Last month, I converted to a raw vegan diet. The physical and mental benefits of my conversion to raw veganism have been phenomenal and I am very happy with the lifestyle decision that I made. However, I am also aware that one challenging aspect of transitioning to raw veganism is the detox symptoms that you are likely to experience upon doing so. If you are experiencing any of these detox symptoms-which can include things like irritability, fatigue, skin breakouts, constipation, gas, and bloating-there are several things you can do to address them. Here are three:
1. Hydrate.
Drinking enough water is always important, but it can be particularly beneficial when you are experiencing the detox symptoms that result from converting to a raw vegan diet. This is the case for several reasons, including the fact that hydrating during detox facilitates the process of moving waste material out of the body. In the event that you aren’t taking in enough water, this waste material can become condensed, lengthening the time it takes to exit your body. So speed up the elimination process by drinking sufficient quantities of water.
2. Exercise.
I think oftentimes people who are experiencing detox symptoms when converting to a raw vegan diet don’t want to exercise because they aren’t feeling well. This is very understandable. Personally, I found myself shocked to find that I didn’t particularly feel like working out during my detox period. As an avid exerciser who is studying to be a Group Fitness Instructor, physical activity is an integral and very enjoyable aspect of my life. However, the lack of energy and negative emotions I grappled with during the detox phase precipitated a temporary desire to avoid physical activity. Luckily, I didn’t give in to it. This was a good decision given the fact that exercise aids the detox process by aiding digestion and elimination. Additionally, the perspiring that you do while engaging in physical activity can help eliminate toxins through your skin. Depending on the severity of your detox symptoms, it may not be advisable for you to engage in vigorous physical activity. However, some light yoga will be good for you given that it will keep your body moving.
3. Get Outside.
Interestingly, I had a great desire to go outside and enjoy nature shortly after I converted to the raw vegan diet. Nature provides us with a great outlet for peace and joy as we grapple with the symptoms of detox. By breathing in fresh air, we help keep our bodies full of oxygen. Additionally, standing in the sun and allowing it to bath us in its light affords us the opportunity to get the vitamin D that our bodies need to function efficiently. Thus while you may feel tempted to curl up in your room and keep the lights out while you go through your detox period, you should take at least 10 minutes out of each day to get outside.
Conclusion
As mentioned earlier, converting to the raw vegan diet was an extremely advantageous thing for me to do. However, I did have to grapple with the detox symptoms that resulted from my transition away from high fat, sugary, and processed food items. If you are experiencing detox symptoms as a result of your conversion to the raw food diet, consider implementing some or all of the strategies I’ve listed above. Good luck! :)
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