HERXHEIMER REACTION: What to Expect

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.