I wish I could say that I had an easy time of reducing my pathogenic load. I had a very bad tapeworm, roundworm, fluke and ropeworm infestation. I suffered immensely during the first months of diet change and herbals to reduce the pathogenic load. My body was fighting active parasites, Lyme Disease, Babesia, EBV and yeast infections while dealing with the heavy burden of toxins and heavy metals released by pathogens as they were dying off. This is known as a Jarisch–Herxheimer Reaction, commonly referred to as a “herx”; it is not an easy thing to go through. It is the body’s reaction to endotoxins released during the death of harmful microorganisms. Also known as a die-off reaction, it can be very intense.
Die-off can produce fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, intestinal upset, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, hives, sore throat, ear pain, tooth pain, sweating, emotional upset, brain fog, anxiety and many other adverse symptoms. I had all of these and more. It can be long or short-lasting and resolves once the toxins have been cleared from the body. I just persevered and kept hitting them as hard as I could stand it. I was often housebound as a result.
Causes of die-off reactions
1. Switching from processed food to a real food diet. Reducing carbohydrates and eating a Paleo Diet (death of pathogens by starvation)
2. Starting or increasing probiotic dosage. Especially adding homemade fermented foods like sauerkraut and beet kvass (death of pathogens by good soldiers)
3. Starting or increasing dosage of antiparasitics, antifungals, antibacterials, anti-virals or antibiotics (poisoning pathogens)
Dealing with die-off reactions
1. Drink lots of water – Water is one of the best treatments for detoxification. You can read more about it here.
2. Make sure the bowels are moving daily. I often used a herbal laxative like cascara sagrada. I was worried about my bowels becoming dependent on it, but am happy to report that I have not needed any of this since November 2014. If the bowels are not moving, the die-off reaction (herx) will be prolonged as toxins are reabsorbed from the bowel into the lymph and bloodstream.
3. Warm Epsom salt baths – I used 2 -3 cups of Epsom salts. Due to adrenal insufficiency, I had to make sure that the water wasn’t hot or I would get very sick and dizzy.
4. Activated charcoal – nightly when the die-off is strong. Activated charcoal is great for absorbing toxins in the gut. I took 3 caps before bed. I had to be careful with the amount, as I found it to be constipating.
5. Green smoothies – You will find my Super Healthy Green Smoothie recipe here . These helped me immensely, as they are very cleansing of toxins while providing much-needed nutrients. Greens and especially parsley are excellent for detoxification.
6. Enemas – Coffee (organic is best), plain warm water enemas or with added apple cider vinegar. I added 1 teaspoon of ACV per litre of water. Enemas will help to keep the colon clean.
7. Gentle exercise – Walking, rebounding, yoga and stretching. I know it is really difficult to exercise when so debilitated from die-off, but even walking 100 feet will help to move the lymph. Here is an article on the importance of exercise.
8. Red root – A wonderful herb that helps with lymph drainage. Note that red root is contraindicated in people using blood coagulants or anticoagulants and in pregnancy.
9. Peppermint tea – This was my go-to for nausea during migraines and die-off.
10. Be extra gentle with yourself – It was easy for me to be hard on myself. I was always feeling guilty for not being able to do more around the house and for my family. I had to tell myself daily that I was healing as fast as I could. Things to remember while healing can be found here.
11. Take a few days off from antimicrobials – Stop the killing and let your body get caught up with eliminating all of the toxic waste.
If you are having difficulty overcoming these chronic infections take a look at this article. 10 Reasons Why You Can’t get Rid of Lyme Disease, Parasites, Candida and other Co-infections.
My health has been restored and I have been in complete remission since November 2014. I have completely recovered from Lyme Disease, parasites, Candida, EBV, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. Here is a post that details my journey and everything that I have done.
Blessings and Best of Health!
Brenda
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Renee Turula says
March 14, 2016 at 8:12 pmHi Brenda, Could you please write something about healing the Gut from Infections, Bloating, Intolerance to fiber, Food sensitivities, Food allergies. I know you said you could once only eat 5 foods? Could you please tell us how you healed your gut from the beginning.
I am having a horrible time with my gut, had to quit my smoothies due to not tolerating fiber and my colon shedding these long spongy stool sections, otherwise it just stored it against my colon walls and overflow went through so I felt toxic most of the time.
I have discomfort in all my colon and small intestine, just aches . I have been doing bone broth, vegtable soups, stews and cooked egg whites with yolk runny. I have been following GAPS diet but don’t feel like its giving me the nutrients or veggies per Wahls Protocol.
You mostly come in eating salad, smoothies, cooked meat like a normal meal for dinner. What was your gut like when you were really sick? I have a good day, then am really sick the next, so up and down. Wondering if I should see a GI specialist to see whats in my stool? Although , I am not going on any antibiotics so might be useless to go. I feel like I am starving though but unable to eat due to such a sore GI track.
Thanks so much, Renee
snowgirl says
April 14, 2016 at 10:32 pmBrenda … Do you have any experience with diatomaceous earth and deworming / detox?
Brenda Cosentino says
May 1, 2016 at 10:54 amI never liked diatomaceous earth. I tried it a few years ago but found it to be very constipating. I also had a lot of kidney pain as well. I decided to only use plant medicines as these are more naturally ingested and assimilated.