A detox reaction, also known as a Herxheimer reaction, is a flu-like feeling that one may get when parasites, fungi, bacteria, viruses, and other organisms are killed in the body, by conventional or alternative means. The cellular debris and in some cases toxic or allergenic substances that are released from pathogens overload the body’s avenues of elimination including the kidneys, liver, colon, lymph system, and sometimes even the lungs. When these organs are working in top form and nutrient intake, especially of minerals and water, is sufficient, most detox reactions pass quickly or are not noticed at all. When elimination is hampered from insufficient organ function coupled with a lack of water and minerals, the reaction can be severe.

How to minimise the Herxheimer Reaction

The body uses water to rid it self of toxins through the lymphatic

system, kidneys and the liver. Water acts as the transport medium,

to remove toxins from the body. Therefore it is highly recommended

that a glass of water be consumed before and after every

session. 

THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER

Since our bodies are mainly made up of water, we need lots of fresh

water every day to stay healthy. Every function in the body requires

water. It is the sol vent that moves the nutrients, hormones,

antibodies and oxygen through your blood stream and lymphatic

system. Water is also necessary to remove the waste products

from the body.

Adults lose nearly two to three litres (12 cups) of water every day!

We lose one half cup to one cup a day from the soles of our feet. Another

two to four cups are lost from breathing. Perspiration accounts for another

half two cups. Another six cups are lost in urine.

Urine out put de creases and be comes very concentrated when you

don’t take in enough water. Since there is no way for the body to

store water, it sets up a priority system for the amount that has

been made available by in take. When you are dehydrated, the body

is forced to ration and recycle the available water. All dehydrating

functions are reduced or suspended. Toxic waste is dumped into

tissues, fat, joints and muscles in stead of being disposed of.

The lungs

The lung tissue must be kept moist, by water, to function properly.

The lungs absorb oxygen and release carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

Allergies and asthmatic symptoms may be a sign of not drinking

enough water.

The brain

About 90 % of the brain consists of water. The brain makes up

1/50th of the body’s weight, but it uses 1/20th of the total blood

supply. Water is an important factor in mental concentration. When

the body is well hydrated, in creased clarity of thinking can be noticed.

Depression, head aches, memory loss and chronic fatigue

syndrome (CFS) can be frequent symptoms of dehydration.

The heart

The heart consists of 75% water and blood of 85% water. Good

hydration in creases the efficiency of the cardio vascular system.

Hardening of the arteries, high blood pressure and cholesterol may

all be lowered by increasing water in take.

The kidneys

The kidneys are the blood’s filtrating system. Concentrated waste

is expelled through urination. With dehydration, waste is accumulated

in the kidneys, leading to all sorts of problems. If left unchecked

this could lead to permanent kidney damage.

The digestive system

The digestive system needs water to properly digest food. The

symptoms of heart burn, gastritis and constipation can be reduced

through the in creased in take of water.

The joints

The skeletal bones consist of 22% water and skeletal muscles of

75% water. Water lubricates your joints and allows you to move

freely. The connective tissue around your joints needs plenty of

water in order to maintain its elasticity and allow ease of movement.

When the cartilage is well hydrated, the two opposing surfaces glide

freely and friction damage is minimal. Increasing water intake, may

relieve arthritic pain.

The spine

The vertebrae in the spine depend on the hydraulic properties of

water for mobility. The water stored in the spinal disc core supports

75% of the upper body weight, the fibrous materials around the

disc support 25%. Back pain is a common symptom of dehydration.

Drinking plenty of water can frequently decrease back pain. Water

also washes the harmful waste from muscle tissue, the actual

cause of the pain associated with dehydration.

Body temperature

Water acts as the body’s coolant. Body temperature is regulated

through perspiration. Perspiration, through evaporative cooling,

prevents the body from overheating. Heat exhaustion can occur

when the body doesn’t have enough water to regulate its temperature.

Symptoms include excessive perspiration, dizziness, fatigue,

headache, nausea and vomiting.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS

Nutritional supplements are another important factor in the continued

proper functioning of the body. These supplements serve as

building blocks utilised by the body to maintain and repair itself. If

the body does not receive these supplements on a daily basis, it will

never be in a position to heal itself.