Adapted from The Paleo Plan’s Article “The Dreaded Detox”
So you’ve signed for the Paleo Challenge and you’re two week into it. You’re not feeling the amazing effects of the diet that so many others before you have, and in fact, you feel worse! Naturally you’re asking, “Is this really worth it?” Almost everyone who is on the Paleo Diet or similar plan has been right where you are – you are not alone. Let me explain what’s going on.
This way of eating is pretty different than a normal American diet, so there are a lot of changes you’ll be making. These changes will NOT go unnoticed by your body. What I mean is, you may experience some (or a lot of) detoxification symptoms, including intense cravings, headaches and fatigue.
Why? You took out a lot of toxins from your diet, in the form of phytic acid and lectins in grains and legumes, preservatives and other additives, refined flours and sweeteners, and dairy (which is more toxic to some than others). Since you’ve probably been eating these things your whole life, your body is going through some serious withdrawal. But it’s also finally getting a chance to clean out some built up toxins. Without all of the harmful foods constantly bombarding your liver and other organs, and with the addition of tons of nutrients and protein from the fruits, vegetables and meats you’re now eating, your body is going to take the opportunity to do some much needed cleaning. This purging is exactly what causes the symptoms you may be experiencing right now – the toxins are in your circulation being dealt with instead of being suppressed. It’s like when you do a good deep cleaning of your house – you turn it upside down before it looks immaculate. In the first 3 days to 3 weeks, you may (or may not) experience:
Headaches
Fatigue
Dizziness
Irritability
Mood swings
Nausea
Intense cravings
Sinus drainage
Diarrhea/Constipation
Flu-like symptoms
Brain fog
Increased urination
Increased appetite
Increased thirst
When I first went Paleo, I remember trying to deadlift and the bar felt like a million pounds. I didn’t have the clarity that I was used to and felt like I was in a total fog. Persisting through this based on the accounts of others, I finally hit “Paleo Euphoria” and never looked back. A lot of people only experience symptoms for a few days to a week, and there’s really no way of predicting how long your detoxification period will last.
For the coffee and/or tea drinker and you’re giving that up (not required on our challenge), you should almost undoubtedly expect some symptoms. Caffeine is an addictive substance, as you know, and your nervous and endocrine systems will need some time to re-boot. Maybe warn your significant other that you might not be the sweetest, most docile partner for a few days…
So during those difficult moments when you’re wondering whether or not this diet is in fact hurting you – not helping – remember that after the “storm of detoxification” subsides, you may very well experience:
More energy
Emotional Balance
Clarity of mind
Fat loss/Muscle gain
Strength gains
Fewer aches and pains
Less sinus congestion
Fewer seasonal allergy symptoms
Digestive ease
Clearer skin
Fewer colds
And that is why you’ve chosen to do this. Stay strong – it WILL be worth it.
What are your experiences with detoxification? Any words of wisdom for your fellow Paleo Challenge Participants?