Coping With the Side Effects of Detoxing

Whatever detox programme you choose, you will probably feel pretty ill at times. During a detox your body automatically taps into its fat stores for energy. This also happens to be where the body stores the toxins it hasn’t been able to deal with. As toxins are released back into your system a range of different symptoms can arise, including headaches, nausea, feeling cold, and the return of old symptoms.

Below are some of the more common symptoms and tips for dealing with them.

HEADACHES

These usually crop up in the first 48 hours of your detox.

Action

• Avoid painkillers.

• Use acupressure – there are a number of acupressure points that can help ease headaches. Grasp the flesh between your thumb and forefinger. Gently press the flesh until you hit upon a sensitive spot. Apply gentle pressure for up to a minute.

• Drink some honey in hot water. INSOMNIA

It is pretty common to sleep less during a detox. You may find that your mind is very active.

Action

• Run a warm bath that is as close to, hut not warmer than, your body temperature (36.1 C). Have the bath water deep enough to cover your shoulders and soak in it for at least half an hour. Keep an eye on the water temperature – don’t let it fall below 92°F/33.3°C, topping it up as necessary. Afterwards, quickly pat yourself dry and go to bed.

• Put two drops of lavender oil on a tissue and tuck it under your pillow.

• Drink a cup of camomile tea before bedtime.

NAUSEA

This usually occurs within the first 48 hours of your detox. Action

• Use acupressure. Turn your palm upwards and measure two thumb-widths up your arm from the base of your wrist; press here for 30-60 seconds between the two string-like tendons. Do this whenever you need to.

• Try taking ginger capsules or drinking some ginger tea.

SENSITIVITY TO COLD

During your detox not only will you be eating less, but most of your energy will be focused on the detoxification process. As a result you may feel unusually cold.

Action

• Wrap up warmly and turn up the heating. After exercising or taking a hydrotherapy bath be careful not to let your body become chilled.

CONSTIPATION

As your bowels adjust to your new regime, you may become constipated. Increased fluid loss can make matters worse, but your system should rebalance itself after a few days.

Action

• Drink plenty of water between meals, but not at meal times.

• Eat slowly.

• Chew your food thoroughly.

DIARRHOEA

This is not uncommon during a detox, and is a sign that your body has gone into overdrive to expel toxins as fast as it can.

Action

• Be sure to drink plenty of extra water, because diarrhoea is dehydrating.

• If your symptoms persist for more than three days consult your doctor or naturopath.

SKIN RASHES

These are another sign that your body is getting rid of toxins.

Action

• Shower or bathe frequently to ensure that the toxins eliminated with your sweat do not remain on your skin for too long.

• Dry skin brush regularly (see page 48) to ensure that your pores don’t become blocked with dead cells and to allow the smooth transit of toxins.

BAD BREATH

This is yet another sign that toxins are heing eliminated.

Action

• Brush your teeth regularly.

• Gargle with a gentle mouthwash. Alternatively, try gargling with lavender oil: dilute four drops of essential oil in 1 teaspoon of brandy, then pour into a glass of warm water.

WEIGHT LOSS

This occurs naturally as a result of eating less food. It should slow down after a few days. However, detoxes included in this book are not weight-loss diets and should not be used as such.