The Power of Pomegranate

Why are pomegranates good for you? They contain ellagic acid and anthocyanins, both powerful antioxidants.  Pomegranates also improve liver detoxification and increase glutathione.Studies show pomegranate has three times higher antioxidant activity than green tea or red wine! It is anti-diabetic, powerfully anti-inflammatory, and has also been shown to lower blood pressure and inhibit cancer cells. Aim for one to two ounces of fresh-pressed organic juice per day: add it to a smoothie or drink it by itself. In a season where there are so many foods to avoid, this is one fantastic fruit that is truly a boost to your wellbeing!

Juice Fasting and SIBO

With celebrities jumping on the bandwagon, juice fasting seems to be a trend these days. It’s important to be aware of the risks a juice fast could pose to your health. For one thing, there is little to no protein intake, which means your body will start burning muscle mass. This can cause slowing of the metabolism and subsequent weight gain. And while juice concentrates the plant nutrients, which is great for your body, it also concentrates the sugar. Plant sugars – fructose in particular – have been implicated in causing Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). SIBO creates inflammatory imbalances in your body,  weakens the immune system, and is heavily associated with fibromyalgia. Studies show that 2/3 of the population has SIBO, so it’s a good idea to periodically go through a course of microbial-balancing herbs including oregano and berberine. Other things that help prevent SIBO include fermented foods like sauerkraut and coconut kefir.

If you are searching for a healthy cleanse, look for one that utilizes detoxifying foods and a meal replacement medical food. (Whole food smoothies are also a great addition to a cleanse. Watch my video to see why a smoothie is better than a juice.) Clinical studies have shown cleanses such as these to be effective at detoxifying without the detrimental effects a juice fast would have. In this way you’ll be able to increase detox pathways in the liver and kidneys and release toxins gently and naturally. 

Have you ever done a fast or a cleanse? What effects did you notice in your body? Share your experiences here.