Herxiemer Reaction
bri·o - the quality of being active, alive, spirited, and vigorous
Herxiemer Reaction Management With Lyme Disease Treatment
The Herxheimer Reaction, nicknamed “Herx” or otherwise referred to as Jarisch-Herxheimer (J-H) is a phenomenon originally observed in the treatment of syphilis, but later found in other illnesses. In general terms, it is described as a temporary increase of symptoms when antibiotics are administered.
In Lyme disease, it is thought that the cause of Herxheimer Reaction is the result of endotoxin release. That is, the toxins within the spirochetes that they release as the Borrelia are killed or broken down. This may be a result of the toxin(s) itself or the body’s immune response to such.
Symptoms of Herxheimer Reaction
As mentioned, the general description is a temporary increase in symptoms, but also included in the development of new ones, more specifically, the most common events include: increased joint of muscle pain, headaches, chills, fevers (usually low grade), drop in blood pressure, hives, and a rash.
A multitude of other symptoms has been described. Worth noting is that hives and rash are sometimes mistaken for an allergic reaction. It is up to one’s physician to determine this, but close observation and the use of medications such as Benadryl often prevents the patient from having to stop antibiotic prematurely. In more severe cases of Herxheimer Reaction, a reduction of the dosage or temporary cessation of the treatment is an alternative.
How To Manage Herxheimer Reaction Symptoms:
1. Alkalize: ALKA-SELTZER GOLD (Aluminum free), bu ered Vitamin C, warm lemon water or green juice (kale, spinach, cucumber, celery, cilantro, parsley, lemon) at the onset of symptoms.
2. Detox And Binders: Support the elimination of toxins with activated charcoal BINDER BLEND (activated charcoal, chlorella, clay, chitosan), S-ACETYL GLUTATHIONE (oral, intravenous), N-Acetylcysteine (NAC). For Brain Inflammation: OPTIMAG NEURO, NT DETOX, CYTOQUEL.
3. Reduce Inflammation: ENHANSA (6 cap a day), HISTDAO (2 caps twice a day), HISTAQUEL (2 caps twice daily), Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS), CYTOQUEL, Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) (prescription), antioxidants.
4. Supplement: with MINREX, OPTIMAG, and ZINC GLYCINATE. Minerals that are lost in the detox reaction: Magnesium, zinc, copper, etc.
5. “Open Up The Drain”: Nutritional supplements, extra fluids
IV Homotoxicology for Detox
When your body is trying to get rid of toxins, it is easier to do so when the toxins are bound together. They don’t do this naturally. Instead, your doctor can use IV Homotoxicology to make this happen.
The faster you can remove the toxins, the sooner any adverse symptoms, like those with herxheimer reaction, will disappear.
Chelation for Detox
All of us have heavy metals in our system. They are found in our food, medicines, and even water. Common toxins are zinc, copper, lead, mercury, and aluminum. Heavy metals cause inflammation in your body, making it hard for your body to detox. If you have Lyme disease, the inflammation can be worse, and detoxing becomes almost impossible.
Therefore, your doctor can provide chelation to help detox your body and ease any symptoms of a herxeimer reaction. The medicine used in this process surrounds the heavy metal toxins and forces them to become inactive. Once inactive, they exit your body through urine.
Supplements for Detox
Lyme specialists have access to therapeutic supplements that aid in the detoxification process. Activated charcoal provides a double advantage. It acts as a calming supplement to help reduce inflammation. It also binds toxins to help them exit the body.
Your liver works hard to detox your body. It can use all the support it can get. Antioxidant is one supplement that provides the liver support needed. Not only does it help ease herxeimer reaction symptoms, but it also has other positive side effects like better sleep.
Drain Your Lymphatic System
Every time you move your body, your muscles go to work. When your muscles are stimulated, your organs, tissues, and cells can do their job to eliminate toxins and waste from your body.
The more you can move during the detox process, the better. This suggestion does not mean you must start training for a marathon. It means to do simple things like walk, stretch, and bend.
If you find this is too painful, stop. You can opt to drain your lymphatic system through massage, which targets specific areas of the body to encourage the body to assist in the detox process.
Additional Detox Therapies
Fortunately, there are even more alternative therapies that minimize herxeimer reactions you may experience during detox treatments. Some doctors may recommend a combination of therapies, or a protocol, created using your individualized needs. Your protocol will be based on your level of pain.
Protocols can include Epsom salt baths, which have been proven to relax your muscles and employs your skin to support your liver as a way toxins can exit your body. Another protocol may involve changing what you eat and drink while detoxing.
A diet that suppresses a herxheimer reaction includes eating vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. For fluid intake, water, teas, and infusions are recommended. Some patients have found relief through coffee enemas and onion compresses. Nature can provide us with powerful ways to combat pain and inflammation. And they have been used for centuries because they are safe and effective.
Herxheimer Reaction Conclusion
With so many methods to help fight off herxheimer reactions, you can pursue treatments that will heal you from Lyme disease. You do not have to live with the negative symptoms caused by Lyme. Go ahead and start your journey, reach out to a Lyme disease specialist today.
