Have you ever started a new supplement regimen to only realize you actually feel worse rather than better?
It’s likely that you are not allergic to the product. Some people may initially experience signs of detoxification when beginning a new supplement. These symptoms aren’t very pleasant.
The good news is that they are actually signs that the supplement is working. It’s also a great realization that these aches, pains and other detox symptoms are only temporary—they usually last a few weeks, at most.
Common supplements to cause a herx response include beginning a new probiotic, methylated B vitamins, herbs that naturally kill bacteria and organisms, such as licorice root, dandelion, red clover, wormwood, turmeric, DIM and many more.
Even making positive changes to your eating habits such as removing sugar and refined carbohydrates (which feeds yeast, mold, bacteria and parasites) can throw you into detox.
Detox symptoms are sometimes called “herx” after Jarisch–Herxheimer, the two physicians who discovered these symptoms. Herx reaction is caused by toxins released in the body when microorganisms “die off.” Of course, you want them dead! The issue lies in the fact that as they are dying, these organisms are releasing toxins into your system at rapid levels. The more bacteria, mold, fungus, parasites, etc. that die, the likelihood of increased severity of detox symptoms.
How do you know you’re experiencing Herx or Detox Symptoms? Here’s a list of possible symptoms:
Mood swings
Flu-like symptoms
Fatigue
Body aches/pains (joint and muscle)
Fever and chills
Sinus drainage
Cough
Headaches
Skin rashes/acne
Mood swings/anxiety/depression
Constipation/diarrhea
GI upset (gas, bloating, pain, heartburn)
Muscle weakness
Blood pressure fluctuations
Brain fog
Sore throat
Itchy skin
Carb and sugar cravings
Irritability
Nausea
Sleep disturbances
If you’ve recently started a new supplement regimen and are experiencing detox symptoms, here is a list of suggestions that may help ease the process:
1. Decrease the Dosage:
One possible way to reduce the side effects is to reduce the dosage. Start with a couple days off the supplement, then begin again at a lower amount. If you were taking 2 capsules daily, for example, try taking only 1 per day. As your body becomes accustomed to the lower dosage, then you can slowly increase the dosage to higher levels.
Keep in mind that all Pure TheraPro Rx capsules may be easily pulled apart and a portion of the contents can be mixed into applesauce, a smoothie or juice and taken that way. So, if you are only taking 1 capsule a day vs 2 and are still experiencing discomfort, you can reduce the dose and adjust accordingly by opening the capsules.
2. Stay Hydrated
Water should help with all the side effects. Increase your water intake when you are detoxing. When your body doesn’t have enough water, your kidneys cannot effectively rid your system of toxins. Not staying hydrated may increase detox symptoms and delay the detoxification process.
3. Give your Body Time to Adjust
Taking supplements such as probiotics and detoxifying herbs can kill tons of bad bacteria, which can shock the system. Think of it as a war of good and evil happening inside you—and you are winning. Die off and eliminating the resulting endotoxins takes time, however, so be patient and allow your body the ability to rest. Be gentle. Avoid stress, if possible. Be sure to get adequate sleep.
Assuming the adverse effect is relatively minor and does not persist for more than 14 days, then you should be celebrating these side effects! You're killing off the very stuff that has been making you feel ill for years! IF your symptoms continue for more than a few weeks after reducing the dosage and in spite of drinking enough water, stop taking the supplement. It may be wise to consult your health care practitioner. If you have signs of a true allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. - Please get emergency medical help Immediately! These reactions, however, are rare.
4. Exercise: Sweating helps remove toxins, so engage in physical activity, if possible. Stick with cardiovascular and restorative exercise, such as yoga. Even walking will help move toxins more readily from your system. Increased heartbeat and respiratory function help to detoxify. Deep breathing due to increased oxygen levels detoxifies your system. Every time you exhale, you are ridding the body of waste through carbon dioxide. Every time you inhale, you are filling your lungs with oxygen that gets transported via your bloodstream to detoxifying organs such as your liver, colon and kidneys as well as your lymphatic system.
5. Supplement with Magnesium: Magnesium sulfate or Epsom salts help the body to detoxify.These minerals help draw toxins out of the body and speed up the detoxification process,They also help to remineralize and balance the body, which you need when faced with the stress of detoxing. Take Epsom salt baths.
Magnesium is responsible for over 300 bodily functions, including supporting a healthy immune system. Magnesium stimulates cell activity, which helps to readily remove toxins. Magnesium Malate is crucial for detoxing heavy metals—lead and aluminum—from the system. Most people today are magnesium-deficient, so it's important to supplement. Magnesium may also help with aches, pains and insomnia caused by die-off.
Our Optimum Magnesium contains:
Magnesium Lysyl Glycinate Chelate, a mineral amino acid chelate delivers a complex with higher absorption rates. Since the body can efficiently absorb dipeptides (two amino acids linked together), Albion’s TRAACS® magnesium lysyl glycinate is an optimum delivery system for magnesium.
Di-Magnesium Malate, contains 69% malate (malic acid). Malic acid is utilized as it enhances magnesium. Magnesium and malate play crucial roles in energy production under aerobic conditions or when decreased oxygen levels are present. Malic acid is known to show protective benefits by binding aluminum.
6. Support your Liver: Your liver is your detoxing powerhouse, so be sure to support it when experiencing herx symptoms. Herbs such as milk thistle help optimize liver function. Essential nutrients such as selenium and molybdenum help upregulate glutathione, the master antioxidant.
Our Liposomal Liver Detox + is an advanced detoxification formula featuring milk thistle phytosome – 30:1 extract standardized to contain 80% silymarin with a combination of artichoke extract, taurine, ALA and patented acetylated glutathione (Emothion) – all playing a significant role in detoxification and antioxidant support.
Sources:
https://www.galaxydx.com/what-is-herxing-lyme-disease/
https://bellalindemann.com/blog/pathogen-parasite-die-off-symptoms
https://www.healthline.com/health/body/candida-die-off#symptoms
https://www.jillcarnahan.com/2012/11/17/tips-for-dealing-with-herxheimer-or-die-off-reactions/
https://www.alimillerrd.com/coping-with-a-candida-cleanse/
https://expand-a-lung.com/how-to-breathe-deeply-to-detox-the-body/
http://www.nutritionalmagnesium.org/magnesium-and-detoxification/