One of the things you’re bound to encounter along your raw food faerytale is detox. In this article I’ll explore the concept of detox, the common symptoms, and even the magick that happens during a detox.
Raw Food Detox Video
(Click here if you can’t see the video.)
Is Detox a Myth?
Take a look at this fictional scenario: You increase your intake of raw food or cut out certain things like processed sugar, processed starch, and/or meat and dairy.
Suddenly, you can feel yourself getting edgy. It’s as if someone took away a drug addict’s stash. All you can think about is food, and you crave a spoonful of that sugary cereal, pretty please.
That’s detox. That’s withdrawal.
Okay, Nathalie, so where does the myth come from? The truth is that sometimes people use detox as an excuse to ignore their body’s signals.
For example, maybe your skin breaks out because you’re eating nothing but dates and raw sweets. (They’re good, but you still need to balance sweets out with other stuff, like greens.) The danger creeps up when someone brushes off these signals as a sign of detox.
Common Detox Symptoms
Here is a short list of possible detox symptoms to help you recognize detox when it happens.
- Skin breakouts
- Bloating, stomach pains
- Headaches
- Food cravings
- Trouble sleeping, nightmares
- Diarrhea and constipation
- Fatigue, drowsiness, low energy levels
- Irritability
- Congestion or Mucus that feels like a cold
Detox Madness
The short version of detox: when you eliminate or cut back on certain foods, your body eliminates toxins. Your body will try to expel toxins in any way it can: from your liver, via bowel movements, and through your skin’s pores.
While you are detoxing, your body focuses on releasing toxins, so you might feel under the weather because you have all of this garbage traveling throughout your body.
Think of it as deciding to clean a very dusty house for the first time in years. When you start sweeping the dust, it’s going to get into the air and make it hard to breathe. You’ll feel better when you’ve gotten all the dust out, of course.
The same goes for trying to brush away toxins in your body, you will feel the ill effects of drudging toxins up and out. Once they’re out you’ll feel better, but the process is not so peachy.
Why do we need to Detox?
You might be wondering what it is you need to expel exactly?
If you’ve been eating a fairly processed diet for many years, you might be surprised to find that a lot food might have gotten stuck, turning toxic.
In addition to left over food matter in the body, we are all constantly bombarded with modern day chemicals and toxins in the air, water, and products we use.
I believe every one of us could use a little detoxing.
Caution: I do want to caution against getting “detox fever” and constantly wanting to fast, cleanse, and detox. At some point you need to give your body a chance to rest from eliminating toxins.
Detox Magick
Now that I’ve thoroughly scared you, I’ll put on my Good Witch’s hat and discuss the magickal aspects of detox.
If detoxing is so uncomfortable, why should you do it? The simple answer is because you’ll feel so much better afterward.
Going through bouts of detox really makes you grateful for those times when you’re just humming along. Plus, every time you detox, you reach a new level of cleanliness. Imagine a car running on the cleanest fuel without any impurities slowing it down.
Assuming you don’t revert your detoxing efforts, you’re going to continue to operate at such a higher level of energy and cleanliness, you’ll be grateful for detox.
Benefits of a Cleansing Detox
- Clearer sinuses
- Weight loss
- Clearer skin
- More energy
- Regular bowel movements
- Mental Clarity
- Emotional stability / eliminated depression
Every time you detox, you peel away one layer of the onion. If you’re not ready to experience a full on detox, simply add a bit of the foods you’re cutting out.
For example, if the headaches of your detox are killing you, just add back a bit of cooked grains or dairy, if that’s what you cut out. It will slow down the detox, and make it easier for your body to adjust to the changes you’re making.
You can control how fast you want to detox. I recommend you detox slowly, unless you give your body the support it needs to eliminate toxins: with hydrocolon therapy, dry skin brushing, or a supportive system for detoxing.
Read my follow-up article full of tips to stop detox, or speed up detox so you can get back to feeling good again.
What Detox Symptoms have you Experienced?
I’d love to know if you’ve ever had a bout of detox, and how severe it might have been. Let me know in the comments!
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Nathalie,
There's something about this idea of the “pain” of the detox that makes it not seem necessarily pleasant to go through. And yet, the point you bring up about feeling so much better coming out on the other side, such a great point to remember. The initial and short term pain is so worth the long term “feel good” effect. I wonder if that's what can hold people back from fully embracing this, just like anything else, having to go through something that isn't necessarily fun – is that enough to hold some people back. Probably. And still, I see the key here as getting to that point on the other end – and how good that will feel. Gosh, this really has me thinking today…and am I holding myself back from a long-term good…
Hi Lance, you're right the idea of going through something uncomfortable is enough to stop us from getting to the other side. I think it's similar for most things in life, it's hard to push through resistance to start a business, give birth, and step out of your comfort zone.
Oh, and I should probably mention that the list of detox symptoms usually doesn't happen all at once! I only experienced a few of these myself. :)
Nathalie,
There's something about this idea of the “pain” of the detox that makes it not seem necessarily pleasant to go through. And yet, the point you bring up about feeling so much better coming out on the other side, such a great point to remember. The initial and short term pain is so worth the long term “feel good” effect. I wonder if that's what can hold people back from fully embracing this, just like anything else, having to go through something that isn't necessarily fun – is that enough to hold some people back. Probably. And still, I see the key here as getting to that point on the other end – and how good that will feel. Gosh, this really has me thinking today…and am I holding myself back from a long-term good…
Hi Lance, you're right the idea of going through something uncomfortable is enough to stop us from getting to the other side. I think it's similar for most things in life, it's hard to push through resistance to start a business, give birth, and step out of your comfort zone.
Oh, and I should probably mention that the list of detox symptoms usually doesn't happen all at once! I only experienced a few of these myself. :)
I'm glad you are so upfront about the realities of taking on a raw food diet. I thought it would scare me, but it doesn't. It actually makes me more curious to feel these sensations.
I eat a lot of raw meals, but I also eat cooked meals too. Maybe it's time I tried to go raw for a week. First I'll ask my wife to see what she thinks.
I'm glad you are so upfront about the realities of taking on a raw food diet. I thought it would scare me, but it doesn't. It actually makes me more curious to feel these sensations.
I eat a lot of raw meals, but I also eat cooked meals too. Maybe it's time I tried to go raw for a week. First I'll ask my wife to see what she thinks.
Absolutely Karl. It's interesting because you can achieve or force detox even without eating 100% raw, it's all about removing the foods that are the hardest for your body to digest. :)
Good idea on checking with your wife first. I'm putting together a special offering that will help you go from “a little raw” to “wow I feel great” at the end of October if you need that extra guidance!
LOL. Here is why I laugh to this article:
I jumped onto this site to find a good green smoothie recipe. At the same time I realized that my upper chest is very itchy right now. “Why?” I was thinking and then…
I saw this article. LOL. You see, I just started Juliette's 7-Day Detox Plan this week. And I know the signs of detox but it just didn't cross my mind at that moment.
Maybe it's because its September and time of the harvest & changes. We all have detox on the brain? :)
Oh wow, what a timely piece of information right? :) I guess we do all have detox on the brain, changes are happening for sure! Glad to hear the article relieved your worry about the itchiness. :D
Absolutely Karl. It's interesting because you can achieve or force detox even without eating 100% raw, it's all about removing the foods that are the hardest for your body to digest. :)
Good idea on checking with your wife first. I'm putting together a special offering that will help you go from “a little raw” to “wow I feel great” at the end of October if you need that extra guidance!
LOL. Here is why I laugh to this article:
I jumped onto this site to find a good green smoothie recipe. At the same time I realized that my upper chest is very itchy right now. “Why?” I was thinking and then…
I saw this article. LOL. You see, I just started Juliette's 7-Day Detox Plan this week. And I know the signs of detox but it just didn't cross my mind at that moment.
Maybe it's because its September and time of the harvest & changes. We all have detox on the brain? :)
Oh wow, what a timely piece of information right? :) I guess we do all have detox on the brain, changes are happening for sure! Glad to hear the article relieved your worry about the itchiness. :D
I think I just experienced one heck of a symptom. I'm 23 and went raw last Sunday (1 week ago) from the SAD. Constipated all week which I thought was weird, right, since I was eating all these fruits and vegetables. I juiced a (probably too big) knob of ginger with a small green apple and half an organic grapefruit and drank it. Holy crap, I seriously thought I was going to die last night, my heart was racing, I felt feverish, and I lost literally 4 pounds because I had the runs from 3 am to this afternoon. I was in a ball in my bed and I was like “ohhh I hate my life right now”. This evening I feel much better, a lot cleaner, lighter, and while still slightly dehydrated and in no way hungry, I'm reassured from reading articles like this that it's normal and can't wait to be fully cleansed!! :)
Hi! First, I need to say way to go on going raw, and second I'm so sorry to hear of your tough detox experience. Though it happens to the best of us, it's never fun to have that “I feel like I'm going to die” feeling, ever. It sounds like your body was working on releasing some stuff and that extra ginger-y juice gave it the “all clear” signal to let it out.
Thanks for sharing your story, I'm sure it will help others too! Keep up the good work, you'll feel all the better for it.
haha, aww, thanks!! it's a good thing, i feel even better now from when i wrote that first post above! it's interesting to read about other peoples' detox experiences :)
I think I just experienced one heck of a symptom. I'm 23 and went raw last Sunday (1 week ago) from the SAD. Constipated all week which I thought was weird, right, since I was eating all these fruits and vegetables. I juiced a (probably too big) knob of ginger with a small green apple and half an organic grapefruit and drank it. Holy crap, I seriously thought I was going to die last night, my heart was racing, I felt feverish, and I lost literally 4 pounds because I had the runs from 3 am to this afternoon. I was in a ball in my bed and I was like “ohhh I hate my life right now”. This evening I feel much better, a lot cleaner, lighter, and while still slightly dehydrated and in no way hungry, I'm reassured from reading articles like this that it's normal and can't wait to be fully cleansed!! :)
Hi! First, I need to say way to go on going raw, and second I'm so sorry to hear of your tough detox experience. Though it happens to the best of us, it's never fun to have that “I feel like I'm going to die” feeling, ever. It sounds like your body was working on releasing some stuff and that extra ginger-y juice gave it the “all clear” signal to let it out.
Thanks for sharing your story, I'm sure it will help others too! Keep up the good work, you'll feel all the better for it.
haha, aww, thanks!! it's a good thing, i feel even better now from when i wrote that first post above! it's interesting to read about other peoples' detox experiences :)
Hi Natalie!
Today was maybe my 2nd or 3rd day of going raw.. I'm planning on making it a lifetime choice and am super excited for it. But like what you wrote about detoxing.. I had the worst head ache today.. i felt irritable and moody and I have had many many bathroom visits today.. sounds gross but it makes sense now that I know its just my body getting rid of all the crud in my system. I can't wait to feel better and begin my new life!
Hi Natalie!
Today was maybe my 2nd or 3rd day of going raw.. I'm planning on making it a lifetime choice and am super excited for it. But like what you wrote about detoxing.. I had the worst head ache today.. i felt irritable and moody and I have had many many bathroom visits today.. sounds gross but it makes sense now that I know its just my body getting rid of all the crud in my system. I can't wait to feel better and begin my new life!
Hi Julia!
Congrats on your 2nd / 3rd day of going raw! I'm super excited for you too! I'm glad you found this article in time, and didn't attribute these less than pleasant side effects as something permanent while eating raw.
You will definitely feel much better after this passes! Woo. :)
Hi Julia!
Congrats on your 2nd / 3rd day of going raw! I'm super excited for you too! I'm glad you found this article in time, and didn't attribute these less than pleasant side effects as something permanent while eating raw.
You will definitely feel much better after this passes! Woo. :)
I have not much time, but I've got many useful things here, love it!
Oh my god… horrible diarrhea for the last 4 days!! Help!!!
Hi Kat! I'll need more information to help you… why don't you email me and we can discuss it in private?
Oh my god… horrible diarrhea for the last 4 days!! Help!!!
Hi Kat! I'll need more information to help you… why don't you email me and we can discuss it in private?
Thanks for the helpful article! I've just eliminated meat, dairy, white sugar and processed foods. It's a definite lifestyle change rather than a diet or attempt at detox. I'm on Day 3 and so far I've had a bad headache (it's gone) and my chest and the back of my head are very itchy. I'd really rather just get it all over with than to drag it out, I know, I'm weird that way :) I'm just so ready to rid my body of all the horrible junk I've been filling it with for so long and feel better, take much better care of myself and enjoy health. Are there things I can do speed up the process, maybe certain (safe) concoxtions I can drink or herbs I can take? Thanks for your help :)
Thanks for the helpful article! I've just eliminated meat, dairy, white sugar and processed foods. It's a definite lifestyle change rather than a diet or attempt at detox. I'm on Day 3 and so far I've had a bad headache (it's gone) and my chest and the back of my head are very itchy. I'd really rather just get it all over with than to drag it out, I know, I'm weird that way :) I'm just so ready to rid my body of all the horrible junk I've been filling it with for so long and feel better, take much better care of myself and enjoy health. Are there things I can do speed up the process, maybe certain (safe) concoxtions I can drink or herbs I can take? Thanks for your help :)
Hi Deniece!
Way to go on eliminating meat, dairy, white sugar, and processed foods! You are doing such great stuff for your body right now.
Unfortunately with detox, it's a matter of going through to come out the other end. You can take a look at the salt water flush post I wrote here, and see if it's for you. It may not be, so trust your own judgment on that.
Other than that, drink lots of water, make sure you go to the bathroom regularly, do some exercise, and try some dry skin brushing.
Hi Deniece!
Way to go on eliminating meat, dairy, white sugar, and processed foods! You are doing such great stuff for your body right now.
Unfortunately with detox, it's a matter of going through to come out the other end. You can take a look at the salt water flush post I wrote here, and see if it's for you. It may not be, so trust your own judgment on that.
Other than that, drink lots of water, make sure you go to the bathroom regularly, do some exercise, and try some dry skin brushing.
Ciao!
I'm 16 and have been raw for 2 months now. The very first week I went raw I broke out in this terrible rash/acne on my chin and even some pimples on my hairline (which I have never gotten before) ! I'm wondering how long could this possibly last? I mean 2 months with the same exact acne rash? Thats pretty long for a 16 year old to detox through her skin right? Or do am I detoxing everything right now and in another month or so I'll be done for good? I would love to hear your opinion and thoughts about this. Thanks so much!
x
Jane
Hi Jane!
Hmm 2 months does seem quite long. It might also be related to sugar, or hormones. I know that pimples along the chin usually relate to hormones and having an imbalance somewhere in that area. How have your cycles been since going raw? And do you eat a lot of sweet fruits or drink enough water?
Hopefully this gave you something to consider and try tweaking. If not, then let me know and we'll see what we can figure out!
Nathalie
They have been normal until now that I think about it I am a week late! Uh oh! I don't know what's going on there. I eat a lot of apples, oranges, and bananas and drink lots of water. Hmm. Do you think some fasts would help? Or would that bring it out more?
Jane
Ciao!
I'm 16 and have been raw for 2 months now. The very first week I went raw I broke out in this terrible rash/acne on my chin and even some pimples on my hairline (which I have never gotten before) ! I'm wondering how long could this possibly last? I mean 2 months with the same exact acne rash? Thats pretty long for a 16 year old to detox through her skin right? Or do am I detoxing everything right now and in another month or so I'll be done for good? I would love to hear your opinion and thoughts about this. Thanks so much!
x
Jane
I do think fasting would accelerate the detox, but maybe it would actually be wise for you to take a tiny step back from raw. That would give your body time to adjust to the changes you're making, and maybe figure out what might be causing it if it isn't actually detox anymore.
Good luck Jane!
Hi Jane!
Hmm 2 months does seem quite long. It might also be related to sugar, or hormones. I know that pimples along the chin usually relate to hormones and having an imbalance somewhere in that area. How have your cycles been since going raw? And do you eat a lot of sweet fruits or drink enough water?
Hopefully this gave you something to consider and try tweaking. If not, then let me know and we'll see what we can figure out!
Nathalie
They have been normal until now that I think about it I am a week late! Uh oh! I don't know what's going on there. I eat a lot of apples, oranges, and bananas and drink lots of water. Hmm. Do you think some fasts would help? Or would that bring it out more?
Jane
I do think fasting would accelerate the detox, but maybe it would actually be wise for you to take a tiny step back from raw. That would give your body time to adjust to the changes you're making, and maybe figure out what might be causing it if it isn't actually detox anymore.
Good luck Jane!
hey Nathalie!
first off, thanks for all your help! its nice to know that there are other people out there going through what im going through. so i've been detoxing for only 2 days and im soooo tired. do you have any tips on how to make the detoxing process go faster? also do you know how long the detoxing will be? im in college and its tough to be this tired all the time.
stay strong!
Erin
hey Nathalie!
first off, thanks for all your help! its nice to know that there are other people out there going through what im going through. so i've been detoxing for only 2 days and im soooo tired. do you have any tips on how to make the detoxing process go faster? also do you know how long the detoxing will be? im in college and its tough to be this tired all the time.
stay strong!
Erin
Hi Erin!
Absolutely, I know it can be a little freaky to experience detox and not know how long it's going to last and why it's happening. Here are some tips: make sure you're getting enough sleep. Your body needs the rest as it cleanses. If you can, do some dry skin brushing, and drink lots of water to help speed up the process.
I can't tell you how long the detoxing will be. But if it's really affecting you and/or your grades, I'd say it's not a bad idea to eat a little healthy cooked food to slow it down while your body adjusts.
Stay strong my dear!
Nathalie
Hi Erin!
Absolutely, I know it can be a little freaky to experience detox and not know how long it's going to last and why it's happening. Here are some tips: make sure you're getting enough sleep. Your body needs the rest as it cleanses. If you can, do some dry skin brushing, and drink lots of water to help speed up the process.
I can't tell you how long the detoxing will be. But if it's really affecting you and/or your grades, I'd say it's not a bad idea to eat a little healthy cooked food to slow it down while your body adjusts.
Stay strong my dear!
Nathalie
thanks!
its all so helpful. i was wondering if there are any other substitutes for the dry skin brushing? like something that i'd already have.
erin
thanks!
its all so helpful. i was wondering if there are any other substitutes for the dry skin brushing? like something that i'd already have.
erin
Hi Erin, you could go for rigorous exercise and/or sauna type places. The idea is to help your body release toxins through your skin by sweating them out.
Hope that helps! :)
Nathalie
Hi Erin, you could go for rigorous exercise and/or sauna type places. The idea is to help your body release toxins through your skin by sweating them out.
Hope that helps! :)
Nathalie
I've gone 50% raw for the past 3 days, and I have skin breakouts, low energy/muscle weakness, a sore throat, and feel headachy and absolutely exhausted. Today it's so bad I'm just spending the day in bed. I really hope this only lasts a few days. I know it will be worth it but it's tough.
I've gone 50% raw for the past 3 days, and I have skin breakouts, low energy/muscle weakness, a sore throat, and feel headachy and absolutely exhausted. Today it's so bad I'm just spending the day in bed. I really hope this only lasts a few days. I know it will be worth it but it's tough.
That definitely sounds like detox! I'd say to take a rest, spending the day in bed was good. Try not to eat too much so your body has energy to detox through some of that stuff. And also do some dry skin brushing, drink lots of water, and gentle on yourself. It will pass!
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