What to Expect From a Detox Diet Plan

If you’re considering following a detox diet plan it’s important to know what to expect. There is no doubt that by following a good detox diet you can improve your health. But, depending on what sort of diet you have been used to they’re not always easy 

Detoxing can be a very big challenge for some people. Whether you’re undergoing an extreme cleanse or a gentle detox diet, here’s what to expect.

1. Headaches

Headaches are a very common side effect of a detox diet. It’s generally attributed to the effects of withdrawal.

For example, if you regularly drink a few cups of coffee every day and other caffeinated drinks and you suddenly stop drinking them, you may experience a headache. Your body is accustomed to the regular consumption of caffeine and will go through withdrawal when it is no longer present.

You can experience withdrawal from sugar and foods that act like sugar in your body as well. Any good detox diet plan will eliminate junk food and high glycemic foods. If you’re accustomed to eating them you could experience a headache.

You can reduce the effects of the headache by making sure you gradually reduce coffee and other caffeinated drinks and stay well hydrated as headaches can be caused by dehydration.This should be easy if you are drinking fresh vegetable juices, detox soups and herbal teas. Green tea is good to drink although it does contain some caffeine. 

2. Diarrhea

Diarrhea is caused by a number of things. When you detox you’re intentionally influencing the release of toxins from your tissues so you can purge them from your body. They are expelled from your body when you go to the bathroom and when you sweat. You’ll likely go to the bathroom often as your body eliminates toxins. You may also experience diarrhea simply due to the detox products or foods you’re consuming.

For example, if you’re drinking a detox tea or taking herbs then you are promoting a laxative effect. Also, if you’re eating more fresh fruit and vegetables than usual then you’ll likely be consuming much more fiber than you’re accustomed to which can initially cause loose stools or diarrhea.

3. Insomnia

Often the first few days of a detox are a bit disruptive. Your body is adjusting to your new eating habits or routine. This may cause some insomnia although often people report that they sleep really well.  It’s best to try to detox over a weekend when you can grab naps throughout the day and not get overtired.

4. Mood swings and irritability

It’s very common to feel down, weepy or just downright depressed when you’re detoxing. Not only are you dealing with the stress and emotional issues of not being able to eat normally, you’re also purging toxins from your body which can cause hormones to become temporarily imbalanced.

In some cases, if you are following a very restrictive detox diet plan, it is simply due to low blood sugar. You can prevent this by eating regularly, having Green Smoothies or fresh vegetable juices and not restricting your diet too much.  When the detox is over you should feel ten times better and your systems will have essentially ‘reset’.

5. Renewed energy, vitality and mental clarity

 Once the detox is over most people report feeling fantastic. They have more energy. They have more mental clarity. They are also better able to manage stress and lose weight. Once your detox is complete, and even prior to completion, you will likely begin to feel quite wonderful. This is because the toxins have left your body and you’re regaining your health.

So you see it's not all bad. Depending on the detox diet plan you’ve chosen and your detox goals you may experience a few side effects. Taking a supplement designed to support the detox process very often helps to prevent or lessen side effects.

Many people report that the benefits of a good detox diet far outweigh the temporary side effects. Choose a plan that’s right for you and experience the difference.