Autoimmune diseases are on the rise (1). From a European Biological Medicine perspective this rise is due to an increase in environmental toxins that accumulate in our bodies and overwhelm our immune systems ability to function normally. Toxins in the form of pesticides, herbicides, endocrine disruptors, carcinogens and most especially heavy metals play an important role in the development of autoimmunity. These toxins overwhelm the body's immune pathways, leading to chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation, which eventually manifests as autoimmunity. By reducing this toxic burden and supporting the body's natural detox mechanisms, we can help reverse autoimmune conditions. In this article, we'll outline my 3-month protocol using GUNA Italian Drainage remedies to help restore immune balance.
Our Immune system is very sensitive to toxicity particularly in the form of heavy metals. These toxic metals are known to disrupt immune function by inducing oxidative stress and interfering with the balance of immune cells, leading to immune dysregulation. Research has shown that mercury, for example, can modify cytokine production, skewing the balance between different types of T cells (Th1 and Th2), which can trigger autoimmune responses. Similarly, cadmium has been linked to systemic inflammation and can exacerbate conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (2)
Chronic exposure to heavy metals—whether through environmental pollution, food, water, or dental amalgams—can bioaccumulate in the body, damaging organs and immune pathways. Over time, this toxic burden can lead to the development of autoimmune conditions, as the immune system begins to attack healthy tissue in response to the persistent presence of toxic metals. Addressing heavy metal toxicity through detoxification is critical for managing and reversing autoimmune diseases. Reducing the body's toxic load can help restore immune balance and reduce inflammation. (3)
The Connection Between Toxicity and Autoimmunity
Chronic inflammation and immune system imbalances are driven by a high toxic load. As described in my article Toxicity is the Biggest Driver of Chronic Inflammation, when the body is exposed to chemicals, heavy metals, and other environmental toxins over time, the immune system can become confused and start attacking healthy tissue. This immune dysregulation underpins autoimmune diseases, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves disease, Rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriasis, Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and Lupus. The key to reversing this process is to support the body’s natural detoxification pathways, primarily the Big 4 Organs of Detoxification (The Lymphatic system, Liver, Kidneys and Intestine) that work as a coordinated team to remove toxins from the body. The best way I have seen this work in clinical practice is through the use of Drainage remedies: low-dose homeopathic remedies that bring blood flow, support and energy to our main Organs of Detoxification.
European Drainage Remedies: Restoring Balance
European drainage remedies are designed to stimulate the body’s emunctories—aka our body’s natural detoxification organs, the Liver, Kidneys, Lymphatic system, and Intestines. These remedies are complex, liquid, drop dosed remedies composed of plants, minerals and low dose homeopathics in formulations designed to target and support our organs of detox.
The natural toxin removal process goes as follows-Accumulated toxins get pulled from cells and tissues via our Lymphatic system. Lymph fluid continuing toxic waste is drained to the Heart where it is pumped to the Liver and Kidneys for processing. Once toxins have been transformed via our cellular detoxification pathways the neutralized end products are excreted out of the body via the Stool and Urine. By supporting this natural process we help accelerate the clearing of toxins from our cells and tissues and lowering the overall toxic burden on our bodies. Since drainage remedies support this natural process they help lower the toxic burden in our bodies, help reestablish immune balance and reduce chronic inflammation.
The 3-Month GUNA Protocol
GUNA is an Italian producer of Drainage remedies with a long history of clinically researched success. Based out of Milan, Italy GUNA has manufactured high quality Drainage remedies in the tradition of European Biological Medicine since 1983. The following 3-month protocol focuses on supporting our detox organs, lowering our toxic burden, and rebalancing our immune system. This specific regimen includes GUNA Deep Cleanse, GUNA Lympho Detox, GUNA Bowel Plus, and GUNA Matrix Detox—each taken twice per day to provide comprehensive support. 3 months is a minimum duration for someone dealing with long standing autoimmunity. The immune system became dysregulated over time as toxins accumulated. Assisting the body in naturally removing these toxins will take time as well.
The Protocol
Remedies:
GUNA Deep Cleanse (Liver and Kidney Remedy): 20 drops, twice per day
GUNA Lympho Detox (Lymphatic System Remedy): 20 drops, twice per day
GUNA Bowel Plus (Intestinal Remedy): 20 drops, twice per day
GUNA Matrix Detox (Extracellular Matrix Remedy): 20 drops, twice per day
This combination of remedies works synergistically to cleanse the body at deep cellular levels, promote lymphatic drainage, support bowel detoxification, and restore matrix (extracellular) tissue function. The remedies target the major detoxification pathways to ensure the body can process and eliminate accumulated toxins efficiently. GUNA Matrix Detox is added since it assists in pulling toxins from deep storage within our extracellular matrix space, the main area where the body holds and stores accumulated toxins and heavy metals.
Taking the Remedies:
You can take the remedies one after the other in a row or all together in a little bit of water. For example you can take Guna Deep Cleanse-20 drops directly into your mouth or in small glass with a little bit of water, followed by the Lympho Detox, etc. Or you can choose to place 20 drops of each remedy all together in one small glass of water and drink that all at once. Either way works fine. Take 15 minutes away from food or drink. Avoid coffee or peppermint as these strong aromatic substances can potentially interfere with homeopathic remedies.
IMPORTANT Things to Look Out For:
When you start a Drainage protocol a lot of toxins will begin to get pulled from cellular and tissue storage. This increase in circulating toxins can temporary create “Detox Reactions” which appear like in the body as symptoms of an increase in physiological inflammation. These symptoms are always temporary and can include fever, aches, pains, rashes, loose stools and fatigue (fatigue being most common). Old symptoms you haven’t seen in a long time may also surface. It’s important to note that these are all temporary reactions. If you experience these symptoms you can lower the dose of the remedies to 10 or even 5 drops twice per day instead of the recommended 20. It is safe to lower the dosage but also safe to continue with the protocol if you notice these symptoms. This protocol is not recommended for women who are pregnant, plan to get pregnant in the immediate future or nursing.
Although experiencing these types of symptoms can be annoying or even scary, especially if you have been dealing with chronic autoimmune symptoms for a long time, they are completely normal and not something to worry about. Most commonly I have seen fatigue and skin rashes be the most common detox symptom manifestations. When we see this it is actually a good sign that toxins are being pulled from deep storage and the body is beginning to move toxins out (also important to note-If we don’t see these symptoms it is not a bad sign). It is always best to work with a skilled practitioner when doing a Drainage protocol because they can help coach you through the symptoms and ease your anxiety.
Link to Purchase GUNA Remedies:
GUNA Italian Drainage Remedies are available on FullScript.com, an online physician dispensary that carries pharmaceutical grade supplements and natural remedies. Signup is free and includes a 20% discount not only on GUNA but all supplements in the catalog. To sign up click the link below:
https://us.fullscript.com/plans/drmarkiwanickind-guna-drainage-protocol
Advanced Detox Support
For those who are interested in taking things to an even higher level I’ve included some more traditional detox support remedies-additional supplements that can be incorporated to enhance the effects of the GUNA protocol:
Liposomal Glutathione by QuickSilver: This powerful antioxidant supports liver function and cellular detoxification. Liposomal forms are highly bioavailable, ensuring better absorption and efficacy. Quicksilver brand can be used twice per day during the protocol 2-3 pumps under the tongue. Must be kept refrigerated and let sit for 30 seconds under the tongue before swallowing for best absorption.
GI Detox by Biocidin Botanicals: This binding agent helps eliminate toxins from the digestive tract by binding heavy metals, chemicals, and other toxins and removing them through the bowels. 2 caps away from food or supplements (by at least 1 hour) once a day. Since it is a powerful binder GI Detox can also bind nutrients in food and medicine.This supplement is particularly helpful at binding heavy metals in the gut.
Detoxification Factors by Integrative Therapeutics: This supplement contains herbs, nutrients, vitamins and minerals that specifically aid in cellular detoxification in the Liver, aiding the body's ability to process and clear out accumulated toxins. 1 cap twice per day.
Organic Chlorella-Chlorella is a nutrient-dense algae that is widely known for its detoxification benefits, particularly due to its ability to bind to heavy metals and toxins, helping to eliminate them from the body. It is rich in chlorophyll, which supports liver detoxification and overall immune health. Additionally, chlorella aids in improving digestion and promoting healthy gut flora, further enhancing its detoxifying effects. 3-6 caps per day.
It is ok to take these advanced detox supplements during the3 month GUNA protocol or also ok to wait until you finish the protocol. Some people feel overwhelmed with taking so many remedies and that is understandable. I have seen tremendous benefit to just doing a round of Drainage with just the remedies alone so no need to stress about adding additional support.
Link to Purchase Advanced Detox Remedies:
https://us.fullscript.com/plans/drmarkiwanickind-advanced-detox-support
Adding these advanced detox options can significantly enhance the body’s ability to handle higher toxic loads, providing additional support for those dealing with more severe autoimmune symptoms or chronic inflammation.
The Importance of Minerals During a Drainage Cleanse
During a Drainage cleanse, it is crucial to replenish essential minerals, as detoxification processes can deplete the body's mineral stores. I highly recommend the use of Oligo minerals or Quinton seawater minerals, as they are not only bioavailable but also energetically compatible with drainage remedies. These specific mineral supplements support cellular function, enhance the body's detox capabilities, and help maintain electrolyte balance, which is critical during detoxification. Including these minerals in your protocol ensures that the body has the necessary resources to facilitate proper drainage and healing. I include a brand of Oligo Minerals in my GUNA protocol on Fullscript.
Supporting the Body Throughout the Protocol
While drainage remedies are highly effective in detoxifying the body, it's important to support the body throughout the process. Here are some key tips for optimizing the protocol:
Hydration: Drink plenty of water (2-3 liters daily) to assist the kidneys in filtering out toxins.
Fiber: Eating a fiber rich diet or including a fiber supplement is key for long term success with a detox. Fiber acts as natures best binder, binding toxins and heavy metals in the bile our Livers produce and excrete into the gut. Fiber also provides food for healthy gut bacteria which come with a whole host of additional health benefits.
Movement/Sweating: Use gentle saunas or engage in physical activity to encourage sweating, another natural detoxification pathway. Movement with physical activity also helps move Lymph along which is key for Lymphatic circulation and effective detox.
Diet: Stick to an anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense diet. Avoid triggers like gluten, sugar, alcohol, dairy, and processed foods, which can worsen autoimmune symptoms.
Sleep: Prioritize 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night to allow the body to repair and detoxify.
Meditate to calm to the mind and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, the rest, digest and detox arm of the autonomic nervous system.
Download my Free Guide to Detox Fundamentals where I go over the 9 Foundational Pillars of Natural Detoxification in the body in greater detail:
https://courses.drmarkiwanicki.com/opt-in-bab64def-091b-425e-9234-5c07019e7674
The Role of Toxin Elimination in Reversing Autoimmunity
Autoimmune conditions are the result of an overwhelmed immune system due to accumulated high toxic body burden. By supporting the body's natural drainage pathways, GUNA drainage remedies help reduce the body’s overall toxic burden, which is the major unaddressed underlying cause of all immune dysregulation. As toxins are cleared from the system, the immune system begins to regain balance, inflammation is reduced, and autoimmune symptoms begin to subside. Through this 3-month protocol, we can target the root cause of autoimmune diseases and promote healing from within. By focusing on detoxification, immune modulation, and mineral support, it is possible to reverse autoimmunity and regain optimal health.
Many patients notice improvements in energy, digestion, and pain symptoms within the first few weeks of starting the protocol. Over time, with consistent use of drainage remedies and lifestyle modifications, the immune system can recalibrate, helping to reverse autoimmune disease and improve overall health.
The information in this article is for educational purposes only. As always, it’s important to work with a qualified healthcare provider when undertaking any new treatment plan, particularly for chronic conditions such as autoimmunity.
References:
(2) Balali-Mood, M., Naseri, K., Tahergorabi, Z., & Khazdair, M. R. (2021). Toxic Mechanisms of Five Heavy Metals: Mercury, Lead, Chromium, Cadmium, and Arsenic. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, 643972. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.643972​:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
(3) Lawrence, D. A. (2005). Metals and Autoimmune Disease. In Vohr, H. W. (Ed.), Encyclopedic Reference of Immunotoxicology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-27806-0_972​:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=}.