From Brain Fog to Bloating: Decoding Detox Reactions as You Begin Your Wellness Journey

7minute read -
Published 12 months ago

Posted By Nurse Andi

Congratulations on beginning your wellness journey with SNiP!

Your personalized supplement, CODE Complex, has arrived and you are ready to experience the difference DNA-customized nutrition can make.

The supplement you are about to take is truly revolutionary. It may look like others you’ve taken in the past, but the formula within your capsules (or powder) is a marvel of science and nature– the epitome of innovation with genetically driven precision nutrition.

Out of nearly 400 million possible formulations, your CODE Complex is made just for you, based on your body’s unique genetic vulnerabilities.

And your bottle (touting your name on the label!) includes the exact whole foods, vitamins, and nutrients your body needs to optimize your genetic expression and “bypass” specific genetic glitches impacting your potential for health, wellness, and longevity.

Of course, all of this is why you joined SNiP in the first place… and you may be eager to jump right in!

On the other hand, you may have heard about “detoxification” reactions and wonder if this is something that might happen to you.

Getting started slowly is the best way to minimize the chances of experiencing the effects of “detox” but there are many other ways to help your body cope with this temporary, albeit uncomfortable, state of transition.

So whether you sail through starting on your supplements or need to take things at a snail’s pace, this article will cover everything you need to know about the topic, giving you knowledge and peace of mind.

What is a Detoxification (aka Herxheimer) Reaction?

A detox reaction refers to symptoms that one might experience when the body is eliminating toxins.

These reactions are also sometimes called “Herxheimer reactions,” named after the doctors who first described this phenomenon when treating patients in the late 1800s.

When the body is exposed to a detoxifying agent, substances or interventions aimed at clearing toxins, the increased release or mobilization of toxins from cells can, in theory, temporarily increase their concentrations in the bloodstream or in the tissues.

This can lead to symptoms which might include:

Headaches
Brain fog
Fatigue
Nausea
Dizziness
Skin irritations or skin problems like acne
Mood swings
Mucus or other discharge
Aches and pains
Change in bowel patterns from constipation to diarrhea

As the body adapts to changes induced by nutritional modifications aimed at optimizing genetic expression, it is not uncommon, and there are many steps to help relieve it. We never want to suffer through it.

Minimizing detox symptoms involves a careful and gentle approach to detoxification and should always be discussed with a healthcare provider or a certified nutritionist.

Why am I experiencing detox?

While starting on any new supplement may trigger a detox response, nutrigenomic interventions can especially amplify the body’s ability to metabolize and detoxify, leading to such a reaction.

As underperforming physiological processes reactivate and normalize, symptoms associated with a detoxification reaction may temporarily be triggered.

While uncomfortable, it’s important to understand that a detoxification reaction triggered by CODE Complex is simply a sign that your body is beginning to process and eliminate accumulated substances more effectively.

Think of it like rusty cogs of wheels that get oiled and go from being stuck to smoothly running again and sometimes for the first time ever.

Detox reactions don’t last; moving through them can be aided by the simple strategies outlined below.

Here are several strategies that might help minimize detox symptoms:

As the body adapts to changes induced by nutritional modifications aimed at optimizing genetic expression, there are several steps you can take to reduce the symptoms associated with detoxification.

There is no need to “suffer through.”

Minimizing detox symptoms involves a careful and gentle approach to detoxification. Of course, never hesitate to discuss how you feel with your healthcare provider, as they may have additional ways to support you in this time of transition.

Start Low and Go Slow: Gradually introduce CODE Complex, allowing the body time to adjust. We recommend starting at ½ to ¼ of the full dose unless you know you don’t react to supplements (3-5 caps or ½- 1 scoop of powder). It also helps to take CODE complex with food for capsules or add protein powder to a drink if you use powder.

Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water along with your supplement and throughout the day can help flush toxins out of your system and alleviate symptoms like headaches and fatigue. A good rule of thumb is 0.5 to 1 oz of pure water for every pound you weigh.

Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, plenty of fiber, and whole grains (if you eat grains) to support the body’s natural detoxification processes.

Get Adequate Rest: Ensure you get plenty of sleep (see our sleep blog for more support here) to allow the body to repair and regenerate.

Moderate Exercise: Regular, moderate-intensity exercise can promote circulation and help eliminate toxins through sweat and respiration. If you have not been on any exercise program, consider stretching and walking as a starting point, and always discuss with your health care authority. (See our blog on tai chi.)

Manage Stress: Practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation. (see our blog on stress management tools.)

Avoid Alcohol, Tobacco, and Processed Foods: These can add to the toxin load and worsen detox symptoms.

Consult a Healthcare Provider: If symptoms persist or worsen, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider or a certified nutritionist to adjust your plan accordingly.

Note: A host of symptoms, sometimes attributed to detox reactions, can also indicate other underlying health conditions, and such symptoms shouldn’t be dismissed. If you are experiencing anything persistent or severe, please immediately seek the advice and assessment of a qualified healthcare provider.