The KInd Life Community Forum
Use this space to share stories, exchange ideas, ask questions, and contribute to our growing community!
Vegan detox?
Started
by Joda
on January 31, 2010
I did this weight loss game at work based on the book GAME ON where you have to eat a protein/carb/fat (fist/palm/thumb size) five meals a day, 3 liters of water, no processed food or white sugar or white flour. I still ate some meat (ground beef and tuna) and dairy (cheese). Then I decided to do the GAME ON structure but Vegan and I haven't felt many detox symptoms b/c I think I worked them all out during GAME ON. Just some more oily skin, but otherwise I feel great. I tried to go vegan awhile back when I was doing three meals a day and very little water and still processed food and I quit after three weeks b/c I bet my cravings were too strong and I wasn't aware of what it was. So if anyone out there is having a lot of trouble, trying taking one thing out a week over a four weeks (sugar, flour, dairy, meat) and see if that helps with cravings and detox. I'm convinced that's why this transition feels more like a change for a lifetime.
I've been meat free for about 10 days now, and I'm definitely having headaches and nausea. It's comforting to know I'm not the only one! I have still been eating cheese, and I was wondering if that might be causing the headaches instead? How long did this detox stage last for you folks?
Emily,
You may be experiencing detox. Is there anything new that you added to your diet that could be causing your headaches? Some fake vegan meats and convenience foods can do that.
Do you wake up feeling that way? Is it every day? Have you had these symptoms before?
Justin
Hi Emily -- Agree that these sound like detox symptoms. It can actually take several months for your body to completely detoxify (though we all go at our own pace), so hang in there. I recently did a month-long raw food retreat in Hawaii and had very few detox symptoms (coming off a sporadic omnivore lifestyle) -- I think it was because I made sure to stay hydrated with both plenty of water and eating lots of fruits/vegetables/green juice.
Dairy is problematic for a lot of people - though they may not realize it until its eliminated and they feel the difference; you may want to give subtracting it a shot? Is meat all you've eliminated, or are there other foods you may be withdrawing from? Coffee withdrawal is notorious for causing these symptoms.
Thanks for the responses. They headaches went away not too long after. I have also decided to give cheese the boot. It was the only dairy left I was consuming, but I have to admit this one is really hard for me to give up!
I was concerned about a runny nose that I have had for two days now....when will it go away lol...I feel great otherwise slight baby acne....I have so much energy that I sit up all night after work and school until bedtime...no laying down on the couch like I use to after work......I take Omega 3 fish oil, but as soon as I finish this supply I am looking into the vegan brand. No nausea, weakness, or vomiting. Has anyone else had a runny nose please email me woleteselassie@gmail.com...I would be thankful for guidance from any one who wants to assist.
Just started Vegan diet two weeks ago after reading the kind diet...I'm having a horrible time. The first week I was fine but now going into my through my second week the symptoms have hit me head on. My symptoms include headache, nausea, lack of energy, dizziness. My real problem is being dizzy. Its to the point I worry about driving. When I get home from driving I feel so car sick because it feels like everything is still moving. Does that seem normal. I went straight from the standard american diet to Vegan. I'm thinking maybe I should have gone vegetarian first then eased into vegan. This is rough. I'm trying to decide if I should make some changes or keep pressing forward.
@ Bekah J:
While the dizziness could be a symptom of your body detoxing, have you considered that you might not be getting enough calories or proper nutrition? As you are still new to this, it is possible that you still need to tweak your diet. :)
The dizziness got to the point I had to go to a doctor. I couldn't care for my daughter or get her to the doctor. Turns out I have an ear infection. Its getting better now. But I am completely new to this and I have no idea if I'm getting enough calories or nutrition.
I am of the opinion detox is over-rated especially when it comes to just increasing your intake of plant foods, should in most cases not cause any serious physical symptoms. If you have cold-turkeyed a caffeine addiction etc at the same time as going vegan these physical symptoms can occur.
Headaches and strong migraines can be from hypoglycemia and blood sugar issues, so watch carefully. Too often i was told it was just detox when it was actually low blood sugar. Some other common symptoms are nausea, light headedness/dizzy, shakey and anxiety/panicky due to release of epinephrine.
Superfoods & Vegan Blog
22 Comments