Detox reactions

Some of the following symptoms may be experienced during a detox:

• Fatigue, as the body diverts energy to ‘spring cleaning’ the body.
• Hemorrhoids, as motions increase to unaccustomed levels.
• Frequent urination, as the kidneys and bladder begin to work more effectively.
• Skin rashes, as toxins are pushed out through the nearest exit.
• Constipation may be experienced temporarily. Drinking plenty of water will help.

Timing it right, allowing sufficient time to rest and relax. Don’t start a detox just before an important business meeting or a first date.

• Reducing the dosage of supplements if you feel things are moving too fast or start at a lower dose and increase gradually if you know your system is more reactive. Sometimes the bowel will slow down as a result of increased amounts of toxins, and if this happens, reducing the dosage of the supplements until things improve usually solves the problem.
• Drinking enough water - your bladder soon becomes used to the increased amounts of fluid and the frequent visits to the washroom will diminish. If you limit the amount of water you drink, both your bowel and kidneys will take longer to improve and your skin will be more likely to suffer.
• Avoiding junk foods and alcohol so that you do not burden your body unnecessarily, making it easier to concentrate on detoxifying. It is, however, best not to give up smoking or make a mammoth change in your eating habits at the same time as starting a detox as the body may become overwhelmed by the quantity of toxins raised.
• Allowing yourself plenty of time to sleep. This will help your skin cells regenerate and give your body time to process toxins effectively.
• Overall, take time to enjoy this restorative period and see it as preparation for the renewed health in the months ahead.

It is perfectly possible to have an effective detox without any unwanted side effects, especially when the exit routes have been cleared first. It is wise to make the detox as effective as possible by avoiding known sources of toxins such as alcohol, fried foods and chocolate cake. However, nothing terrible will happen if you slip up occasionally.

Some people will, in fact, want to do a shorter detox, lacking the will power to make it through the weekend without pizza and a few beers. This is fine – they just won’t get as much benefit from the shorter course.