Born Free Protocol Stages
The Born Free Protocol is structured into three distinct stages, each focusing on different aspects of health restoration.
Your BFP Stage Superheroes
To better help you remember the protocol stages, here are three superheroes that can act as inspirational representatives for your journey.
Stage 1: Kickstart Healing
DURATION: 2+ Weeks | # OF SUPPLEMENTS: 40 Total
​
In Stage one of the Born Free Protocol, which focuses on Remineralization and Initial Die-Off, certain expectations and potential side effects are common:
​
-
Duration: Typically at least 2 weeks. Proceed slowly to manage unpleasant microbial die-off effects.
-
Focus: Remineralizing the body and increasing collagen synthesis rates.
-
Method: Gradually introducing supplements in a specific order, with special instructions for certain items (e.g., vaginal douche, sublingual dosing).
-
Key Components: Lecithin, electrolytes, Dead Sea mud, vitamins, minerals, lymphatic massage, specific probiotics, and other supplements as detailed in the BFP regimen.
-
Note: 100mg/day aspirin may help with inflammation/hypoxia during this stage.
​​
​
Expectations
-
Microbial Die-Off Symptoms: As the body starts to eliminate unwanted microbial species, you may experience the 'die-off' effect. This can include symptoms like headaches, fatigue, nausea, and flu-like symptoms.
-
Initial Discomfort: The process of remineralizing and detoxifying can initially be unpleasant. It’s a phase where the body is adjusting to the changes and beginning to expel toxins.
-
Gradual Introduction of Supplements: As you start introducing various supplements, your body may react in different ways. You might experience temporary discomfort or sensitivity to certain supplements.
-
Potential Inflammation and Hypoxia: There might be inflammation or low oxygen levels in certain tissues. Aspirin (100mg/day) is suggested in this stage to help manage these conditions.
-
Digestive Adjustments: As the diet and supplement regimen begins, digestive adjustments may occur, including changes in bowel movements or gastrointestinal discomfort.
-
Variable Energy Levels: Fluctuations in energy levels can be expected as the body begins to utilize nutrients differently during the remineralization process.
-
Need for Slower Progression: Due to these potential effects, it’s advised to proceed slowly and adjust dosages as needed to manage side effects comfortably.
-
Importance of Hydration: Increased water intake is recommended to aid in detoxification and reduce potential side effects.
​​
Overall, while Stage 1 sets the foundation for the healing process, it’s important to be patient and attentive to your body’s responses, adjusting the protocol as needed for comfort and effectiveness.
Stage Two: Elevate Gut Health & Mucosal Defense
DURATION: 2+ Weeks | # OF SUPPLEMENTS: 50 (10 added to Stage 1)
​​
-
Continuation: Keep up with Stage 1 items and add new supplements.
-
Additions: A-GPC Choline, Chlorella, Schisandra, undecylenic acid, biotin, Biofilm Phase-2 Advanced, IgG2000, elderberry, Floraphage, and iron, among others.
-
Consideration: Introduce prescribed antifungals and/or antibiotics if necessary, and follow up with microbiome reports.
​
Expectations
In stage two of the Born Free Protocol, which focuses on Enhanced GI/Mucosal Interventions, several expectations and potential side effects are typical:
​
-
Increased Gastrointestinal Activity: As the protocol introduces more supplements targeting the GI tract, you might experience changes in digestion, including temporary discomfort, bloating, or changes in bowel habits.
-
Herxheimer Reaction: The die-off effect may continue or intensify as more biofilms and pathogens are targeted. This can manifest as flu-like symptoms, fatigue, headaches, and muscle aches.
-
Detoxification Symptoms: With the introduction of chlorella, undecylenic acid, and other detoxifying agents, you may experience symptoms associated with detoxification, like skin reactions, changes in energy levels, or mood fluctuations.
-
Potential Nutrient Sensitivities: As new supplements are added, there may be sensitivities or reactions to specific nutrients or compounds, necessitating dosage adjustments.
-
Immune System Response: The immune system may become more active, potentially leading to temporary increases in inflammation or immune-related symptoms.
-
Biofilm Disruption: Targeting biofilms within the GI tract can lead to a release of stored pathogens and toxins, causing a temporary increase in symptoms.
-
Medicinal Interactions: If antifungals and antibiotics are introduced, they may interact with existing supplements and microbiome composition, requiring careful monitoring and possibly additional probiotic support.
-
Adjustment Period: The body may take time to adjust to the intensified regimen, necessitating a gradual increase in supplement dosages and close monitoring of responses.
-
Continued Monitoring and Adjustment: During stage two, it's crucial to monitor your body's reactions closely and adjust the protocol as needed to manage any discomfort and maximize effectiveness.
​​
Stage two aims to intensify the healing and rebalancing process in the GI and mucosal areas, so it’s important to be vigilant about how your body reacts and adjust your regimen accordingly for optimal results.
Stage Three: Boost Overall Immune Power
DURATION: 4+ Weeks | # OF SUPPLEMENTS: 54 (4 added to Stage 2)​
​
-
Requirement to Start: Confirm successful remineralization via Oligoscan or CMA before starting.
-
Continuation: Maintain previous stages' items, excluding minerals now in normal range per Oligoscan/CMA.
-
Additions: NAC, apple cider vinegar capsules, Life Extension Reishi Complex, beta-glucans, and increased dosages of previous supplements.
​
Expectations
​
In stage three of the Born Free Protocol, which emphasizes stimulating and supporting a strong immune response, the following expectations and potential side effects are commonly experienced:
​
-
Intensified Immune Response: As the protocol aims to boost the immune system significantly, you might experience a heightened immune reaction. This can manifest as increased inflammation, pain in localized areas, and general immune-related discomfort.
-
Die-Off Symptoms: The microbial die-off effect may escalate, leading to more pronounced symptoms like fatigue, headaches, nausea, and flu-like sensations.
-
Temporary Worsening of Baseline Symptoms: Due to the strong immune activation, you may temporarily feel worse than before you started the protocol. This includes exacerbation of ME/CFS symptoms.
-
Psychological Impact: The increase in physical symptoms can also have a psychological effect, possibly increasing stress or anxiety levels.
-
Adjustment to Added Supplements: Introduction of new supplements such as NAC, apple cider vinegar, Reishi, and beta-glucans may cause initial reactions as your body adjusts to them.
-
Monitoring of Cortisol and Heart Rate: It’s important to keep an eye on cortisol levels and heart rate, especially if they remain elevated for extended periods.
-
Balancing of Supplement Intake: Depending on the body's response, it may be necessary to adjust the dosages, particularly of spirulina and vitamin C, to manage the immune response and reduce discomfort.
-
Need for Breaks: If the immune response becomes too intense or prolonged, taking a break from certain supplements might be necessary to allow the body to recover.
-
Potential for Additional Psychological Challenges: The increase in symptom intensity might present additional mental and emotional challenges, requiring support and patience.
-
Continued Monitoring and Adjustments: Constant vigilance is crucial in this stage to ensure that the immune response does not overwhelm the body, and adjustments to the protocol might be needed for optimal effectiveness and comfort.
​​
Stage three is a critical phase of the Born Free Protocol, where the immune system is actively engaged to tackle underlying health issues. Managing this stage effectively requires attentiveness to your body's reactions and a willingness to adjust the protocol as needed.
Optional Follow Up: Water Fasting*
After you've reached optimal levels on your OligoScan/CMA, you can try a three (or more) day water fast for additional benefits.
​
Here are key points and warnings for this optional follow-up:
​
-
Preparation and Monitoring: If this is your first water fast, it's advisable to have someone monitor you. Avoid driving, stress, and excessive physical exertion.
-
Daily Fasting Protocol:
-
No Food or Supplements: Except for those listed below.
-
Hydration: Consume 3 liters of water daily.
-
Sodium Intake: 5g of sodium chloride (table salt) to provide 2.5g of sodium.
-
NAC Intake: 3g for its mucolytic and oxidative stress reduction properties.
-
Magnesium Oxide: 1000mg to induce diarrhoea, aiding in detoxification.
-
Optional Add-ons:
-
500mg EGCG three times a day
-
120mg Resveratrol three times a day
-
500mg Hesperidin twice a day
-
-
-
Important Considerations:
-
Salt/Iodine Overgrowth Flush: Use the flush recipe from the "Gastrointestinal Biofilms, Pathogens and Remediation" section in the BFP PDF on the night before starting Day 1.
-
Breaking the Fast Safely: To end the water fast early—and if EGCG has been consumed in the last 6 hours—use two or more Apple Cider Vinegar doses (without capsules) as a succinate source.
-
​​
​Safety Warnings:
Not following these warnings could be fatal.
-
DO NOT attempt any fasting if you have severe mineral deficiencies
-
If this is your first water fast, it is generally advisable to have someone monitoring you during this time.
-
Avoid driving vehicles, stress, and excessive exertion during/right after you fast.
-
Failing to follow the water fasting, particularly regarding EGCG, could lead to rapid cyclical blackouts and convulsions until the EGCG is metabolized or until Apple Cider Vinegar is administered. This is a serious risk, especially if operating a vehicle or machinery.
-
Undertaking a water fast should be approached with care and awareness of potential risks, especially regarding the use of EGCG.
-
The above guidelines are crucial for maintaining safety during the fast.