Evidence shows only a few methods lower blood levels. Learn what works, what doesn’t, how long it takes, and how to cut future exposure.
TL;DR
- You cannot quickly “detox” PFAS. Many have half-lives of years.
- Proven way to lower serum PFAS: routine plasma or blood donation in eligible adults.
- Bile-acid sequestrants (e.g., cholestyramine) show signal in small human reports and animal studies, but clinical guidance is cautious. Use only under clinician oversight.
- Sauna, sweat, “binders,” charcoal, herbs, chelation: no clinical evidence to clear PFAS from blood.
- Best lever is exposure reduction: water filtration certified for PFAS, product choices, and food/water testing where relevant.
What PFAS Are and Why They Persist
PFAS are protein-binding fluorinated chemicals used for water, stain, and grease resistance. Unlike many pollutants, they do not store mainly in fat; they circulate bound to blood proteins and clear slowly via kidneys and bile.
Typical human half-lives (approx.)
- PFOA: ~2–4+ years
- PFOS: ~5–6+ years
- PFHxS: ~8–9+ years
Short-chain PFAS clear faster, but can still be recurrently replaced by ongoing exposure.
What Actually Lowers PFAS in People
1) Blood or plasma donation
A randomized clinical trial in firefighters showed significant serum PFAS reductions over 12 months. Plasma donation lowered PFAS more than whole-blood donation. Eligibility and donation frequency limits apply; discuss with a clinician if you have anemia, low body weight, pregnancy, or chronic illness.
Use when: You are eligible to donate and want a practical, low-risk way to reduce serum PFAS over time.
Avoid when: Ineligible to donate or advised against by your clinician.
2) Bile-acid sequestrants (emerging, supervised only)
Cholestyramine and similar resins may enhance fecal elimination of some PFAS by interrupting enterohepatic recirculation. Evidence includes small human case series and recent animal data; robust randomized human trials are limited. Side effects: constipation, GI upset, interference with absorption of drugs and fat-soluble vitamins.
Use when: Consider only with a clinician who can weigh risks, drug interactions, and monitor lipids/vitamins.
Avoid when: Self-directed “detox.” Not a first-line population strategy.
What Does Not Have Evidence
- Sauna/sweating: Detection of PFAS in sweat does not translate to meaningful blood clearance.
- Activated charcoal, “binders,” chlorella, liver cleanses, chelation: No clinical data showing reduced blood PFAS in humans. Some may carry risks or block medication absorption.
- Crash diets or aggressive fasting: No evidence of PFAS clearance and potential health risks.
Should You Get a PFAS Blood Test?
Testing can document exposure, but it does not diagnose disease. U.S. clinical guidance suggests testing if you likely had elevated exposure (contaminated water, certain jobs). Elevated results may trigger age-appropriate screening for conditions linked to PFAS exposure (e.g., lipid panel, thyroid function), per clinician judgment. Discuss pros, cons, and insurance coverage first.
How to Reduce Future Exposure (Highest Leverage)
- Water: Use a certified filter (e.g., NSF listings for PFAS reduction). Maintain and replace on schedule. Test private wells.
- Food & kitchen: Prefer fresh and minimally packaged foods. Avoid older or damaged nonstick cookware.
- Products: Choose items labeled “no intentionally added PFAS,” especially for textiles, outdoor gear, cosmetics, and food packaging where bans phase in unevenly.
- Home & hobbies: Be careful with stain-repellent sprays, ski waxes, water-proofers, and specialty lubricants.
- Workplaces: Follow exposure controls and PPE where PFAS are used or remediated.
FAQs
How fast can I clear PFAS?
Slow. Think in years, not weeks. Reducing ongoing exposure plus eligible blood/plasma donation offers the most practical path.
Does weight loss release PFAS?
PFAS are largely protein-bound, not fat-stored. No evidence that fat loss meaningfully lowers PFAS burden.
Is breastfeeding a “detox” for the mother?
Breastfeeding can lower maternal serum levels by transferring PFAS to the infant. It is not an ethical or recommended “detox” method. Breastfeeding decisions should prioritize infant and maternal health, not chemical clearance.
Are new “short-chain” PFAS safer?
They often clear faster but may still pose risks. Data remain limited. Avoid unnecessary exposure.
Practical Plan You Can Start Today
- Install and maintain a PFAS-rated water filter.
- Audit common sources at home and swap to PFAS-free alternatives.
- If eligible, schedule regular blood or plasma donation.
- Talk to your clinician before considering bile-acid sequestrants; do not self-medicate.
- Keep general health optimized: lipids, thyroid checks as advised, balanced diet, adequate fiber, limited alcohol.
Bottom Line
You cannot rapidly purge PFAS. Evidence supports exposure reduction plus eligible blood/plasma donation to lower serum levels. Medication approaches are investigational and should be supervised. Ignore “detox” marketing; stick to interventions with data.
Sources
- ATSDR. PFAS Information for Clinicians (2024 update) and Toxicological Profile.
- National Academies (NASEM). Guidance on PFAS Exposure, Testing, and Clinical Follow-Up (2022).
- Gasiorowski R, et al. Effect of Plasma and Blood Donations on Levels of PFAS (RCT, JAMA Network Open, 2022).
- Genuis SJ, et al. Gastrointestinal Elimination of Perfluorinated Compounds by Cholestyramine (2013) and related case reports.
- Møller JJ, et al. Cholestyramine reduces PFOS in rats (2024).
- ATSDR. Human Exposure: PFAS Information for Clinicians and PFAS ToxGuide (half-lives).
- EPA. Meaningful and Achievable Steps to Reduce Your Risk from PFAS (2024).
- Cserbik D, et al. Human exposure to PFAS and effectiveness of carbon filters for water (2023).
- Blomberg AJ, et al.; Timmermann A, et al. PFAS and breastfeeding dynamics (2023) and related literature.
(Full citations available on request.)
[…] you’re concerned about how PFAS exposure might already affect you, our science-based guide to PFAS removal from the body explains what current research […]