Researchers at Northwestern University have conducted a study exploring the impact of juice cleanses on gut and mouth bacteria. This small-scale study, involving 23 participants aged 18 to 35 without major health issues, aimed to shed light on the dietary effects over a three-week period. Participants adhered to one of three diets: a juice-only diet, a whole-food diet, and a plant-based whole-food diet.
The juice-only diet consisted exclusively of cold-pressed juice, providing 800-900 calories daily. In contrast, the whole-food diet included organic fresh fruit, vegetables, gluten-free whole grains, and eggs, complemented by eight glasses of water each day. The plant-based whole-food diet mirrored the whole-food diet but eliminated animal products entirely. To ensure uniformity, all participants undertook a three-day "elimination diet" both at the start and end of the study, avoiding substances such as caffeine and alcohol.
Significant differences emerged in gut and mouth bacteria between those on the juice-only diet and those consuming whole foods. While the study, published in the journal Nutrients, did not conclusively link these bacterial changes to specific health outcomes, it highlighted potential negative health consequences due to the absence of essential fiber in juice cleanses.
"Most people think of juicing as a healthy cleanse, but this study offers a reality check," – Melinda Ring, MD, director of the Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
This research underscores the complexity of dietary cleanses and their potential impact on microbiome health. The findings suggest that while juice cleanses may offer a temporary detoxification method, they could disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria due to their low fiber content. This disruption could have implications for digestive health and overall well-being.
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