The Truth About Juice Cleanses

Stores that solely sell bottled juices are starting to pop up all over the country, especially in New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. These bottled juices that are usually 100% organic and cold-pressed, containing fruits and vegetables, and sell for around 10 dollars per bottle, which may seem pricey compared to a regular juice in the market.  

The concept of a juice cleanse has become very trendy.  A juice cleanse is a short-term, raw, all liquid diet that is intended to cleanse the physical and mental states. Celebrities such as Blake Lively, Anne Hathaway, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Béyonce are big proponents of juice cleanses, which consists of cutting out all food and only consuming these juices for the duration of one to ten days.  However, juice cleanses have been very controversial.  Some people swear by them as they “flush the toxins out of the body,” but others believe they are detrimental to one’s health.  Further, they can be beneficial for some people, but not for others–depending on the individual’s health. There are definitely some pros and cons to juice cleanses.

Cons: If one chooses to do a juice cleanse, he or she should not expect lasting weight loss.  In fact, some people are prone to binge eat during or after the cleanse, which causes the opposite effect: weight gain.  Also, during the cleanse one loses the necessary fibers he or she usually obtains from fruits and vegetables.

Pros: It has been shown that in some cases, juice cleanses can steer some people away from bad habits, such as the consumption of excessive amounts of coffee or alcohol.  Another benefit to doing a juice cleanse is that it gives the digestive system a break from working so hard to process large meals.  

Overall, some people rave about juice cleanses and say the cleanse makes them feel amazing, physically and emotionally, but others experience moodiness, fatigue, and constantly think about food. 

If you are considering a juice cleanse, it is necessary to consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet. But, don’t just do it because it’s trendy– you should understand what it really does to your body, rather than just jumping on the bandwagon. Whether you participate in a juice cleanse or not, it is always essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which means eating healthy foods and exercising. 

• health
• juice cleanse
• wellness