The Herxheimer Reaction - Feeling worse before feeling better

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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 medication 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.

 

A Rose By Any Other Name

 

Technically known as the Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction, this syndrome

goes by many names, including JHR, the Herxheimer Effect, the

Herxheimer Response, a Herx Reaction, Herx or Herks. The most common

terminology used is the Herxheimer Reaction. It is also often referred

to as a healing crisis, a detox reaction, or die-off syndrome.

 

History

 

The phenomenon was first described by Adolf Jarisch (1860-1902)

working in Vienna, Austria, and a few years later by Karl Herxheimer

(1861-1942), working in Frankfort, Germany. Both doctors were

dermatologists mainly treating syphilitic lesions of the skin. They

noticed that in response to treatment, many patients developed not

only fever, perspiration, night sweats, nausea and vomiting, but their

skin lesions became larger and more inflamed before settling down and

healing. Interestingly, they found that those who had the most extreme

reactions healed the best and fastest. The patient might be ill for

2-3 days, but then their lesions resolved.

 

A Medical Example

 

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.

 

For example, a recent study report (Feb '04) on the treatment of

Sarcoidosis found that, " . . . without exception, the improving

patients are reporting periodic aggravation of their symptoms as an

apparent direct response to the antibiotics. In other words, these

patients say that their treatment makes them feel much worse before

they experience symptom-relief. " The abstract of the study goes on to

say, " This phenomenon is known as the Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction

(JHR) and is often referred to informally as Herx. JHR is believed to

be caused when injured or dead bacteria release their endotoxins into

blood and tissues faster than the body can comfortably handle it. . .

. This provokes a sudden and exaggerated inflammatory response . . .

.. In Sarcoidosis patients, the Herxheimer reaction seems to be a

valuable indication that an antibiotic is reaching its target. "

 

In the conclusion, the author states: " In my work with Sarcoidosis

patients, it is my experience that recovering MP patients understand

and welcome the Herxheimer reactions even when they must endure

temporary increased suffering. They accept it as the price that they

must pay in order to get well and they even seem to find it gratifying

to experience tangible evidence of bacterial elimination. "

 

Colloidal Silver & The Herxheimer Reaction

 

Herxheimer reactions in response to Colloidal Silver 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 for users of Colloidal Silver are:

• Headache

• Flu-like symptoms

• Itch and rashes

• Flushes

 

Usually, the reaction lasts a few days. In more severe cases,

reactions can last a week or more.

 

In most cases, the reaction tends to be mild and barely noticeable,

but there are exceptions, particularly in cases of severe infection.

Certain conditions, such as Multiple Sclerosis, Lyme Disease and other

spirochetical illnesses can engender noticeable Herx Reactions as the

disease-causing pathogens are killed off. Users of Colloidal Silver

who take the product for Hepatitis may also experience die-off

symptoms, such as headache. Those inhaling silver to treat lung and

sinus infection 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 Colloidal Silver taken, and the support the body is provided in

eliminating the toxins as rapidly as possible. Method of use is also

factor. For example, applications that allow concentrated dosages of

Colloidal Silver to come in direct contact with the source of

infection are more likely to result in a die-off reaction than oral use.

 

Although this article focuses on the Herxheimer reaction, please keep

in mind that not all users of Colloidal Silver 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 Colloidal

Silver users do not become discouraged if symptoms temporarily worsen

and/or discontinue use of the product.

Clarification

 

Colloidal Silver does not cause the Herxheimer reaction. Colloidal

Silver is non-toxic, and a healthy individual will notice no reaction

at all to Colloidal Silver. However, if there is infection in the

body, a Herxheimer reaction may result as the infection is killed off.

 

The severity of the Herx reaction is often an indicator of just how

much toxicity there was in the body to begin with and is an indicator

of the effectiveness of the treatment. It is 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 week.

 

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 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.

 

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.

 

Adding lemon to the water, taking cold press olive oil first thing in

the morning, 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.

 

Conclusion

 

The most important advice in relation to Colloidal Silver use 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 Colloidal Silver 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.