Possible Side Effects of a Juice Cleanse
Before starting a juice cleanse, it's crucial to do your research and talk to a medical professional.
What to Expect When Juicing
Juicing is part of the modern obsession over "detox diets" that started back in the 90s. Juicing, also called juice cleansing or juice fasting, involves consuming juices made from fruits and vegetables for a period of 1–10 days while limiting or avoiding solid food.
The diet offers a few potential health benefits, but it also comes with side effects: Juicing can make you pee a lot, break out, feel tired, and more. I'll detail the side effects I've experienced while cleansing and provide reasons for each.
Potential Benefits of Juice Cleansing
The trend gained popularity based on the health claims it promised and raving reviews from celebrities (does anyone remember NYC's popular BluePrint Cleanse?). Now that more research studies have been conducted, some of the claims have proven untrue. However, some of the potential benefits of a juice cleanse include:
- Increases your intake of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from fruit and vegetables
- Supports your body's natural detoxification processes
- Temporary weight loss from a reduction in calories consumed
Side Effects I Experienced From Juicing
You've done your research (and talked to a medical professional!) and decided to embark on a juice cleanse. You might experience some side effects while on this diet that aren't necessarily pleasant. Some can even be dangerous, which is why it's crucial to consult a professional before beginning. Listed below are some of the side effects I've experienced.
Increased Urination
This side effect is easily understood. Since you are only consuming liquids, you will be passing much more urine than you do on a day of "normal" eating. The urinary system is one of the body's most effective detoxifying methods, as it eliminates toxins through the urine (thanks to help from the kidneys). This is the main detoxifying method a juice fast supports.
Acne Breakouts
Pimples and blemishes are a very common side effect of juice cleansing. "Wait," you say, "I'm pumping myself full of vitamins and nutrients for a change, not eating chocolate and french fries and junk!" That is true, but it can be a shock to the system.
Some sources relate this to the same reason that you pee a lot during the cleanse: passing toxins. Skin is a person's largest organ, and as the bad stuff leaves your body, it can also leave a mark: a pimple.
Feeling Cold
Every time I've done a juice cleanse, I've felt colder than normal. The scientific explanation for this is that as you decrease the amount of calories you are consuming, the metabolism slows in response, so you are more sensitive to the feeling of coldness.
Hot showers help banish the bone-deep cold, but that's no help if you are at work. Plan to be cold while you cleanse. Dress warmly, bring extra layers, and sip hot herbal tea throughout the day.
Constipation
Though a juice cleanse pumps tons of nutrients into you—the equivalent of several pounds of fruits and vegetables in each juice—you are consuming produce in juice form, which means without the natural fiber that comes from the skin, seeds, and meat of the foods. Fiber is what regulates your bowel movements. Pair the low amount of fiber with the slowed metabolic process as described above, and you might not have to go as much.
Diarrhea
This, too, can happen when you do a juice cleanse. Not only are you consuming only liquids, but many juices are high in sorbitol, a sugar alcohol that can have a laxative effect.
Headaches
Headaches are among the most common side effects of a cleanse. The headache could come in part from caffeine withdrawal—caffeine is forbidden on many cleansing plans (though some allow minor amounts of green tea). It could also be another side effect of the decrease in caloric consumption.
Low Energy
Consuming far fewer calories than you usually ingest can result in low energy. Of course, plenty of people who do a juice cleanse claim increased energy levels, so it is hard to tell which reaction you will have. You might have low energy one time you cleanse and increased energy another time, or you may experience both at different times during one three-day cleanse.
Juicers allow you to make healthy juices at home with your favorite fruits and vegetables.
How to Safely Get the Benefits of Juicing
Medical professionals usually agree that green juice is healthy and a good source of vitamins and minerals; the debate is over the benefits versus the risks of consuming only juice for multiple days. Incorporating high-quality fruit and vegetable juice into your normal diet is a way to get the health benefits of juice without the side effects of going on a juice cleanse.
If you have a juicer, you can try making your own, or you can visit a local juice shop to purchase premade ones.
Make Your Own Juice With These Recipes
- Seven Amazing Carrot Juice Recipes
Discover the amazing carrot juice benefits. A collection of delicious recipes for health and weight loss. - Celery Juice Recipe
Celery juice is a refreshing drink that helps start the day by hydrating your body with healthy nutrients. - Beetroot Carrot Date Juice Recipe
This healthy and tasty juice will make you feel energetic and fresh.
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.
Comments
Jacobb9205 on April 02, 2015:
Thank for these side effects
Fred on May 28, 2013:
What do cows eat all day and everyday? They are all the same size and their poo is green and runny.
