By Matthew Sun
During a fast, cleanse or detox the body takes the opportunity to eliminate a lot of toxins that have built up over the years. The toxins are predominantly stored in fat and mucous cells. But also other tissues throughout the body. There are many different types of detox recipes a person can follow and also a lot of reactions that can occur, some of which can be very unpleasant.
The reason for the cleansing and fasting reactions is that toxins are released into the system via the blood and other eliminating fluids. As these toxins circulate through the body on their journey out, they can cause other parts of the body to be affected. For example a common detoxification reaction is the headache. This occurs because the toxins in the blood cause it to thicken and hence cause a headache. A simple remedy is to drink more water, have a bowel movement or slow the cleansing down by moderating the herbs you are on. I will go more into reactions and what to do later.
List of 4 different cleanses, detox diets and fasts.
List of Reactions
EMOTIONAL DISTURBANCES – During fasting a person is forced to stop eating and in many people, eating was done as some kind of emotional comfort. Eatingcan be a distraction from some underlying problem. So during a detox this problem, or problems may arise. This is a good time to look deeply within and meditate to overcome the disturbance.
HEADACHES – Toxins can cause muscle tightness in the neck and shoulders. This can result in tension headaches. Massaging the neck and shoulders will help relieve the tension. The herb Fever Few, which is available in health food stores, is well worth trying. The thickness of the blood also can cause headaches.
COLD VIRUS – Is a cold virus what we have been led to believe or is it actully a symptom of the body eliminating toxins. Please refer to the article Flu Symptoms or Cleansing Reactions? In any case try to drink more water and rest, because once your body is free of toxins, you will not get the ‘flu’.
MUSCLE TIGHTNESS – The muscles may become tight and sore due to toxin irritation. The legs can be the worst affected as toxins accumulate in the legs. A self massage, hot baths, stretching and exercising will help to release the toxins. Keep exercise light as you need to conserve your electrolytes for the liver.
NAUSEA – When waste is released too quickly by the lymph glands, some of the toxic overload is taken by the liver and secreted with bile into the stomach. This causes nausea. Drinking water or carrot juice will dilute the bile and toxin mixture helping to flush it from the system.
BACKACHES – Back pain may increase due to toxins in the lower intestine. The blood vessels that draw nutrients from the colon are very close to the nerves of the spine. Back pain often decreases after elimination of the toxins. Back exercises also can relieve some pain. A cold pack also will help. Using an enema kit will be the best remedy.
BAD BREATH – Waste passes through the lungs which are an eliminative organ. Brushing the tongue with a tooth brush, using dental floss and rinsing with herbal mouthwash will reduce bad breath.
CANKERS – These may develop from a toxic buildup in the mouth. Unhealthy bacteria increases between the teeth. The tongue becomes coated with waste. To stop cankers, gargle with apple cider vinegar mixed with water several times daily. Dabbing the sore with tea tree oil or vitamin E quickens the healing process.
DIARRHEA – Fruit juices have a laxative effect which is more pronounced after water fasting. It can be stopped by using the enema. Using psyllium husk during diarrhea will help regulate the system. Also cut back on laxative herbs if you are taking them.
BLACKOUTS – During fasting the body conserves energy. The heart pumps slower and blood pressure lowers. The blood is also thicker due to toxins. Standing or moving quickly from a resting position will cause the blood to flow to the legs. For a few seconds, the brain may not get enough oxygen, causing blackouts and dizziness. To stop a blackout get down on one knee or sit. Lowering your center of gravity will instantly stop a blackout. Blackouts are more frequent during water fasting.
NERVOUSNESS – The elimination of toxins can irritate damaged nerves. Exercise will relieve tension. Use quarter slices of avocado to slow the fast.
SKIN DISTURBANCES – The skin may become oily as rancid oils are purged from the body. People with problem-free skin may have a few days of pimples or boils. A pallid complexion is also a sign of waste in the blood. When cleansed of mucus and toxins, the skin will be healthy, soft and unblemished.
TIREDNESS – Tiredness is normal during water or restricted juice fasting. If the tiredness is too much, increase the quantity of sweet juices like melon and carrot juice. The tiredness is also caused by the body using most of it’s energy to break down and eliminate the toxins.
Specific Health Conditions and Fasting Advice
HEART DISEASE – Include bananas and avocados when juice fasting to balance the blood sugar level. Toxins in the blood and reduced blood sugar levels may cause a weak heart to labor. Like any other organ, the heart needs nutrients, a toxin-free environment, and time to heal.
HYPOGLYCEMIA – Do not juice fast unless you use bananas and avocados to balance the blood sugar level.
KIDNEY PROBLEMS – Fasting can irritate damaged kidneys due to the amount of toxins they filter. Try short juice fasts of 3 to 5 days before progressing to longer fasts. Avoid high-protein meals, refined flours, commercial oils and fats.
LIVER DISEASE – The liver can become toxic due to abuse. If the liver is badly degenerated, cleansing must be done in stages. Start with short juice fasts and lead to fasts over five days. Avoid heavy proteins, refined flours and fatty foods. Eat meals of fruits or vegetables between the fasts.
AGING – There is no such thing as being too old to fast–it is exactly what the body needs to feel young again. Shorter fasts are recommended to start. Assess your physical state as you proceed. If juice fasting becomes too intense, bananas and avocados will lessen the intensity by slowing the cleansing.
ULCERS – Fasting will help significantly. Choose the juices that do not irritate the condition.
General Advice for Cleansing, Detox and Fasting Reactions
-Drink more water
-Do an enema
-Use a proper detox kit such as the Bio Cleanse. It will absorb toxins and eliminate them more easily, thus reducing cleansing reactions.
-Eat a baked potato slowly if on a Bio Cleanse.
-Eat something light or have some fruit juice, depending on what kind of fast you are on.
-If taking herbs, take a little less.
-Do not allow cleansing reactions to go on for to long at an unbearable rate, there is no need to “tough it”. Just slow it down a little. You can always do another cleanse later, or stretch this one out a bit more.