Humans Detoxify
Detoxing is an essential part of fighting Lyme Disease and achieving relief from a herx.
Many people just think about what antibiotics to take and let the body do the rest from there, however, killing the bacteria is only half the job. One must help the body remove the endotoxins that spirochetes release in the body once they're killed. In fact, well over 90% of the time that you're not feeling well is due to a body that is not detoxing effectively.
The golden rule of detoxing states that if you're going to intentionally help your body kill a foreign invader, you should intentionally help your body remove those foreign invaders from your body.
A herxheimer reaction is not an immediate reaction to spirochete die off, it is more of a result of an accumulation of toxins over a period of time. You can kill off spirochetes and have no herx reaction as this is due to the body's ability to effectively remove the endotoxins the spirochetes release, in a effective manner. When you start to herx, the body's tactics for removing the endotoxins are overburdened due to an accumulation of endotoxins. This is where detoxification comes into play.
Certain detoxification methods are used for near immediate relief from a herxheimer reaction such as an Epsom Salt Bath or Burbur Detox. Other detoxification methods such as Milk Thistle or Cruciferous Vegetables work in the long term by continuously cleansing the body of endotoxins in small amounts, which in turn decreases the likelihood of encountering a herx in the first place.
Activated Charcoal
Benadryl
Bentonite Clay (Powdered)
Burbur Detox
Chelidonium Plex
Chlorella
Cholestyramine
Coffee Enema
Also check with your doctor or treating physician first before performing a coffee enema to be sure that your body can tolerate it.
Mal-absorption of certain vitamins and minerals may occur with long term use of coffee enemas, specifically calcium and fat-soluble vitamins.
Hydrotherapy
Cruciferous vegetables
Dandelion
Diatomaceous earth (100% food Grade)
Dry Skin Brushing
Epsom Salt Bath
Exercise (light)
Itires
Lemon Water
L-Ornithine
Lymph drainage massage
Milk Thistle
Molybdenum
Neuro-Antitox ii CNS/PNS
Parsley
Pinella
Quercetin
Red Root
Renelix
Sauna
Shower (cold)
Tox-Ease
Tox-Ease ii
Tox-ease gl
Turmeric
Zeolites
Many people just think about what antibiotics to take and let the body do the rest from there, however, killing the bacteria is only half the job. One must help the body remove the endotoxins that spirochetes release in the body once they're killed. In fact, well over 90% of the time that you're not feeling well is due to a body that is not detoxing effectively.
The golden rule of detoxing states that if you're going to intentionally help your body kill a foreign invader, you should intentionally help your body remove those foreign invaders from your body.
A herxheimer reaction is not an immediate reaction to spirochete die off, it is more of a result of an accumulation of toxins over a period of time. You can kill off spirochetes and have no herx reaction as this is due to the body's ability to effectively remove the endotoxins the spirochetes release, in a effective manner. When you start to herx, the body's tactics for removing the endotoxins are overburdened due to an accumulation of endotoxins. This is where detoxification comes into play.
Certain detoxification methods are used for near immediate relief from a herxheimer reaction such as an Epsom Salt Bath or Burbur Detox. Other detoxification methods such as Milk Thistle or Cruciferous Vegetables work in the long term by continuously cleansing the body of endotoxins in small amounts, which in turn decreases the likelihood of encountering a herx in the first place.
Activated Charcoal
- Activated Charcoal comes in tablet, powder, or capsule form and fundamentally known for adhering to the endotoxins responsible for a herxheimer reaction
- It will work best if consumed a couple hours after a protocol
- Activated Charcoal is said to pass through the body without causing a detox reaction
- Alka-Seltzer Gold combined with the antioxidant glutathione are said to be quite effective in reducing a herxheimer reaction. (Some 70% are expected to feel better within hours)
- 2 Alk-Seltzer Gold tablets in 8oz of water with lemon or lime juice for alkalization and vitamin C.
- Follow the Alka-Seltzer Gold with 6-8 capsules of glutathione or 1500 mg of oral liposomal glutathione.
- Apo-Hepat is a homeopathic remedy that helps restore and assist the liver's phase 1 detoxification process that has been compromised by poor diet.
- It helps drain the liver when it has become overburdened with excessive toxins.
- It's one component of Pekana's "Big 3" for detoxification alongside Renelix (i.e., kidney drainage) and Itires (i.e., lymphatic drainage).
- When the body becomes ill or is over burdened with toxins, the PH level becomes very acidic and the body becomes an environment where illness can thrive.
- Apple cider vinegar is best known for its ability to alkalize the body which is a level of PH that allows the body to function much more properly.
- It can be used on salads or two teaspoons in a cup, add water and then drink.
Benadryl
- Benadryl is recommended by some LLMDs to reduce a herx
- Most people find it brings a little relief for a herx though it seems to be quite effective against herx induced headaches
Bentonite Clay (Powdered)
- Bentonite Clay is an edible clay that collects toxins as it passes through the digestive tract and remove them from the body. The longer it is used, the more toxins it will remove
Burbur Detox
- Burbur Detox is a tincture produced by Nutramedix specifically designed to reduce a herxheimer reaction
- It has the ability to cleanse the liver, kidneys, lymphatic system and blood.
- A herx can be significantly reduced, if not eliminated by placing 10 drops of Burbur into 4 ounces of water. Wait 1 minute before consuming. Repeat this every 10 minutes until herx has subsided.
Chelidonium Plex
- Chelidonium Plex is a homeopathic remedy designed to help promote proper function of the liver and kidneys
- It is highly recommended to start with just 1 drop 1x a day and slowly increase to the recommended dosage on the bottle. Administering the recommended dosage immediately may cause a very uncomfortable detox reaction. If this occurs, reduce the dosage or back off entirely
- If a metallic taste occurs within the mouth, refrain from using until the metallic taste is gone
Chlorella
- Chlorella has the powerful detoxifying ability to bind to toxins and prevent them from being reabsorbed in the digestive tract. It's commonly used in conjunction with cilantro for removing heavy metals.
- Some people can't digest the cell membrane of Chlorella, therefore finding a chlorella product with a "broken cell wall" would be best.
- Chlorella works best when taken on an empty stomach
Cholestyramine
- Cholestyramine is a prescription drug designed to bind to toxins extremely well in the body
- In those with Lyme Disease, it has helped relieved brain fog and some neurological symptoms associated with the presence of recirculating toxins and endotoxins released from Lyme
- Because the drug is so powerful and binds to nearly everything, a person can not take anything 1 hour before or 4-6 hours after taking the drug due to the possibility of inducing a nutrient deficiency
- Fractionated Pectin Powder is a popular alternative.
Coffee Enema
- Coffee enemas stimulate production of glutathione S-transferase (GST) in the liver. GST is a powerful enzyme that binds to, metabolizes, and removes toxic substances from the body.
- The constituents in the coffee are absorbed directly into the liver through the colon wall.
- Add 3 tablespoons of organic ground coffee to boiling water. Boil for 3 minutes, then reduce to a simmer for about 15 additional minutes covered. Strain if needed and let cool before administering. Lie on right side in the bathroom, and begin administering the coffee into the rectum via the enema. Hold the coffee for 5-15 minutes, and then evacuate the colon.
Also check with your doctor or treating physician first before performing a coffee enema to be sure that your body can tolerate it.
Mal-absorption of certain vitamins and minerals may occur with long term use of coffee enemas, specifically calcium and fat-soluble vitamins.
Hydrotherapy
- Colon Hydrotherapy, also known as a colonics or colon cleansing, is a procedure in which a unique mixture of water, and sometimes herbs, is injected into the colon via the rectum to assist the removal of unwanted constituents.
- The colon is responsible for absorbing nutrients from food for the body and forming feces for evacuation.
- Overtime, as one ages and depending on a person's lifestyle, a colon can become sluggish, and detoxification becomes impacted. Such consequences include stagnant fecal matter, wall-impacted mucus, toxins being reabsorbed into the body, and even parasite thriving.
Cruciferous vegetables
- Cruciferous vegetables such as Kale, Collard Greens and Cabbage have the incredibly ability to increase the detox activity of cells in the liver
- Steam Kale for 2 minutes or Collard Greens for 4 minutes to keep the living enzymes they contain alive. Then add Sea Salt, Black Pepper, Diced Avocado and Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Dandelion
- Dandelion is most famously known for increasing bile production in the liver. Bile is the means of transportation for toxins from the liver to the colon
- Works well at detoxing the kidneys as well
- It has also been said to neutralize endotoxins which are the toxins responsible for causing a herxheimer reaction
Diatomaceous earth (100% food Grade)
- Diatomaceous Earth is a sedimentary rock with a hardness factor of 7 (Diamonds are 9) that allows it to scrub the inside of intestinal walls.
- Once it's consumed and enter the digestive tract, it beings to absorb bacteria, viruses, parasites, heavy metals and endotoxins (responsible for herx) which prevents re-absorption into the body
- The recommendation is to start with 1 teaspoon in a glass of water daily while while working up to 1-2 tablespoons daily.
Dry Skin Brushing
- Dry Skin Brushing utilizes a natural bristle brush to clear the pores of debris, thus allowing toxins to flow out easier
- It also stimulates the lymphatic system, which harnesses toxins from the body
- Dry Skin Brushing is most commonly used before an Epsom Salt Bath but can be used daily
Epsom Salt Bath
- Epsom Salt is magnesium sulfate. It is absorbed through the skin when taken in a hot bath
- Magnesium acts as a muscle relaxer and the sulfur increases bile production in the liver. Bile is the means of transportation for toxins from the liver to the colon
- Dry skin brushing before an Epsom Salt Bath will clear any debris from your pores
- Pour 2-4 cups of Epsom Salt into a bath that is hot but not too hot and soak for 20 - 30 minutes.
Exercise (light)
- Light exercise such as walking or riding a bike is an excellent tool for expelling toxins from the body
- It forces the muscles to contract which is the catalyst for the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is in charge of transporting toxins throughout the body for disposal
- Exercise will inevitably induce sweating which allows the body to remove toxins stored in fats cells through the pores of the skin
Itires
- Itires is a homepathic remedy specifically designed to drain the lymphatic system
- The lymphatic system collects toxins, dead spirochetes, and fallen immune cells for removal from the body, but when it becomes over burden, it can become sluggish or backed up.
- It's one component of Pekana's "Big 3" for detoxification alongside Renelix (i.e., kidney drainage) and Apo-hepat (i.e., liver drainage).
Lemon Water
- Lemons are known for their exceptional ability to cleanse the body of toxins
- It is recommended to squeeze 2 whole lemons into 1 cup of water and sip this concoction slowly over a half hour's time
L-Ornithine
- L-Ornithine is an ammino acid that is used for removing high levels of ammonia from the body which is a toxin created by Lyme bacteria and released in the body
- Ammonia, when in excess within the body, can cause great cognitive disruption and hinder a person's ability to read, think, or talk
- The body's natural ability to remove ammonia may be hindered by a CBS gene mutation. Testing for a CBS gene mutation can be done through 23andMe, and then running your rest results through geneticgenie.org
Lymph drainage massage
- Lymph massages help to stimulate the lymph flow of the lymphatic system as it can become sluggish while battling Lyme Disease.
- The lymphatic system is responsible for collecting toxins from cells; thus allowing the body to remove them through sweat, bowel movements, and urine.
- A lymph massage is recommended 3 or 4 times during first part of Lyme treatment and 2 times after.
Milk Thistle
- Milk Thistle is an herb synonymous with maintaining healthy liver function as well as the kidneys
- Milk Thistle has the ability to protect the liver from toxic damage while at the same time helping it to detoxify
- Milk Thistle comes in capsule form but eating Milk Thistle Seeds is best. Grind 1 teaspoon of Milk Thistle Seeds and place them in your oatmeal for breakfast
- It won't provide immediate relief from a herxheimer reaction but using it every so often can decrease the frequency of a herx due to a clean liver
Molybdenum
- Molybdenum is a trace mineral that is used specifically for the reduction of a candida herxheimer reaction
- Candida releases a toxin know as acetaldehyde which can't be detoxed from the body without molybdenum converting it to acetic acid
- People have reported that a dosage of 1000mcg of molybdenum daily for up to a couple of months is needed to notice a difference; 15mg of molybdenum is toxic
Neuro-Antitox ii CNS/PNS
- Neuro-Antitox ll CNS/PNS is part of Dr. Jernigan's Nutraceuticals designed to remove the toxins caused by the Lyme bacteria using a botanical known as Silphium Laciniatum
- The Neuro-Antitox ll formulas are designed to remove mop up, break down, and bind up toxins in order to lessen a Lyme die off
- The CNS/PNS specific formula is for those experiencing symptoms in the brain, meninges, and peripheral nerves from Lyme toxins and heavy metals
Parsley
- Parsley can be consumed with food but is most effective for reducing a herx when taken in tincture form
- Nutramedix Parsley Detox is designed to reduce a herx by helping to drain the lymphatic system. 8-10 drops in 1 cup of water every 15 minutes until symptoms subside
Pinella
- Pinella is a combination of herbs in tincture form produced by Natramedix and is commonly used for its unique ability to reduce brain fog
- Pinella cleanses the nerves and brain of toxins which results in a reduction of brain fog and toxin induced seizures
Quercetin
- Quercetin is a pigment flavonoid found in many fruits and vegetables such as apples, onions, blueberries, cruciferous vegetables, etc.
- In the case of herxheimer reactions, Quercetin acts as an anti-inflammatory agent by reducing the excessive production of cytokines by the immune system.
- Reducing the excessive inflammatory response caused by a herx can help a person feel better.
- For herxing, the recommended dosage for Quercetin at 250mg per capsule is 2 capsules 3x a day.
Red Root
- Red Root is an excellent herb to help drain the lymphatic system after it has become sluggish
- The lymphatic system is the location where dead spirochetes and fallen immune cells are taken for removal from the body
- The lymphatic system relies on the physical contraction of muscles for stimulation and to move toxins along. Red root isn't a replacement for physical activity but if you're immobile or living a sedentary lifestyle, it can help
Renelix
- Renelix is a homeopathic remedy that helps support excretion of the kidneys and lymphatic drainage. Itires is recommended though for a more complete lymphatic drainage.
- It's one component of Pekana's "Big 3" for detoxification alongside Itires (i.e., lymphatic drainage) and Apo-hepat (i.e., liver drainage).
- Sarsaparilla is an herb that has a proven ability to bind to endotoxins (responsible for herx) in the blood stream and forces them to be eliminated by the digestive tract
Sauna
- Utilizing the skin as a means of detoxification is genius as 20 minutes of sweating is equivalent to the work the kidneys accomplish in 24 hours
- Portable Saunas are available on Amazon for around $100
- Don't use soap after a sauna as even after you're done, your body is still removing toxins through the pores. A cool shower without soap will suffice.
Shower (cold)
- Jumping into a cold shower forces the muscles to contract, which in turn moves toxins along to be processed. It also opens the arteries allowing a fresh supply of blood to infiltrate the organs
- Once jumping into a cold shower, it takes about a minute for the body to adjust and become comfortable. 3 minutes in the shower will suffice
Tox-Ease
- The constituents of Tox-Ease are understood to increase the acceleration of the organs the body uses for detoxification (i.e., skin, liver, kidneys)
- Tox-Ease may be able to reduce inflammation caused by toxins within the body
- Tox-Ease can only be ordered by a licensed practitioner
Tox-Ease ii
- Tox-Ease ll is designed for those that need deeper levels of detoxification, while still providing basic organ detox support.
- With a higher concentrations of its constituents, it helps assists the body's ability to purge toxins better.
- Constituents within Tox-Ease ll may assist with heavy metal removal, decreasing oxidative stress, and reducing inflammation.
- Tox-Ease ll can only be ordered by a licensed practitioner
Tox-ease gl
- Tox-Ease GL was designed for a gentler detoxification experience. Catered more specifically to the extremely ill, children, and the elderly.
- The constituents in Tox-Ease GL will assist the body with its natural detoxification process, and better its ability to absorb nutrients.
- Tox-Ease GL can only be ordered by a licensed practitioner
Turmeric
- Turmeric is one of the best herbs for detoxification of the liver as it's well known for increasing bile production. Bile is the means of transportation for toxins from the liver to the colon
- Add a teaspoon of turmeric to your eggs for breakfast or enjoy it on chicken
Zeolites
- Zeolites are minerals formed when molten lava comes in contact with a water source
- Zeolites possess the ability to attract and remove, specifically heavy metals, but also chemicals and toxins in the body. One of the better binders for ammonia
- Some reputable brands that sell zeolites are ZMP 400 and Nutramedix Zeolite HP (high potency)