Flu- like symptoms

[Lolla]

I'm on day 8 of Whole 30 and since day 2 I'm experiencing coughing, sore throat, sinus drip and headaches. Real flu-like symptoms. It gets better during the day, but I really feel sick every morning. Is that possibly part of detoxing? Also experiencing the emotional rollercoaster, bad dreams and bloating.

[jmcbn]

Hi Lolla & welcome to Whole30 

 

The headaches, bloating & emotional roller coaster could well be due to the change in your diet - ensure you are drinking the recommended half an ounce of water per pound of body weight daily, and including at least a fist sized serving of starchy veg each day to help with the transition from your old diet to the new and to also help with your mood - feel free to add in more starch if you are prone to anxiety or depression, or are particularly active.

There are a number of culprits that cause bloating so I'd suggest cutting back on the following if you have been eating them regularly:

Cruciferous veg (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage etc)
Raw veg
Raw cruciferous veg - double whammy!! (yes, I'm looking at you broccoli salad!)
Nuts, nut butters, dried fruits
Ice cold water (your body  has to work hard to bring it to body temp before it can absorb it)
Seltzer

The sore throat, coughing, & sinus drip are not symptoms of detoxing I've ever heard - is it possible that you could also be coming down with something? Or have you added in a food that is new to you that you could be sensitive to?

[MayaBee]

In the Whole30 book they say that some people can get sick easier because your body is going through changes that weaken your immune system for awhile (not long term). Look it up. I hope you're feeling better!

[MayaBee]

The first two times I started eating clean (within the past several years) I had 3 days of feeling like I had a bad flu. It was always within the first two weeks & was always followed by feeling great. But, those few days of flu symptoms were awful. Hang in there! Bone broths are great for those times.

[Lolla]

Thank you so much for the advice and encouragement.  I woke up this morning feeling great!  All the symptoms were gone.  I'll safe the advice in case the symptoms return. .Thanks again.

[valeriesullivan]

On Day 7 of my first Whole30 I was diagnosed with the flu. I didn’t eat all that day because I lost my appetite. Today is day 8 and any food that sounds appetizing to me is not Whole30 compliant. I don’t know what to do. I want to stick to it but part of me wants to give up and have some saltines. 

[ShannonM816]

3 minutes ago, valeriesullivan said:

On Day 7 of my first Whole30 I was diagnosed with the flu. I didn’t eat all that day because I lost my appetite. Today is day 8 and any food that sounds appetizing to me is not Whole30 compliant. I don’t know what to do. I want to stick to it but part of me wants to give up and have some saltines. 

It's really up to you. You need to eat something, and if it comes down to the only thing you think you can stomach is saltines, it might make sense to do that and just start over when you're feeling better. The flu is hard enough without adding eating restrictions that you're not used to on top of it.

If you do want to stick to it, try baked potato or sweet potato with ghee or olive oil or coconut oil and salt, or broth. Drink plenty of water. If you're feeling nauseated, ginger tea or peppermint tea can help settle your stomach. Get lots of rest, and follow whatever other instructions your doctor gave you.

I hope you feel better soon.