What is a binder, anyway?

Meet your new sponge: The Colesevelam binder guide

One of the first steps in your MoldCo care plan might be starting a binder. If you’ve never heard that term before, don’t worry. We’ll break it down.

What is a binder, anyway?

Think of your body like a house after a flood: mold toxins can linger in places they don’t belong. A binder is like a sponge that helps clean things out.

Healthcare providers with expertise in environmental toxin exposure often use binders to help bind and remove toxins, such as mycotoxins, from the body after mold exposure. They perform by binding with bile acids in the gut, which may contain mold-related toxins like mycotoxins, which are then removed through excretion. Essentially, they absorb toxins and carry them out naturally.

When should I take a binder?

Binders are typically the first step in your MoldCo treatment plan. Before we can work on repairing or rebalancing anything else, we need to help your body offload the toxins that may be keeping your system in a chronic inflammatory state.

Why we use Colesevelam at Moldco (and why not CSM)

There are a lot of binders out there — charcoal, clays, chlorella — and we’ve looked at all of them.

Colesevelam's use for Mold Toxicity is off-label, meaning it is not FDA-approved specifically for this purpose. Learn more about off-label medication use here.

Colesevelam was originally designed to lower cholesterol and help with blood sugar through binding bile acids in the gut — the same mechanism that has been used in clearing mold-related toxins. Unlike some natural binders that work broadly (and sometimes unpredictably), Colesevelam can give your body a cleaner path forward.

You may have heard of Cholestyramine (CSM) — it’s another bile binder, often used off-label in mold detox protocols. While CSM has been used, many patients struggle with its gritty texture, unpleasant taste, and higher rate of side effects like bloating, constipation, and irritation. It also requires more frequent dosing and often comes in powder form that can be tough to tolerate.

Colesevelam, by contrast, tends to be better tolerated and easier to take, as reported through clinical feedback. It comes in tablet form, is taken with food, and doesn’t require as aggressive a build-up period.

Can I start binders while still in a water damaged-home?

Yes. Ideally, removing yourself from exposure is part of the recovery plan — but that’s not always possible right away. Starting a binder can still help reduce your toxic load and begin stabilizing symptoms, even if you’re still in an impacted environment.

For many patients, it’s the first relief they’ve felt in a long time.

Side effects to watch for (and how to handle them)

Starting a binder is an important step in the detox process, but as your body begins moving toxins out, it can be normal to feel a bit off. Side effects don’t necessarily mean something is wrong. They could be a sign that your system is shifting and adjusting. The good news? Most of these effects are manageable with a few simple tweaks.

Constipation is the one we see most often. To keep things moving, try increasing your fiber, drink plenty of water, and stay lightly active, even a short walk helps. If you go more than four days without a bowel movement, message your MoldCo provider.

Some people also experience bloating, cramping, or a heavy stomach. Taking your binder with a protein-rich meal and a big glass of water usually helps, and walking after meals can ease discomfort too. Eating small, frequent meals with protein can also make a difference. Remember that your body is detoxing and working hard to process and eliminate toxins, so stay hydrated, rest when needed, and be patient with the process.

The takeaway: your body is adjusting, and that’s part of the process. We’re here to guide you through it.

Final reminder: You're not alone in this

Binders are just one piece of your detox. Your provider is here to adjust things based on how you’re feeling. If anything seems off, let us know — that’s what we’re here for.

Need support or have questions about your binder?

Message your care team in the MoldCo portal

If you are interested in starting your mold recovery journey with us, take our short intake quiz to see if you’re a good fit for MoldCo. You’ll get access to expert providers, targeted lab testing, and treatment designed to help you on your path to recovery, all from home.

You’ve got this.

And we’ve got your back.

The information and guidance on this website is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should consult your healthcare providers to rule out other potential illnesses or conditions that may be causing their symptoms. Any health-related claims made on MoldCo’s website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). MoldCo assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in any content and content of the references nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. MoldCo does not guarantee that the treatments or recommendations provided through this platform will lead to an improvement in symptoms. Individual results may vary, and patients are encouraged to seek further evaluation and treatment from their healthcare providers. Clinical services are provided by a network of independent providers including, without limitation, an affiliated clinical practice, Immune Co Medical Group P.A., and its related professional entities which are independent entities. MoldCo is a healthcare technology company and not a laboratory or medical provider. We make available certain products and services sold or offered by MoldCo and/or by affiliated practices, third-party licensed clinicians, participating pharmacies, CLIA-certified laboratories (collectively, the “Providers”), or other vendors. Any services you receive from the Providers or other vendors may be subject to additional terms and conditions from those Providers or vendors. All laboratory and medical services are provided to individuals who register as members by independent third parties such as the Providers or other vendors. These Providers and other vendors set their own pricing. Although MoldCo may facilitate easy access to certain laboratory and medical service providers on your behalf, MoldCo does not recommend or refer you to any healthcare providers, and you are free to choose any healthcare provider and continue to use MoldCo’s services. MoldCo does not offer medical advice, laboratory services, a diagnosis, or any form of medical opinion, through our services or otherwise. MoldCo’s pricing includes technology and service fees charged by MoldCo, as well as access to limited prepaid laboratory and other services provided by third parties, and paid to such third parties on your behalf. Itemization of all fees is available upon request. For other important information regarding the services provided by MoldCo, please see Terms of Service. Certain products available through our website located at www.MoldCo.com together with all of its sub-domains and mobile-enabled websites (the “Platform”) require a valid prescription by a licensed healthcare provider. You will not be able to obtain a prescription product unless you have completed a consultation with one of the Providers through the Platform or in person as may be required by federal or state laws, the Provider has determined the prescription product is appropriate for you and the Provider has written a prescription. If a Provider determines a prescription product is appropriate for you and writes a prescription, you may fill it through one of the Pharmacies by using the Platform. If you complete a consultation with a Provider and fill a prescription through one of the Pharmacies, the prescription product will be shipped to you by the applicable Pharmacy.