Are Juice Cleanses Healthy? Do's and Dont's

You have probably heard of a juice cleanse and are probably thinking of trying it out. Well, you’ve come to the right place! We’ll give you a rundown of the do’s and dont’s of how to attempt a juice cleanse as safely as possible! 

What Is a Juice Cleanse?

First thing’s first, let’s get into what exactly a juice cleanse is. As you can tell by the name, a juice cleanse involves only drinking fruit or vegetable juices and blends. This cleanse is done for a certain period of time. Usually, it doesn’t last for more than a couple of weeks. Sometimes even a couple of days can be beneficial.

Are juice cleanses healthy? They can be if you do them correctly! While a juice cleanse is technically classified as a diet, we think that the word “cleanse” sums it up pretty well. You may also be asking yourself: what does a juice cleanse do exactly? It refreshes and reboots the system!

One thing’s for sure: you need to prepare before attempting a juice cleanse. You can’t just dive in! With that said, let’s get into what the do’s and dont’s of a juice cleanse are!

Do: Research Before Doing a Cleanse

Make sure you’ve looked into the type of juices you’re going to drink and where you’re getting them from. Also, make sure to make a backup plan if your primary source of juices suddenly runs out! This tip is especially important if you’re getting fresh juices daily.

You’re probably already aware of this, but do make sure the juices you drink are free from anything you’re allergic to. Sometimes, manufacturers label juices as simply orange juice (for example) but they come blended with some other ingredients to improve the taste. 

Another thing to take into account is what benefits you’re aiming for. Are you aiming for a Deep Detox, a Low Sugar Cleanse, an Immunity Boost, or just a Classic 2 Day Juice Cleanse? Build around what you aim to achieve or get a kit already sorted for you!

Don’t: Drink The Wrong Juices

What do we mean by the wrong juices? Well, the wrong juices are those common, prepacked cartons and jugs that you’ll usually find in the supermarket. These are not essentially a bad thing when you’re drinking them every once in a while, but these are not recommended for a juice cleanse!

You see, a lot of these juices come with preservatives and heaps of sugar. If you’re relying on the nutrients of fruit and vegetable juices to sustain you throughout this cleanse, then you best get the fresh ones that skip the artificial stuff and added sugar.

Are juice cleanses healthy if you’re drinking the wrong things? Of course, not.

Check Out - Juice Cleanse Beginners Guide

Do: Give Your Body Time to Adjust

People react to juice cleanses differently. Some don’t feel any effects at all, but what a juice cleanse can do is make you feel more tired or more hungry than you usually do. The side effects might make you even wonder - are juice cleanses healthy?

It’s important to know that different diets can yield different side effects. This is normal and is why you’ll need some time to adjust to your new diet! 

If you’re new to juice cleanses, try it out for a day or two first. Don’t immediately push yourself to the limit!

Don’t: Drink Too Much

As we mentioned earlier, you might experience some hunger pangs when going on a juice cleanse. If you feel hungry, avoid glugging an extra bottle of juice just to fill your tummy. Feeling full doesn’t always mean what you think it means!

Even though fruits and vegetables are widely considered to be very healthy, too much can still be bad for you. Drinking an excessive amount of juice to detox any particular substance from your body just won’t work. Mind your portions and consult with professionals if you’re having any doubts.

If you’re hungry, try munching on some nuts or a serving of veggies. We know, it’s a cleanse. But if you’re starving, there’s no point in making yourself suffer! Are juices cleanses healthy if you’re starving yourself - we think not!

Also Read - 7 Day Juice Cleanse Guide

Do: Listen to Your Body

You know your body best! Going on a juice cleanse could lead to some fatigue, headaches, cravings, and discomfort. If you find them bearable, continue the cleanse and see it through! If you find them unbearable, listen to what your body is telling you. Know when to stop the cleanse or cut it short if you don’t feel like continuing.

Going back to our earlier recommendation, research is very helpful here. If you find that any side effects are not aligned with what others are experiencing, best to take a pause.

Don’t forget, nobody knows your body better than you!

Don’t: Set Unrealistic Expectations

Do juice cleanses work? They can if done properly! That said, you have to manage your expectations and goals. People often wonder: are juice cleanses healthy for shedding some pounds? Some studies or articles may have hinted that you could lose weight with a juice cleanse. That’s not the result you’re always going to get, if at all.

Often, people who go on juice cleanses find that they gain back any weight they may have lost during their cleanse - and that’s actually normal. 

A juice cleanse is exactly what it is - a cleanse. Don’t expect to drastically change the way you look and feel overnight. It can set you on the right path to a new diet or routine, though!

Do: Enjoy Yourself

You’re going on a cleanse and you’re supposed to feel better! Stay optimistic and take this opportunity to enjoy the different juices you’re going to drink. Use this cleanse to try out something new.

Fruit and vegetable juices do taste great. Some are sweet, some are zesty, and some are even earthy. They’re all different! You don’t have to have the same thing over and over and over again… unless you want to!

If you open your mind to this experience, a juice cleanse could help you feel more than refreshed. You may feel lighter, brighter, and in a better mood overall. 

Don’t: Overdo It

Feeling tired? Get some rest. Thirsty? Drink some water.

P.S. You should still stay hydrated by drinking water!

A juice cleanse shouldn’t be a stressful endeavor. Just take the time to relax and chill out. Don’t stress yourself. If you are, it’ll be difficult to differentiate the signs of stress from any potential signs that you need to watch out for when on a juice cleanse.

What a juice cleanse can do is refresh you, not stress you!

Do: Check Out Little West Cold Pressed Juices

If you’re new to the juice world, Little West is a great place to start looking. Aside from having a slew of great-tasting, cold pressed juices that can be delivered straight to your doorstep, our website also features fantastic blogs (like this one!) that can teach you all about the different juices out there.

Little West juices aren't your typical bottled juices. Each bottle brings you two to four pounds of fruits and vegetables. They’re never watered down and don’t contain added sugars, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, concentrates, or additives. Talk about a juice cleanse with our juice subscription!