The Herxheimer Reaction

It describes the reaction which can occur when a course of treatment is begun, causing pathenogenic micro-organisms to begin dying off in large numbers, thereby releasing endotoxins which our bodies must process and eliminate.

Some individuals mistake this reaction as an indication that they are getting worse, or that the treatment is not working, but in most cases the exact opposite is true. In other words - it's because the treatment is working that uncomfortable symptoms worsen, or new symptoms might flare up.

It's important to note that this reaction occurs due to an overload of toxins. When a person has a weakened immune system, as is the case in anyone experiencing candida overgrowth, the body is not functioning at optimal performance.

Taking steps to help cleanse the liver, lymph, and other functions of the body which process and eliminate toxins is a big help not only in minimizing the Herxheimer Reaction, it is a crucial element in overall healing.

Natural cleansing and detox you can do at home.

I've come across so many individuals dealing with a chronic case of candida overgrowth, who begin a course of treatment, start to feel worse, and then abandon the treatment in fear, or go on a sugar or carbohydrate rampage in an effort to "calm the beast".

While these actions may produce a relief from the healing crisis they had encountered, the underlying reality is that until the body is returned to a more natural balanced state (through proper dietary and lifestyle modifications, and perhaps some cleansing or detoxifying "boosters") the vicious cycle will continue.

In most discussions of candida treatment, the Herxheimer Reaction is referred to as “die off”.

So die off is the term you will find used throughout this website.

To read a more detailed page describing candida die off symptoms, how to minimize the chance of creating an overloaded system, and how to better cope if you do experience die off when beginning treatment, please click the link below.

Herxheimer Reaction is commonly called "Die Off" in candida treatment