The Juice Cleanse: Pros & Cons

Juicing has been all-the-rage for the past couple of years, but it seems to get bigger and bigger as time passes on. A personal fan of Juicing, I wanted to do some research to learn about the Pros & Cons of a juice cleanse for one's health. On one hand, it seems so healthy to ingest only pure juice from fruits and vegetables. On the other hand, shouldn't we be eating? Here is what I learned, and would like to share with you! Before reading on, please keep in mind that I am not a medical health professional. The points I am providing for you here are fruits of my research, so always, always check with your doctor before embarking on a juice cleanse!

The Pros of a Juice Cleanse

Say Goodbye to Toxins - Your body can indeed harbor toxins. Embarking on a juice cleanse can help rid your body toxins that can potentially lead to inflammation or compromised immune systems. Fruits and veggies are a great way to release those toxins, especially in high doses as you would be consuming them during your cleanse.
Increased Energy - this one was a huge shock to me, because I imagine being very hungry and fatigued. Studies show that after you get past the initial hunger, your body can start to feel more alert because you are ingesting far less artificial ingredients. Another common comment is that people often find themselves enjoying a more sound sleep during their juice cleanse. Of course, every body is different, and everyone will experience different energy levels during their cleanse.
Weight Loss - This is probably the most common side effect of a juice cleanse. However, it is important to note that most of the weight lost is water weight, and you will most likely gain most of it back.
Clear Skin - This key point did not surprise me at all! A cleanse helps to detoxify your body , meaning fewer chemicals in your body. Naturally, your skin starts to look much better. I have heard people refer to it as a "glowy" appearance.
Full Veggie Intake - Most people simply aren't consuming the daily recommended allowance of fruits and veggies. Going on a juice cleanse is an easy way to get your dose . That being said, you are only consuming the juices, not the fibers found inside the fruits and veggies .

The Cons

The Obvious "I'm Hungry" - It is natural to crave food. After all, you need it to survive. Many people experience an initial hunger that can cause crankiness or fatigue. The time period for this really varies from individual to individual. I have always kept some healthy snacks around for juice cleanses, that way I can still satisfy my hunger while achieving the benefits of the cleanse.
Feeling Bloated - I have heard it all about juice cleanses: some people feel empty, some people feel bloated, some people cannot go to the restroom, some people are frequenting it too often. This will all depend on your body. Again, I strongly strongly urge that you consult your medical health professional before embarking on any sort of new dietary restriction or trend. Everyone is different; there is no "one size fits all" when it comes to nutrition.
"I want sugar, I want carbs" - This goes hand-in-hand with that "I'm hungry" feeling. Your body will likely be craving sweets, carbs, caffeine, etc. It is common for people to experience headaches or fatigue as a result of withdrawal from those things. Your medical health professional may be able to work with you to help set up a balance between juicing and eating, for an easier/healthier cleanse for your personal needs.
Regaining the Weight You Lost - As I mentioned before, most of the weight lost during a juice cleanse is water weight. Most people end up gaining the weight back, so it is not optimal to use a juice cleanse as a long-term weight loss solution. I prefer to see juicing as a detox opportunity, with temporary weight-loss benefits.
Your Wasting Perfectly Good Nutrients - Again, as I mentioned before, with juicing you are relying solely on the juice of fruits and veggies, meaning you aren't getting all of the fiber and nutrients from the fruits and veggies. You are also missing out on proteins, fats, and carbs; which are not all bad for you with proper consumption and portioning. This is my biggest qualm with the juice cleanse - even wasting the solid part of the fruits/veggies is a little painful for me, as I know their benefits.

So, Should You Cleanse?

The answer to this question is simple: talk to your medical health professional! If they feel that you could reap the benefits of a juice cleanse , and you would like to give it a go, then I say enjoy! As long as you have been given the green light, and sought out an option that is best suited for your needs.