The Side Effects Of Healing Your Gut: A Healing Crisis
Functional medicine has many benefits -- it determines how and why illness occurs and restores health by addressing the root causes of symptoms for each individual. Unfortunately, when we choose the route of alternative medicine, that often means our body has a healing crisis.
What is a healing crisis?
A healing crisis is a natural part of the healing process. It is a temporary worsening of symptoms while the body expels toxins in response to treatment. Up to 75% of people experience a healing crisis -- you are not alone.
What symptoms can I expect?
Everyone’s body reacts differently. Most symptoms are flu-like or a continuation of the digestive issues you had before. Symptoms can include:
- Body Aches
- Gas and bloating
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Skin irritations
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
How long does a healing crisis last?
Although there hasn’t been extensive research done on the length of these crises, most symptoms are reduced are completely gone after 2 or 3 days. It is rare, but some people have experienced symptoms for up to a week or more. If this happens, be sure to consult with your doctor.
Can I do anything to minimize symptoms?
If you are utilizing our GoodGut Program, this stage will go hand-and-hand with days one - five when you are taking Activated Charcoal. In this stage, be sure to stay sufficiently hydrated, get sufficient sleep and try and minimize stress. We recommend staying on an elimination diet which will help minimize any additional digestive issues.
Know that this is a very normal part of the healing process and will not last forever.
Your body is doing what it needs to do in order to help you feel your best. Surround yourself with a strong support system and you’ll come out feeling great! Happy healing!
