United States: Health risks for the gut and oral cavity need evaluation before beginning a juice cleansing regimen. Research shows that a juice-only diet of three days duration creates harmful changes to your microbiome that results in inflammatory responses throughout the body.
Short-Term Juice Cleanses: Not as Healthy as They Seem
The United States sees many health enthusiasts practice juice cleanses for detoxification purposes however new Nutrients research indicates this brief approach could cause unexpected detrimental results. The restriction to drinking only vegetable and fruit juices for three days creates major changes in gut and oral bacterial populations that lead to inflammation and publishable effects on cognitive function according to HealthDay.
Why the Lack of Fiber Matters
Research findings establish that the absence of fiber in juices leads to the harmful modifications in the body’s system. The absence of fiber breeds microbiome disruption between beneficial and unhealthy bacteria found in both the gastrointestinal and oral regions. Good bacteria require fiber to produce anti-inflammatory compounds. Without dietary fiber the growth of sugar-loving harmful bacteria causes gut inflammation which results in poor gut health.
Research continues to investigate the mechanisms that drive this modification process although scientists have yet to establish complete understanding of it.
Expert Warning: Rethink Your Cleanse
Dr. Melinda Ring from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Osher Center for Integrative Health stated that “the general population views juice cleansing as healthful yet this study presents actual data.”
High quantities of low-fiber juices produce microbiome problems which cause inflammation along with adverse gut health issues according to her explanation.
Study Details: How Juice Affects Gut and Oral Bacteria
Researchers examined the effects of juicing on the microbiome by studying three groups of health-conscious adults with different dietary habits:
- Juice-Only Group: Consumed cold-pressed juices exclusively.
- Juice-Plus-Food Group: Combined whole-food juice with solid foods.
- Plant-Based Whole-Food Group: Ate only whole, plant-based meals.
To track bacterial changes, researchers collected saliva, cheek swabs, and stool samples at three different points during the study.
Juice-Only Diets Had the Most Harmful Effects
Participants on the juice-only diet showed the most significant increase in bacteria linked to inflammation and leaky gut conditions. In contrast, those who ate a plant-based whole-food diet experienced positive changes in their gut bacteria.
The juice-plus-food group showed some gut bacteria changes but to a lesser extent than the juice-only group.
The juice-only diet also caused significant changes in oral bacteria, including:
- Increase in Firmicutes: Beneficial bacteria that aid digestion.
- Rise in Proteobacteria: Associated with inflammation, which could harm overall health.
- Rapid Impact on Health: A Cause for Caution
Dr. Ring explained how dietary decisions impact health-based bacterial populations in a short period of time. She confirmed that the oral bacterial community functions as a quick indicator which responds to changes in food choices, as reported by HealthDay.
Scientific experts called for additional research regarding the long-term effects of juice-only diets on children who usually consume juice instead of eating whole fruits.
A Review of Your Dietary Choices Depends on Your Decision Making Process
These findings demonstrate that marketed juice detox systems cannot guarantee safety regarding gut and oral health. Eating complete fruits and vegetables together with regular plant-based meals proves more effective for sustaining healthy gut bacteria.