Feeling Ill After a Detox – Is It Normal?
During a detox, your body releases many things which have been stored in fat cells, tissues and organs.
These substances are then briefly introduced to your body on their way out. For this reason, a few days afterward, you may feel nauseous, have a headache, or experience other problems, such as diarrhea or general feelings of exhaustion or sickness.
It is perfectly normal and not dangerous.
Rather, these symptoms can be taken to mean, both, your diet was effective, and your body is healing. Often, this stage is referred to as the healing crisis. It can come a few days in, or set in afterward, but it has to do with the removal of certain substances your body has grown use to and dependent on, even though they are harmful.
There are some steps you can take to lesson the difficulties experienced during this time. First, it is important, no matter what, to keep yourself well-hydrated. Water will help ease the transition and some of the tougher side effects. Hot showers are also a great way to relax your body and mind, as is napping, if you feel especially ill or tired.
If your symptoms are too difficult, it is wise to allow yourself room to cancel strenuous tasks or appointments, even if only for a day, while you rest, flush your system, and recover. Other helpful hints include drinking mint or peppermint tea to help wake your body up, going for a quick run if you feel restless or can’t keep your mind off of certain foods or drinks, and meditating with your breath to experience relief.
The best advice, however, is merely to be patient and kind to yourself, and wait. The illness phase will pass, and with it will go the the worst of your food addictions and unhealthy cravings. In the meantime, congratulate yourself, continue to think positive, and resist the urge to take medicine or caffeine to overcome detox side-effects.
While it isn’t fun…..
Feeling a little ill after your detox let’s you know your body released a lot of junk you don’t want anymore. As long as you keep yourself in the moment, reassure yourself that things are fine, and stick with your health-plan, you will be okay.
In fact, You will be more than okay. When all the rough patches finally subside, you will feel even better than you did before, which is what a true detox diet is all about.
