When a lifestyle change for the better is undertaken, it is inevitable that one will experience various degrees of detoxification. Just what does detoxification refer too? Why and when does it occur? What is its purpose and what can one do to either avoid it or deal with it? We will address these questions in this article.
 First, we need to realize that most of us have had a "detoxification" episode. We may not have recognized it as such, but nevertheless, it was there and we felt it! In general, we need to recognize a detoxification episode as a good thing. It is one way that our body tells us that it is working, at least somewhat, the way it is supposed to work. Once we realize that fact, then we are in a better frame of mind to see why it is happening and what, if anything should be done about it.
 Let's be clear about some definitions so that we are all together as to what we are referring to when we use certain terms in this discussion.
 Detoxification - the term used to describe symptoms, both physical and mental that may appear when a lifestyle change is made.
 Healing Crisis - a term used to describe a detoxification episode in which the symptoms are particularly severe, if not incapacitating.
 Disease - when the body, or a part of the body, is no longer able to function as it was intended and so physiological changes result.

Detoxification
 We have already defined to what detoxification refers.  The lifestyle change can be for the better or for the worse.  For the better, one may eliminate some toxic substances from the diet; i.e. chocolate, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, animal products, sugar, etc. and replace them with good, nutrient rich foods.
It might be that an exercise program is initiated and as such the toxins are moved out of the body more quickly. More Oxygen getting to the tissues/cells will help to revitalize them, causing some symptoms to appear as well.
 Various symptoms may be manifested during times of detoxification.  Some of these may be severe, but most will only be mildly annoying.  Some examples would be: headaches, nausea, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, fever, skin rash, acne, irritability, lethargy, depression and others.  Many times the body will re-visit some of the symptoms that were previously experienced.  This can result in some trying times, but when it is recognized as a way that the body is healing, it is much easier to deal with the symptoms.
 If the lifestyle change is for the worse - in other words, one has been following a relatively healthy lifestyle and suddenly puts something in the body that is toxic, (usually foods), the body may rebel in its attempts to get rid of the toxin and the detoxification symptoms may be seen.

     Why does it occur?
 Over the years, depending upon the lifestyle that we have followed, our body has generally tried to keep ahead of the toxins with which it tends to be overloaded.  In order to do that, it has had to sacrifice various tissues and organs in order to survive.
 When we begin making healthier lifestyle choices, and eliminating the toxic substances, the body is able to, once again, reach for its goal - Total Health!  By adding good foods and getting exercise, the body is getting what it needs in order to rebuild those damaged areas.
 In order to accomplish its task, the body begins to do a thorough house cleaning.  Getting rid of damaged cells, or cleaning out areas where toxins have been "stored" are two of the ways the body begins the cleansing process.  This results in the toxins being released into the body.  The body will attempt to rid itself of these toxins in the quickest and most efficient way possible.  Following are some of the different avenues of elimination that it will generally follow.
 
1. Regular elimination through the bowels
 2. Elimination through the skin
 3. Elimination through the lymph system
 4. Elimination through the mucous membranes.
Basically, the body throws a party!

What to do about the symptoms?
  There are different thoughts as to what to do when one goes through a time of detoxification.

Option 1:  Do nothing and wait for the body to run its course. 
 The body will only "clean" what it has the energy to deal with.  Most of the time, these episodes last about 3 days.  Although for some healing crisis, the symptoms may last for a week, and if the body has enough reserves, it may even begin another week cycle!

Option 2:  Slow down the healing crisis.
 Eat more cooked foods and cut back on the juices and BarleyMax.  This generally results in an easing of the symptoms because the body is not getting as many nutrients to rebuild and is having to concentrate more of its energy on digesting and dealing with cooked foods.

Option 3:  Speed it up!
 Help the body to cleanse quicker.  This means that the symptoms won't disappear, in fact they may even intensify for a short period of time.  But, when they are over, they usually don't reoccur in the same manner.  This entails, eliminating solid foods, increasing water, juices and BarleyMax, fasting, possibly even partaking in some enemas or a colonic!

 No matter which course one chooses to use, rest is of the utmost importance.  The body needs to reserve its strength for cleaning - not for working!

 If one believes that they are or have gone through a detoxification episode - REJOICE!!!  It means that your body and immune system is still recognizing when things are not as they should be and it is trying to get back to Total Health.  The symptoms may not be pleasant, but as one stays on the lifestyle, the detoxification episodes tend to get shorter, and the length of time between them tend to get longer as the body continues on its quest for Total Health.

 If you would like more information on this topic, we would encourage you to attend one of our monthly support group meetings or call us for a private consultation. 
 There is also a tremendous amount of reading material available.  Try Rev. George Malkmus' book: God's Way to Ultimate Health, or one of Dr. Norman Walker's books to begin.  There are also many other books available at your local health food store, bookstore, or check your local library.