Understanding Die Off Symptoms
December 22, 2009 by Dee
Filed under Candida Treatment
You determined that you have candida and started taking steps to get rid of it. You embarked on an anti-candida diet and are taking anti-fungal treatments. Suddenly, 
though, you feel even worse than you did before. Your old symptoms have intensified and you may have even have some new ones. This means that you are experiencing candida die off. If severe enough, it may make you want to call a screeching halt to your efforts to control candida, but if you understand what is happening and remember that this is a temporary twist to your recovery, you will be better equipped to deal with candida die off symptoms.
What Causes Candida Die Off
Candida die off, also known as Herxheimer Reaction, occurs as a result of the candida organism literally dying off. You have taken away its food and sent anti-fungal agents to attack and your efforts are working. The candida fungi are dying and dying quickly. As they die, they release large quantities of toxins - so many that your body cannot process or eliminate them fast enough to prevent unpleasant reactions.
Candida Die Off Symptoms
Symptoms of candida die off may be hardly noticed or they can be severe. You may notice your usual symptoms intensifying for a few days or you may experience a whole new set of symptoms. The severity of the symptoms will depend on how badly overgrown the candida was in your body and how long you have had it. You may experience the symptoms for just a day or two or for a week or more.
As your body works to rid itself of the toxins being released into your system you may experience symptoms like nausea, sore throat, low fever and itchy skin. You may have diarrhea, constipation, gas, or bloating. Dizziness, foggy thinking, anxiety, eye floaters and depression are not unusual reactions. You may feel like you have the flu and experience chills or sweating, feel exhausted and feel a constant need to sleep. You may feel cranky or easily irritated and you may find yourself battling intense cravings for sweets. Muscle aches and joint pains are also signs of candida die off.
How to Treat Candida Die Off Symptoms
Many practitioners advise starting into your anti candida regime slowly and gradually in order to help ward off severe die off reactions. If, however, you are suffering from die off symptoms there are things you can do to ease them.
Now is the time to pamper yourself. Make sure you get plenty of sleep and try to avoid stress if you can. Treat yourself to daily Epsom salts baths to help draw toxins out of your body. If you have access to a sauna, relax in its warmth for 20 minutes a day, followed by a shower and thorough scrubbing.
Drink plenty of water. Remember, you want to eliminate these toxins from your body as quickly as possible. You should drink at least 8 ounces of water for each hour that you’re awake.
Try to eliminate constipation. Use an herbal laxative if necessary.
If you must, add a small amount of grains back into your diet for a few days. Only a small amount is necessary. A half a cup of brown rice or cereal should be enough.
Most importantly, think positively. Remember, these symptoms are your body’s way of telling you that you are winning the war against candida. Don’t let this temporary setback defeat you.
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