Juice fasting: how does it work and does it work?

Juice fasting cleanses from the inside, supports digestion and quickly gives us more energy – but does it work? Our editor tested it!

What is juice fasting?

Juice fasting is a form of therapeutic fasting and appears at first glance to be somewhat easier than other fasting plans, since not only water and herbal tea are on the plan, but also fruit and vegetable juices. Up to seven glasses of juice are drunk throughout the day. The goal of juice fasting is to relieve digestion, to boost the metabolism and thus increase well-being.

What distinguishes juice fasting from other fasting methods?

Compared to other fasting cures, juice cures are usually shorter and are only carried out for a weekend. But here, too, it is important to stimulate the circulation and to supplement the cure with exercise (ideally in the fresh air!) Or soothing massages.

This is how juice fasting works

The planned seven glasses of juice a day correspond to about one to one and a half liters. In addition, two to three liters of water should be drunk, this can also be replaced by unsweetened herbal tea. In total, about 300 to 750 calories are reached every day during juice fasting, which should make it easier to hold out. The juices are ideally freshly squeezed so that as many nutrients as possible are retained. In order not to strain the stomach too much, the juices are drunk in small sips. If you're struggling with hunger, you can also stir in some oatmeal or flaxseed slime.

What does juice fasting bring?

Juice fasting should primarily not as a diet, but as a way to support the digestion and thus the body a little and rethinking his diet: Constantly craving for sweets, a snack here and there and you're not full in the end – juice fasting can be the ideal start for a change in diet and maybe even more fitness.

Of course, we will lose a few kilos in the days of the juice cure, but this is mainly due to the loss of water and is by no means a measure to permanently reduce weight! In the long run, the one-sided cure could lead to a lack of certain nutrients.

Especially when the juice is freshly squeezed, the nutrients it contains can have a positive effect on our general well-being. We can achieve different effects depending on the type of juice. The following juices can increase well-being:

  • Juices with pomegranate can improve prostate values.
  • Cherry juice supports the excretion of uric acid, which can alleviate rheumatism and gout problems.
  • Grapefruit juice keeps the blood sugar level constant and can thus ensure that we do not gain weight.

Can juice fasting also have disadvantages?

Since the juice treatment is only carried out for a short time, deficiency symptoms due to the one-sided diet are unlikely. However, various minor complaints can occur, because the body receives fewer calories than usual. Possible symptoms are:

Juice fasting also consumes a lot of fructose and acid. If you suffer from an intolerance or a sensitive stomach, you could get diarrhea or heartburn. Switching to juices that only contain vegetables can help.

What comes after juice fasting?

Fasting is usually ended with the so-called breaking of the fast. However, after the fasting cure, one should not immediately re-load the digestive tract with fatty foods, but first rely on light and gentle meals. For example, grated apples and steamed vegetables are suitable for this. Do you need a few recipes to end your juice cure? Then take a look at our therapeutic fasting recipes!

Who should avoid juice fasting?

Juice fasting is not suitable for everyone. Juice fasting should be avoided by patients with an eating disorder, diabetes or heart disease.

Juice fasting in the check

Whether the juices are freshly squeezed at home or you order a juice cure at home is of course up to you – Karo, fashion and beauty editor at BRIGITTE.de, tried the "Juice Cleanse Starter" set by Frank Juice and kept a fasting diary:

A friend of mine asked me if we wanted to fast juice together for three days. Before the first day, I have to adjust my diet and my body to the days ahead. On the discharge day, this means: no alcohol, no coffee and nothing that would put an unnecessary strain on my stomach. I received the total of 18 juices a few days earlier and stored them in my refrigerator. It was mainly fruit and vegetable juices, unpleasant varieties such as sauerkraut juice were not included.

Juice fasting day 1:

The first thing I drink is a green juice with apples, cucumber, spinach and other greens. It tastes quite good, although I'm more of a muesli type in the morning and bitter smoothies are too strong for me. Already two hours later I can sip the next juice. This is how the day takes its course: every two hours I open and hold a new juice that always contains other delicious types of fruit and vegetables so the first day with fasting looks good.

No cravings despite a juice cure

I was spared from cravings, which is also due to the rather high sugar content of the juices. I don't even think of chocolate or other luxury foods. At the end of the day, I drink the sweetest of all juices with cashew, vanilla and cinnamon. This saturates for the night.

Juice fasting day 2:

I wake up and am full of energy. There are no dark circles or a tired appearance with me today. On the contrary: I feel fresh and want to go through the second day with the juice cure. I drink my drinks in the same order every two hours and still don't get a stomach growl. The only thing that strikes me: I suddenly have so much time, because cooking and eating is no longer necessary! I ask my lunch appointment if we shouldn't go for a walk in the fresh air instead of sitting in the canteen.

I suddenly perceive smells from the juice cure much stronger and could become so weak. In the afternoon I get a slight headache, which is due to the fact that I am totally deprived of my body. Due to the high fluid intake (I drank up to six liters a day) all pollutants are flushed out, therefore I often have to go to the toilet. In the evening, I prefer to make myself comfortable on the couch instead of meeting friends who all cheerfully eat while I suck on one of my juices.

Juice fasting day 3:

I'm on the home stretch and I'm a little proud of myself that I can go on without solid food for so long. Because for me, this challenge is not about losing weight, but about detoxifying and to see if I am so strong and can go through the days without chocolate and co. Unfortunately I am totally cold and I am freezing. But that doesn't stop me from sipping my juices one last time. By the way, one of my favorite drinks is the one with lemon, cayenne and turmeric. It's nice and sharp and boosts my metabolism. Unfortunately, I feel a little bloated from the amount of juices.

Better nutrition after the juice cure?

After my last juice, I can't wait to chew and eat something right. And that was actually one of my best moments: the first meal after the cure. You taste much more intense, even if you should start slowly and gently. Great side effect: I hardly need any coffee after the juice cure and I also have no appetite for sweets.

Let's see how long it stays that way. I feel fresher, more active and hardly need any concealer (which is actually always used). I would also try a juice cure a second time, but only during the week and when I know that there are no big appointments or events.

Reading tips: You can find out everything about detox, detoxification and deacidification here.

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