Feeling worse after starting a detox protocol isn't a failure. But it also isn't something to push through blindly. What's happening in your body has a specific cause, and knowing it changes everything about how you approach healing.
Key Takeaway
Drainage pathways must be open before any detox protocol begins. If the colon, liver, lymphatics, and kidneys aren't actively moving toxins out, die-off debris gets reabsorbed rather than eliminated, turning what should be a healing response into a toxic recycling loop. This is why the order of operations matters more than the protocol itself.
In today's world, the diagnosis of chronic illnesses are rapidly inclining. According to a 2018 study, "nearly half (approximately 45%, or 133 million) of all Americans suffer from at least one chronic disease." This number is now estimated to be 157 million people with 81 million having multiple conditions.
We live in a toxic world full of air pollution, water-damaged buildings, heavy metals in food/water, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, pesticides, processed foods, EMFs, and an unregulated amount of chemicals cycling through our lifestyle/hygienic products.
What are the Reasons I Feel Worse on Supplements?
When detoxing from pathogens and toxins from supplementation, it is natural for the body to respond with mild headaches, fatigue, general muscle stiffness, frequent urination, and temporary waves of worsening symptoms. However, there are other reasons for feeling worse on supplements.
1) Clogged Drainage Pathways: The pathways of drainage include the colon, kidneys, liver, lymph/skin, and cells. When one or multiple of these pathways is stagnant or clogged due to infections, toxicities, or emotional trauma, the body is unable to effectively eliminate pathogens and toxins with supplementation. Opening drainage pathways is the first essential step in healing.
Without a foundation of proper drainage, the body may become more sick and inflamed rather than healthy and thriving. Drainage is just as important as detoxification. For example, if a person jumps into a parasite protocol prior to working on drainage, they may experience intense die-off symptoms that make the body unable to eliminate the parasite corpses. This can lead to nausea/vomiting, fatigue, sleep disturbances, hot flashes, migraines, heightened anxiety, and flu-like symptoms.
Each drainage pathway has different forms of receiving drainage support:
- Colon: It is crucial to have 1-3 consistent bowel movements per day. Ways to support bowel elimination include: taking bowel-moving herbal supplements, eating a clean diet with fiber, hydrating with clean water, and indulging in physical movement.
- Liver and Gallbladder: TUDCA, liver-supporting herbal supplements, castor oil packs, and coffee enemas support the drainage of the liver and gallbladder.
- Lymphatic System / Skin: Infrared saunas, lymphatic massages, physical movement, rebounding, dry brushing, and lymph-supporting herbal teas and supplementation support lymphatic drainage.
- Kidneys: Maintaining hydration with clean water and ingesting trace minerals assist the kidneys in properly draining.
- Cells: The cells function best when the drainage pathways mentioned above are properly functioning.
2) Herxheimer (Herx) Reactions: A herxheimer reaction is a short-term detoxification reaction from supplementation or other healing modalities. When the body is detoxifying, it is not uncommon to experience flu-like symptoms such as: fatigue, muscle aches, sore/swollen throat, nausea/abdominal pain, sweating, headaches, etc.
A herx reaction is also known as "die-off." Die-off occurs when pathogens and toxins are being expelled from the body. This is a normal healthy reaction. A major way to cope with herxheimer reactions is by taking a binder supplement. A binder acts like an absorbent sponge that attracts pathogens and toxins while leading them out of the body. Our favorite binders include: Biotoxin Binder, Carboxy, and HM-ET Binder from Cellcore Biosciences.
Other ways to cope with herxheimer reactions are through epsom salt baths, infrared saunas, maintaining bowel movements, hydrating, and getting extra rest.
3) Biofilm Busting: Biofilms are brick-like walls that surround pathogens and toxins, making them slightly unrecognizable to the body. When these biofilms are busted and opened, they may release the pathogens and toxins that were previously hiding inside.
4) Supplement Sensitivity: Some individuals may be sensitive to certain ingredients within supplements. If a person has a sensitivity to a specific herb, they may experience allergic reactions or worsening symptoms.
5) Wrong Order of Operations: It is important to follow the "order of operations" when healing. The order of operations is: drainage, then parasites, then mold/metals, then Lyme/Lyme co-infections, then viruses, then rebuild.