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5 Benefits of Juice Fasting and How to Do it Right

The idea of juice fasting may make you want to run in the opposite direction. Or maybe you dismiss it as another health fad, but hear us out…

Juice fasting is more than a hyped-up trend. The science shows that juice fasting can boost your overall health and cardiovascular system. You don’t even need to commit to a multi-day juice fast (though you can if you choose) to reap incredible benefits. Even intermittent fasting can be helpful! To achieve optimal results, make sure you juice fast the right way with support from a trusted practitioner, if needed.

What is juice fasting?

Juice fasting simply means replacing solid foods with cold-pressed juice made from fresh fruits and vegetables for a time. It’s recommended to juice fast for up to three days. You may also choose to try intermittent juice fasting – drinking only juice for the fasting period (12-16 hours per day) and consuming solid foods during non-fasting times. 

Many think that fasting isn’t a natural way to eat, but we were actually built for it. Our hunter-gatherer ancestors had periods of food abundance followed by periods of scarcity, and their bodies adapted to this eating pattern. A fasted state can promote healing, as specific cellular processes can only occur when you’re not digesting food. Juice fasting provides nutrients to your body with the metabolic benefits of fasting.

Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of nutrients, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. You may be wondering – why not eat fruits and vegetables in their whole form? By juicing your produce, the nutrients are separated out from the fiber, which means that your body has to do less work to absorb the nutrients. This gives your digestive system a break, allowing for rest, repair, and many health benefits.

We recommend a three-day juice fast several times per year, especially when you’re feeling sluggish or looking for a reset. At the end of your juice fast, we recommend starting on a whole foods diet to support your health.

5 benefits of juice fasting

Reduced stress on the digestive system

Your digestive system rarely gets a break. Juice fasting can be powerful because it provides a break from the work of digestion while delivering essential nutrients. Cold-pressed juice provides enzymes and prebiotics which benefit the gut microbiome. Science shows that better gut health supports weight loss, so juice fasting may be a great way to start shedding some extra pounds.

Boosted immunity and reduced inflammation

Your immune response largely depends on the health of the gut microbiome. Inflammation is often caused by poor gut health and dysfunction of the immune system. Most people live in a chronic state of inflammation without even realizing it. Inflammation can drive many diseases, such as arthritis and allergies. By balancing the microbiome, juice fasting improves your immune response, protecting against disease.

Detoxification

Toxic substances are in the food, water, and even the air. Unless you live in a bubble, it’s impossible to avoid exposure. Toxins can cause many diseases and can wreak havoc on cardiovascular health. Cold-pressed juice not only provides extra hydration but it’s also packed with antioxidants and other key nutrients. These can support the liver’s detoxification pathways and prevent toxin buildup.

Mental health and clarity

There’s a close connection between the gut microbiome and brain health, known as the gut-brain axis. Gut health can have a huge impact on cognition, mental health, focus, and energy. Juice fasts can have an anti-inflammatory effect on the brain, reducing symptoms of depression and fatigue.

Improved heart health

Juice fasting reverses heart disease risk factors, including leaky gut, obesity, inflammation, toxic burden, and stress. Don’t take our word for it – this is reflected in the research. 

Fruits and vegetables contain polyphenols, which are antioxidant-rich and known to reduce the risk of heart disease and many other conditions. 

Fasting alone can prevent artery-hardening and reduce blood pressure. Evidence shows that consuming cold-pressed juice can reduce blood pressure and improve cholesterol.  Juice fasting packs a powerful punch because you get the benefits of fasting and heart-healthy juice!

The best type of juice: homemade vs. store-bought

You’ve likely seen plenty of cold-pressed juices online or on the shelf of your local grocery store. While you may feel inclined to buy store-bought juice for convenience, homemade juice is the gold standard. 

Store-bought juices often contain tons of added sugar and artificial preservatives. The high sugar content can cause spikes in blood sugar and cravings, making your juice fast more difficult and less beneficial. 

Store-bought juice may be necessary at times if you’re in a pinch, but always look closely at the ingredients and sugar content. It should only include cold-pressed juice, nothing else.

What to include in your juice

Always buy organic produce and herbs for your juice to get the most nutrients possible and minimize toxin exposure. Make sure your homemade juice includes the following four ingredients for optimal benefits.

  • Low-glycemic fruits (lemon, lime, green apples, berries): Choosing these fruits will keep your blood sugar stable, preventing swings in hunger or sugar cravings.
  • Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale, swiss chard): Contains chlorophyll, a substance with powerful anti-inflammatory effects.
  • Water-rich vegetables (cucumbers, celery, lettuce): Boosts electrolytes and hydration, supporting detoxification pathways. 
  • Herbs (turmeric, ginger, cayenne): Adds a kick while reducing inflammation and oxidative stress

Potential side effects of juice fasting

The most common side effect of juice fasting is hunger. This will ease over time as your body transitions into consuming ketones for energy rather than glucose. Choosing low-glycemic fruits will help curb hunger and keep blood sugar stable. 

When you first start a juice fast, you may experience some fatigue or headaches as your body detoxifies and repairs itself. If are on a multi-day juice fast, plan for extra rest and avoid strenuous exercise. 

After an extended period of juice fasting, you may need to eat smaller meals to help your body transition back to solid foods.

For many people, juice fasting is safe and free of adverse effects. If you have diabetes, liver, kidney disease, or other health concerns, you’ll want to talk to your holistic practitioner before starting a juice fast.

Next steps

Make sure you get the most out of your juice fast by seeking support from a trusted professional. This is especially important if it’s your first fast, or if you’re struggling with chronic disease, food sensitivities, or toxin exposure. 

At Natural Heart Doctor, our practitioners and coaches are well-versed in the science of fasting and heart health. If you’re hoping to optimize your health through fasting, we can provide extra guidance and support. 

We can also test to confirm your progress by checking for inflammatory markers and toxin exposure at intervals. This will help us ensure that your efforts are effective as you get on the road to your 100 Year Heart!

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About Dr. Lauren Lattanza NMD, FACC

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Dr. Lauren Lattanza Fees

20 Minute Virtual Call: $250

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As a Naturopathic Physician, I am trained to treat the whole person and get to the root cause of disease.

I went to Arizona State University where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a depth in physiology and minor in Spanish. After my undergraduate degree I was working on prerequisite classes towards medical school, which is when I came to learn that my values identified best with the principles of naturopathic medicine. I knew that I wanted to help patients identify the causes of disease and be able to offer treatments which would improve their health rather than simply treating symptoms.

I dedicated the next 4 years to the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona where I attained my Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine. I served as Class President all 4 years, Board of Trustees – Student Trustee, spoke as the Club President for our branch of Toastmasters, and was voted by my peers and attending physicians to earn the Outstanding Leadership Award for the Class of 2020. Throughout medical school I took it upon myself to work alongside MDs, DOs, chiropractors, and functional medicine practitioners in addition to naturopathic physicians.

As a Spanish speaking student, I was able to volunteer with community clinics around Phoenix and provide free healthcare to low-income families. Due to this combined exposure, I came to find my passion in treating cardiometabolic and digestive disorders that are all too common, yet largely preventable. I took the opportunity to learn the broad spectrum of healthcare so I can ensure that I am able to provide my patients with the best options.

About Dr. Jack Wolfson DO, FACC

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Dr. Jack Wolfson Fees

30 Minute Virtual Call: $1500

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Dr. Jack Wolfson is a board-certified cardiologist, Amazon best-selling author, husband, father, and the nation’s #1 Natural Heart Doctor.

For more than two decades, more than one million people have enjoyed the warmth, compassion, and transformational power of his natural heart health courses and events.

Dr. Wolfson is the founder of Natural Heart Doctor Scottsdale, his heart health practice in Arizona, and Natural Heart Doctor, an online resource center with natural health information. Doctors from across the globe reach out to Dr. Wolfson for training and education in holistic health practices.

He has been named one of America’s Top Functional Medicine Doctors and is a five-time winner of the Natural Choice Awards as a holistic M.D. Dr. Wolfson’s work has been covered by more than 100 media outlets, including NBC, CNN, and the Washington Post. His book “The Paleo Cardiologist: The Natural Way to Heart Health” was an Amazon #1 best-seller.

Dr. Wolfson and his wife Heather have four children and are committed to making the world a better place to live. They provide for those in need (including animals) and support natural health causes through their philanthropic efforts.

Chiropractic

Our chiropractor is an expert at adjustments and holistic chiropractic care and works closely in conjunction with the other health care experts at Natural Heart Doctor.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

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We use specially formulated natural vitamins and minerals that are injected into a vein to prevent or treat dehydration. Ideal for people in Arizona.

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Stimulate your body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being with acupuncture at Natural Heart Doctor.

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Our health coaches use evidence based skillful conversation, clinical interventions, and strategies to engage you actively and safely in health behavior changes.

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We use the most advanced testing in the world to assess heart health and to identify the root cause of your health issues.

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Schedule an office visit with one of our cardiologists, holistic physicians, chiropractor, or health coaches.

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Frequently Asked Questions

I’d like to receive an online second opinion from Natural Heart Doctor. What do I do next?

You can initiate a second opinion online through our website at any time. To begin, select the team member you’d like to speak with and open an account.

Click here for cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson.

Naturopathic Medical Doctor Dr. Lauren Lattanza. Get details.

Click here for  Natural Heart Doctor Health Coach.

Alternatively, you can email health@naturalheartdoctor.com. A member of our care team will help guide you through the process of starting a second opinion.

What is the cost of a Natural Heart Doctor Online Second Opinion?

The cost for most second opinions varies by team member. This fee includes information collection, a phone or video consultation, a second opinion from a Natural Heart Doctor specialist and guidance throughout the process from your personal Care Team at Natural Heart Doctor.

Cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson’s Second Opinion Fee is $1500.

Holistic Physician’s Dr. Lauren Lattanza’s Second Opinion Fee is $250.

Note: We apply the Online Second Opinion Call fee as a credit to any future consultations with Natural Heart Doctor, should you choose them.

Will my insurance cover the cost of a Natural Heart Doctor Online Second Opinion?

Most likely, no. Most health plans do not cover online second opinions or consultations. You are responsible for the cost of our second opinion. Natural Heart Doctor cannot file a claim with your insurance carrier, nor can we provide a procedure (CPT) code for this service.

What is the timeline to receive an online second opinion?

We do our best to schedule your second opinion as quickly as possible. Typically, it takes 5 to 7 business days after your information has been collected to receive your phone or video online second opinion.

What information do you need in advance of our call?

Our office will send you a short questionnaire to complete and return. We DO NOT need your complete medical records.

How many questions can I ask the expert during our call?

You may ask a maximum of five questions. This is to ensure that the expert has sufficient time to devote to each question. All questions must be finalized before your online meeting.

What should I expect to receive once my second opinion is complete?

You will receive a summary of our discussion along with our second opinion. The second opinion will be in written form. After you have reviewed the second opinion, a Natural Heart Doctor clinician will follow up with you by phone to address general medical questions about the information provided in the second opinion.

What if I have follow-up questions for the expert after I have reviewed my second opinion?

If you have a clarifying question about an expert’s response to one of the questions in your second opinion, and the Natural Heart Doctor clinician is unable to address it, then you may request a follow up session for an additional fee. 

Is my medical and payment information secure?

Natural Heart Doctor is strongly committed to protecting the privacy and security of all our patients. Our website meets all federal requirements for protecting personal health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). All financial transactions are processed by Natural Heart Doctor securely using industry standard payment processing tools.

I would rather visit Natural Heart Doctor for an in-person appointment. What should I do next?

If you would prefer an in-person appointment at Natural Heart Doctor instead of an online second opinion, please call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Can I schedule a follow up appointment with the specialist who provided my online second opinion?

Yes, we’re happy to help you on an extended basis. Our clinician can discuss options with you when presenting our second opinion summary.