Posted 7/8/2023 2:51 PM (GMT 0)
That can vary considerably. For many, it's only a matter of a few days. For sensitive folks prone to strong herxes, it can take longer. For those for whom mast cell activation is a concern, it can take weeks or even months if they are in a bad MCAS flare (reacting to the herx or to the treatment itself) and don't yet have a regimen for managing MCAS. I know that "it depends" and "wait and see" are not comforting replies! But it sounds like you are in the more sensitive camp, so I would load up on whatever helps your system chill out the most, and be patient. (Easier said than done!)
There are lots of posts about ways to detoxify and theoretically resolve a herx, but effectiveness varies. I also found many of them intolerable because of MCAS (especially sauna and ingested supplements). The ones I found most helpful:
- Ensuring a daily bowel movement
- Eating an anti-inflammatory diet heavy on vegetables (no sugar, no processed foods)
- Hydration and electrolytes
- Alka-Seltzer Gold
- Lymphatic massage (DIY videos abound)
- Epsom salt baths
- Dry brushing (not a good idea if you have skin manifestations of MCAS)
Common detox methods others love:
- Sauna
- Binders (charcoal, chlorella, etc.)
- Exercise
System-chilling options (to quell cytokines and mast cells):
- Curcumin
- CytoQuel
- Quercetin and all the other mast cell stabilizers
- OTC and prescription antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers
- Magnesium
- Mind-body practices (restorative yoga, Curable chronic illness app, meditation, qi gong, etc.)
- Limbic system retraining (DNRS, Gupta, etc.)
- Omega 3 fatty acids
- CBD (non-psychoactive cannabis derivative, legal everywhere) or cannabis (probably an indica strain would be best)
- L-theanine
- Adaptogenic herbs (ashwagandha, holy basil, rhodiola, eleuthero, etc.)
- Other herbs (chamomile, lemon balm, kava, valerian, etc.)
- Essential oils (using them topically is easiest)
- Craniosacral therapy
There are lots more options for all of the above in other posts; I'm just throwing out a few ideas for you.
Don't underestimate the impact that mental and emotional stress have on these processes. Your body does not "rest and digest" (which includes restoration and healing) unless you allow it to take breaks from "fight or flight" and go into its parasympathetic state. These awful chronic conditions and the process of treating them can be enormously stressful, and stress is terrible for the body. Your nervous system and immune system simply cannot and will not function properly unless addressing anxiety and stress is part of your everyday treatment plan. If you are new to tending to your mental health, and the practices seem overwhelming or intimidating, then something like CBD, L-theanine, or an adaptogenic herb (ashwagandha, holy basil, etc.) might be really beneficial.
I hope your rough herx symptoms resolve really soon, Derek! I know you have had a tough time lately!