Detoxification is the process which allows the body to get rid of toxins. A number of body detoxification methods are available today that can be used to expel toxins from the body, two of the most common being juice fast and cleanse.
Toxins in the body build up over a period of time and there are many factors that are responsible for this. Environmental factors such as pollutants, exposure to chemicals such as pesticides, smoking and eating contaminated food can cause buildup of toxins in the human body. But when you choose any one of the body detoxification methods, your body releases toxins suddenly. The process is quite fast and due to this reason, some people may experience detox symptoms.
Some of the most common symptoms arising as a result of using body detoxification methods include body aches, fatigue, irritability, headaches, diarrhea, constipation, extreme craving, gas and bloating, skin breakouts and brain fog.
Why Detox Symptoms Occur & How to Recognize Them
Although body detoxification methods are simple, the impact is quite strong. In fact, detoxification also occurs naturally without undergoing juice fast and cleanse. The internal organs such as the kidney, liver, colon and lungs prevent the accumulation of toxins in the body, which means that the body is constantly getting rid of toxins even without using any kind of body detoxification methods.
But, when you consume too much processed food and expose yourself to environmental pollutants and smoke, your internal organs do not function as efficiently as they are supposed to function. Things such as caffeine, alcohol and sugar make it difficult for the body to get rid of toxins naturally. Refraining from things that cause a cumulative effect on the body can help the body carry out the natural detoxification process efficiently. But to make the process more efficient, most people use body detoxification methods such as fast and cleanse.
When the body is getting rid of toxins following a detox method, the body starts experiencing withdrawal symptoms. This is because the body gets in a state of shock and the digestion process may seem confusing. Due to the sudden changes in the diet, the body will try to protest and this is when you will experience detox symptoms.
A Look at the Common Detox Symptoms
- Skin breakouts
Sudden changes made to the diet can cause skin breakouts and acne. This usually occurs in people who switch to vegan or raw diet for a cleanse.
- Bloating and Gas
When fruit and vegetable intake increases, suddenly, you may feel bloated. Discomfort may also arise but it is temporary and you will start to feel better after the body has rid itself of the toxins. Symptoms of bloating and gas persist for few days only.
- Diarrhea and constipation
These symptoms may occur as a result of increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables. The effects are temporary and as soon as the body adjusts to the sudden increase in food, the symptoms will go away.
- Brain fog
When using body detoxification methods, you will have to refrain from consuming sugar as well. Withdrawal from sugary and sweet treats create caloric deficiency which leads to brain fog, the effect of which subside within a couple of days.
- Reduced Energy Levels
Sudden decrease in the amount of calories consumed also lead to reduced energy levels and fatigue. Everyone has their own caloric need and if the body does not meet this need, then the metabolism will be affected. There will be energy shifts which will make you feel weaker and lethargic.
- Body Aches and Headaches
These symptoms are not very common unless they are related to severe calorie deficiency in the body. If you eat a well-balanced diet and allow your body to meet its nutritional requirements, then you will not suffer from aches and pains following any of the body detoxification methods.
What To Do If Symptoms Persist
Some of the abovementioned symptoms are a normal part of undergoing a body detoxification process. But, if the symptoms persist for more than a week, then you may have to make some changes to your diet.
Nutritional deficiencies can arise when using one of the body detoxification methods and they usually result in unpleasant symptoms. If symptoms persist, the best thing you can do is find out what your body is lacking in terms of nutrition. You must take the steps to help your body meet its nutritional requirements. If the severity of the symptoms increases, you must visit a medical professional.
Fresh vegetables and fruit as well as lean meat and fish that is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids will not only make one feel full but also provide the body with all the necessary proteins, vitamins, and minerals that it needs.