Herxheimer reaction

disclaimer

Herxheimer reaction is the process of an overload on the excretory systems primarily the kidneys, liver, lungs and skin. (1) This is caused by an excess of poison or toxins that overload the system. This process called herxheimer reaction is very problematic and must be given careful attention. It occurs when one takes an antibiotic or natural compound to treat candida, lyme, infections and parasites. Its symptoms are the same as the initial disease or problem being treated but immensely pronounced. It is often described as flue like symptoms. Headaches, brain fog and the symptoms of the disease will become pronounced.

When one first experiences herxheimer reaction they are likely to assume it is a separate disease and attempt to treat it or discontinue any recent treatments. It is simply the result of the new treatment killing the toxins faster than the excretory system is able to handle it. This leads to a build up of the toxins, bacteria, or die off of parasites at a greater rate than the excretory system can remove from your body. .

Many experts recommend that one discontinue the treatment until the body normalizes, then resume at a lower dose. Continuing this process until the symptoms are manageable, then gradually resume the prescribed dose. Because the excretory system balance is controlled by water, salts and nutrients it is suggested to increase at least the water and salt intake to help flush the toxins out of your body.

Caution: Herxheimer reaction's biggest action is often in the brain so be sure you pay special attention to your mental symptoms and do not push it too hard.

Keep in mind this reaction is a necessary process to eliminate the deadly toxins, bacteria or parasites in your body.

Wikipedia: "The Herxheimer reaction (also known as Jarisch-Herxheimer or herx) occurs when large quantities of toxins are released into the body as bacteria (typically Spirochetal bacteria) die, due to antibiotic treatment. Typically the death of these bacteria and the associated release of endotoxins occurs faster than the body can remove the toxins via the natural detoxification process performed by the kidneys and liver. It is manifested by fever, chills, headache, myalgias, and exacerbation of cutaneous lesions. Duration in syphilis is normally only a few hours but can be much longer in other diseases. The intensity of the reaction reflects the intensity of inflammation present. The Herxheimer reaction has shown an increase in inflammatory cytokines during the period of exacerbation, including tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6 and interleukin-8.[1][2]" (2)

"...It is a phenomena that results when there is an intensification of the disease symptoms and often an expansion of similar symptoms to other places all of a temporary nature, after which the patient is improved or well. Often it appears to some as if they have the flu, and so is described as "the patient having flu-like symptoms." "Flu-like symptoms" is an over-simplification of what happens in varying cases and with varying patients..." (3)

"Don't try to suffer through the herx. Herxheimer reactions can be very serious. When I herx, I quit taking my abx until I feel better...then I start again. Stopping the abx for a few days or so will not put you behind. A lot of Lyme sufferers have found that this works best. Some people even take their abx every other day. Whatever works the best for you is what you should do." (4)