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What Is a Juice Cleanse, Anyway?
A juice cleanse typically means drinking only fruit and vegetable juices (sometimes for several days), with the goal of “flushing toxins” from your body. It promises quick weight loss, clearer skin, more energy, and a fresh reset for your system.
Sounds good, right?
The Problem: Your Body Already Detoxes — Naturally
Your liver, kidneys, skin, lungs, and digestive system are constantly working 24/7 to clear toxins and keep you healthy. You don’t need a juice cleanse to “detox” because your body is built to do this every day.
In fact, extreme juice cleanses often stress your body by depriving it of vital nutrients — like fiber, protein, and healthy fats — and can throw your blood sugar and hormones out of balance.
My Main Gripes with Juice Cleanses
- Lack of fiber: Juicing strips fruits and vegetables of their fiber content, which is crucial for healthy digestion and gut health. Fiber promotes regular bowel movements, preventing constipation and aiding in the timely elimination of waste and toxins from the body. Without sufficient fiber, the gut microbiome can be disrupted, potentially leading to inflammation and reduced gut health.
- Low protein and fat intake: Juice cleanses typically lack adequate amounts of protein and healthy fats, which are vital for maintaining muscle mass, supporting hormone production, and absorbing fat-soluble vitamins. Insufficient protein intake can also lead to fatigue, muscle loss, and weakened immunity.
- Blood sugar spikes: The high sugar content in fruit juices, without the buffering effect of fiber, can cause rapid blood sugar spikes and drops. This can lead to increased hunger, mood swings, cravings, and potential issues for individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance.
How to Know If You’re Carrying a Toxic Burden
Take my quick Toxicity Burden Questionnaire to see if your body might be overloaded.
If your score is high, the solution is a thoughtful plan — including nutrient-dense meals, hydration, quality sleep, stress management, and possibly targeted supplements or detox protocols guided by a professional.
So What’s the Takeaway?
Juice cleanses might feel like a quick fix, but they’re not a real detox solution. Your body needs consistent nourishment, not starvation or sugar overload.
Focus on balanced, whole-food eating, good sleep, and gentle movement — that’s the true way to fuel your natural detox system.
