Posted 5/10/2014 9:54 AM (GMT 0)
I know this was posed as a question, but I thought I would define it for the people that do not know. In lay person terms, it's a die off of bacteria (or pathogens) that cause us to feel bad and possibly have negative reactions.
But a herx is better defined as the overloading of metabolic pathways that causes a decrease in cellular functioning. Those pathways are often called the methylation cycle. It is actually 4 cycles intertwined together and consists of the urea cycle, transsulfuration cycle, methylation cycle, and the Kreb cycle. Problems can occur at different places on each cycle due to metal accumulation. It has been shown that bacteria can sequester metals and these metals weaken the immune system (help keep the bacteria alive) and can block the pathways from completing their cycles. Depending on what pathogens you have and what metals you are exposed to will determine what metals you accumulate. It is my opinion that the metal release into the bloodstream upon cellular death and it's overloading our pathways creating negative byproducts is what causes us to feel bad during a herx.
For those of you that are looking for answers, eating correctly is the start. This helps change GI flora which must be corrected. The metals must be eliminated and this will help your immune system lower the bacterial counts. IMO, you don't have to kill all the bacteria in your body, you just have to reduce their levels to the point where your body can function properly.
Here is a 4 part video that helps explain the methylation pathway. If you do nothing else, learn how to eat to help your pathways function better. You will only be as healthy as your intestines so GI flora is of the utmost importance.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4uqEDK6BvM