Does juice help detoxify?

Answer:

Juices from vegetables and fruits can provide significant amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which support metabolism and enhance overall health.

However, there is no clear medical evidence that drinking juice alone will "detoxify" the body. Detoxification is primarily the function of the liver and kidneys, not juice.

Two glasses of carrot juice. Illustration photo by Pixabay

The liver is the main organ responsible for detoxification, converting harmful substances into less toxic forms or those that can be easily excreted through bile or the kidneys. The kidneys filter the blood to remove waste products, excess substances, and toxins through urine. The lungs eliminate toxic gasses like carbon dioxide through respiration. Sweat glands in the skin help expel certain toxins through perspiration. The skin also plays a role in eliminating excess substances, while the intestines help remove waste, and the liver produces bile that carries toxins to be excreted through feces.

Consuming too much juice, especially those with high natural sugar content (fructose), can increase blood sugar levels, which may raise the risk of diabetes and obesity.

Moreover, substituting juice for main meals can result in deficiencies in protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients, negatively impacting long-term health.

In summary, detoxification mainly depends on internal organs functioning naturally, without the need for products or methods often promoted for this purpose.

Dr. Le Nhat Duy

HCMC Medicine and Pharmacy University