From the rise of juice bars to the boom in the juicer market, juice fasts have become the hottest trend for people seeking to boost their immune system. Enthusiasts have claimed that juice fasting ”which requires a steady consumption of only fruit and vegetable juice to obtain nutrition”can flush the body of toxins, improve digestion and skin clarity, boost energy and weight loss, and cure common illnesses such as headaches and insomnia. But, are these claims too good to be true? Gregory W. Coppola, DO, a LECOM Sports and Integrative Medicine physician, answers this question and tells us what we should know before starting a new health routine.
Are juice fasts healthy?
Juice fasts are not a good way to achieve long-term weight loss or proper nutrition, says Dr. Coppola. Done occasionally for a few days, it is not harmful and can actually help increase energy and mental clarity; however, done regularly for a week or more at a time, it can begin to put a lot of stress on the body, he warns. Consumers should keep in mind that most of the claims associated with juice fasts are not scientifically proven. In fact, the major claim of removing toxins from the body is overstated, says Dr. Coppola. The digestive system is self-cleaning and already naturally removes toxins. Instead of removing toxins, juice fasts can deprive your body of essential proteins, vitamins, and nutrients, resulting in symptoms such as cravings, fatigue, irritability, headaches, pains, nausea, and vomiting, he explains. Dr. Coppola advises those on medications, pregnant women, and diabetics, who can experience dangerous spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels, to leave juice fasts alone; and if you ‘re curious about trying one, he recommends speaking with your physician first.
Can a juice fast aid weight loss?
A juice fast is not the best way to lose weight, says Dr. Coppola. You ‘re only losing water weight, which can yo-yo back and forth, he explains. A lot of people use juice fasts as a quick fix for weekend-long calorie binges or an excuse to overeat. Dr. Coppola warns against this use as it can spiral into an eating disorder. It is good to include juice in your diet; however juice contains little fiber and lacks sufficient amounts of proteins or fats to be consumed on its own long-term, so it should not be your main meal or source for nutrients, he says. If you are trying to lose weight or just improve your health, your doctor can be a great partner during the process. They can determine the best foods for your diet and help monitor your health so you lose weight in an effective and safe way.
Fast Tips for a Fit Life
Before changing your diet drastically, seek the advice and guidance of your physician, advises Dr. Coppola. They can recommend a healthy diet based on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean sources of proteins, he adds. Use fresh juice to complement your diet, rather than to replace it, he advises. And, if you ‘re seeking a fresh start for your health, working with your physician on a plan is your best bet for better health.
Preventive medicine is just one aspect of care osteopathic physicians provide. DOs are fully licensed to prescribe medicine and practice in all specialty areas, including surgery. DOs are trained to consider the health of the whole person and use their hands to help diagnose and treat their patients.