The "Herxheimer's reaction" was isolated in the 1930's by a German dermatologist. It describes the reaction caused by an intense immediate overload of the symptoms into the blood stream that results when micro-organisms begin to die off. These symptoms are known as "die off", they are similar to flu symptoms there may be a fever, which is often low grade, accompanied by aches and pains. Other symptoms are...feeling worse than you were feeling before you started treating the condition, it is also not uncommon to develop a few new symptoms. The skin is the bodies' largest organ and one of its functions is to cleanse the body of its toxins.

As all the sweat and toxins come out on the skin, it is not unusual for sufferers to experience skin conditions such as acne or other types of rashes as the body tries to detoxify itself. The amount of time die off can last is not predictable with Candida; it can be for as long as two or three weeks. Not everyone with a Candida infection experience die, however, for many people who experience die off, a few hours to a few days is normal.

As a general rule the longer you have had the Candida infection the longer the period of time you will suffer dies off. Most people report that if they persist and stick to the diet they do feel better. Most people whose immune system is not healthy whether they have a Candida Albicans infection or not, will experience the herxeimer effect when taking antibiotics. When the bacteria are dying, they flood the body with an excess of toxins, it is unclear as to whether the effect is a result of the bacteria dying or toxin mobilisation.

Holistic practioners tend to recommend that individuals tackle the Candida Albicans infection gradually; they introduce supplements to the diet on a graduated basis so that the toxins are prevented from provoking the immune system to trigger an antibody response. They also recommend that the treatment include changes to the diet as well as the supplements.

Unfortunately environmental pollution from heavy metals, examples of which are lead, arsenic, platinum, cadmium, and mercury make the condition worse. When the body is poisoned by heavy metals it reduces the cells ability to transport and use oxygen, a vital part of getting rid of waste products from the body and transporting energy to the cells. A side effect of this is that the body produces excess yeast and no treatment would get rid of the yeast until the elevated level of metals is addressed.

Some Candida Albicans sufferers' have reported relief by taking bentonite clay orally.