To #celeryjuice or Not?
Or just eat in Moderation? Living a healthy gluten free lifestyle.
We have all heard about the Celery Juice craze that hit about a year ago. It has been all over Instagram (including mine)! This green juice has been the latest fad diet to sweep the nutritional airwaves and for some, it has turned into their morning rituals. Ultimately, when celery juice consumed on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning, your body will reap it’s healing benefits.
Before starting the #celeryjuice cleanse myself, I did some research and read articles from the Medical Medium. As well as spoke to others with celiac and gluten intolerances who’ve had success with the ritual of this morning green juice. LESSON #1: We are not all created the same, listen to YOUR body.
A couple of the issues that I often have, (which I assimilate with having celiac) is bloating (sometimes worse than others), headaches, skin/complexion clarity and late afternoon fatigue. All of which are symptoms that some Doctors and others who have been on the cleanse claim will go away when adding the #celeryjuice to your daily regimen. So why wouldn’t I try it? It is completely natural AND I am juicing it all myself, purchased organic and fresh, every other day, (which to be completely honest got old!) What have I got to loose, right??!!
What exactly is in Celery Juice?
Celery juice contains Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Folate, Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium, Electrolytes and Water. It also contains other health-boosting Flavonoids. Which, as stated by LiveScience are a diverse group of “plant chemicals” or phytonutrients found in almost ALL fruits and vegetables. “These are powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and immune system benefits.”
Some professionals would argue that the flavonoids are lost during the juicing process, when the fiber is removed. As explained by JJ Virgin (Nutrition & Fitness expert and Author) when interviewed by Healthline on The Health or Hype of #celeryjuice. She explains, that when the fiber is removed from the celery, it can trigger a more rapid blood sugar response. Not to mention also missing out on the other health benefits from fiber. Such as, keeping your digestive system moving smoothly, feeling full, aiding in weight loss, balancing blood sugar levels, feeding the good bacteria in your gut and boosting your immune system and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
The Pros of Celery Juice:
By consuming celery juice you are maximizing the volume of vitamins and minerals for your body to take in and digest at higher levels. Some of the benefits when consumed on an empty stomach (ultimately 16 oz. of straight celery juice daily):
- boost gut health
- detox your system
- can lower blood pressure
- helps to fight inflammation
- can help chronic headaches
- aide in clearing acne
- eliminates brain fog
- may help fight different kinds of Cancers
Too good to be True?
My mornings began with drinking 16 oz. of the green juice for 6 weeks straight! I DID start to see the results. But at week #6, I quickly realized LESSON #2: Everything in Moderation! YES, my skin was more clear, I had less blemishes! I defintly had less bloating! My late afternoon “tiredness”, where normally I would want to go to Starbucks for a coffee, went away! As well as my bowel movements were even more regular than before drinking the #celeryjuice! So why did I stop?
My S*@# Storm…
I had a little virus and that combined with my already high plant-based diet, plus the #celeryjuice made for 8 days worth of terrible, I mean HORRIBLE bathroom side effects! As in TMI ALERT…. diarrhea 3 or 4X daily! It was literally food in, food out. My body was not getting the proper nutrients from the food I was eating because it came right back out. I began to feel very fatigued and lost 7 lbs. in a week!
The Doctor was worried about dehydration and advised holding off on taking any of my vitamins and supplements to give my system a little break. Thankfully, water was on my side! I drank a TON of it and that combined with my Nuun hydration/electrolyte tablets, I was o.k. It got so bad at one point, that I though I had a Parasite. When really, all I needed to do was back off a little and remember MODERATION.
I put myself on the BRAT diet for 3 days to get my tummy settled and bathroom activity under control. Within a day, the diarrhea had stopped and by day three I was regular (somewhat) again. Slowly, I started to add back in veggies and fruits to my diet. Then, I began to add my supplements and vitamins back into my diet. Lastly, adding back in salads. I was elated to have a salad again! It’s the little things!
So, now that I am healed and back on track, I know that it wasn’t the #celeryjuice that got me sick. I am not saying to not try it. What I am saying is listen to your body and remember to intake everything with moderation! Will I ever have the green #celeryjuice again?? Maybe, well….probably YES. But I will definitely not drink it every day. Keeping your health in check is hard work, I know! Remember that not all diets are created equally for everyone and that is o.k. Just remember to be kind to your body. You will thank yourself for it.
XOXO, Your GF Girl
