You’ve probably seen the clips or read the headlines by now. Dr. Peter McCullough, once a highly respected cardiologist at Baylor University Medical Center, has become a lightning rod for controversy. Why? Because he’s laser-focused on one thing: the spike protein.
He argues that this specific part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus—and the protein produced by mRNA vaccines—isn't just a temporary visitor in your body. He claims it sticks around, causing "spikeopathy," a term he uses to describe a range of inflammatory and cardiovascular issues.
Is he right? Well, it’s complicated.
The Peter McCullough Spike Protein Theory Explained
Basically, McCullough’s core argument is that the spike protein is a "toxin." In his view, whether you get it from the actual virus or through a vaccine, your body might not be clearing it out as fast as we were told.
He points to studies—some of his own and others from researchers like Dr. Akiko Iwasaki at Yale—showing that spike protein can sometimes be detected in the blood months or even years after exposure. For most people, the body cleans house. But for a subset of the population, McCullough believes this protein lingers in the heart, brain, and other organs.
Honestly, this is where the medical community splits. Mainstream health organizations like the CDC and EMA maintain that the protein produced by vaccines is "transitory" and harmlessly broken down. McCullough isn't buying it. He cites autopsy reports where spike protein was stained in heart tissue as evidence that we need a way to get it out.
What is "Spikeopathy"?
It’s a word you’ll hear a lot in McCullough’s circles. It refers to the pathological effects of the spike protein itself. According to his research, the protein can:
- Trigger microclots that aren't easily dissolved by the body’s natural processes.
- Cause inflammation in the lining of the blood vessels (endotheliitis).
- Lead to "subclinical myocarditis," which is heart inflammation that might not show symptoms right away but could cause trouble later.
The "Base Spike Detoxification" Protocol
So, what does he suggest doing about it? If you follow his work, you know he’s a big fan of a specific over-the-counter regimen. He calls it the Base Spike Detoxification (BSD) protocol.
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It’s not some secret pharmaceutical drug. It’s a trio of natural supplements. He claims these three things work together to "degrade" the protein and thin out any tiny clots.
- Nattokinase: 2000 FU (100 mg) twice daily. This is an enzyme from fermented soy (natto). It’s been used in Japan for ages to support heart health. McCullough says it actually "chews up" the spike protein in a test tube.
- Bromelain: 500 mg once daily. Derived from pineapple stems. It’s an enzyme known for reducing swelling and inflammation.
- Curcumin: 500 mg twice daily. The active ingredient in turmeric. It’s a heavy hitter for calming down the "cytokine storm" or general systemic inflammation.
He usually recommends people stay on this for three to twelve months. But here’s the kicker: it’s not for everyone. Nattokinase and Bromelain can thin your blood. If you’re already on Eliquis or Warfarin, or if you have a bleeding disorder, jumping into this without a doctor’s supervision is, quite frankly, a bad idea.
Does it actually work?
The science is still "in vitro" for the most part. That means it works in a petri dish. We don’t have massive, double-blind, placebo-controlled human trials proving that swallowing nattokinase clears spike protein from your heart valves. McCullough admits this, but he argues that since the supplements have a long safety record, it’s worth the "clinical trial of one" for patients who feel like they haven't been right since 2021.
Why the Medical Establishment Revoked His Certifications
You can’t talk about Peter McCullough and the spike protein without mentioning that he’s basically an outcast in the halls of "Big Medicine." In early 2025, the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) officially revoked his certifications.
They didn't do it because he was a bad doctor to his patients. They did it because they claim he spread "misinformation."
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He’s been accused of:
- Overstating the risks of the vaccines.
- Promoting "unproven" treatments like Ivermectin and Hydroxychloroquine early in the pandemic.
- Claiming that the pandemic was "planned."
McCullough sees himself as a whistleblower. The ABIM sees him as a danger to public health. It’s a messy, high-stakes divorce between a highly published expert and the institutions that once praised him.
The Reality of Spike Protein Persistence
Is there any truth to the idea that spike proteins stick around?
Actually, yes. Recent data from 2025 and 2026 has started to show that "Long COVID" and "Post-Vaccination Syndrome" might share a common denominator: persistent viral debris. A study published in Nature or discussed at Yale (the LISTEN study) found spike protein in some patients over 700 days after their last shot.
The mainstream explanation is that this is rare. McCullough’s explanation is that it’s the root cause of the "excess deaths" we’ve seen in the last few years.
What You Should Actually Do
If you’re worried about spike protein, don't just start dumping supplements into your morning smoothie because a guy on the internet said so.
First, get a baseline. If you're experiencing chest pain, palpitations, or "brain fog," see a cardiologist who is open to discussing these issues. Ask for a high-sensitivity Troponin test or a Cardiac MRI if you’re worried about heart inflammation.
Second, look at the risks of the "detox" itself. Nattokinase is powerful. It can interact with everything from aspirin to blood pressure meds.
Third, focus on the basics. No amount of nattokinase will fix a diet high in processed seed oils and sugar, which already cause the very inflammation McCullough is trying to treat.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Consult a provider: Find a doctor who understands the BSD protocol but isn't a "yes man." You want someone to monitor your blood clotting factors (PT/INR) if you start nattokinase.
- Check your labs: Ask for a D-Dimer test (to look for clotting) and a C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test to measure systemic inflammation.
- Start slow: If you and your doctor decide to try the McCullough protocol, start with one supplement at a time to make sure you don't have an allergic reaction to things like Bromelain (which is common for people with pineapple or latex allergies).
- Verify the source: Only buy "professional grade" supplements. The supplement industry is notoriously unregulated; you want products that are third-party tested for purity.
The conversation around Peter McCullough and the spike protein isn't going away. Whether he's a visionary or a fringe theorist depends on which data set you look at, but for the person sitting at home feeling unwell, the focus should always be on cautious, evidence-based recovery.