Adobe A new study reveals that juice-only diets may disrupt the gut microbiome and increase inflammation, highlighting the importance of fiber found in whole plant-based foods.
by Nicole Axworthy
February 13, 2025
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Think your juice cleanse is making you healthier? A new study suggests it might be doing the opposite. The study, recently published in the journal Nutrients , found that a vegetable and fruit juice-only diet—even for just three days—can trigger shifts in gut and oral bacteria linked to inflammation and cognitive decline.
In the study , Northwestern University scientists studied three groups of healthy adults. One group consumed only juice, another had juice with whole foods, and a third ate only whole plant-based foods . The juice-only group showed the most significant increase in bacteria associated with inflammation and gut permeability, while the plant-based whole food group saw more favorable microbial changes. The juice-plus-food group had some bacterial shifts but less severe than the juice-only group. Pexels
These findings suggest that juicing without fiber may disrupt the microbiome, potentially leading to long-term health consequences. “Most people think of juicing as a healthy cleanse, but this study offers a reality check,” said senior author Melinda Ring, MD, director of the Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a Northwestern Medicine physician. “Consuming large amounts of juice with little fiber may lead to microbiome imbalances that could have negative consequences, such as inflammation and reduced gut health,” Ring said. What is juicing?
Juicing is the process of extracting the liquid from fruits and vegetables, typically using a juicer , while discarding the pulp and fiber. The resulting juice is packed with concentrated vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the produce, making it a popular choice for those looking to boost their nutrient intake quickly. Adobe
People often turn to juicing as a way to detox, lose weight, or increase their daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Is juicing good for you? While juicing has gained popularity as a health trend and is often marketed as a quick way to detox or boost nutrient intake, the […]
It Might Be Time to Leave Juice Cleanses Behind, New Study Says
