Common Body Detoxification Symptoms
(updated January 2023)
"I woke up today and felt terrible! I'm so tired. I haven't felt this tired in memory. I'm sitting at work feeling like I've been hit by a tonne of bricks and almost slightly nauseous. I realise maybe this could be from withdrawals from caffeine and sugar. And maybe some herbal supplements? Do I stick it out for a few days? I feel like if I had a piece of cake and a coffee, I would feel better."
(Name supplied)
"So I took your advice about doing some exercise but did so after about a week on your programme to ease myself in. And the first day of exercise was fine, but on the 2nd day of exercise I immediately got flu-like symptoms, my face was flushed for the rest of the day, and I got some chills. I took some ibuprofen, rested and was fine the rest of the day. This morning I woke up feeling fine, and as soon as I did some light in-bed stretches, I got the flu symptoms worse. I'm freezing with chills on this warm day, and the nerves in my skin are going nuts... As in immense pain when my skin feels just a little cool air. I used to work out every day and never had this happen.
What has happened? Have I worked out too hard for my metabolic type (fast type 4), as indicated on my HTMA? I have just now taken my smoothie. Hopefully, it ameliorates some of these symptoms. What do you think is going on?"
(Name supplied)
* HTMA: hair tissue mineral analysis. Metabolic Type Fast 4 indicates being in a thoroughly exhausted metabolic state.
Gary:
Ongoing, vague and diffuse health issues are common, usually associated with yeast/fungal, parasite infections or exposure to toxins. People may complain of symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, itchy skin, constipation, heavy periods, food intolerances, overuse injuries that do not fully heal, aches and pains, weight gain, brain fog and chronic fatigue (by the way, yeast produce alcohol and a person with a yeast overgrowth typically complains of symptoms that are similar to a hangover).
Is it a Herxheimer Reaction?
When commencing a programme to improve health, a person struggling with chronic health issues may feel like they are going backwards at times and not getting better. Symptoms of previous illnesses may reappear, as might old injuries. This is "normal" and more common than not, and who may be affected is pretty random. This phenomenon of appearing to go backwards before getting better is well-known in natural medicine. It is called the "Herxheimer Reaction". Look it up on the internet. It is a fascinating thing to study.
It is essential to understand what is most likely going on because the exacerbation of symptoms within days or weeks of starting this kind of programme can be distressing to many. The natural reaction may be to quit altogether while criticizing the natural health practitioner.
On the contrary, the exacerbation of symptoms may be worthy of celebration - we may have stirred the muddy waters or disturbed the wasp nest deep within your body. While it is sensible to back off, the best follow-up action is to quietly come back later armed to the teeth to kill - totally! The worst thing to do is to run away and hide. Celebrate!
Typical Symptoms of detoxification:
headaches/migraines
lethargy
joint and muscle aches and pains
mucus or other discharge
a coated, pasty tongue
flu-like symptoms, sensitive skin etc.
irritability and emotional volatility
difficulty sleeping
weakness
cravings
nausea
constipation
diarrhoea
gas