Raw Diet Detox Symptoms

Nutritionist Natalia Rose, author of "Raw Food Life Force Energy," asserts that eating a diet based on raw, or uncooked and unprocessed, foods will help you sleep better, make your skin glow and strengthen your immune system. You will also experience better muscle tone and endurance, a reduction in cellulite and more energy. Before you get to reap the benefits of a raw food diet though, you have to go through the detox stage. The detox process, or the process of eliminating toxins from the body, can cause some unpleasant symptoms.

Headache

You may experience headaches when detoxing on the Raw Food Diet. Headaches are more common in people who commonly drink a lot of coffee, soda and other caffeinated beverages. According to Rhio, who goes by a single name and is the author of "Hooked on Raw," toxins circulating through the bloodstream are often the cause of detox-related headaches. Depending on the level of detoxification necessary, your headaches should ease up after a few days.

Nasal Congestion

Nasal congestion is a common detox symptom when going on the Raw Food Diet. You may also sneeze and cough, and expel a lot of mucus from your throat and chest. Drink plenty of water to help speed up the cleansing process. If your symptoms persist, see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical problems.

Irritability

You may experience emotional changes as you go through the detoxification process. You may feel irritable and on-edge or find yourself crying for no real reason. This is your body's response to the cleansing process, and should pass as your body continues to eliminate toxins.

Cravings

You may crave many of the foods you used to eat before detoxing on a raw food diet. As you grow more accustomed to eating raw foods, you should start to let go of old cravings and find yourself desiring healthier foods.

Skin Problems

Skin problems, including acne, rashes and areas of inflammation may occur in the initial stages of following a raw food diet. According to Natalia Rose, you eliminate a lot of toxins through your skin. She recommends you cleanse your bowel regularly with enemas or colon hydrotherapy to help your skin to clear up. According to Dr. Michale Picco on the MayoClinic.com website, however, most doctors do not recommend colon cleansing for detoxification purposes.

Swelling

You may notice that the glands under your ear or in your groin or armpit area become swollen during the detoxification process. You may even find these areas are tender to the touch. Proponents of the raw food diet say that this is because toxins are released into the lymph system during the cleansing process. Swollen glands can indicate a serious health problem. See a doctor if your symptoms persist.