Are you transitioning to a vegan or raw vegan diet? You will notice when you make either transition your body will experience a detoxification period.
During your detoxification period you may feel like a vegan or raw vegan diet is not for you because you are not feeling well. Don’t worry because it is normal.
I am on day 7 of my 30 day raw food challenge and I have experienced some detoxing symptoms. The main symptoms I have had thus far are nausea and diarrhea. I know I am getting a little detailed, but I want you to know that a detox period is normal and that you are not sick.
What is the detoxification process?
The detoxification process is when the lymph fluid (intercellular fluid) removes impurities from the blood. As the impurities are removed, your body is lightened of the blockages within the cells are removed, resulting in improved health.
During detoxification your blood is getting cleaner and as a result of this the blood becomes thinner and less thick. Fasting and juicing also helps thin the blood too.
The cleaner and lighter the foods are that you are consuming, the cleaner and lighter the lymph will become. This will result in thinner and cleaner blood.
How will I feel during the detoxification process?
As the lymph removes the impurities you will think that you may need to see a doctor, but don’t rush to the doctor too soon.
The symptoms that you will experience during detoxification are normal.The toxins are circulating throughout your body which can cause you to feel ill.
You may experience the following:
- Coldness or hot flashes
- Fevers
- Diarrhea
- Rashes
- Desires for poor food
- Tastes of old medicines
- Mucus discharges
- Variety of emotional releases (anxiety, depression and other imbalances)
- Bad breath
- Coughs
- Cold symptoms
- Drowsiness
- Headaches
- Momentary aches
- Nausea
- Unclear thinking
- Weight loss
During the detoxification process the body will use the eliminating systems for your cleansing. These systems include the integumentary system – skin (largest organ), digestive system, circulatory and respiratory systems. A good way to aid in elimination through the skin is to work up a sweat and dry skin brushing.
The symptoms listed above will occur during your transition to a healthier and cleaner diet. Embrace these symptoms as your body’s way of detoxing.
Detoxification also helps heal some conditions that you may have been dealing with for years.
Example: I use to have allergies and sinus problems, but I don’t have these issues. Eating the wrong foods can cause these conditions to return.
I am having a few symptoms, but not as many as I had when I did my first 40 day raw food challenge in October 2008. This time around things are much better. I’ve only had diarrhea and nausea. These symptoms are not constant symptoms.
Don’t worry about detoxing symptoms because it is a normal process. I know some people who have ended a 1 day fast because they felt sick. Remember it is your body doing what it does best, repairs, eliminates and rejuvenates.
What have been your symptoms while detoxing?
Source: Sunfood Diet Success System
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Anne D says
This is a great website thank you I’m on my first week to try to go vegan and raw it’s hard now I know it’s working cause of your info,
Thanks
Evelyn Parham says
Hi Anne,
All the best to you!
HealthyOpal says
Evelyn,
Great info,
I would say, if a person cleans up their eating habits (less junk food and more whole foods) they most likely will experience detox symptoms too. I’m thinking of a few people I’ve worked with who didn’t go raw foods, but they did start eating whole foods. They experienced symptoms like headaches, constipation, mild crankiness, etc.
Another great way to get the lymph moving is through dry skin brushing. It something that become part of my daily routine. It benefits you by getting your lymph system moving and removing dry skin.
At times, you can lessen the impact of the detox symptoms by increasing your intake of water, getting plenty of rest, and increasing your intake of fermented foods. There are a few other things you can do, but I cannot remember them at the moment.
Evelyn Parham says
Hi Opal,
Thanks for sharing that! I had an episode on Monday and all I could think of was getting a drink of water. Once I had some water, I was fine. I also had to lie down. I’m know I’m not getting enough rest, so thank you for reminding me.
Take care,
Evelyn
malachi says
thanks so much for the tips ill use them when I go back to work and share them across the networks in the UK thanks
Evelyn Parham says
Malachi,
You’re welcome! 😉
Take care,
Evelyn
malachi says
Excellent infomation about detox,detox is especially hard when working a 9-5 any tips??
Evelyn Parham says
Heyyyy Malachi! Thanks! 🙂
Thanks for stopping by and leaving your first comment! 😉
Yeah, detox is especially hard when working a 9-5. One of the things that David Wolfe suggests in his book is that you can slow down the detox in a few ways. Perhaps that would be something to consider while working the 9-5.
David mentions in his book that you can slow down the detoxing process by eating lightly cooked foods or steamed vegetables. Also eating more young coconuts, avocados, nuts and seeds with green-leafed vegetables. He says this will allow you to remain on a raw diet, but also detox comfortably.
Great question, Malachi!
Take care,
Evelyn