Perhaps you’re at the point in your health journey at which you’ve identified a parasite infection that needs to be eliminated. As you’re ready to begin your healing protocol, it’s important to consider how to protect the body from side effects as you walk through the drainage and detoxification process.
What’s Drainage? Drainage Versus Detoxification
Many people consider drainage and detoxification to be one and the same. However, drainage and detoxification are two distinct methods of supporting the body. Detoxification is mobilizing elements to leave the body, and drainage is the pathways they take on the way out. When it comes to taking part in any sort of detoxification, opening up drainage pathways is a crucial first step. Drainage involves many organs that release substances such as waste, debris, and toxins.Think of the body’s drainage systems as a garbage disposal and the food waste as the substances released during detoxification. When a garbage disposal works properly, the food scraps go in and are quickly emptied because the drain is open and clear. In the same way, when drainage pathways are open, the toxins can quickly be removed. However, if the garbage disposal is clogged, the food waste begins to pile up and will eventually overflow into the sink.
What happens if detoxification occurs without proper drainage?
When someone starts a detoxification protocol without properly functioning drainage pathways, they risk mobilizing toxins without a place to go. If this happens, toxins can be reabsorbed into the body, essentially making the detox ineffective. A Herxheimer reaction may ensue.
What’s a Herxheimer Reaction?
The Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (Herx or JHR for short) was first documented by two European dermatologists, Adolf Jarisch and Karl Herxheimer, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, respectively.The doctors noticed an exacerbation of syphilis-related skin lesions after starting a mercury antibiotic treatment. A Herx reaction is a temporary worsening of symptoms or new symptom onset that occurs soon after a treatment is administered for a spirochetal infection.
Although the literature specifically states that a Herx reaction can occur after antimicrobial treatment in spirochete infections, many providers agree that this phenomenon occurs in a broader scope of pathogenic infections. Perhaps you’ve even heard clinicians discuss Herxhemier reactions. Although this reaction isn’t clearly supported by scientific research, many will tell you that a “die-off” reaction or set of symptoms that occur right after treatment of bacterial, parasite, fungal, or viral infections is a common reality.
Symptoms of a Herxheimer Reaction
A JHR usually manifests as malaise, fever, chills, rigors, nausea, vomiting, and headache. Other symptoms include tachycardia, hypotension, hyperventilation, flushing, myalgia, liver and kidney problems, constipation, diarrhea, neurological problems, exacerbation of skin rashes or lesions, cardiac injury, and premature uterine contractions in pregnant women. Some people experience mood changes, anxiety, or depression.
As parasites die off, they can release toxins into the body. Anticipating the consequences of this die-off can help manage any symptoms.
How to Avoid or Ease a Herx Reaction
There are several ways to ease this reaction, including a strategy of titration, gradually introducing specific interventions and treatments. Titration is necessary to prevent too many toxins from releasing at a rapid rate. This will ultimately help in eliminating or at least minimizing the quantity of parasite die-off symptoms throughout the detox process.Strategies built around diet, natural antimicrobials, and titration can help us minimize die-off symptoms. So too can managing inflammation, which requires addressing stress, ensuring sleep, and eating anti-inflammatory foods.
Eat a gut-healing diet. This is a great first step in preparing your body. Many people will experience some effects from drastic changes in their diet, especially if they’re removing significant amounts of sugar or processed foods. Easing into this diet and giving time for the body to adjust will be very beneficial in preparing for the next steps.
Use natural antimicrobials. This is another way of easing your body into the detox process. Many still experience some die-off symptoms, but when used properly and initially in low doses, antimicrobials can be very effective without too many negative symptoms. These can include garlic, black walnut, and oregano.
Practice supplement titration. Rather than bombarding the system with multiple strong-dose supplements, it’s often better to introduce a single supplement at a time in a small amount. This provides an opportunity to observe and document symptoms or reactions and identify any issues or concerns, rather than guessing about which supplement could be causing the die-off symptom. This also gives the body time to slowly eradicate the pathogens, rather than being hit with a powerful treatment that leaves too much for the body to build back from.
Manage inflammation. If an individual is experiencing body aches and pains, or fatigue, he or she is likely experiencing high levels of inflammation. This is commonly seen in people with overactive immune systems. You can manage inflammation by addressing factors that cause it, including stress.
Minimize stress and promote rest. The body has to work hard when trying to heal from parasitic infections. Understanding the importance of avoiding things that will stress the body can make a significant difference in minimizing inflammation. This can mean avoiding overly intense or excessive amounts of exercise. Although some exercise is good, it’s important to not overdo it during this time of healing.
Prioritize quality sleep. Try to sleep in a completely dark, quiet, cool room whenever possible, and go to bed at the same time each night. This will help your body to find a rest rhythm and maximize restorative sleep.
Consume anti-inflammatory foods and supplements. Such foods and supplements serve as a “boost” to the body in fighting against inflammation and reducing die-off symptoms.
Anti-inflammatory foods include leafy green vegetables, dark-colored berries, flaxseed, walnuts, chia seeds, and wild-caught oily fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, and sardines. These foods are high in omega-3s and antioxidants.
Anti-inflammatory supplements include high-quality fish oil, glutathione, vitamin C, and quercetin, as well as spices such as ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon.
Pathways of Elimination
The intricate design of the human body is truly something to marvel at. We have eight main elimination pathways that, when working properly, help us to get rid of toxins to keep the body functioning optimally.Colon
This is our primary drainage pathway. It’s important to have at least two daily bowel movements. If you’re experiencing constipation, it’s important to resolve that as quickly as possible. Work to consume plenty of fiber, exercise regularly, and stay hydrated. Binders such as fulvic and humic acid and micronized zeolite clinoptilolite are helpful.Liver and Bile Ducts
The liver is our primary detox organ. Castor oil packs and coffee enemas are effective ways to ensure the liver is clear and able to detox properly. Consuming trace minerals and grass-fed beef liver is helpful, as is supplementing with N-Acetyl Cysteine, calcium D-glucarate, and milk thistle.Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system helps drain fluid build-up from tissues. Practicing deep breathing each day and properly hydrating with mineral-rich drinks such as bone broth, coconut water, and clean drinking water that has been properly mineralized are helpful ways to keep the lymphatic system working optimally. Regular exercise keeps lymphatic fluid moving through the lymphatic pathways. Fascial work, dry skin brushing, massage, and saunas are all helpful too.Glymphatic System
This is how the brain detoxes, and it empties into the lymphatic system. Sleep is a priority for the glymphatic system to function properly. Prioritize at least seven hours of restorative sleep each night, seek chiropractic care, and use low-level laser therapy for brain health. Supplementing with EPA/DHA, magnesium, and iron can be helpful.Skin
Sweat removes toxins, so finding ways to get your body to sweat, such as daily exercise or using a sauna, is quite helpful. Dry brushing, consuming minerals and electrolytes, using grass-fed beef tallow topically, and avoiding toxic household and personal care products are all effective ways of ensuring that your skin is open and able to freely remove toxins.Lungs
Our lungs help us remove gas waste and carbon dioxide. Breathing clean air is important, so using an air purifier is recommended. Practicing diaphragmatic breathing, diffusing supportive essential oils, and nebulizing proper forms of glutathione can all offer support to the lungs.Kidneys
The kidneys are the body’s waste filter and removal system. Supplementing with N-acetyl cysteine, marshmallow root, and uva ursi and hydrating with clean water and mineral-rich beverages will promote kidney health and detoxification.Cells
Our cells house toxins that need to be excreted, and the mitochondria generate energy for detox. Regular sun exposure, grounding by walking barefoot outside in the grass, and reducing EMF exposure are simple ways to restore our cells. Red light therapy, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, and supporting mitochondria with fulvic acid, magnesium, glutathione, and CoQ10 can be helpful.Conclusion
Although it can be intimidating to begin a healing protocol, knowledge is power. Using these strategies to ensure that your elimination pathways are open can make a significant difference in your body’s ability to get rid of parasites and other infections. These approaches can also ensure your quality of life throughout the process. Although it’s highly likely that you will still experience symptoms as you navigate the process, the goal is that your parasite die-off symptoms will be significantly lessened by using these recommendations.It’s always advisable to consult with a health care provider before starting a treatment or supplementation regimen.
