The
Herxheimer Reaction - Feeling worse before feeling better
The
Herxheimer Reaction is a short-term (from days to a few weeks)
detoxification reaction in the body. As the body detoxifies, it is
not uncommon to experience flu-like symptoms including headache,
joint and muscle pain, body aches, sore throat, general malaise,
sweating, chills, nausea or other symptoms.
This
is a normal — and even healthy — reaction that indicates that
parasites, fungus, viruses, bacteria or other pathogens are being
effectively killed off. The biggest problem with the Herxheimer
reaction is that people stop taking the supplement or diet that
is causing the reaction, and thus discontinue the very treatment that
is helping to make them better. Although the experience may not make
you feel
particularly good, the Herxheimer Reaction is actually a sign that
healing is taking place.
What
Is The Herxheimer Reaction?
The
Herxheimer Reaction is an immune system reaction to the toxins
(endotoxins) that are released when large amounts of pathogens are
being killed off, and the body does not eliminate the toxins quickly
enough. Simply stated, it is a reaction that occurs when the body is
detoxifying and the released toxins either exacerbate the symptoms
being treated or create their own symptoms. The important thing to
note is that worsening symptoms do not indicate failure of the
treatment in question; in fact, usually just the opposite.
The
Herxheimer reaction is caused by the release of toxic chemicals
(endotoxins) released from the cell walls of dying bacteria due to
effective treatment. The Herxheimer Reaction is well recognized in
medical circles and is certainly not confined to the world of natural
medicine or supplements. IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE HOWEVER, TO COMMUNICATE ALL REACTIONS TO YOUR PRACTITIONER so he/she can determine if symptoms are, in fact, detox.
Enzymes/Diet & The Herxheimer Reaction
Herxheimer
reactions in response to Enzyme Therapy AND to diet changs can occur
as the body adjusts to the die-off process and responds to the
increased load on the lymphatic system – particularly in cases of
systemic and chronic conditions and/or severe infections.
The
most common Herxheimer reactions:
- Headache
- Flu-like symptoms
- Itch and rashes
- Flushes
- Fatigue/Irritability
Usually,
the reaction lasts a few days. In more severe cases, reactions can
last a week or more.
Users
of Digestive Enzymes who take the product may also experience die-off
symptoms, such as headache and irritability. One may also feel immediately worse for a
few hours or a day before starting to feel relief.
Herx
reactions vary widely, depending on many factors, including the
general health of the individual, the condition being treated, the
degree of toxicity that exists in the body, the frequency and dosage
of enzymes taken, and the support the body is provided in eliminating
the toxins as rapidly as possible. Although this article focuses on
the Herxheimer reaction, please keep in mind that not all users of
enzymes will experience a Herx reaction. However, it is important to
be aware of the possibility and to understand that it is a symptom of
healing,
so that enzyme users and changers of diet do not become discouraged if symptoms
temporarily worsen. REMEMBER: Detox reactions are actually
a sign that the body is restoring itself to good health.
Time
Frames
There
is differing data on the timing of a Herxheimer reaction. Some data
indicates that it usually occurs between four and 24 hours from the
onset of treatment. Others note that between Day 3 and Day 5 of a
treatment program is often when the reaction is most noticeable. What
appears to be most accurate is that reaction times -- and
indeed whether there will be any reaction at all
-- are strictly dependent on the individual being treated. Duration
of the reaction also varies widely, from an hour or a few hours to
days or even a few weeks.
What
To Do In The Event of a Herxheimer Reaction
If
the reaction is mild enough that it can be borne without grave
discomfort, the best approach is to continue treatment and assist the
body in eliminating the toxins as quickly and as thoroughly as
possible by the methods below.
If
the reaction is too severe, cutting back on the enzyme dosage or frequency
of use can be very helpful in lessening symptoms but allowing the
healing process to continue. Sometimes stopping for a day or so and
then beginning again at a lesser dosage can allow for quick relief. PLEASE SEEK OUT A TRAINED PRACTITIONER IN ENZYME THERAPY for guidance.
The
best assistance for the body is drinking plenty of distilled water
(a half gallon a day is recommended).
Other
helpful suggestions include:
- Getting plenty of sunshine
- Minimizing exercise for the detox period
- Keeping the organs of elimination (the bowels, lungs, skin, kidneys, lymph) functioning properly
- Keeping the diet relatively pure during the detox period so that the body is not loaded with additional chemicals and toxins to eliminate while it is already working hard.
- Taking sea salt baths and/ or steam baths and saunas, plus liver and elimination system supports can also be helpful, though any herbal supplements should be kept to a minimum and should be very mild and gentle in nature.
- Epsom and/or Himalayan Salt Baths
- Baking Soda Baths
- COMMUNICATION w/ your practitioner to let him/her know so appropriate methods and/or additional support can be used
Conclusion
The
most important advice in relation to Enzyme Therapy as well as any
Elimination Diet and the Herxheimer reaction is to “bear with the
process”. The reaction is usually over within a few days and is
well worth the cleansing and healing results. Plus, it is a sure sign
that the program is doing its job and working to help restore your
body to natural health!
Warning:
Any serious
symptoms such as cardiac irregularity; breathing difficulties; chest,
lung or throat constriction; significant swelling; or other severe
symptoms should be given immediate medical attention.
