Background on juices cleanses
The concept of making juice from fruits or herbs for health benefits has been used through the ages. After the invention of the first modern juicing machine in the 1930s, alternative health practitioners began recommending juicing as a cure for a number of ailments.
Fruits and vegetables are filled with vitamins and minerals, and juicing extracts those nutrients making them easier to digest. Drinking juice is believed to flood the body with healing nourishment while also flushing toxins and waste.
According to proponents, a juice cleanse supports the body’s natural detox processes, clears the diet of sugar, caffeine, refined foods, and other foods and substances that can deplete energy, and jumpstarts a more healthful way of eating.
How It Works
During a juice cleanse or fast, it is recommended to drink only juice or smoothies for the duration of the cleanse, which is typically one to three days. A typical cleanse has three important stages:
Preparation: For three to five days before the cleanse, you will gradually eliminate certain foods, such as coffee, refined sugar, meat, dairy products, wheat, alcohol, and nicotine to reduce headaches, cravings, and other withdrawal symptoms. It’s also recommended to increase your intake of fresh vegetables, fruits, and fluids during the pre-cleanse.
Cleanse: For the one to three days of the actual cleanse, it is recommended to drink at least 32 ounces of juice or smoothie with at least half being green vegetable juice.
After the cleanse: Once the cleanse is over, it is recommended to eat lightly for a few days, gradually adding foods back in over the course of several days.
While the cleanse is said to improve health, you may not feel so great during the fast. During a juice cleanse you should also:
Stick to Light Physical Activity: While it’s a good idea to tone down your exercise routine during a juice cleanse, normal activity such as walking can help to boost blood and lymphatic circulation.
Book a Massage: Try massage therapy (such as Swedish massage, lymphatic drainage, deep tissue massage, and Thai massage), contrast showers, and skin brushing, which can be done as part of a regular shower.
Practice Mind and Body Wellness: Stress can have negative effects on health and may impair detoxification. Allow the mind to rest by incorporating mind/body practices such as diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness meditation. Try to get plenty of rest. Go to bed as early as you can and take naps if possible.
Prepare for Emotions That May Arise During A Cleanse: According to traditional Chinese medicine, the liver is associated with anger, the kidneys with fear, and the gallbladder holds frustration. Proponents of juice cleansing believe that old emotions may arise and be cleansed from the system as the corresponding organs are cleansed.
