Juicing or juice cleanses are growing in popularity as more people are using this practice as a way to lose weight or improve their health. Juice bars are popping up everywhere as the demand for freshly-made and all-natural juices increase. There are a few advantages that can be achieved by juicing.
Some advantages of juicing include:
- May be an easier way for some to obtain the daily fruits and vegetables that are essential in maintaining a healthy diet. Many people find it more convenient and less time consuming to drink fruits and vegetables instead of eating them.
- May help in promoting weight loss- if it is done correctly and the body is not deprived of vital nutrients and fiber.
There also disadvantages associated with all-juice diets. Disadvantages include:
- An increase in LDL cholesterol. An all-juice diet for a prolonged period of time is not recommended as studies have shown that it may increase LDL cholesterol levels. Depriving the body of whole foods that are rich in nutrients could also weaken its ability to fight infections and function properly.
- Juicing can prove dangerous for individuals with chronic health conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease. High levels of fructose, which is the sugar found in fruits can elevate blood sugar levels. Excessive juicing can cause high levels of potassium and minerals to build up in the blood- this can become hazardous if one has kidney disease.
- Juicing may not be the healthiest or most effective way to lose weight as your body may think it is starving and lower its metabolic rate. If your body is being deprived of the daily recommended caloric intake it could begin to burn muscle tissue instead of fat to provide energy, causing the loss of muscle mass.
If you choose to juice, consult your physician, especially if you have chronic health conditions and juice in moderation. Juicing can be beneficial if it is done properly and is supplemented with nutrient-rich whole foods. It is recommended that a glass of juice can be used to substitute one meal for example breakfast or lunch for the day. Most healthcare practitioners caution that juicing should not surpass the duration of a few days.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.