unyquity
I sure wish I could tell you 'for sure' what is happening...but all I can tell you is that I've never known anyone to take as much as you're taking (sure for a day or two, but not this long)...and I've never known anybody not to get substantial relief from any bug when they take it for a day or two. So to me, that adds up to some kind of die-off. But there's no way I can know that for sure :(
Anytime there's congestion & drainage like you're reporting, we can lose our sense of taste/smell.
I agree with your decision to back up and restart slowly. As I recall, there is a likelihood of a deep-seated viral issue you're dealing with, and so you might just be kickin' it's butt.
I hope you're plowing yourself with juices & Superfood and making sure you're having several bms daily - your body sounds like it needs the extra fuel and good elimination to help you through all this.
Keep us updated, please :)
Healthiest of blessings,
Unyquity