Why You Feel Rubbish During a Detox

Always start a detox with high hopes and then start to feel lethargic and bloated within a few days? You’re not alone!

When you begin a detox, you’ll start by eliminating inflammatory, processed foods from the body and quitting the urge to feed your body junk food. Initially, you may feel bad (but it’s a good thing!). Your body will go through withdrawal, similar to quitting drugs or alcohol. This process ultimately leads to healing and feeling a lot better within yourself.

What to Expect During a Detox

Practicing family physician, Dr. Mark Hyman, has said that, "You might not want to hear this, but initially feeling bad is a good thing".

The junk food that we crave is chemically engineered to keep us hooked on its sugary, salty and processed goodness. By regularly indulging in these foods, our bodies become trapped in biological food addictions.

So, when you choose to eliminate consuming these foods, you may initially experience discomfort, such as:

It's common to become frustrated during the first few days of a detox. But, it's important to remember that any uncomfortable symptoms are short-lived, and you will feel better than ever within a few days. After symptoms begin to pass (around 5 days into your typical detox), you should see an increase in energy, improved focus, and even weight loss.

How to Improve Your Detox

Don't put up with those uncomfortable symptoms during a detox. Try the following tips to improve your experience:

• Take magnesium - A magnesium supplement can help improve waste elimination, sleep, aches, pains and stress. Soaking in an Epsom salt sitz bath can also provide your body with a healthy dose of magnesium. The infused minerals can help to draw out toxins from the body.
• Sleep it out - Plenty of rest is essential to effectively detox the body. Your body actually detoxes whilst you sleep. So, if you don't get enough sleep, this can disrupt the process and you may not see the results you're after. Try taking naps or 10 minutes of lying down to help the process. Struggle to sleep? Browse these sleep aids to help you get the perfect night's sleep!
• Drink up - Ensure you're drinking plenty of water during your detox. This will help your body to release its toxins. You can also try taking a sauna, having a massage, or practicing gentle stretching or yoga to boost the process.
• Be a pro - Probiotics that is. Even healthy foods expose your body to toxins. Probiotics are essential for a healthy gut and happy body. Probiotics work to detoxify heavy metals that can accumulate in the body, break down pesticides on foods like broccoli, cauliflower and sprouts, and protect the body from harmful chemicals that are present in plastic (like water bottles).

Looking to prepare your body for ultimate health and fitness in the new year?

A detox or internal cleanse could be just what you need to feel fit, healthy and energised! Treat your body to a fresh start with a natural detox or internal cleanse from StressNoMore and enjoy feeling revitalised.

---