“And so I wait. I wait for time to heal the pain and raise me to my feet once again – so that I can start a new path, my own path, the one that will make me whole again.”Jack Canfield
What is a healing crisis?
Healing crisis is something that happens when the body starts a detoxification process which is really a program of natural healing. This is a common occurrence among some individuals who start consuming cultured foods. When you start consuming cultured foods, your body is flooded with good bacteria. Then there is a dying off of certain pathogenic organisms in the body. These organisms can be Candida, yeast infections, viruses, and bad bacteria. The medical term for healing crisis is the “Herxheimer Reaction.” The cells release toxins into circulation and the body is not able to eliminate them quickly enough. There are huge amounts of good bacteria in cultured foods and it is like sending an army to go inside of you and clean house. This is such a good thing, although it can be uncomfortable and a bit scary if you don’t understand what is happening.
You want this healing crisis because it truly is the road to recovery. You will gain a much-needed understanding of how your body works. The vast majority of people experience very mild symptoms, while others experience severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms are temporary and will subside as the body gets healthier and is able to eliminate toxins more effectively. Symptoms usually reduce or are eliminated within two to three days, but on rare occasions can last a few weeks.
My own experience in a healing crisis happened briefly, in the very beginning of consuming cultured foods. I experienced a slight fever, which lasted an hour and then left. I also had increased urination and fatigue. These symptoms only lasted a few days and then I felt a renewed state of being that I had not known prior.
When you are starting to consume cultured foods, here are some of the things that can occur as they begin to work on making you well:
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Hot/cold flashes
- Joint pain
- Body odor
- Stools that are discolored
- Digestive upset
- Increased urination
- Sinus stuffiness or drainage
- Sore throat
- Gas and bloating
So what to do if these symptoms occur? I would consume cultured foods more slowly or even have them every other day.
For instance: Only consume one cultured food a day. If the symptoms are uncomfortable, consume them every other day. Here is the dosage I would recommend of each. Remember to pick only one cultured food, and as you get better you can consume more.
1/2 to 1/4 cup of kefir a day.
4 ounces of kombucha a day
2 Tablespoons cultured vegetables a day.
Many people do not have symptoms and do just fine. Do not be discouraged or think that this is permanent. It is a small journey where you should begin to listen to your body as it talks to you through symptoms. Then the healing can begin. You will learn so much, and before you know it your body will teach you all kinds of things: What it needs, wants to be fed, and how you can shine from the inside out. I know this because it happened to me.
Believing in your wellness so you can change the world.Donna