So, in the last few days I have been shockingly reminded of how bad I could feel. In fact, I had made significant progress over the past several months since having my mercury amalgams removed. I was on the road to recovery and enjoyed the benefits. I was able to do activities that were once too much for me to even think about. That was until today! Boy, what a rude awakening. Last night I went to sleep with a headache. I could barely think or do anything. I was watching a movie, not really looking at it, as if I was hypnotized. I couldn’t work. My head ached and I was very tired. I fell asleep just as I went to bed that night. During the night I woke up about 5 or 6 times to go to the bathroom. Every time I had a headache, I was dizzy and parched. I probably drank 1/4 gallon at night alone. His mouth was cotton like you couldn’t believe it. I felt my heart beat out of my chest. Just walking to the bathroom took my breath away. Every time I woke up I was covered in sweat with a dull roar of nausea. Several times I swear to you that I was about to fly to pieces. I was in and out of my weird sleep state every 2 hours or so. It was horrible. I had the craziest dreams/nightmares, and not just one, but a few. It was weird. The next morning I woke up with a massive headache and feeling dizzy. I did my daily routine and started eating breakfast. Halfway through I got nauseous and stopped eating. I felt sick. I headed to work. When I walked in I was breathing like I had just run a marathon. During the morning I urinated almost 6 times. I did not do any work. It was hell on earth once again. Back to my old ways.

I began to think “what could have triggered such a sudden onset of feeling so bad?” So then I fallen in reason. I had just started a regiment of Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) 3 days prior to improve my skin and kill off some Candida that I had let take over while I cut back on my low carb diet. diet (I love potatoes). “Uhh…” I thought. I was having a Herxheimer reaction, dieback or herx. And it was a bad one. I haven’t had one in a long, long time, so I guess it was due. I started taking too much MSM (0 grams a day to 2 grams a day). I didn’t even think about going gradually. I got a little arrogant, I guess. Regardless, I’m writing this to share the effects of extinction and the symptoms they produce, so you know what to expect when introducing new natural supplements to your daily regimen.

The Herxheimer reaction is the release of endotoxins after the death of a large number of bacterial, fungal, or parasitic organisms. During a herx. the amount of endotoxin released far exceeds the body’s detoxification capabilities, resulting in “fever, chills, chills, hypotension, headache, tachycardia, hyperventilation, vasodilation with flushing, myalgia (muscle pain), and exacerbation of skin lesions” . This sounds so familiar, especially the tachycardia that was really freaking me out. My heart was probably at 120 BPM while I was sleeping!

When you start experiencing a herx. reaction should immediately begin a detoxification protocol. Actually, if you plan correctly, you may be able to completely eliminate herx. reaction of your healing process. If you start detoxing before adding a new supplement, that could kill off a whole host of pathogens, which may be safe from a herx. reaction. If you gradually increase the dose of your new supplement, you can also be safe from a herx. Personally, I feel that herx feeling. sometimes it’s a good thing, reminding you that the new supplement is actually doing what it’s supposed to do. It is a blessing in disguise.

You can expect a herx. To last from a couple of days to a few weeks. They should not be felt for more than 2 weeks, however in some extreme cases this can happen. I’ve only had a few that last more than 3 days. Generally, when you start to feel a withdrawal reaction, you should decrease the dose to a lower amount until the symptoms are more manageable. Once symptoms begin to subside, you can increase the anti and take more of the supplement, eventually reaching your desired dose.

A good way to help your body eliminate endotoxins is sweat, water, and vitamin c. Make sure you drink about a gallon of water a day. Take a detox bath at night before bed. This bath includes 2 cups of Epsom salt and 1 cup of baking soda. You can add a little lemon or lavender if you feel the need for a little aromatherapy (it always helps). Don’t make it too hot because this will add more load to your body. Soak in this solution for 30 minutes. When you go out, drink plenty of fluids and then go straight to bed. In most cases, you will be so tired that it will be difficult for you to get to bed. Also, be sure to get plenty of vitamin C and antioxidants throughout the day. Taking 1 gram of vitamin C every few hours is a good idea. This will help your liver remove toxins. Don’t forget to take your daily dose of milk thistle to support your natural biological filters. Remember to eat healthy and avoid sugars and caffeine. Get plenty of fresh, natural air. Go for a walk; try to keep your mind off the symptoms. Thinking about it only makes it worse. I would not suggest pain relievers or over the counter medications during a herx. These just plug your natural detoxes and make things worse.

In general, a Herx reaction can be very painful and discouraging, especially if it comes out of nowhere like the last one did. It can make you feel very bad for several days and affect your emotions and mental progress. Keep in mind that it is only temporary and that there is light at the end of the tunnel. When you get there, the bluest of blue skies will be revealed. You will feel clearer and pain free. It’s a nice surprise. Your energy will improve, your brain fog will calm down, and your overall sense of well-being will be greatly improved.