Herx Reaction Probiotics- Symptoms, How long it lasts & Cure

What is herx reaction and how does it relate to probiotics? This article explains what this condition is, bacteria die off symptoms, how long it lasts plus tips and ideas to deal with it after taking probiotics

What is Herx reaction?

It is an immune system reaction to the toxins that are found in the body. These toxins come about when large amounts of pathogens are being killed and the boy does not eliminate them as soon as possible. The released toxins may increase the symptoms being treated or even bring about their own symptoms.[1]

The occurrence is a perfect way in which the body is able to get rid of the harmful substances. During this process, the body is likely to experience some so many symptoms that could be confused with other conditions. It takes proper diagnosis to determine this.[2]

Herx Reaction Probiotics-How does Herx Reaction and Probiotics Relate?

It is alluded that detoxification reaction is an adverse effect of the use of probiotics. However, this is not entirely true because detoxification is very beneficial for the body to rid itself of unnecessary poisonous material. The detoxification reaction in the use of probiotics may include headache, eczema, constipation, diarrhea, skin rash, bloating and symptoms of cold/flu. They would disappear after a period of about 1 to 3 days.

The bacteria in probiotics produce organic lactic acid which lowers the body pH in the intestines, thereby promoting the growth of healthy bacteria that then lives in the gut. Probiotics also prevent the growth of bad bacteria and yeast like candida. The natural probiotic bacteria communicate with the cells in your gut thereby creating a healthy environment, which then stimulates the body to start the detoxification process.

The detoxification process cleans out waste, bad bacteria and toxins produced by harmful microorganisms, toxins and waste. Normally, the natural state of your body is at a healthy balance and probiotic bacteria are one major factor that promotes this.

Herxheimer Reaction/Bacteria Die off Symptoms

The occurrence of the symptoms mainly present as flu-like symptoms. Your whole body is generally sluggish and it usually feels as if your body is working harder, that is almost fighting something.

Brain Fog
Chills
Excess Mucus Production
Fever
Headaches
Increased GI Problems (diarrhea, constipation)
Muscle Aches
Skin Rashes[3]

How Long Does Bacteria Die Off Last?

The time it will take for die off to last in your body varies greatly from one individual to another. This is based on how your body is able to deal with and eliminate the toxins. If you have an active immune system, then the die off symptoms appear soon then disappear.

From various reviews, the time is not quite definite. However, it is clear that some individuals will have the die off symptoms disappearing within days7 to 10 days, while in some, 3 to 5 days. In some other individuals, it could take weeks or even months.

Tips and Ideas to deal with herx reaction after taking probiotics

The first thing to do is to see a doctor who will prescribe the best medication and the dosage carefully to ensure that the level of your body can handle the concentration. The use of a medication called Benicar has been in use for long to manage the reactions. Here are other ways to deal with herx reaction

Avoid stressor or stressful events

The other thing you could do is avoid stressor or stressful events, resting adequately and minimizing chemicals in your surroundings. The quality of air, food and water that you take in should also be kept under check a positive outlook is desirable because both bacteria and herxes mess with your thoughts and emotions.

Drink bone broth

Taking some sips of bone broth throughout the day is an excellent way to help your body fight inflammation and increase your immune system health

. Always drink broth prepared from organic chicken bones, beef or lamb bones, or fish bones to supplement the amino acids glycine and proline. These components are needed to fight against viral and bacterial infection.

Besides, you can also sip on vegetable broth for an increase of nutrients like magnesium and vitamin D which are critical to healing tissue.

Drink Water

The other way is to always remain hydrated. Drinking a lot of water helps to flush thee toxins out faster. Addition of lemon to this preparation helps to speed up the effects especially in your liver.

Invest in Sulfur Containing foods

The other thing that you could do is eat sulfur containing foods: the examples of garlic and onions have long been used for alternative medicine to prevent and treat bacterial infection.

These foods contain sulfur which boost your body’s natural antioxidant systems such as glutathione. Apart from that, they also contain quercetin which in combination with their sulfur properties dramatically suppresses inflammation, enhances detoxification, and lowers circulating endotoxins in the blood and tissue. To benefit fully, eat garlic and onions every day for their protective health powers.

Epsom salt detox baths

On the other hand, use Epsom salt detox baths. They are amazing in that they help to pull out toxins from the body. The bath helps in the herxes if the process is undertaken correctly. Doing it wrongly is accompanied by periods of exhaustion.[4]

Massage

Proper massage is also recommended, when the pressure is not painful. The deep tissue massage helps to break up any toxins that have solidified inside the muscles.

Exercise

On the other hand, exercise helps in a similar manner. Exercise also promotes sweating which is important in flushing out the toxins from the body.

Bitter herbs

Take some bitter herbs: Bitter herbs have been in use as alternative medicine for a long time for centuries now. The herbs like ginger, milk thistle, cilantro, and even artichoke help reduce blood sugar levels and fight inflammation. The use of the herbs cleanse the digestive tract, stimulate gallbladder and kidney function, and improve detoxification pathways in the blood.

Enough sleep

Ensure you have adequate sleep: When the body is fighting an illness, try sleeping 10 to 12 hours daily. The advantage of this is that it allows the primary functions of the healing process to take over while energy is not being used for other functions like cognitive thought or digestion. Apart from that, sleep is also essential for reducing cortisol, pain, and stress that causes inflammation and slows the repair process.

Chiropractic care

You can also arrange to receive chiropractic care: Receiving regular adjustments can improve your immune system, equipping it to be able to repair itself naturally. The adjustment of the spine performed under chiropractic care removes interferences hindering communication of the central nervous system. A chiropractor can help your body naturally defend and repair itself from the inflammatory damage inflicted by endotoxin stress.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV)

Try using Apple Cider Vinegar: The procedure is relatively simple. To do this, squeeze the juice from half a lemon or add 1 or 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to every 8 ounces of water you drink. This has powerful healing abilities. Lemons and ACV are rich in antioxidants and polyphenols that boost the immune system and kill microbes that inhabit the digestive tract.[5]

How to deal with herx reaction after taking probiotics — ACV

Colon stimulation formula

You can use a colon stimulation formula to make sure that you are eliminating waste promptly. The underlying symptoms will certainly disappear immediately after a good bowel movement.

Activated charcoal

You can take activated charcoal, but only for a brief time, to help with gas and indigestion; however it should not be taken with meals or medications as it will interfere with absorption of nutrients. More to that, eat often and get through this detox stage as comfortable as possible and then you can focus on cutting back portions.[6] To further support, the charcoal can absorb very many toxins. It can even prevent the damage that their absorption causes on the entire body.

Toxicological studies have shown that activated charcoal is so effective at removing poisons which cause inflammation and tissue damage that it can be used more effectively than gastric emptying of harmful drugs and toxins.

To add on that, you could use psyllium seed husks, ground flaxseed, or oat bran daily to absorb toxins and to help speed their transit through the system.