Sometimes, the journey to vibrant health leads us down some rather unsavory aisles - and mucoid plaque is one of them. If you have ever done any research about intestinal health, chances are, you've come across this controversial substance. Does it actually exist? And if so, how do you get rid of it?
It is estimated that most Americans who follow the Standard American Diet have some variation of this foul buildup in their intestines, which is known to harbor an accumulation of fecal matter, harmful bacteria, and unhealthy toxins, sometimes even parasites.
What is Mucoid Plaque?
Mucoid plaque is a layer of mucus along the intestinal wall that can vary greatly in color and texture. It can be thick, firm, thin, hard, soft, brittle, rubbery, transparent, brown, black, green, grey, yellow… and almost always has an intensely foul odor when the body does manage to expel it.
The term mucoid plaque refers to an unhealthy accumulation of what is normally a healthy response in the body. When the body is subjected to, say, a cold or flu, for example, the sinuses and lungs will secrete a protective layer of mucus in order to lubricate those areas to aid the body in its elimination processes.
A runny nose is the body's response to expelling pollutants, allergens, and offending pathogens or viruses in the sinus cavity. The same goes for mucus in the lungs. The body is trying to expectorate offending substances.
The same goes for the colon.
When we eat certain foods that may be too acidic or that contain ingredients that are toxic, the intestines will naturally protect itself by secreting a thin layer of mucin. This acts as a lubricant that helps protect the mucosal lining of the intestines as food moves through the digestive tract. The mucus layer is then expelled along with stool once the offending substance has moved on.
However, when we continually eat highly acidic or toxic/processed foods, foods we're allergic or intolerant to, take OTC medications, are exposed to heavy metals, or are subjected to parasites, harmful microbes and bacteria and their toxins, etc., the intestines start to react to these sources of irritation in the gut and secrete (and accumulate) more and more mucus to protect itself.
Over time, this layer of mucus becomes exceedingly difficult for the body to get rid of and can cause unpleasant symptoms in that you may not associate with your gut, like back pain, allergies, frequent colds and flu, headaches, inflammation, skin conditions, and even hair loss.
This overaccumulation of mucus is known as mucoid plaque and can remain in the body for years in the folds and crevices of the intestines, collecting fecal particles and bacteria.
Since it is rarely excreted on its own, it often prevents the full assimilation of nutrients in our food, slows digestion, and slows the elimination of wastes. This allows parasites and bacteria to flourish in the mucoid plaque as it slowly collects food particles and binds toxins to itself, making the surrounding environment more acidic - the perfect breeding ground for disease.
Over time, the immune system weakens as friendly bacteria are overtaken by unhealthy bacteria that are often the precursors to Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and even colon cancer.
The toxicity of the bowel affects hundreds of functions in the body, resulting in toxic blood and lymph fluids, overburdened organs, sluggish elimination pathways, brain fog, and an overall compromised immune system.
Mucoid Plaque Hoax?
There are a number of sources online that claim that mucoid plaque is a fake condition formulated by detox and intestinal cleanse companies in order to sell their product.
While I see how this can be a concern, there is substantial evidence that people are passing actual mucoid plaque even without the use of bentonite clay, an ingredient said to be what mucoid plaque is made of in these cleanses.
However, it is crazy to me that bentonite clay and psyllium husk can create the almost indestructible rubbery consistency and horrid odor associated with mucoid plaque.
At any rate, the fact still remains that incorporating colon-supportive foods, herbs, and binders into our daily routine is still an excellent way to clear out any offending buildup without compromising healthy intestinal mucin.
Since the buildup of mucin, like mucoid plaque, has been found to be a possible precursor to bowel disease, why take the chance?
That is just my opinion.
If you want a more in-depth discussion on whether or not mucoid plaque is a real thing, then I encourage you to check out this article and even this testimonial on a failed liver flush that ended up expelling mucoid plaque.
How to Remove Mucoid Plaque Naturally
Just as certain foods and substances can cause mucoid plaque, there are foods and substances that can get rid of mucoid plaque as well.
The key is to start eliminating what's causing irritation in your gut. You can do this by cutting out wheat and dairy products, food intolerances and foods you're allergic to, and cutting back on OTC medicines, like aspirin, if possible.
The less offending substances you're consuming, the better.
Here are a few more foods and substances to avoid:
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Canola oil
• Corn products
• Fatty meat
• Fried foods
• Soy products
• Sugary foods
• Sunflower oil
Cutting down on irritating foods and including healthier foods that alleviate excess mucus production is essential for removing mucoid plaque naturally.
For instance, the following foods and herbs are considered great additions to the diet and help mitigate excess mucus secretion in the body:
• Asparagus
• Bamboo shoots
• Black radish - dissolves mucus
• Celery
• Chili peppers
• Daikon radish - dissolves mucus
• Dark leafy greens
• Dill - dissolves mucus
• Fresh berries
• Fresh citrus - especially grapefruit, orange, and lemon
• Fresh garlic
• Fresh ginger
• Marshmallow root - soothes mucus membranes in the intestinal tract and helps remove toxins
• Peppermint - soothes digestion
• Pineapple
• Slippery elm - lubricates the mucus membranes in the body
Eating as many of these foods as you can on a daily basis will help restore proper mucus secretion while also helping the body dislodge mucoid plaque buildup.
The next thing you want to do is take binders. These negatively charged substances will bind to and attract the positively charged pollutants in the intestines - like mucoid plaque.
It is imperative to use binders since the body isn't able to expel mucoid plaque without them. This is why mucoid plaque stays in the intestines for up to decades at a time!
Yes, you may be able to get rid of some of it without the use of binders, but most will still stay behind.
Here are a few binders to consider:
• Bamboo charcoal
• Chitosan - a fiber made from the shells of crustaceans
• Coconut husk charcoal
• Green bentonite clay
• Microsilica
• Modified citrus pectin
• Organic psyllium husk powder - a bulking agent to help absorb the mucoid plaque away from the intestinal walls
• Zeolite
Mix 3 of these together along with the organic psyllium husk powder in 8-10 oz of spring or distilled water. Avoid taking any supplements or eating meals 60 minutes after taking binders otherwise, it will be a wasted effort - they will just bind to what you've eaten. I like to take these first thing in the morning with plenty of water.
In order to avoid constipation, it is important to drink enough spring water while using binders. You can also take magnesium to help keep things regular during treatment. I like to use Natural Calm for this.
How to Remove Mucoid Plaque Naturally Without a Cleanse
I encourage you to watch the YouTube video below for an invaluable drink recipe and binder recipe that can help remove mucoid plaque naturally without going on a 28-day cleanse.
This is the same protocol I use.
Have you ever had mucoid plaque before? Please share in the comments below!
You may also enjoy reading:
Liver Cleanse Recipe and How to do a Liver Flush
How to Detox your Liver for the New Year with Herbs!
How to Detox Your Underarms and Why You Should!
How to Take an Epsom Salt Detox Bath
Can Essential Oils Detox Heavy Metals?
How to Detox The Lymphatic System Using Essential Oils
Anthony says
Really well written and informative article. Only suggestion I have is to add food grade diatomaceous earth to the list of binders? I've been using it and can confirm it also works as a binder for mucoid plaque
Mitea says
I am curious to know if this cleanse is good for people with blood sugar issues. I am not overweight at all however I feel sick with lacking food or if i have too much sugar. Also, what's the recipe?
Susan says
Can you please tell me how much of each Ingredient to add to the water for each drink? I am going to use green bentonite clay, bamboo charcoal, psyllium husk powder and diatomaceous earth.
Thank you soooo much!!
Ann Bloo says
What do you think about hydrotherapy colonics?
Can I eat whole grain during the detox?
I take apple cider vinegar and psyllium husk and tumeric,for 2 month I see mucus in the stool,is this normal?can headaches be part of the detox?
Jeff Allen says
You are absolutely right about the naysayers. They are full of shit, no pun intended.
I've done a couple fasting cleanses using nothing but straight herbs; capsules or liquid extracts with no bentonite and no psyllium.
After a week, eating no food - nothing but water and herbs, I was getting exactly the same rubbery ropes of plaque and gobs of slime out as when doing a cleanse with bentonite/psyllium. It was just pure ropes, without the distinctly different psyllium mass. Sure, the bentonite/clay is great to absorb toxins and help bind and sweep the loosened plaque, but it's not absolutely necessary.
I can't fathom how these arrogant "debunking" docs who claim they've done x100 autopsies, scopes, etc can't see the stuff, because I shat out kilos of it.
They should pull their heads out of their asses, and do a cleanse and put in under a scope. It's obviously very real, impregnated with the striations from the intestinal and colonic walls, and was nothing we ate for breakfast, nor psyllium/bentonite.
My plaque outpout has gotten much less and lighter over the years, but it still builds up if I'm not eating so cleanly, so doing a cleanse regularly is good stuff.
I highly recommend blessed herbs, sans their super overpriced psylllium/bentonite packets. Skip the overpriced kit and just buy the very affordable capsules, and get the bentonite and psyllium bulk online cheap. You can do many more cleanses for the same price.
You don't need the ridiculously involved and crazy, anal schedule of the arise and shine stuff. Overpriced as hell too.
Just get the caps from blessed herbs, set a simple schedule, eat clean or not at all, and go for it. It works. Skip salt, just in case. Mr arise and shine claims it rehardens the plaque, and it's not worth risking that being true.
Sally Herrera says
This was a great read and a wealth of information.. question for you Tash: I want to make a juice to help mitigate the excess mucus secretion in the body and also ingest the binder to ensure the removal of plaque.. is there a preferred order to take the the binder and the juice?
Terry says
How long do you recommend doing the mucoid plaque removal is it 15 days or is it for 2 months?
Brooke says
Hey everyone,
I’ve been doing the master fast system. Best to read in depth so you feel supported and guided. There are also Facebook groups for support. http://www.masterfastsystem.com
I literally have been releasing that mucoid plaque - it is insane !!!!!!! Also, another benefit of cleansing is that it helps you become aware of how often we hide behind food to avoid things (deep intimacy, etc...) it is a great portal to not only a better digestive tract, but more awareness of what is happening for you on a deep level. I have found that I have become very in tune with my core desires etc xxx food for thought lol ???? happy cleansing xxx
KATHy says
I did a colon cleanse with the colonix product and I had the plaque come out for 60 days. Sometimes really long pieces and sometimes small. If this is first time cleaning this out, it will be like hard rubber molds of your intestines floating in toilet. As it comes out more you will start getting the fresh mucus. Thats when I stop and wait a few months then do again for a week or 2. This stuff is in there. Google it and see pictures. The pictures are exactly what comes out. Works best if take fiber on empty stomach first thing I the morning.
Tash says
Wow! That's insane, Kathy! Better out than in, right?
Faith says
What are gentle fiber supplements?
Tash says
Hi, Faith!
You can look into acacia fiber. It has both soluble and non-soluble fiber and has worked well for many people.
Breelyn says
Hey,
I saw soy on the list, but I’m trying to stay away from meats and also gain muscle mass. So I am steering towards tofu, do you have any suggestions on what would be best for my main protein source?
Tash says
Tofu would be fine 🙂 I also recommend checking out this post to see what else you can add for plant-based proteins.
Salome Nyaga says
If on a water fast do I just take the binder every morning then drink lots of water and I will have results?
Mike says
I got into a bad accident and was drugged up with meds for the pain and spent 5 days in the hospital. Ever since then my gut has gotten bigger and bigger and juices dont give me any detox reactions and i feel not reactions from supplements like before. all around my waist i have gained weight which is weird. I ate alot of meat and sugar after my accident. Could this be a build up of mucoid plaque ?
Tash says
Mucoid plaque is usually something that builds up over a long period of time. It could be possible that your gut flora may be a bit off. Probiotics are always good to look into after spending time in the hospital or taking pain medications. Have you looked into getting a professional colonic?
DarFer says
For 4 days Drink coconut water and only eat fruit such as melon, watermelon, berries and grapes. Everything should come out of you. No protein, no dairy, no cooked foods. Just fruit and if must have a salad at night.
Kim says
Can you give me a list of the ingredients for the mucus plaque cleaning so when I go to the store I can show people what I'm looking for
Issa says
I know mucoid plaque is real because I experienced it coming out after day 8 on the master cleanse. I hadn't taken any bentonite clay or anything other than just lemon, water, cayenne and maple syrup. It's real, trust me lol.
Julie says
How long to clear the mucoid plaque from the body? I have been doing a large amount of bentonite clay and diatomateous earth for 2 months and still coming out each day in large amounts. Please help! Feels like there is no end.
Tash says
Oh my!
Have you changed your lifestyle at all? Eating healthier? Drinking more water? etc.
JR says
The most natural way is to fast with water and specific juices, which will result in one or few long mucoid plaque, but think of your process as completing the process part-time, which is why it's taking a long time.
Blasso says
I take chia seeds in the morning and black seed oil in the evening. Will the mucoid plaque cleanse work along side the chia seeds and black oil, or do I just take the cleanse and stop taking the seeds and black seed oil
Tash says
Hi Blasso!
You should still be fine taking the seeds and black seed oil. However, if you feel like the cleanse isn't working, I would go ahead and stop taking them for a bit to see if you can tell a difference 🙂
Alex | BigBlueWaves Wellness says
Thanks for sharing, Tash! People often don't realize the importance of clearing the intestines before even considering other detox programs and cleanses.
Glad to see pineapples on the list! They contain bromelain, which breaks down the thick mucus and helps the body expel it.
Quercetin also has a strong anti-inflammatory action and helps remove mucus. Onions and berries are great sources.
The same foods are great for lung mucus, too!
What's your take on enemas? They can be very beneficial for removing mucus and toxic build-up, especially when combined with the binders you mentioned.
Thanks again and keep up the great work!
CJ says
Can anyone do this or is this just for people with certain symptoms?
Tash says
Hi CJ!
Anyone can do this as long as nothing in the protocol interacts with medications or worsens certain digestive diseases.
Shar says
How does this cleanse affect someone with Crohn’s disease and a missing gallbladder? Is it recommended?
Tash says
Hi Shar!
I would be hesitant to use this protocol if you have Crohn's disease because it may further irritate the intestinal lining in those who are sensitive. Your best bet would be to perhaps look into taking gentle fiber supplements with plenty of water under the care of your physician. Also, avoiding certain foods (all the processed and refined stuff) will at least prevent further mucoid plaque from forming.
Jojo says
Out of curiosity, what is the time frame between drinking the binders and expelling the result? Is it safe to say this needs to be a weekend thing (when you're at home with your own toilet) and not a work or out in public thing?
Tash says
Hi Jojo!
I would definitely try this during a time when you are comfortably at home so that you know how your body reacts. The release of the plaque will be different for each person 🙂 For many people, however, using these methods tends to be just fine and they can expel the plaque over time but it's always good to be cautious at first!
Linda says
Interesting article, I believe unless you give up all processed foods, meat, dairy and wheat then you will not heal properly. Initially when you start taking things to clean your insides and detox you may even get sick first, which puts a lot of people off, better to take out the bad slowly and introduce the good slowly if you don't want your life disrupted too much.