Do You Need a Spike Protein Detoxification Protocol? If So, Consider These Targeted Interventions

James Odell, OMD, ND, LAc

What We Know About Spike Proteins

When the COVID-19 mRNA injections were developed, they were designed to instruct the body to produce spike proteins– structures that mimic a key component of the virus used to enter human cells. These spike proteins specifically target cells that express ACE2 receptors, which are found throughout the body: in the lungs (particularly in alveolar cells), nasal passages, throat, intestines, heart muscle, kidneys, blood vessels (endothelial cells), brain, and even reproductive organs.¹ 

The idea was that, once inside these cells, the mRNA would prompt them to produce the spike protein, triggering the immune system to recognize and attack it–thereby training the body to defend against the actual virus.² At the time, we were assured that these spike proteins would be quickly broken down and cleared from the body. But now we are seeing that’s not the case.³

Spike Protein Persistence and Health Risks

Following mRNA vaccination, the spike proteins produced by the body can persist for extended periods—potentially years, especially in individuals who have received multiple doses.⁴ The continued presence of spike protein has been associated with a variety of health complications, including immune suppression, cardiovascular and neurological damage, increased risk of clotting and stroke, and even possible cancer risk.⁵

These effects span multiple organ systems and highlight the urgent need for strategies to neutralize and eliminate spike protein from the body. As awareness of these risks grows, so does the demand for practical, evidence-based approaches to help the body clear spike protein and recover from associated health complications. Before delving into some of the leading protocols, however, it is important to revisit our understanding of COVID-19 itself.

COVID-19: A Systemic and Gut-Centered Disease

COVID-19 has long been viewed as a respiratory illness due to its hallmark symptoms—fever, cough, and lung damage. However, emerging research suggests that this framing may be incomplete with emerging evidence pointing to its profound impact on the gut and the body’s microbiome.⁶ The virus enters cells by binding to ACE2 receptors—proteins found not only in the lungs but in even higher density throughout the small intestine and colon.⁷ This makes the gut a biologically plausible and vulnerable site for early and prolonged infection. Patients often present with gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, or abdominal discomfort, and in some cases, these symptoms precede or occur without respiratory signs.⁸ Moreover, viral RNA has been detected in fecal samples long after respiratory symptoms resolve, suggesting the gut may act as a viral reservoir.⁹

Gut Microbiome Disruption: Evidence from Hazan et al.

A pivotal study led by Dr. Sabine Hazan and colleagues examined gut microbiome profiles in SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive patients. Their findings revealed a marked reduction in microbial diversity, especially significant depletion of Bifidobacterium and Faecalibacterium—two cornerstone genera involved in gut integrity and immune regulation.¹⁰ These commensals produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, propionate, and acetate, which nourish colon cells, reinforce intestinal barrier function, and prevent systemic inflammation.¹¹

This disruption is not simply digestive in consequence; the gut is the body's largest immune organ. A diminished microbial ecosystem undermines immune modulation, making the body more susceptible to opportunistic infections and inflammatory cascades—precisely what is observed in severe COVID-19 cases and in patients with long COVID.¹²

Empowering Recovery: Protocols for COVID-19

With a deeper appreciation for the underlying mechanisms of COVID-19 and the critical role of the body’s internal terrain—including immune resilience and microbiome health—the rationale for the following protocols becomes clearer.¹³ These approaches are designed not only to address the immediate effects of infection or vaccination, but also to empower the body’s innate capacity for recovery and self-healing. By grounding these strategies in a bioregulatory understanding of COVID-19’s impact, we can more effectively support individuals in reclaiming their health and well-being.

Several physicians are now suggesting specific protocols to help the body eliminate the spike protein and recover from the sequelae of inoculation. This article provides a summary of a few of these protocols, derived from different sources. For more detailed information—including the physicians’ websites and articles—please consult the footnotes and links below.13,14

Peter Andrew McCullough’s Spike Protein Detoxification Protocol

First up is Peter Andrew McCullough, MD, an American cardiologist and researcher. He was vice chief of internal medicine at Baylor University Medical Center and a professor at Texas A&M University. From the beginning of the COVID-19 “pandemic”, Dr. McCullough has been a strong opponent of the mRNA inoculations and has published several articles outlining the harmful effects of these injections.15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22

His spike protein detoxification protocol consists primarily of three products taken orally - nattokinase, bromelain, and curcumin. This approach holds immense promise as a base of clinical care, upon which additional therapeutic agents may be applied with the goal of aiding in the resolution of post-acute sequelae after SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 inoculation. 

Nattokinase and bromelain are proteolytic enzymes that can break down the spike protein and other toxic reactive proteins. Curcumin has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine for its varied and unique healing properties - antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. Curcumin has also been used for its role in managing various conditions, such as arthritis, metabolic syndrome, and certain types of cancer.23,24,25 

Dietrich Klinghardt’s Spike Protein Detoxification Protocol

Dietrich Klinghardt, MD, PhD, is a world-renowned medical physician internationally recognized for his biological regulatory medicine approaches and successful treatment of neurological and chronic illness, chronic pain, Autism, Lyme disease, and techniques to combine non-surgical orthopedic medicine with immunology, endocrinology, toxicology, and neural therapy. He is the founder, owner and Medical Director of the Sophia Health Institute (SHI) in Woodinville, Washington, as well as founder, owner, and chair of the Institute of Neurobiology Klinghardt in Glotteral, Germany.

Dr. Klinghardt adds that we must reduce electromagnetic field exposure from mobile phones, Wi-Fi routers, and cell-phone towers, and turn off the fuses, especially at night when organs of elimination and detoxification are active. EMF radiation is known to inhibit our detoxification processes and can activate pathogenic microorganisms. For more information on Dr. Klinghardt’s mRNA sequela protocols, follow the links.26,27

Jana Schmidt’s Spike Protein Detoxification Protocol

Jana Schmidt, ND, CNHP, MH, Min, completed Undergraduate education with a Bachelor of Science and Master's work at the University of West Florida. She received a Doctor of Naturopathy from Trinity College of Natural Health as well as a second Doctorate in Naturopathic Ministries. For Covid inoculation sequela, Dr. Schmidt recommends dandelion root tea, red raspberry leaves, senna, green tea (second brewing), natural vitamin C, bee pollen, frankincense, and good sleep to support detoxification. She also emphasizes no consumption of processed foods or soda drinks. For more information on Dr. Schmidt’s mRNA sequela protocols, follow the links.28,29

Dr. Cathleen Gerenger’s Spike Protein Detoxification Protocol

Dr. Cathleen Gerenger, DC, L.Ac., is a Chiropractor and Acupuncturist. She was born in Vietnam and immigrated to the US at the age of four. True to her Asian heritage, she believes in healing the body as a whole and educating her patients on how to be proactive with their health and wellness journey. For sequela of the Covid inoculation, she recommends N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), a precursor to glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage caused by free radicals. Also, milk thistle, artichoke, turmeric, choline, celery seed, niacin (vitamin B3), vitamin C and E, hawthorn, ginger, butchers broom root, and broccoli sprouts. She also advocates vitamin C flushes and supplemental vitamin D3 and zinc. For more information on Dr. Gerenger’s mRNA sequela protocols, follow the link.30

Mark Sherwood’s Spike Protein Detoxification Protocol

Mark Sherwood, ND, has completed training and certifications in age management, functional medicine, nutrigenetics, nutrigenomics, hormone therapy, peptide therapy, stress management, GI health, and immunology. He explains that chronic stress is one of our biggest toxins, and we need to detoxify from mainstream media as well as toxic, dysfunctional relationships. Supplementally, he recommends charcoal, bentonite clay, or chlorella as detoxification binders. For more information on Dr. Gerenger’s mRNA sequela protocols, follow the link.31

Dr. Zelenko’s Covid Protocol

During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, when media-generated fear and public uncertainty were at their peak, the late and great Dr. Vladimir Zelenko emerged as a pioneering figure with a unique approach to both treating and preventing the virus. His work, particularly his development of a prophylactic regimen aimed at strengthening the immune system, has left a lasting impact on how we think about natural immune support. He recommended NAC and aspirin help prevent post-vaccine blood clots and prophylaxis with ivermectin or hydroxychloroquine. For more information on Dr. Zelenko’s Covid protocols, follow the links. 32,33,34,35,36

Bryan Ardis’s Protocol

Bryan Ardis, DC has started a controversial narrative surrounding nicotine. He claims it possesses therapeutic benefits and potential protective effects against various diseases, including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and even COVID-19. Dr. Ardis challenges traditional views of nicotine as addictive, arguing that it is not inherently so and pointing to pyrazines added to tobacco products as the culprit. He also highlights alleged benefits of nicotine in combating "snake venom-like compounds" linked to COVID-19 inoculations. Critics and advocates alike continue to debate these claims. Aside from nicotine patches and tablets for the Covid inoculation sequela he recommends antioxidants to protect from oxidative stress. The nutrients he generally talks about are vitamin C, zinc, glutathione, and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), and suggests cranberry juice or tablets with phosphoric acid to support the kidneys. He reveals that if a D-dimer test shows blood clots, he prescribes NAC and advocates consuming fish oil or omega-3 fatty acids.  He also suggests magnesium and olive leaf extract are good for damaged heart cells. For more information on Dr. Ardis’s mRNA sequela protocols, follow the links.37,38,39 

Dr. Edward Group III’s Protocol

Dr. Edward Group III, DC, NP, is the founder of Global Healing Center, a natural health company, and a proponent of holistic health and detoxification. Dr. Group's work focuses on the importance of cleansing and eliminating toxins to achieve optimal health. Dr. Group suggests taking zinc daily and in combination with ivermectin, iodine, the CDS or the MMS, chlorine dioxide, supercharged C60, quercetin, a good probiotic, and the product “Paratrex”. He also advocates water fasting to bring the body back into an autophagy state, in order to start producing more original stem cells. For more information on Dr. Edward Group III’s mRNA sequela protocols, follow the link.40

Concluding Thoughts From a Bioregulatory Approach

From the above detoxification protocols, we can uncover some of the recommended common denominators. From a bioregulatory medicine approach, all treatments and dosages must be individually determined. No one cookbook protocol is appropriate for every individual, as we all are biochemically, psychoemotionally, and genetically unique. What may work for one may be problematic for another. It is important to seek out professional medical care and advice when considering any new food supplement, medicine, or remedial therapy. 

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