What Is SIBO 'Die-Off'

'Die-Off' or Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction is the term that was coined by Karl Herxheimer to describe what he saw when he administrated drugs to patients. The reaction is thought to happen when toxins from dying pathogens (viruses, bacteria, parasites, candida, etc.) overwhelm the body’s abilities to clear them out.

Die-off is an accepted nickname for the period where toxins from dying bacteria are being released all at once while they are being eliminated. Die-off can be more painful for certain people. However, it is important to remember that it is actually a good sign: it means that the bacteria is starving and dying!

During this period you may feel:

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increased bloating

abdominal discomfort

fatigue

muscle aches

low-grade fever

nauseu

increased mucus production

chills

skin rash

increased GI problems

brain fog

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When Does This Reaction Occur?

PATHOGEN STARVING: Switching from processed food to a real food diet

PATHOGEN COMBAT: Starting or increasing probiotic dosage

PATHOGEN BOMBING: Starting or increasing dosage of antiparasitic, anti-yeast or antibiotic

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How Do I Feel?

Pretty darn awful. I thought I was experiencing die-off on day 3 of the new diet... I started experiencing immense pains in my tummy, heartburn and indigestion, headaches, and then vomiting all the following morning. It went away, and now a week later I am back to feeling awful again; brain fog like no other... a 'sensitive' feeling all around my gut... I feel so icky. As it has only been two weeks since diagnosis, these symptoms are technical normal as my body adjusts to a low carb no sugar diet.

It is all very possible that I am merely experiencing a low-carb flu (post to come) and that is also causing me to exhibit die-off-esque symptoms. I took my first digestive enzyme tonight with dinner so I am looking forward to reporting on the pros (& cons?) of using this kind of supplement.