A new study finds juice cleanses may increase inflammation-linked bacteria in the gut and mouth.
Juicing may sound like a great way to kickstart your health journey, but a new study finds it may do more harm than good.
Researchers say juice-only diets can disrupt your gut and oral microbiome, triggering an increase in bacteria linked to inflammation and cognitive decline. And the changes can happen in as little as three days.
The study included 3 groups of healthy adults. One group consumed only cold-pressed fruit and veggie juice, another had juice with whole foods and the third ate only whole plant-based foods.
The researchers collected saliva, cheek swabs and stool samples before, during and after the diets to analyze bacterial changes.
The juice-only group had the most significant increase in bacteria linked to inflammation and gut permeability, according to the results.
The juice plus food group experienced some bacterial changes, but they were less severe. And the plant-based whole food group saw favorable microbial changes.
Both juice diets also caused changes in the saliva and cheek microbiota — creating an abundance of pro-inflammatory bacteria.
The researchers say these changes may be due to their high sugar content and low fiber levels.
The lead author warns, “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.”
She says more research is needed on how juice and other diets impact the microbiome, especially in kids who often consume juice as a fruit substitute.
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