Does your body need a healing (Herxheimer) reaction?

Have you ever started a new nutrition protocol and felt worse before you felt better?

This could be a Herxheimer reaction. They are a short-term (from days to a few weeks) detoxification reaction in the body. In the first phase of the detox, your body’s attempts to rid itself of toxins create noxious molecules, while the second detox step neutralizes those molecules.

If the second phase doesn’t keep up with the first, you may experience Herxheimer reactions. It is not uncommon to experience flu-like symptoms including headache, joint and muscle pain, body aches, sore throat, general malaise, sweating, chills, nausea, or other symptoms.

Every day we are introduced to toxins through our environment, food, household products, and even our thoughts. Your liver works naturally to remove from the body. However, your liver can get overwhelmed and have trouble removing toxins. In the detox and die-off reaction, there is a release of toxins, proteins, and oxidizing agents that results in an increase in inflammatory cytokines.

Instead of forcing your body into an intense detox, I recommend EASE-IN a bit more gently.

We tend to approach new things with an ‘all or none’ attitude. This alone can cause more stress which could cause more detox symptoms.

Some of my favorite recommendations when you begin a new program are:

• Resting. Instead of scheduling intense workout sessions, schedule rest. Take it easy during the detox to reserve your body’s energy for the detox process.
• Sauna. Spend time in a dry sauna or infrared sauna. You’ll help your body eliminate toxins directly through the skin via sweat. I am COMPLETELY in love with mine. If you would like more information, head here and use this coupon code to receive $75 off: Heather
• Epsom salt bath. Either add Epsom salts or essential oils to take a relaxing bath. An Epsom salt bath introduces sulfates through your skin that help clear toxins.
• Dry Brushing. Using a dry brush removes dead skin and can stimulate the lymphatic system to move toxins through and out of your body.

If you are ready to be more gentle with yourself, join me for the FREE 5-day EASE-in! We begin on Tuesday, January 18th!

We will…

Gently REDUCE inflammatory foods for 5-days: The main foods we reduce are dairy, wheat, soy, eggs, beef, pork, deli meats, and processed sugars.

Work WITH our resistance and our rebellious minds: We will work with why and how our mind causes us more stress and inhibits us from making changes.

Try new meals, rotate the 4-Meal Types, and add in NEW ingredients your body is starving for: Most of my clients are NOT eating enough. They need more food with higher quality ingredients. You will NOT eat less, you will eat more and ignite your digestive fire.

Calm your nervous system and compulsive mind: I was feeling some nervousness about ‘not doing enough’ before 2022 has even started. The ‘not enough’ syndrome runs deep. And the only way to shift this is believing in ourselves and trusting ourselves every step of the way.