We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are Common Detox Side Effects?

By Felicia Dye
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 18,670
Share

Detox side effects can be experienced in various areas of the body. A person may feel generally ill due to the circulation of toxins the body is preparing to expel. If those toxins attempt to escape through the skin, a person may develop rashes. It is also common for those who embark on longer detox programs to experience fatigue and dizziness.

There are numerous methods commonly used to rid the body of pollutants. No matter which one a person chooses, she is likely to find that it involves a severely restricted diet. In many cases, a person is limited solely to liquids. As a result, one of the most common side effects is weight loss. Since some programs are shorter than others and the consumption requirements can be drastically different, the amount of weight loss will vary.

Other detox side effects that result from the calorie restriction can include fatigue and dizziness. The severity of these problems can vary from slight drowsiness and light-headedness to extreme fatigue and incapacitating dizzy spells. For these reasons, the instructions for some detox regimens advise people not to embark on the program when they have obligations that involve strenuous activity or when they will operate motor vehicles or heavy machinery.

On the contrary, it is also common to find people noting insomnia as one of the detox side effects they experience. This is believed to be caused by changes that occur as the body is purified. Many people also report emotional changes, such as being cranky or having mood swings. This could be connected with a lack of sleep, but it may also be connected to hunger or chemical changes in the body.

To the horror of many, the skin is often inflicted with detox side effects such as rashes or discoloration. This is because a person's outer layer is a major eliminative organ. As toxins are released from other parts of the body, they may try to escape through any means possible, including the skin.

Furthermore, certain items consumed during the detox may cause the body to act differently than it otherwise would. For example, cayenne pepper and ginger root both have a tendency to increase sweating, which can have an impact on the skin. This and other factors can cause a change or emergence of unpleasant body odor.

The release of toxins and their circulation throughout the system may produce feelings of general illness. These are often described as being similar to those experienced when a person has a cold. Additionally, a person may experience headaches that can range from mild to severe depending upon the level of pollution in her body.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By Talentryto — On Feb 01, 2014

Detoxing side effects can be painful and terrifying, so it is always best to wean yourself off any substance under the supervision of a doctor. Many people who are attempting drug detox fail because they can't stand the side effects. A medical professional who is experienced with detoxing may be able to prescribed medications that can ease the side effects of detoxing.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-common-detox-side-effects.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.