Do juice cleanses really work? (2024)

It's tempting to look for a quick fix like a juice cleanse to help you lose weight or jump start healthier eating habits.

Do juice cleanses really help you lose weight?

It's true that you’re likely to lose weight on a juice cleanse, but this is simply because you’re consuming fewer calories. Unfortunately, once you finish a cleanse and resume eating normal meals, you will regain the weight.

Ok, but do juice cleanses eliminate toxins?

Whatever your body doesn’t absorb from the juices during a cleanse passes into your large intestine, where it is fermented by bacteria. The result is a laxative effect, which some people claim makes them feel lighter and believe is a sign they’re eliminating toxins.

Unfortunately, consuming fruit and vegetable juice alone means you're missing out on other key nutrients that are essential for the body. The bottom line is that there is no scientific evidence that a juice diet or cleanse removes toxins from your body.

So, are juice cleanses healthy?

Instead of spending money on an expensive juicer, try cleansing your body and mind in a healthier way: keep a food journal for a few days. Writing down everything you eat and drink and rating your hunger and fullness helps you be more aware of whether you’re appropriately fueling your body. A log also helps you identify reasons you might be turning to food even when you’re not physically hungry, and it allows you to make healthier choices more easily.

Curious about what other food myths are out there? Here are a couple more nutrition myths that we’ve debunked to help you live healthier.

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Do juice cleanses really work? (2024)

FAQs

Do juice cleanses actually work for weight loss? ›

Admittedly, juice cleanses can lead to short-term weight loss, but this doesn't mean it's a healthy way to lose weight. "Not only is rapid weight loss unhealthy, but it doesn't last," says Beaver. "The number on the scale may be lower, but that doesn't mean any fat has been lost."

What does a juice cleanse do to your body? ›

Detoxification. Advocates of juice cleanses often claim that the programs can help remove toxins from a person's system. An increase in fluid consumption can help kidney function, and some nutritional compounds may help in the removal of non-organic waste products in the body.

How much weight do you lose on a 3 day juice cleanse? ›

On average, people can lose anywhere from 3-10 pounds on a 3-7 day juice cleanse. However, some people have reported losing up to 20 pounds on a longer cleanse. It's worth noting that the weight loss you experience on a juice cleanse isn't just water weight.

Can juicing help you lose weight? ›

Is juicing a good way to lose weight? There is no scientific evidence that specifically consuming juice helps with weight loss. Juicing can be part of a balanced diet that does help with reaching a moderate weight, but the juice itself has no special ability to burn fat or remove toxins, as some people may claim.

What will a 3 day juice cleanse do? ›

Juice cleanses may help increase the number of healthy bacteria in your gut, which has been linked to weight loss. In a 2017 study , a 3-day juice-only diet altered the gut bacteria in 20 healthy adult participants. They experienced substantial weight losses that lasted after the study ended.

Does detox juice reduce belly fat? ›

However, it's important to note that there is no magic formula for losing belly fat. Detox drinks and juices can be a helpful addition to a healthy diet and exercise routine, but they are not a substitute for these essential components of weight loss.

What can I eat while on a juice cleanse? ›

Simple Cleanse-Safe Meal Ideas

Easy-to-grab fruits like bananas, apples, & grapes (great if you're on-the-go) Fresh fruit salad of fruits in season. Raw veggies like carrots, celery, & bell peppers. Cucumber slices sprinkled with sea salt.

Do you gain all the weight back after a juice cleanse? ›

It's also crucial to note that this is not a sustainable or healthy long-term weight loss strategy. When returning to regular eating habits, most people quickly regain the weight they lost on a juice cleanse. Sustainable weight loss is typically best achieved through a balanced diet and regular exercise.

What are the rules of a juice cleanse? ›

A juice cleanse, also known as a juice fast, is a detox diet. During the cleanse, you consume vegetable and fruit juice (and often nothing else) for a short period, usually one to three days. Advocates believe drinking juice floods the body with healing nourishment while flushing toxins and waste.

How to lose 10 lbs in 3 days? ›

Does It Work? You will likely lose weight on any diet if you eat less than 910 calories a day. But losing 10 pounds in 3 days is both unlikely and unhealthy. To lose just 1 pound of body fat, you need to reduce your daily calories by about 500 a day for a whole week.

Can you lose 10 pounds on a 3 day juice cleanse? ›

The average juice fast lasts for three to 10 days, though some people will fast as long as 30 days. According to Fitness Through Fasting, an average person can lose 10 pounds or more within the first seven days of a juice fast. As with any diet, precautions should be taken.

How can I lose 10 pounds in a week? ›

To lose 10 pounds in one week, you'll need to burn between 3,500 and 5,000 calories more than you consume each day by restricting your diet to small portions of nutritious yet low-calorie foods, and significantly increasing your aerobic exercise with interval training, sports, and other vigorous activities.

How can I drop 20 pounds fast? ›

Here are the 10 best ways to quickly and safely drop 20 pounds.
  1. Count calories. ...
  2. Drink more water. ...
  3. Increase your protein intake. ...
  4. Reduce your refined carb consumption. ...
  5. Start lifting weights. ...
  6. Eat more fiber. ...
  7. Follow a sleep schedule. ...
  8. Add cardio to your routine.

Which juice will reduce belly fat? ›

Pineapple juice

Pineapple juice contains bromelain, a powerful enzyme that aids in metabolizing protein and burning excess stomach fat. Enjoying a glass of pineapple juice can be a delicious and effective remedy for targeting belly fat. Make this tropical treat a regular part of your routine.

How much weight can you lose with a juice cleanse? ›

HOW MUCH WEIGHT CAN YOU EXPECT TO LOSE FROM A JUICE CLEANSE? You can expect to lose anywhere from 3 to 8 pounds (on average) after a 3-day juice cleanse depending on a few primary factors.

How many days should you do a juice cleanse to lose weight? ›

If weight loss is your goal, a longer duration such as 5, 7, or 14 days might be better suited to you. Your goals - Goals can shape how long you should juice cleanse for. If you are needing a quick reset to your current routine, then 1 or 3 days may be enough.

Why didn't I lose weight on juice cleanse? ›

Additionally, a juice cleanses may not provide all of the essential nutrients that the body needs for optimal health, which can lead to a slowed metabolism and reduced ability to burn calories.

How often should you do a juice cleanse to lose weight? ›

We recommend doing a 3- or a 6 day juice cleanse every two months. How many days can I cleanse? A 3 day cleanse is probably the optimal duration for natural detoxification. If 3 days sound like too much, try easing into it by juicing once a day or even once a week.

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