Monolaurin Die Off Symptoms
The Herxheimer (Herx) Reaction
Disclaimer: The research below is offered for information and educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice. See Terms & Conditions
Monolaurin
Die Off
Monolaurin is a compound and dietary supplement naturally derived from coconut which may possess immune supporting properties.
Monolaurin has been the subject of several research studies which explore its potential to impact a variety of bacteria and viruses in laboratory conditions. Monolaurin research topics and literature reviews include:
An explanation of Monolaurin and its purported benefits are included in the Essential Guide to Monolaurin.
In part due to the strong immune potential of the supplement, monolaurin may unintentionally produce a side effect ironically similar to a cold or flu. This side effect is known as the Herxheimer (Herx, sometimes Herxing) Reaction or "Die off" symptom.
The
Herxheimer Reaction
Herxheimer (Herx) Reaction
Clinically known as the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction, this complication is the result of a reaction to the release of endotoxin-like products in the body caused by the death of various virus, bacteria, yeast, and other microbes. When microbes are destroyed by antibiotics or antivirals, proteins and cytokines are released which the immune system may have an inflammatory response.
Monolaurin Herx Reaction
Why might monolaurin cause a Herx (or Herxing) Reaction? If taken at high doses in a short period of time, some drugs or supplements may destroy more viruses and bacteria than your body can effectively filter. Research studies exploring monolaurin in vitro and in vivo suggest monolaurin may rapidly destroy some viruses, bacteria, yeast, and other microbes in laboratory settings [Ref #6, 7, 8, 9, 10]. If done so in a short period of time it might cause a herx or die off reaction.
Monolaurin Die Off Symptoms
The symptoms of a die-off or herx reaction are strikingly similar to the flu. This is your body's immune response to what it thinks is an infection. A typical herxing reaction or die-off symptoms include body aches, muscle pain, sore throat, sweating, lethargy, chills, nausea, and other flu-like symptoms. If symptoms get worse, this is not necessarily a sign that the treatment is not working - in fact, it could be the opposite - the treatment may be so effective at killing the infection your body is unable to process all the microbial waste.
How long does the Herx reaction last?
A Herx reaction is relatively short - from a few days to a few weeks. It will depend on the individual, type of infection, and amount of die off. If the symptoms last more than a few weeks or do not improve over time, you may need to discontinue, change the therapy, or contact your doctor.
What to do when you get a Herx or Die-Off Reaction
The first inclination by an individual when they start feeling the symptoms of a Herxing Reaction is to discontinue the supplement. However, because the reaction might be an indication of the effectiveness of the supplement, some people believe they might actually heal quicker if treatment is continued and symptoms persist. The best method is to avoid a herx reaction in the first place by adopting a "low and slow" method of introducing supplements into your routine. If experiencing a die off or herx reaction you should consider reducing or limiting the supplement until your body is able to better cope with the die off and drink plenty of fluids to aid in the removal of cytokines and proteins in the system.
Potential Die Off Symptoms
Some people may experience different symptoms when taking medication or supplements in response to a particular infection.
Lyme - Lyme disease die off may be quite uncomfortable and cause fever, chills, body pain, headache, and other flu-like symptoms. If symptoms continue, you should consider lowering or stopping your supplement.
Yeast and Fungi - A herx reaction caused by yeast overgrowth may be site dependent. If there is gastric distress, the herx reaction may be caused by a die off of yeast in the intestine, for example. The rapid killing of yeast may cause nausea, swollen glands, bloating, gas, constipation or diarrhea, or sweating.
Viruses - Die-off symptoms from viral infections may mimic bacterial or yeast die off symptoms. Symptoms may include body aches, fatigue, itchiness, chills, joint or muscle pain.
Looking to Try Monolaurin, but Not Sure Where to Start?
There are many factors which should be considered when choosing a monolaurin brand, which include:
What Monolaurin source is best - Coconut or Palm Kernel?
What is the recommended way to take Monolaurin - Capsule or Pellet?
What is an ‘excipient’, and why does it matter - Synthetic or Natural?
What hat to look for to ensure manufacturing safety - Certifications and Labeling
All of these questions can be answered in the comprehensive Monolaurin Buying Guide.
Monolaurin Dosing
Monolaurin dosing can be tricky. Many factors may come into consideration including (but not limited to) age, weight, personal immune goals, or sensitivity to supplements. Additional details on the suggested supplementation of monolaurin can be found on the Monolaurin Dosing page.
Shop Monolaurin
Looking to try monolaurin? Consider some of the products located on this external site: Shop Monolaurin.
As with any nutritional supplement or medicine, it should be administered and monitored by a healthcare professional.
References:
Bryceson, A.D.M. The Journal of Infectious Diseases, Volume 133, Issue 6, 1 June 1976, Pages 696–704,https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/133.6.696
Batovska, D.I., Todorova, I.T., Tsvetkova, I.V. and Najdenski, H.M. (2009) Antibacterial study of the medium chain fatty acids and their 1-monoglycerides: individual effects and synergistic relationships. Pol J Microbiol 58, 43–47.
Goc, A., Niedzwiecki, A. and Rath, M. (2015), In vitro evaluation of antibacterial activity of phytochemicals and micronutrients against Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia garinii. J Appl Microbiol, 119: 1561–1572. doi:10.1111/jam.12970
Shaw, W. Biological Treatments for Autism and PPD, Third Edition. Chapter 4 Yeats and Fungi: How to Control Them. 2008
Goc, A., Niedzwiecki, A. and Rath, M. (2017), Reciprocal cooperation of phytochemicals and micronutrients against typical and atypical forms of Borrelia sp.. J Appl Microbiol, 123: 637–650. doi:10.1111/jam.13523
Hierholzer, John C, and Jon J Kabara. “In Vitro Effects of Monolaurin Compounds on Enveloped DNA and RNA Viruses.” Journal of Food Safety, vol. 4, no. 1, Mar. 1982, pp. 1–12.
P. Tangwatcharin, P. Khopaibool. Activity of virgin coconut oil, lauric acid or monolaurin in combination with lactic acid against Staphylococcus aureus. U.S. National Library of Medicine. July 2012. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23077821
B.G. Carpo, V.M. Verallo-Rowell, J. Kabara. Novel antibacterial activity of monolaurin compared with conventional antibiotics against organisms from sin infections: an in vitro study. U.S. National Library of Medicine. October 2007. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17966176
Zhang H, Wei H, Cui Y, Zhao G, Feng F. Antibacterial interactions of monolaurin with commonly used antimicrobials and food components. J Food Sci. 2009 Sep;74(7):M418-21. doi: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2009.01300.x.
Zhang H, Xu Y, Wu L, Zheng X, Zhu S, Feng F, Shen L. Anti-yeast activity of a food-grade dilution-stable microemulsion. Applied Microbiology andBiotechnology. 2010 July;87(3):1101-8