A List of Possible Detox Symptoms on a Raw Food Diet
A detox diet is designed to help you rid your body of toxins that can potentially cause health problems. Some detox diets require participants to eat only raw foods. Certain raw foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, are nutritious additions to any diet. Following a raw food detox diet, however, comes with the risk of certain uncomfortable and unpleasant side effects, which proponents of these diets claim as proof that the cleanse is working.
Many raw foods supply fiber, potassium and vitamins A and C. (Image: Michael Blann/Digital Vision/Getty Images)Physical Symptoms
Headaches and fatigue are common side effects of following a detox diet, possibly because of the drastic changes in the foods you're eating and the nutrients, such as protein, you might be restricting. You might also experience chills because raw foods lower your body temperature, according to Karyn Calabrese, proponent of a raw food lifestyle and author of "Soak Your Nuts: Cleansing With Karyn." Irritability, dehydration and feelings of hunger are also possible on a raw food detox diet.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are likely side effects when following a raw food detox diet. Flatulence is another common side effect, according to Calabrese, because following a raw detox diet causes candida yeast to die off, and flatulence is how you rid your body of this. Other gastrointestinal problems, such as bloating and abdominal pain, are also possible while following a raw detox diet.
Physical Appearance Symptoms
Skin eruptions are one of the most notable side effects related to appearance. Calabrese claims that this occurs as the raw detox diet helps release impurities through sweat and sebum. Oiliness, skin scaliness and blemishes are all possible. Weight loss, which can be a positive side effect, is also possible on a raw food detox, and that can change your physical appearance.
More Serious Health Problems
A drop in blood pressure is a potentially dangerous side effect of a raw food diet, according to Douglas Graham, a doctor, raw food advocate and author of "The 80/10/10 Diet." Raw food diets restrict certain foods from your eating plan, which can result in nutritional deficiencies, because some raw foods don't contain large doses of certain key vitamins and minerals. Don't start a raw food detox diet without speaking to your doctor first.
