The Herxheimer Reaction - Why You Can Feel Worse Before You Feel Better When You Detoxify

If given the choice, I would assume that the average person would want to get better as quickly and as painlessly as possible. Who wants to feel worse before they get better? Not I for one, but the reality for some people going through detoxification, their symptoms or other symptoms may get worse.

The Herxheimer Reaction is a reaction by the immune system in response to endotoxin or toxin release from microorganisms like fungus, parasites, viruses, bacteria, amoebas, rickettsia, protozoa, etc., when they die off. It is also a reaction from toxin release of any kind, like heavy metals, chemicals, pesticides, drugs etc.. 

Detoxification draws out these toxins from different parts of the body, especially fat cells, and the organs of elimination can be overburdened with trying to get rid of them fast enough. Some detoxification symptoms or Herxheimer Reactions include headaches, lethargy, muscle aches, mucus or other discharge, a coated pasty tongue, flu-like symptoms, irritability, difficulty sleeping, weakness, cravings, nausea, and skin eruptions. They can also be an exacerbation of present symptoms.

The Herxheimer Reaction is a normal healthy reaction that only a certain percentage of people going through detoxification experience. Some people experience this reaction in the beginning of detoxification, mid-point, or even at the end. There is no right or wrong either way. The problem with the Herxheimer Reaction is that a person going through it may think that something is actually wrong, or that they are allergic to a particular supplement. They may think that they should stop their detoxification protocol because they are feeling worse or new symptoms have arisen. Actually, it is the opposite, unfortunately the best thing to do is to ride it out as it changes as time goes on.

When the body is not going through detoxification and it is overburdened by a microorganism, the normal healthy reaction is to produce a fever that helps to leech calcium from the bones, for the white blood cells and the immune system to get rid of the offending microorganism.  Most people think that a fever is bad, and run to pop a Tylenol to bring their fever down. In actuality, a moderate fever is a good thing (under 105) and helps the body to fight off whatever it needs to. The body has a natural mechanism to get rid of the bad guys, but this mechanism interferes with our ability to work and carry on with our regular daily activities, so we want to get rid of it as fast as possible.  

Fortunately, the specificity of muscle testing allows for the Herxheimer Reaction to be limited and reduced, but if someone has a severe reaction and they are not comfortable going through it, sometimes their supplement dosage can be reduced until they are feeling better. There are certain things that may help a person going through a Herxheimer Reaction:

• Make sure that you are drinking plenty of water, at least half your body weight in ounces.
• Take baths; put in one cup sea salt, one cup Epsom salt, and one small box baking soda. You can also add essential oils like lavender, and bergamot to the bath, which helps to balance the mind and nervous system.
• Rest and sleep as much as possible, don’t push yourself too hard.
• Try to do gentle yoga or stretching to facilitate the movement of toxins. If you feel too tired to exercise the way you are accustomed to, it is recommended to cut down your workout intensity, remember it is only for a short period of time.
• Get lymphatic drainage massage, chiropractic, acupuncture, body work, or energy work to help the body move the toxins out.
• Spend time in nature, even if it is a New York City park, being around trees and nature has proven to speed up healing.
• Eat and drink very cleanly, with organic fruits and vegetables. Pesticides on fruits and veggies will make the liver and the organs of elimination have to work even harder. Avoid alcohol, during this time as much as possible, the less work the liver has to do the happier it will be. 

Dr. Louis Granirer

NYC Chiropractor

http://www.holisticchiropracticcenter.com