Truth About Juice Cleanse: What to Drink?

Being healthy is one of the goals people usually input in their resolutions, a year plan. Since the pandemic began, more time for health and wellbeing was opened that is why different diet trends are entering the limelight that promises weight loss and health benefits.

Is it healthy to drink juice cleanse?

(Photo : Kevin Frayer)

Apart from the famous Mediterranean diet and ketogenic Diet, Juice Cleanse is one of the trendy methods in losing weight.

But in an interview with She Finds, Registered Dietitian Katrina Trisko says that juice cleanses can do more harm than good for the overall health. She added in the interview that the claims of cleanses that can detoxify the body are based on fiction than fact.

ALSO READ: 'Green' Mediterranean vs 'Original' Mediterranean Diet: Which is Better for Heart Health

Negative Impacts

According to Medical News Today, juice cleanses usually takes place for 3-10 days. This means that for that period, all you will be consuming is fruit juice.

Although this method promises weight loss, Huffington Post reports that when this diet is taken to the extreme, the results do not fall to the fanatics' claims and praises.

Trisko emphasized in her interview with She Finds that when an individual exclusively devotes him or herself to juice cleansing, they are depriving themselves of fiber that is beneficial for the gut. She added that juicing typically removes the pulp or fiber leaving only the liquid. She also notes that juicing makes an individual miss the best parts of fruits and vegetables.

Medical News Today added that cleansing diets are typically low in calories. They emphasized that a reduced calorie intake may result in temporary weight loss, but this change is rarely long-lasting. Columbia University's assistant professor from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Dr. James Dillard said in an interview with WebMD that it is not a great way to lose weight because it will all be gained back. He also emphasized that the weight is lost in the process is the water weight.

Trisko also notes in her interview that juice cleanses for a long time can be dangerous due to the low consumption of proteins and fats. She adds that consuming less than 1200 calories a day will have a negative implication on the metabolism.

Not applicable to everyone

Although this diet method attracts many health enthusiasts, this diet does not apply to everyone. Medical News Today reports that drinking large quantities of juice may be harmful to people with kidney disorders. They also pointed out oxalate which is usually present in juices which is an acid that contributes to kidney stones and other kidney problems.

Huffington Post added that people undergoing chemotherapy, diabetes and nutritional deficiencies should not undergo this diet. They also emphasized that the high sugar content of the juices may cause the blood sugar to spike which for diabetics will trigger fatigue, blurry vision, excessive hunger and thirst, and wounds that heal more slowly than usual.

Huffington Post further that high levels of antioxidants and low levels of protein are dangerous for patients undergoing chemo.

Changing a diet will always affect the body. It is better to consult your physician before diving into a diet trend to ensure your heath's safety.

Check out more news and information on Diet Trends on MD News Daily.