These days, it seems like everyone we know is on a juice cleanse. We chatted with Adam Armstrong, vice president of local cafe chain Pure Raw Juice—which offers its own juice cleanse program—to get the skinny on the potential benefits.

What is a juice cleanse?
It’s a fasting method in which a person only consumes fresh juices, water, and/or decaffeinated teas for a committed time, typically 3-5 days. The benefits vary among individuals, [but] general advantages of this practice may encompass weight loss, mental clarity, improved digestion, detoxification, reduced inflammation, increased energy, and a strengthened immune system.

How often should you do a juice cleanse?
Those who have a regular diet of generally unhealthy foods may witness a greater benefit from a juice cleanse every three months, while those who typically consume a healthier natural diet may achieve their cleansing goals 1-2 times per year.

Can I eat at all when I’m on a juice cleanse?
The goal is to only consume fresh juice, water and/or decaffeinated teas. However, it is always important to listen to your own body, and if it is screaming to you that you need something with more sustenance, we would recommend consuming raw fruits and vegetables.

What are the risks of a juice cleanse?
Risks can include dizziness, dehydration (which is why you should drink a lot of water), headaches (usually associated with lack of caffeine), skin irritations (usually waste being detoxed through the skin), and possible digestive issues. We recommend consulting your doctor or nutritionist before committing to a juice cleanse.

Do I need to prepare my body for a cleanse?
To better absorb all nutrients and benefits, we recommend limiting as much processed food as you can 3-5 days before you start. This includes meat, dairy, sugar, caffeine, soda, nicotine, and alcohol.

What about after my cleanse? Can I just go back to normal eating?
Not so fast. If you jump right in to eating meats, dairy, and heavier foods, your gut will not be happy, which means you will not be happy. We recommend easing back into consuming solid foods after your cleanse, continuing a plant-based diet, rich with fruits and vegetables.

WHAT YOU NEED:

DECAFFEINATED TEA: No caffeine or coffee while on a juice cleanse. But decaffeinated tea is okay. And of course, plenty of water.

DOCTOR’S ORDERS: The Pure Raw Juice gang recommends consulting with your doctor or nutritionist before your first cleanse.

HEALTHY FOOD ON HAND: Try not to eat while on a cleanse, but if you must, stick with raw fruit and veggies.