Detoxing From The Spike Protein
In the aftermath of COVID-19, many people are looking for ways to support their bodies, especially those dealing with lingering symptoms from the virus, long COVID, or reactions to the vaccine. A common area of focus in functional medicine is how to detox from the spike protein, the piece of the virus that has been at the centre of both infection and vaccine design.
Why Detox from the Spike Protein?
The spike protein isn’t just a passive piece of the virus, it can trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, and even disrupt our body’s natural detoxification systems. When this protein sticks around in the body for longer than it should, it may continue to deplete our internal resources, especially key antioxidants like glutathione. This can lead to persistent symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, headaches, and joint pain.
From a functional medicine viewpoint, our goal isn’t just to eliminate the spike protein, but to support and rebalance the body's natural detox pathways, reduce inflammation, and restore optimal function.
The Role of Glutathione in Detoxification
Glutathione is your body's master antioxidant. It helps neutralise harmful free radicals and assists in detoxifying heavy metals, environmental toxins, and yes, even viral proteins like the spike protein. Unfortunately, the spike protein has been shown to deplete glutathione levels, making it harder for the body to keep inflammation in check and recover efficiently.
That’s why replenishing glutathione is a crucial first step in any spike protein detox protocol.
While you can take glutathione directly (especially in liposomal or acetylated forms), your body is also capable of making its own, as long as it has the right building blocks and cofactors. Here’s how to naturally support glutathione production.
Foods That Help Boost Glutathione
Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower) – these are rich in sulfur, which is needed for glutathione synthesis.
Garlic and onions – also high in sulfur and supportive of liver detox pathways.
Spinach, berries and avocados – full of antioxidants that help preserve and recycle glutathione.
Asparagus – one of the best dietary sources of glutathione.
Turmeric – its active compound, curcumin, can stimulate the body's production of glutathione.
Key Nutrients for Glutathione Production
N-acetylcysteine (NAC): A direct precursor to glutathione, your body uses it to make more.
Glycine and glutamine: These amino acids are also used to build glutathione. Bone broth and high-quality protein sources can help.
Selenium: A mineral that helps glutathione do its job and supports its regeneration.
Vitamin C and E: These antioxidants help recycle glutathione once it's used.
B Vitamins (especially B6, B12, and folate): Support the methylation cycle, which plays a key role in detox and glutathione recycling.
Magnesium and zinc: Help enzymes that assist in glutathione metabolism function properly.
By combining these foods and nutrients with supportive lifestyle practices, you give your body what it needs to rebuild its defences, calm inflammation, and flush out residual toxins, including spike protein fragments.
A Key Note About Iron – The Overlooked Detox Mineral
When we think about detox, iron might not be the first nutrient that comes to mind, but it plays a critical role, especially in the liver’s Phase 1 detoxification pathway. This is where a family of enzymes called Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes go to work, helping your body process and break down toxins, drugs, hormones, and yes, even components of viruses like the spike protein.
These enzymes require iron to function properly, and if your iron levels are too low, your detox system can become sluggish and inefficient.
But Balance Is Key
While low iron can hinder detox and leave you fatigued, too much iron is also harmful. Excess iron can drive oxidative stress, essentially creating internal "rust", which damages cells, contributes to inflammation, and ironically impairs detoxification. That’s why it’s so important to check your iron status and aim for a healthy balance.
It’s important to note that functional iron deficiency can exist even if your standard blood tests show “normal” levels. For optimal detoxification, functional medicine practitioners often look at ferritin (iron storage), serum iron, and transferrin saturation to get the full picture.
Optimising your iron status ensures that your CYP450 enzymes can do their job, helping your body move toxins safely through the liver and out of your system. When paired with nutrients that support Phase 2 detox (like glutathione and methylation cofactors), you get a complete, balanced detoxification process.
Top Natural Compounds (Supplements) That Help
Nattokinase: Breaking Down the Spike
Nattokinase is a natural enzyme extracted from fermented soy (natto). It’s been found to help break down fibrin and spike protein fragments, making it easier for the body to eliminate them. It also supports healthy blood flow and reduces clotting risk, two concerns often raised with spike protein effects.
Curcumin: Calming Inflammation
Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It helps reduce the cytokine storm and oxidative stress that spike protein can trigger. Curcumin also supports liver function and aids in detoxification, two pillars of functional healing.
Bromelain: Enhancing Absorption and Reducing Inflammation
Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapple that works synergistically with curcumin and nattokinase. It helps reduce inflammation, break down proteins, and enhance the absorption of other compounds. Bromelain also supports the immune system and may help the body process and clear lingering spike protein particles more efficiently.
Together, these enzymes and plant compounds create a powerful team for spike protein clearance and inflammation relief.
Lifestyle Tools: Sauna, Cold Plunge, and Hydration
Detoxification isn't just about what you take—it's about how you live. Here are a few powerful lifestyle tools to help your body clear out toxins and regenerate:
Saunas (especially infrared) help release toxins through sweat and stimulate heat shock proteins, which play a role in cellular repair.
Cold plunges reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and help with recovery from fatigue and pain.
Hydration is key, drink plenty of clean water, and try adding lemon for a vitamin C boost and gentle liver support.
An Individualised and Root Cause Focus
A functional medicine perspective doesn’t look at detox as a one size fits all solution. It's about supporting the body's own intelligent systems, identifying where things may be stuck, and using gentle but effective strategies to restore balance.