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): Impact of pharmacological and nutraceutical approaches. Microorganisms, 8(10), 1514.
• Lee, E. J., Beltrami-Moreira, M., Al-Samkari, H., Cuker, A., DiRaimo, J., Gernsheimer, T., … & Bussel, J. B. (2022). SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and ITP in patients with de novo or preexisting ITP. Blood, The Journal of the American Society of Hematology, 139(10), 1564-1574.
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• Zhang, S., Xu, C. L., Wang, J., Xiong, X., & Wang, J. H. (2025). Spike proteins of coronaviruses activate mast cells for degranulation via stimulating Src/PI3K/AKT/Ca2+ intracellular signaling cascade. Journal of Virology, 99(5), e00078-25.
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