We are often asked about the side effects of detoxification. Whether you’re embarking on a metabolic cleanse or dissolving biofilms, you may experience some brief but not-so-pleasant side effects. This is not unusual, but it can make our patients nervous if they don’t know exactly what they may feel during the process.

Metabolic Cleanses are designed to get your system back in optimal working order. They include active ingredients to help heal the liver and pancreas and keep bile and toxins moving in the right direction (well, technically, the bile starts doing its job properly again and the toxins are permanently flushed out of your system). .

Biofilms, in short, are gelatinous protective shells that are developed by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, yeast, and even fungi and parasites, so that they can successfully thwart the effectiveness of drugs and supplements meant to destroy them. A pretty nifty example of evolution in action, though not much fun for its human hosts! In patients where low-grade pathogenic infections impede well-being, we seek to dissolve these coverings to better combat the pathogens themselves. It is almost impossible for supplements, and even prescription antivirals and antibiotics, to be completely effective against these discomforts until their protective covering dissolves. Enter the right scenario: Monolaurin (we recommend the Lauricidin brand in our practice), which is a proteolytic enzyme that helps break down these films, and Serrapeptase, a derivative extracted from silkworms (we know, wild stuff, right?) ! It goes without saying that pathogens that have infiltrated human bodies really like their lodgings, they don’t want to be dislodged or eliminated. They will fight! They will eventually die off as the medications and supplements we take begin to work, and as these pathogens die they will release toxins that the body needs to filter out.

These are not always easy processes for the people involved. Although we know from years of practice and a lot of academic evidence, they will feel exponentially better once the process is complete. It’s just the getting over it part that can be a bit uncomfortable, while wellness is still the ultimate goal.

Common side effects of metabolic cleanses and biofilm dissolution may include: fatigue, mild bloating, upset stomach (gas, bloating, diarrhea), joint aches and pains, rashes, and sometimes hives, as well as mental confusion and mild anxiety (usually caused by “not knowing” and general feeling of being unwell, even if temporary).

If you experience any combination of these side effects, keep in mind that they are completely normal and nothing to worry about. We know they can be uncomfortable, but they are short-lived. They are usually only noticeable for the first 24-72 hours and will subside thereafter. Our advice is as follows: Get plenty of rest. Sleep is essential whether our immune system is fighting something or not. It is much more important when we are not feeling our best. Our bodies regenerate and do their best immune work at rest. During the detox, make sure you get at least 8 hours of sleep a night. Drink a lot of water. You want to stay well hydrated and your system flushed. This will help speed up the process and help you get through it faster. If your symptoms start to make you feel sick to your stomach, especially fatigued, or if brain fog becomes a hindrance, you can use activated charcoal (which will take about an hour after your detox supplements, to give them a chance to work without being absorbed by the carbon and eliminated from your system without realizing it). You can start with one capsule and increase to two if your symptoms do not improve. Although, we found that one capsule is enough activated charcoal to bind to these toxins and biofilms to get them out of your system. Additionally, a teaspoon of Bentonite Clay mixed with a little water and consumed with your detox protocol works the same way as activated charcoal.

The benefits of detoxing far outweigh the discomforts they bring and, again, are not permanent and usually don’t last long. Some people will actually go through the process without a single physical sign that things are working as they should. If these tips don’t help how you feel during a detox, always see your doctor to review the timing and dosage of your protocol.