Should You Try a Juice Cleanse?
By Genevieve Cunningham
You've probably heard a lot of talk about cleanses. The advertisements are everywhere! "Try this juice cleanse and lose 15 pounds in a week!" Usually, they sound too good to be true, and yet people flock to try them in the hopes of quick weight loss and a reduction of toxins in the body. But in all honesty, what's the deal? Should we all be doing a juice cleanse once in a while in order to keep our bodies clean? Or can we skip it? If you've been tempted to pick up the latest, greatest detox system, take a look at whether you should go for it or leave it behind.
Cleanses Probably Aren't Necessary
Though it's possible that a cleanse will actually make you feel better, it's unlikely that it's actually ridding your body of any extra toxins. Your kidneys and liver already do that for you, and unless you have a medical condition, they do a really good job. If you're doing a cleanse for this purpose, it's probably unnecessary. If you want a chance to reset yourself and your diet, then it may be worth it.
What You Can Do Instead
If you have your heart set on a cleanse, it's possible to find one that suits your needs. You may need to do some research, but it's possible to find it. But there are other ways to jump start a diet and get moving toward better health that are a little less harsh. Try simply cutting out sugar and increasing your vegetable intake. Try lowering your caloric consumption by a certain amount. Plan on eating an extremely healthy, well balanced diet over a longer period of time, and you'll probably bring even more benefits than a cleanse.
Talk to Your Doctor
Before you undertake any kind of cleanse or detox, it's important to talk to your doctor. Your personal general practitioner can give you an idea about what's right and safe for your body. They won't let you do anything that's unsafe, and they can guide you toward the right method for achieving your ultimate goals. The more information you get from your doctor, the more likely you are to carry out a plan that really works for your long-term health.
It's probably OK to do a cleanse of some kind if your doctor is OK with it. But it might not really be necessary. When it comes down to it, make sure you're listening to your body and doing what's right for you. Cleanse or not, it's possible to make better choices that move you toward better health in your life starting today and heading into the future.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Johns Creek, Ga.