11 February 2025

The Truth About Juice Cleanses: Benefits, Risks, and Scientific Findings

Short juice cleanses have gained popularity and are often marketed with claims that they help remove toxins, improve digestion, and promote weight loss. These cleanses typically involve consuming only fruit and vegetable juices for a period of three to seven days.

Despite their widespread appeal, scientific evidence supporting their health benefits is limited. A recent study suggests that, rather than being beneficial, juice cleanses may actually be harmful. The study found that following a juice-only diet for just three days can alter the gut microbiome, increasing inflammatory bacteria while reducing beneficial ones.

Juice cleanses can be done by making fresh juices at home or purchasing commercially available options, which are often expensive. While advocates claim that juice cleanses can detoxify the body, aid in weight loss, and promote beneficial gut bacteria, most supporting evidence is anecdotal.

Health experts, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), warn that some detox products may contain harmful or illegal ingredients and are sometimes marketed with misleading health claims. Additionally, juice-only diets may not provide sufficient energy or essential nutrients, making them unsuitable for individuals with certain health conditions, such as diabetes. Furthermore, they rarely lead to sustainable weight loss.