Why I Hate Eradication Protocols (And What I Do Instead as a Detox Doc)
Let me just say it loud for the people in the back: I hate eradication protocols.
Yup. There, I said it.
As a naturopathic doctor who focuses on detox and gut healing, this might sound a little shocking. After all, the wellness world loves a good antimicrobial protocol. Parasite cleanse? Check. Candida protocol? Been there. SIBO treatment plan that makes your supplement drawer look like a pharmacy? Oh yes, I’ve seen it all.
But here’s the thing...
Killing off bugs doesn’t equal healing.
In fact, for many people, those hardcore eradication protocols end up doing more harm than good.
Let’s break it down, Detox Doc style:
1. Microbiome Resilience > Microbial Mass Destruction
Wiping out pathogens might feel like a heroic act ("Goodbye SIBO, see ya Candida!"), but it often leaves the gut terrain even more vulnerable than before. Why? Because we never built up microbial resilience in the first place.
And here's the kicker: Even herbal antimicrobials can be just as disruptive as antibiotics.
Yes, they may have fewer side effects on the surface, but they still wipe out the good with the bad. That means you’re not just targeting pathogens, you’re also depleting the beneficial bacteria that make up your immune system’s first line of defense.
Translation? You’re weakening your gut’s natural army and creating the perfect storm for reinfection, inflammation, and immune dysfunction.
2. The Gut Barrier Is Delicate (and Deserves Love)
That gorgeous diagram up there? That’s your gut lining. And it’s not a brick wall. It’s more like a carefully constructed mesh of cells that lets nutrients in and keeps invaders out.
But guess what shreds that barrier to pieces? Stress. Refined carbs. Food additives. Alcohol. Antibiotics. And yes, overuse of antimicrobial herbs and supplements.
Instead of blowing up the terrain, I like to focus on rebuilding the fortress: Slippery elm, marshmallow root, phospholipids, bone broth, and warming foods that hug your gut lining like a fuzzy blanket. (Your gut says thank you.)
3. Stop Fighting Symptoms. Start Supporting Systems.
Many people chase after symptoms like bloating or fatigue, thinking they just need the right killer protocol.
But truth bomb: Most of the time, those symptoms are a cry for support, not warfare.
Instead of trying to murder every microbe in sight, I ask:
How’s your stomach acid?
Is bile flowing properly?
Are you pooping every day?
Is your nervous system even remotely relaxed?
If those basics aren’t in place, no eradication protocol in the world is going to give you lasting results.
4. Die-Off Reactions = Detox Drain
Another reason I’m anti-eradication? Because detox pathways matter.
When you aggressively kill off pathogens, you release a tidal wave of endotoxins. Cue the headaches, rashes, fatigue, insomnia, and “what’s happening to my body” spiral.
Instead of that chaos, I gently support the gut terrain and drainage systems first. Think: castor oil packs, gentle binders, mitochondrial love, mineral repletion, and letting the body naturally shift the microbial balance.
5. True Healing is Boring (But It Works)
Here’s the thing no one tells you: healing through food and lifestyle isn’t always flashy.
There’s no “Day 3 parasite in your poop” moment to post on Instagram. But what you do get is sustainable change.
The clients who commit to rebuilding, who focus on proteins, fats, whole foods, prebiotics, and stress reduction, they’re the ones who stop relapsing. Because their body isn’t a warzone anymore. It’s a strong, supported, thriving ecosystem.
When Eradication Is Needed…
Okay okay, I’m not totally against it.
There are times when someone is SO bloated, SO inflamed, or SO overrun with pathogens that we need a little backup.
But even then? It’s not the first move—it’s layered on top of solid gut and liver support. And only when we’ve made sure the terrain can handle it.
So What Do I Do Instead?
I personalize every plan based on your gut terrain, your genetics, and your detox capacity. It’s never a one-size-fits-all eradication approach. It’s more like…
Nourish the barrier
Feed the good bugs
Balance digestive fluids
Soothe the immune system
Restore what’s been depleted
And yeah… we get results. Without the crash, the misery, or the revolving door of new protocols every 3 months.
Eradication might sound like a sexy fix, but I’m here for long-term stability, not short-term fireworks. Even the “natural” bug killers can end up being bullies to your microbiome if they’re not used carefully.
