[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Let’s say, for the sake of argument, that you need to undergo a Candida or parasite treatment plan. If well-designed and executed as it should be, your cleanse ‘cure’ will make your treatment smooth.

But the words ‘well-designed and executed as it should be’ are important ones. The reason being, that if you try to hurry your cleanse programme you run the risk of triggering a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction [1] – commonly referred to as Herx or Die-off.

Similar to a dose of flu in its presentation, a Die-off process tends to last 3-7 days. The intensity varies for each individual and is dependent on the parasite/Candida growth in each case.

The good news is that you can alleviate a Die-off reaction with appropriate supplements.

How does a Die-off happen?

This unfortunate event occurs when you destroy a large number of fungal, yeast or parasitic microorganisms in one go with no additional support for your liver.

Any cleanse programme you carry out, be it for parasites or Candida, needs to include support for your liver. Not only do these spiteful little tinkers release tons of toxins while they’re alive, they exude even more when they die. Which is hardly playing the game is it?

It’s not hard to picture how toxic to your body their metabolic by-products are. Some of them (glitoxin) go so far as to target your liver. Others, such as acetaldehyde, deplete your levels of your principle antioxidant – glutathione. Which is unfortunate because glutathione is critical for effective detoxification from your body of poisonous compounds.

What’s particularly annoying about the Die-off is that it’s symptoms are somewhat similar to those of the Candida or parasite infestations themselves. As indeed they would be – they are after all caused by the same group of toxins. But with one key difference: the effects of a Die-off are more intense. Hence the chances are you’ll feel worse, for a couple of days or so, than you did before you started. There’s a bright side though: this is a clear indicator that your cleanse programme is working and killing the nasties it should kill.

Characteristics of Die-off reaction

We’ve established that as they die, the microorganisms release endotoxins that your body – and your liver and kidneys in particular – have to work jolly hard to remove.

The number of toxins released by each dying parasite can be as high as seventy or eighty. And each one of them is harmful to your body. But there are three particular offenders: ammonia, acetaldehyde and ethanol.

Ammonia and ethanol can alter the environment in your intestines to make them more hospitable to Candida and parasites. But that’s not all. Acetaldehyde toxins are able to kill your brain cells and damage the endocrine system. The result of such damage is an imbalance of hormones which in turn is harmful to the respiratory and immune systems, and the adrenal glands. It can also be damaging to red blood cells – kinda vital to carry oxygen around your body.

It’s all of these that are responsible for any number of bothersome symptoms – such things as brain fog, dizziness and fatigue. It stands to reason that, if you’re brain doesn’t get enough oxygen because of the effect the release of aldehydes is having, that’s going to show.

It’s not possible to mention here all the symptoms you might experience from the activities of the toxins aldehyde, ethanol, and ammonia (and others) but below is a representative list:

• Inflammation leading to a stuffy nose, bunged up sinuses and other allergy-like symptoms.
• Metabolites such as neurotoxin acetaldehyde can create such symptoms as brain fog, headaches, fatigue and nausea.
• You might have a sore abdomen – in the liver area in particular. That’s because the liver is under stress from all these toxins.

You might also experience some of the following:

• Swollen glands
• Bloating, wind, constipation or the opposite problem – diarrhoea
• Joint or muscle pain
• Raised heart rate
• Chills and cold extremities
• Itching on your body and perhaps even hives or rashes
• Sweating
• Fever
• Skin breakouts
• Recurring vaginal, prostate and sinus infections
• Bad breath
• Shortness of breath

What you can do to cope with Candida Die-off

Here’s some steps you can take:

• Either cut back or stop, on a temporary basis, the anti-parasite or antifungal supplements you’re taking. This means you’ll stop killing the microorganisms and so stop them releasing endotoxins as they die.
• Reduce your probiotics intake. Probiotics are not so liable as antifungals to cause Die-off. But if you reduce your probiotic dosage it’ll cut down the quantity of toxins going into your bloodstream. You can increase it again when you start to feel better.
• Take more water with it! Drinking plenty of water will help push all the nasties out of your body.
• Slow down and take it easy as much as you can. Stress is likely to weaken your adrenals. That in turn will reduce your body’s ability to fight pathogens.
• Explore some additional detox methods. Things like skin brushing, saunas and contrast showers might be useful. Being designed to assist your circulatory and lymphatic systems they can help you to expel the toxins having a party in your gut.

And of course, there are useful supplements available to support a cleanse programme and alleviate Die-off.

N-Acetyl Cysteine: replenishes levels of the body’s most powerful antioxidant – glutathione (GSH) [2] – to enhance toxic ammonia and acetaldehyde detoxification pathways. NAC offers an additional layer of protection for the liver and kidneys [3]. It improves intestinal barrier function and can reduce biofilm formation [4] [5], which strengthens the cleanse programme.

Vitamin C: a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Vitamin C helps to prevent the oxidisation of glutathione (GSH) [6]. It’s a natural diuretic so helps to rinse Die-off toxins from your body. In addition, it boosts your adrenal glands and immune system. And it helps with Candida as well [7].

L-Glutamine: helps protect the brain and body against ammonia toxicity and as a precursor of glutathione (GSH) helps to protect the liver [8]. It plays an important role in the regulation of acid-base balance [9]. It’s a vital nutrient for the intestines to rebuild and repair [10]. It also helps to balance intestinal mucus production and prevents the damage of intestinal epithelium that can be done by acetaldehyde [11].

Alpha Lipoic Acid: this antioxidant capability to enhance intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels [12] and supports liver regeneration [13].

Showing your liver some love while it’s working hard on all this cleansing will make the entire process an easier and more gentle experience.

Cleanse smart: support your liver.

Read more on parasite detox.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]References:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jarisch-Herxheimer_reaction
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23731375
[3] http://jasn.asnjournals.org/content/15/2/251.full
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3251652/
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19899620
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8317379
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4187652/
[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4688527/
[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8439654
[10] http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PII0140-6736(93)90939-E/abstract
[11] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15331350
[12] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28676917
[13] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9607614[/vc_column_text]

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