JUICE CLEANSING SIDE EFFECTS: The ups and downs of a Juice Cleanse
As with any prolonged health kick, a juice cleanse is not all rainbows and sunshine. Here, we will run through the good, the bad, and the not-so-fruity feelings you may experience throughout a juice cleanse.
Benefits vary from person to person, as do the side effects and funky feelings. Before cleansing, we suggest reaching out to a medical practitioner to confirm whether it’s an ideal option for you.
1. Why am I so thirsty?
I’m drinking so much already! Apple, lemon, pineapple, and celery form the basis for most of our juices, a serving of which is relatively high in natural sodium. This can cause you to feel a little thirstier than usual, but rest assured your cleanse is deliberately mapped out to ensure you do not exceed daily intake recommendations.
1. Why do I feel nauseous?
It is entirely normal to experience nausea and slight dizziness when you have a sudden change in diet. To reduce those feelings, try to transition into the cleanse by reducing your caffeine intake and incorporating more fruits and veggies into your meals.
A cleanse introduces an increase in natural sugars to your diet. This can cause changes to your digestive function and make you feel queasy at times. Rest well and ensure you are drinking enough water.
3. Is this a migraine coming on or a cleanse-induced headache?
There’s no need to count your sick days; you’re likely experiencing a headache caused by a change to your regular diet and an absence of caffeine. It will relieve itself over time.
4. I’m a little distracted, maybe even fatigued – what’s with that?
Undertaking a juice cleanse puts you in a caloric deficit as you only consume 1000 calories daily on average [this calculation is determined from our Restore Juice Cleanse.] Your energy intake will be reduced throughout a cleanse and becomes particularly noticeable at the end of the first day.
Tiredness and unusual fatigue are expected, as your body will be conserving energy for normal bodily functions. Difficulty focusing is also to be expected. We recommend taking it easy while cleansing; try and refrain from overexerting yourself physically, mentally and emotionally on a reduced eating schedule. By day three, and even day two for some, the benefits of a cleanse kick in; you feel INCREDIBLE and will have more energy than you did before starting.
Our RENEW Cleanse includes a nut mylk at the end of each day, providing much-needed protein and healthy fats. Don’t be afraid to add a handful of tree nuts, grains, seeds or even a banana if you feel too fatigued and distracted to get things done.
5. My bathroom routine has changed… Is this normal?
Shit Happens….But, seriously. Ah yes, that old chestnut. You will notice that you frequent the bathroom more than usual – between increased fluid intake and a shift to nothing but fruit and veg, this is normal. Different bowel movements are your body’s way of interacting with lower fibre intake and higher natural sugars. So, an increased frequency in urination is expected and completely normal.
You shouldn’t be glued to the loo seat, however. If you are concerned, seek medical attention immediately and cease cleansing.
6.Am I snappier than usual?
You might find you’re more short-tempered and even a little irritable, but you get that working on the big-gut-jobs. Again, this can be attributed to a change in diet and your usual sugar intake. Irritability can also be the result of caffeine withdrawal.
Stay comfortable and take all the time you need to power through each bottle. Ride the wave, feel what you need to, but don’t let it get in the way of a sunshine-y day.
7. The number on the scale is slightly lower – will the weight stay off?
We do not measure anything by the number on the scale – not the efficacy of our cleanses and not the value of a person. Any weight loss is likely water weight only and not a permanent change. Long-term habits that are dedicated to your well-being are what will actually affect your weight, which is not one of our priorities.
8. I’ve finished cleansing – what’s next?
We would never punish indulgence in what you enjoy. Following a cleanse, be mindful of the previous habits that made you feel less-than-good and work on incorporating more fruit and veg into your daily diet. Indulge in what you enjoy, along with your newfound appreciation for juiced goodness.
Check out our FAQs for more juice-related admin, and get in touch with us to hear some testimonials.
Before you get xpressive…
Please consult a medical professional before undertaking a juice cleanse. xpressed juice does not offer medical advice or guidance to cure or treat medical conditions. xpressed juice and its employees, officers, and owners do not claim the effectiveness of juice fasting in curing illness or disease.
During a cleanse, you may experience highs and lows, which are natural as the body adjusts to a change in diet. If you experience discomfort or are simply overwhelmed, please seek medical attention. Listen to your body, and don’t overdo the exercise during a cleanse period. Extended juice cleanses should be conducted under the guidance of a health professional. We do not recommend cleanses for children, those with kidney disorders, and pregnant or breastfeeding people.
