87 protocols

Health protocols, with the evidence

Diet, lifestyle and integrative protocols, each with what studies in people show, who should not try it, and what to check with a clinician first.

Coffee Enema Protocol

by Max Gerson (popularized)

Evidence Score 20 · Limited evidenceOccasional at most; no proven benefit
Detox support (traditional use, not proven)

Cutler Protocol (Heavy Metal Chelation)

by Andrew Cutler

Evidence Score 22 · Limited evidenceSet by your clinician
Confirmed mercury or heavy metal toxicity (managed by a clinician)

Master Cleanse (Lemonade Diet)

by Stanley Burroughs

Evidence Score 15 · Limited evidence1 to 3 days at most
Short-term weight loss (mostly water, usually regained)

GAPS Diet (Gut and Psychology Syndrome)

by Natasha Campbell-McBride

Evidence Score 25 · Limited evidenceIntro diet 3 to 6 weeks, full diet often 1.5 to 2 years, then food reintroduction
Digestive symptoms

SCD (Specific Carbohydrate Diet)

by Elaine Gottschall (based on Sidney Haas)

Evidence Score 52 · Mixed evidenceOften 1 to 2 years, many continue long-term
Crohn's diseaseUlcerative colitis

Elemental Diet

by Various (elemental formulas); SIBO research by Dr. Mark Pimentel

Evidence Score 62 · Mixed evidence14 to 21 days typical for SIBO; longer only with a gastroenterologist
SIBOCrohn's disease flares (with a gastroenterologist)

Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT)

by Various (clinical researchers)

Evidence Score 90 · Stronger evidenceSingle treatment or a short series, as your clinician decides
Recurrent C. difficile infectionUlcerative colitis (under study)

Soil-Derived Humic and Fulvic Gut Support (Zach Bush)

by Zach Bush

Evidence Score 22 · Limited evidenceTry for about a month, then reassess
Gut health support

Wahls Protocol

by Terry Wahls

Evidence Score 55 · Mixed evidenceLifelong, improvements often seen in 3-6 months
Multiple sclerosisautoimmune disease

AIP (Autoimmune Protocol)

by Sarah Ballantyne, Mickey Trescott, others

Evidence Score 52 · Mixed evidence2-4 months elimination, ongoing with personalized reintroductions
Inflammatory bowel diseaseHashimoto's thyroiditisAutoimmune conditions (general support)

LDN (Low-Dose Naltrexone)

by Bernard Bihari

Evidence Score 50 · Mixed evidenceOften ongoing; benefits usually judged over 2 to 3 months
FibromyalgiaCrohn's diseaseMultiple sclerosisHashimoto's thyroiditis

Orthomolecular Psychiatry

by Abram Hoffer, Linus Pauling

Evidence Score 48 · Mixed evidence3-12 months to see full benefits, ongoing use
DepressionAnxietyADHDSchizophrenia (alongside psychiatric care)+1

Pfeiffer Protocol (Biotype Testing)

by Carl Pfeiffer

Evidence Score 35 · Limited evidence3 to 6 months to judge benefit, then ongoing with retesting
DepressionAnxietyADHDSchizophrenia (alongside psychiatric care)+1

Walsh Protocol (Advanced Nutrient Therapy)

by William Walsh

Evidence Score 35 · Limited evidence3-6 months initial response, ongoing optimization
DepressionAnxietyADHDSchizophrenia (alongside psychiatric care)+1

Neurofeedback

by Various (Lubar, Sterman, others)

Evidence Score 50 · Mixed evidence20-60 sessions over 3-6 months, effects often lasting
ADHDAnxietyPTSDInsomnia+1

Grounding/Earthing Protocol

by Clint Ober, James Oschman

Evidence Score 38 · Limited evidenceOngoing daily practice, benefits often within days to weeks
Sleep qualityChronic painStress

PEMF Therapy (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field)

by Various (including Dr. William Pawluk)

Evidence Score 52 · Mixed evidenceOngoing daily use, acute conditions 4-8 weeks
Nonunion fractures (FDA-approved devices)Chronic painKnee osteoarthritis pain

Red Light / NIR Therapy (Photobiomodulation)

by Various researchers (including Dr. Michael Hamblin)

Evidence Score 64 · Mixed evidenceOngoing use, skin benefits in weeks, deeper benefits 2-3 months
Skin agingWound healingMuscle recoveryJoint and muscle pain

Weston A. Price Traditional Diet

by Weston A. Price

Evidence Score 40 · Limited evidenceLifelong dietary approach
Dental healthNutrient-dense eatingChronic disease risk reduction

Raw Milk Protocol

by Weston A. Price Foundation, others

Evidence Score 32 · Limited evidenceOngoing, if chosen
Whole-food dairy nutritionDigestive comfort (reported, not proven)

Seed Oil Elimination

by Various (Tucker Goodrich, Paul Saladino, others)

Evidence Score 38 · Limited evidenceOngoing; body fat composition shifts over a year or more
Inflammation (proposed)Metabolic syndromeCutting ultra-processed food

Carnivore Elimination Diet

by Shawn Baker, Paul Saladino, others

Evidence Score 38 · Limited evidence30-90 days elimination phase, some continue long-term
Elimination diet to identify food triggersAutoimmune symptoms (reported)IBS (reported)

Water Fasting (Longo, Fung)

by Jason Fung, Valter Longo

Evidence Score 52 · Mixed evidenceSet only with a licensed clinician
ObesityType 2 diabetes (with prescriber oversight)Metabolic health

Intermittent Fasting Protocols

by Multiple researchers and clinicians

Evidence Score 80 · Stronger evidenceOngoing lifestyle practice, benefits within weeks
Weight lossInsulin resistanceMetabolic health

Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD)

by Valter Longo

Evidence Score 66 · Mixed evidence5-day cycles monthly or quarterly
Metabolic healthWeight and waist reductionHealthy aging (early research)

Wim Hof Method

by Wim Hof

Evidence Score 55 · Mixed evidenceDaily practice, ongoing
StressInflammation (early research)EnergyCold tolerance

Buteyko Breathing

by Konstantin Buteyko

Evidence Score 65 · Mixed evidenceWeeks to months for significant CP increase, ongoing practice
Asthma (alongside prescribed medication)Anxiety and panicMouth breathing and snoring

Holotropic Breathwork

by Stanislav Grof

Evidence Score 32 · Limited evidenceIntensive workshops (1-3 days) or ongoing monthly sessions
Emotional processingSelf-explorationStress

Methylene Blue Protocol

by Various researchers (Francisco Gonzalez-Lima and others)

Evidence Score 35 · Limited evidenceDecided with your clinician
Memory and cognition (early research)Mitochondrial support (early research)

Iodine Protocol

by Guy Abraham, David Brownstein, others

Evidence Score 38 · Limited evidenceOngoing at food-level or label amounts; higher amounts only as set by your clinician
Iodine deficiencyThyroid support (with lab monitoring)Fibrocystic breast changes (early research)

Cholestyramine (Mold Detox)

by Ritchie Shoemaker

Evidence Score 40 · Limited evidenceUsually several months, as set by your clinician
Mold illness (CIRS)mycotoxin exposurebile toxin elimination

Disulfiram for Persistent Lyme Symptoms

by Kenneth Liegner, Brian Fallon

Evidence Score 22 · Limited evidenceSet by your clinician
Persistent symptoms after treated Lyme disease (early research)

High-Dose Vitamin D (Coimbra Protocol)

by Cicero Coimbra (Coimbra Protocol)

Evidence Score 35 · Limited evidenceOngoing only while monitored by your clinician
Multiple sclerosis (early research)Autoimmune disease (early research)

Mercury Safe Removal Recovery

by IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology)

Evidence Score 38 · Limited evidenceSeveral months of support, as agreed with your clinician
Mercury toxicity from amalgam removalchronic mercury exposure

Mold Detoxification Protocol

by Neil Nathan, Ritchie Shoemaker

Evidence Score 38 · Limited evidenceOften 4 to 12 months, depending on exposure
Mold illness (CIRS)mycotoxin exposurechronic inflammation

Parasite Cleanse Protocol

by Various naturopathic physicians

Evidence Score 36 · Limited evidence4 to 6 months total, including the healing phase
Intestinal parasitesblastocystis hominischronic digestive issues

Candida Elimination Protocol

by William Crook, Jeffrey McCombs

Evidence Score 38 · Limited evidence4 to 6 months, then maintenance
Candida overgrowththrushsystemic yeast issues

Lymphatic Drainage Protocol

by Bruno Chikly, C. Samuel West

Evidence Score 62 · Mixed evidenceOngoing practice, improvements in weeks to months
Lymphedema (as part of standard lymphedema care)SwellingGeneral well-being

Full Body Detox Protocol

by Various integrative practitioners

Evidence Score 35 · Limited evidence3 to 4 weeks per reset, once or twice a year
General wellness resetHealthier eating habitsSupporting natural detox pathways

EMF Detox & Protection Protocol

by Various environmental medicine practitioners

Evidence Score 22 · Limited evidenceOngoing habits
Reported EMF sensitivitySleep habitsReducing everyday exposure

Glyphosate/Pesticide Detox

by Stephanie Seneff, Zach Bush, various

Evidence Score 35 · Limited evidenceOngoing food choices; supplements for a few months if used
Lowering glyphosate and pesticide exposureGut health support (theory)

Female Hormone Balancing Protocol

by Aviva Romm, Sara Gottfried, others

Evidence Score 50 · Mixed evidence3 to 6 months to see hormonal shifts, with ongoing lifestyle habits
Estrogen dominanceprogesterone deficiencyPMSirregular cycles+1

Menopause Transition Protocol

by Christiane Northrup, Sara Gottfried, functional medicine

Evidence Score 64 · Mixed evidencePerimenopause often lasts 4 to 10 years, with ongoing adjustments after menopause
Perimenopausemenopause symptomshot flashesmood changes+1

PCOS Support Protocol

by Fiona McCulloch, functional medicine approaches

Evidence Score 66 · Mixed evidence3 to 6 months to see hormonal changes, then ongoing habits
PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)irregular periodshirsutisminfertility+1

Male Testosterone Optimization

by Abraham Morgentaler, Jay Campbell, functional medicine

Evidence Score 68 · Mixed evidenceNatural optimization 3 to 6 months; testosterone therapy is ongoing with monitoring
Low testosteroneandropauseerectile dysfunctionlow libido+1

Thyroid Optimization - Hashimoto's

by Izabella Wentz, Datis Kharrazian

Evidence Score 62 · Mixed evidence6 to 12 months to see antibody changes, then ongoing management
Hashimoto's thyroiditishypothyroidismautoimmune thyroid

Thyroid Optimization - Graves'/Hyperthyroid

by Elaine Moore, integrative endocrinologists

Evidence Score 54 · Mixed evidenceAntithyroid courses usually last 12 to 18 months; some people need longer management
Graves' diseasehyperthyroidismthyrotoxicosis

Adrenal Recovery Protocol (HPA Axis Restoration)

by James Wilson, Alan Christianson

Evidence Score 40 · Limited evidenceOften 3 to 12 months to feel steadier
Adrenal fatigueHPA axis dysfunctionchronic stressburnout+1

Estrogen Dominance Protocol

by John Lee, Sara Gottfried, functional medicine

Evidence Score 38 · Limited evidence3 to 6 months to see changes
Estrogen dominancePMSfibrocystic breastsheavy periods+1

Fertility Protocol - Female

by Marc Sklar, Aimee Raupp, Randine Lewis

Evidence Score 62 · Mixed evidence3 to 6 months of preconception preparation
Infertilitysubfertilitypreparing for conceptionIVF support

Fertility Protocol - Male

by Marc Sklar, male fertility specialists

Evidence Score 50 · Mixed evidence3 to 6 months (sperm mature over about 74 days)
Male infertilitylow sperm countpoor motilityabnormal morphology+1

Brain Fog & Cognitive Enhancement Protocol

by Various functional medicine, nootropic research

Evidence Score 52 · Mixed evidence2 to 4 weeks for first changes, about 3 months to judge the full effect
Brain fogcognitive declinememory issuesmental fatigue+1

Parkinson's Integrative Support

by Laurie Mischley, David Perlmutter

Evidence Score 52 · Mixed evidenceOngoing, alongside neurological care
Parkinson's disease

MS Integrative Support Protocol

by Terry Wahls, George Jelinek

Evidence Score 55 · Mixed evidenceLifelong, with many people noticing changes in energy and symptoms within 6 to 12 months
Multiple sclerosis

Neuropathy Recovery Protocol

by Various integrative neurologists

Evidence Score 62 · Mixed evidence3 to 12 months; nerves regrow slowly (about 1 mm a day)
Peripheral neuropathydiabetic neuropathy

Concussion/TBI Recovery Protocol

by Mark Gordon, Andrew Marr, functional medicine

Evidence Score 50 · Mixed evidenceMost concussions improve in 2 to 4 weeks; persistent symptoms can take 3 to 12 months
Concussiontraumatic brain injurypost-concussion syndrome

Alzheimer's Risk Reduction Protocol (Bredesen ReCODE)

by Dale Bredesen

Evidence Score 40 · Limited evidenceRisk reduction is lifelong; people with early symptoms often reassess after 6 to 12 months
Mild cognitive impairmentearly Alzheimer's diseaseAlzheimer's risk reduction

ADHD Natural Management - Adult

by Russell Barkley, functional medicine

Evidence Score 55 · Mixed evidence2 to 3 months to judge benefit, then ongoing
ADHD in adultsfocusexecutive function

ADHD Natural Management - Pediatric

by Sandy Newmark, Joel Nigg

Evidence Score 55 · Mixed evidence3 to 6 months to judge the full effect of diet, nutrient and routine changes
ADHD in childrenhyperactivityimpulsivityfocus issues

Heart Disease Risk Reduction Protocol

by Dean Ornish, Caldwell Esselstyn

Evidence Score 80 · Stronger evidenceLifelong habits. Lipid and blood pressure changes in weeks to months; imaging changes, if any, take a year or more
Coronary artery diseaseatherosclerosisafter a heart attack (alongside cardiac rehab and prescribed care)

Blood Pressure Optimization Protocol

by DASH diet researchers, integrative cardiology

Evidence Score 90 · Stronger evidence4 to 12 weeks to see the full effect of lifestyle changes
Hypertensionelevated blood pressure

Cholesterol Optimization Protocol

by Stephen Sinatra, Mark Houston, functional cardiology

Evidence Score 80 · Stronger evidence3 to 6 months to see lipid changes
High cholesterolhigh LDLlow HDLdyslipidemia

Long COVID Recovery Protocol

by Various long COVID clinics, integrative medicine

Evidence Score 40 · Limited evidenceHighly variable: many improve over 3 to 18 months, some longer
Long COVIDpost-acute sequelae of COVID-19PASC

Chronic EBV Reactivation Protocol

by Various integrative immunologists

Evidence Score 35 · Limited evidence6 to 12 months; some people need longer support with their clinician
Chronic EBVmononucleosis reactivationchronic fatigue

Lyme Disease Comprehensive Protocol

by ILADS, Richard Horowitz, integrative Lyme specialists

Evidence Score 40 · Limited evidenceWeeks for early Lyme; months for persistent symptoms, guided by your clinician
Lyme diseaseBorrelia burgdorferitick-borne infections

Immune System Rebuild Protocol

by Various oncology nutritionists, integrative medicine

Evidence Score 50 · Mixed evidence3 to 6 months for meaningful recovery; full immune recovery can take 1 to 2 years
Post-chemotherapypost-radiationimmunosuppression

Autoimmune Flare Management Protocol

by Various functional medicine, integrative rheumatology

Evidence Score 50 · Mixed evidence1 to 3 weeks to calm a flare, with your rheumatologist's plan
Autoimmune flareinflammatory flareacute exacerbation

Insulin Resistance Protocol

by Jason Fung, Benjamin Bikman, functional medicine

Evidence Score 78 · Stronger evidence3 to 6 months for meaningful improvement, with ongoing habits after that
Insulin resistancemetabolic syndromeprediabetes

Metabolic Syndrome Comprehensive Protocol

by Gerald Reaven, functional medicine

Evidence Score 90 · Stronger evidence6 to 12 months for meaningful improvement in all markers
Metabolic syndromesyndrome Xcardiometabolic disease

Ketogenic Therapy Protocol

by Various (Eric Westman, Dominic D'Agostino, therapeutic keto researchers)

Evidence Score 80 · Stronger evidenceAdaptation 2 to 4 weeks; benefits over 3 to 12 months; some continue long term
Type 2 diabetesobesitydrug-resistant epilepsy (with a neurologist)

Intermittent Fasting Clinical Protocol

by Jason Fung, Valter Longo, Satchin Panda

Evidence Score 68 · Mixed evidenceAdapt in 2 to 4 weeks; benefits within 4 to 12 weeks; ongoing lifestyle
Weight losstype 2 diabetesinsulin resistance

Weight Loss Resistance Protocol

by Sara Gottfried, Jade Teta, functional medicine

Evidence Score 50 · Mixed evidence3 to 6 months to address hormone and metabolic factors and see weight loss
Weight loss resistancemetabolic adaptationleptin resistance

Bone Health Protocol (Osteoporosis)

by Susan Brown, Keith McCormick, bone health specialists

Evidence Score 66 · Mixed evidence1 to 2 years to see changes on DEXA (bone remodels slowly), then ongoing
Osteoporosisosteopeniabone loss

Joint Recovery Protocol (RA/OA)

by Jason Theodosakis, integrative rheumatology

Evidence Score 66 · Mixed evidence3 to 6 months to judge OA changes; RA varies and needs ongoing care with a rheumatologist
Rheumatoid arthritisosteoarthritisjoint paininflammatory arthritis

Chronic Pain Management (Non-Opioid)

by Various pain specialists, integrative medicine

Evidence Score 66 · Mixed evidenceVaries widely: some people improve quickly, others need months of a combined approach
Chronic painfibromyalgiachronic back painneuropathic pain

Psoriasis Healing Protocol

by John Pagano, functional dermatology

Evidence Score 50 · Mixed evidence3 to 6 months to judge change, then ongoing
Psoriasisplaque psoriasispsoriatic arthritis

Eczema/Dermatitis Root Cause Protocol

by Various functional dermatology

Evidence Score 66 · Mixed evidence4 to 12 weeks to see change; flares are common and care is ongoing
Eczemaatopic dermatitiscontact dermatitis

Acne Clear Skin Protocol

by Various dermatologists, functional medicine

Evidence Score 52 · Mixed evidence2 to 4 months to judge change (skin renews over about a month, and most treatments need 8 to 12 weeks)
Acne vulgariscystic acnehormonal acne

Anti-Aging & Skin Regeneration Protocol

by Nicholas Perricone, integrative dermatology

Evidence Score 70 · Mixed evidence3 to 12 months to see change (collagen rebuilds slowly)
Skin agingwrinklessun damagecollagen loss

Pre-Surgery Optimization Protocol

by Various surgeons, integrative medicine

Evidence Score 80 · Stronger evidence2 to 4 weeks before surgery
Pre-operative preparationsurgical outcomeslowering complication risk

Post-Surgery Healing Protocol

by Various surgeons, integrative medicine

Evidence Score 64 · Mixed evidenceFirst 2 to 6 weeks after surgery, then until fully healed (scar care often continues for 2 to 3 months)
Post-operative recoverywound healinglowering complication risk

Radiation Support Protocol

by Various integrative oncology

Evidence Score 52 · Mixed evidenceDuring radiation (often 1 to 8 weeks) and 3 to 6 months after for healing, plus long-term follow-up
Radiation therapy side effectsradiation skin reactionslate radiation tissue injury

Depression Support Protocol (Integrative)

by Various integrative psychiatrists

Evidence Score 80 · Stronger evidence2 to 3 months for most lifestyle and supplement changes; some options (such as ketamine treatment) can act faster
Mild to moderate depressiondepression alongside prescribed treatment

Anxiety & Panic Protocol (Non-Benzo)

by Various integrative psychiatrists

Evidence Score 72 · Mixed evidence2 to 4 weeks for supplements; 8 to 12 weeks for therapy and lifestyle changes
Generalized anxiety disorderpanic disordersocial anxiety

PTSD & Trauma Recovery Protocol

by Bessel van der Kolk, Peter Levine, trauma specialists

Evidence Score 82 · Stronger evidence6 months to 2+ years depending on complexity
PTSDcomplex PTSDtrauma

Insomnia Protocol (CBT-I First)

by Matthew Walker, Michael Breus, sleep specialists

Evidence Score 85 · Stronger evidence4 to 8 weeks for CBT-I; some supplements may help sooner
Insomniasleep maintenance issuessleep onset delay

Chronic Lyme Herbal Protocol (Buhner Core)

by Stephen Harrod Buhner

Evidence Score 25 · Limited evidence8 to 24 months typically, per Buhner; some people need longer
Persistent symptoms after Lyme diseaseLyme coinfections (Babesia, Bartonella)

For education, not medical advice

The Evidence Score (0 to 100) rates the strength of evidence from studies in people for the uses listed: higher means stronger, more consistent research. It does not measure safety. Talk with a licensed clinician before you start a protocol, and never stop or change a prescribed medication without your prescriber. For a serious illness, integrative care goes alongside standard care, never instead of it.