To juice or not to juice? We asked experts to spill on the best juice cleanses for detox

Does your gut need a glow-up? Perhaps one of the best juice cleanses is right for you.With summer in full bloom, many are seeking to revamp their wellness routines, including incorporating healthier foods and dietary practices into the mix.While cleanses involving “detox” teas and sketchy-sounding herbs are generally downvoted by wellness experts, there are some scientifically backed benefits to juicing, when done correctly.To get to the bottom of juice cleanses, the Post spoke with a number of health and wellness experts, including Amy Stephens, a board-certified dietitian who specializes in performance nutrition and eating disorders.She currently serves as a sports dietitian for NYU Athletics.“A juice cleanse is a short-term eating plan that replaces food with juices.

Most plans recommend using fresh-pressed juices made from fresh fruits, vegetables, and added flavorings such as lemon, cayenne pepper, turmeric, or ginger,” Stephens explained.“The goal of a cleanse is to detoxify the body and mind.”The Mayo Clinic does suggest that juicing can help reset the digestive system, while still providing essential vitamins and minerals.

However, many experts, including Stephens, caution against juice cleanses that are geared towards rapid weight loss or to reset eating habits.“The risks of low blood sugar and triggering disordered eating thoughts are a major concern,” she shared.“These plans promote the sense that they can fix eating habits, but have the potential to cause more harm.”Stephens added that juice cleanses can cause a range of side effects — some immediate and physical, others more long-term and related to mood and mental health. She highlighted that fatigue, brain fog, dizziness, and low energy often accompany longer cleanses.

In order to avoid or minimize these side effects, Stephens has recommended meeting a minimum intake of 1,000 to 1,200 calories per day, even on a cleanse.She also suggested skipping workouts and addin...