Detox Symptoms

What are they and why do we experience them?

For years I’ve helped people through detoxes like the Arbonne30 program, my Healthy Mom Club and the 10 Day Detox and one of the most common conversations I have the first week is about detox symptoms.

It’s easy to understand that eating certain foods can make us feel not so great. But most people don’t expect that CUTTING out certain foods can actually make you feel…worse! Just know this is TEMPORARY and a key sign that these foods were not serving you in the first place.

• Instead of the clear-headedness they expected, they get brain fog.

• Instead of the anticipated energy boost, they experience fatigue.

• And, instead of feeling more optimistic, they end up being cranky and anxious.

• And instead of feeling light and slimmed down, they experience gas, bloating, and constipation.

Again, this is normal and TEMPORARY and the level of symptoms can vary from a nagging headache to more severe like all-out flu symptoms that put me in bed.

When you cut things like alcohol, caffeine, gluten, and sugar from your diet, experiencing some withdrawal symptoms is almost inevitable.

If you are experiencing any of these side effects, do not give up on your detox just yet! I promise you, the benefits of detoxing are worth it.

6 Side-Effects You Might Experience During a Detox

1. Headaches.

Headaches are the number one withdrawal symptom reported by my detox groups every month.

The best solution? Hydration and more specifically, absorption of water and electrolytes.

Aim for about half your body weight in ounces of water a day.

Also keep in mind the important thing is absorption, not just consuming water. So adding things like a pinch of pink Himalayan salt to your water will add electrolytes to increase absorption.

2. Gut Issues- Diarrhea, bloating or constipation.

Gut related discomfort is one of the most common problems people experience during a detox.

Fiber supplements, psyllium husk and probiotics can help you regulate your bowel movements, but your diet should come first.

Make sure your meals are balanced and include plenty of high-fiber foods to keep your bowel movements regular.

You can read my guide to detox bloating here.

3. Sleep problems and fatigue.

For the first few days of a detox, you may experience a disruption to your sleep patterns.

Insomnia is not uncommon, but you may also struggle with feeling tired and desperate for a nap.

To minimize the risk of insomnia, get off devices an hour before bed and incorporate a 15 minute wind down routine- reading, a short meditation, gratitude journaling, or light stretching are all easy nighttime routines.

When you cut sugar from your diet, or simply choose to go without your daily caffeine fix, you are going to feel tired for at least a few days.

I usually tell people if you’re cutting sugar don’t try to cut caffeine too. Tackle that next.

Although it seems counterintuitive, exercising (including going for a walk) can help give you more energy.

Getting outside for a walk within the first hour of waking does wonders for your circadian rhythm which improves your metabolism, energy levels throughout the day and your nighttime sleep.

And if you can fit in a quick power nap, go for it!

4. Irritability or anxiety

If you are feeling a little more cranky than usual, the side effects of detoxing your body may be to blame.

To cope with increased irritability or anxiety, consider taking some time to detox your mind as well. I personally enjoy a short walk first thing in the morning along with gratitude journaling and a meditation or hypnosis recording at night. Reading a good book helps too!

5. Skin issues/breakouts.

Have you noticed that you tend to break out more when you eat poorly?

As strange as it sounds, the same thing can happen during the first few days of a detox, even though you are eating healthy, detoxifying foods.

This is because our skin is an elimination organ, just like our liver and our kidney. So as it filters our the toxins being released, it can cause breakouts, skin sensitivity and even rashes.

But don’t worry - after a few more days, your skin will be glowing and look better than ever!

6. Cravings.

This is something EVERYONE who goes through a detox experiences at one point or another.

If you find yourself suddenly craving every type of junk food under the sun, don’t panic.

Hang in there, drink lots of water, and know that in just a few short days you will have successfully reprogrammed your body and brain to crave healthy foods instead.

Yes, your brain, microbiome, and taste buds will actually be reprogrammed to crave healthier foods!

How long do these symptoms last?

Symptoms can emerge on day one but for some they don’t show up until day two or three. In most cases, symptoms should subside after a few days but it varies for each person. In some cases symptoms like bloating can take more than a week to subside. I know it can be extremely uncomfortable but just know energy, clarity, and vitality are right around the corner!

Interested in a Detox?

You can learn more about my Healthy Mom Club program here or get your FREE 10 Day Detox guide here.

Xoxo- Whit