Why do I get headaches when on a Detox diet?
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Headaches are a very common potential side effect of Detox diets. They’re especially common
in the first few days and get better over time. Why do they occur? Just as many of the other side
effects that you experience as a result of the detoxification process, they’re partially due to the
withdrawal you’re going through from some things that you’re used to in your diet. The first few
days kind of throw your body into shock because when you just suddenly stop something that
you’re used to, your body is going to notice and you may experience withdrawal headaches as a
result.
One of the most common things that someone is addicted to that causes withdrawal symptoms
when they don’t consume it anymore during a Detox diet is caffeine. When you don’t get that
morning cup of jo that you’re used to, you’re probably going to get a headache. There is an
article written by Judy Fortin called “Beware of the perils of caffeine withdrawal” which explains
why caffeine withdrawal leads to headaches. Basically, when you drink caffeine you’re
constricting the blood vessels that go to your brain so when you give it up; they dilate and lead to
headaches. The amount of oxygen getting to your brain is also reduced. When your brain
realizes that it’s getting less oxygen, the adrenaline in your body is increased, so you may also
get a sudden energy spurt.
If you’re able to slowly wean yourself off of coffee prior to beginning your Detox diet, you’ll be
more likely to reduce your headaches. This way, you’re less likely to have to deal with Detox
symptoms and withdrawal symptoms combined. If you at least reduce your caffeine intake
greatly a few days before you start your Detox diet, it will be helpful. This also applies to other
addictive items like chocolate, tea and soda if you consume those things regularly. By slowly
going off of these things you can also avoid irritability and crankiness. As with any addiction, it’s
not easy to eliminate things from your diet that you’re used to.
Even if you’re not addicted to anything you might still get headaches during Detox diets. During
the first few days especially, you’re still going to experience things like muscle tightness, hunger
and other side effects that are going to probably lead to headaches. To help deal, you can treat
yourself to a relaxing massage, which actually does double duty because massages help
release toxins from your body too. You can also get headaches from being used to a lot of dairy
because your sinuses are going to respond, probably in the form of more headaches, because
you have more mucus in your body.
Another way to reduce the likelihood of headaches while on a Detox diet is to make sure you stay
hydrated with lots of water. Water is also a key ingredient to any Detox plan because it will
naturally help to flush toxins out of your system and reduce the amount of headaches you may
experience.
Try to reduce things like coffee, tea and sugar prior to beginning your Detox diet and you’ll
probably save yourself a little bit of pain and headaches.
in the first few days and get better over time. Why do they occur? Just as many of the other side
effects that you experience as a result of the detoxification process, they’re partially due to the
withdrawal you’re going through from some things that you’re used to in your diet. The first few
days kind of throw your body into shock because when you just suddenly stop something that
you’re used to, your body is going to notice and you may experience withdrawal headaches as a
result.
One of the most common things that someone is addicted to that causes withdrawal symptoms
when they don’t consume it anymore during a Detox diet is caffeine. When you don’t get that
morning cup of jo that you’re used to, you’re probably going to get a headache. There is an
article written by Judy Fortin called “Beware of the perils of caffeine withdrawal” which explains
why caffeine withdrawal leads to headaches. Basically, when you drink caffeine you’re
constricting the blood vessels that go to your brain so when you give it up; they dilate and lead to
headaches. The amount of oxygen getting to your brain is also reduced. When your brain
realizes that it’s getting less oxygen, the adrenaline in your body is increased, so you may also
get a sudden energy spurt.
If you’re able to slowly wean yourself off of coffee prior to beginning your Detox diet, you’ll be
more likely to reduce your headaches. This way, you’re less likely to have to deal with Detox
symptoms and withdrawal symptoms combined. If you at least reduce your caffeine intake
greatly a few days before you start your Detox diet, it will be helpful. This also applies to other
addictive items like chocolate, tea and soda if you consume those things regularly. By slowly
going off of these things you can also avoid irritability and crankiness. As with any addiction, it’s
not easy to eliminate things from your diet that you’re used to.
Even if you’re not addicted to anything you might still get headaches during Detox diets. During
the first few days especially, you’re still going to experience things like muscle tightness, hunger
and other side effects that are going to probably lead to headaches. To help deal, you can treat
yourself to a relaxing massage, which actually does double duty because massages help
release toxins from your body too. You can also get headaches from being used to a lot of dairy
because your sinuses are going to respond, probably in the form of more headaches, because
you have more mucus in your body.
Another way to reduce the likelihood of headaches while on a Detox diet is to make sure you stay
hydrated with lots of water. Water is also a key ingredient to any Detox plan because it will
naturally help to flush toxins out of your system and reduce the amount of headaches you may
experience.
Try to reduce things like coffee, tea and sugar prior to beginning your Detox diet and you’ll
probably save yourself a little bit of pain and headaches.
© the10daydetox.com 2009