Many of our patients and readers ask us what our thoughts are on juicing.  The Doc has actually seen many cases lately come in where patients have high blood sugar, high levels of oxylic acid in their urine and thyroid issues.

Surprisingly, the link to these health issues “often” came from juicing frequently and eating too many raw fruits/vegetables ………now don’t get in a tizzy {or too excited}, we still want you to eat your fruits and vegetables!

However, there are a few things you should know before jumping on the juice wagon!

Let’s start with thyroid issues, many of you may have heard that cruciferous vegetables should be cooked and eaten in moderation due to its goitrogenic substances.  If you want to protect your thyroid gland or even have thyroid issues in the family it is wise to not eat arugula, broccoli, kale, collard greens, cauliflower, turnips, radishes or  bok choy everyday {to name a few}.

We are suggesting the occasional arugula salad or kale smoothie is fine unless the doctor has suggested otherwise for your particular needs. Having a smoothie or juice with spinach in it and eating a raw {or cooked} bouquet of kale for dinner might not be the best thing for your thyroid.  Cooking crucifers reduces the goitrogenic chemicals a bit but consuming small amounts of these cruciferous vegetables is all right if the diet is rich in iodine.

 

Next, understanding that oxylic acid is known to irritate the mouth and intestinal track , as well as, block iron and calcium absorption may help you to plan what you juice or eat raw.  Some of the popular vegetables to juice that would be better to steam and eat whole are spinach, chard, parsley, chives, and beet greens.   So what is a raw vegetable lover to do? Lightly steam the vegetables that are high and don’t drink the water you cooked them in.

Lastly, we find that traditional juicing leaves out some of the important nutrients like fiber that actually helps to balance the blood sugar. Think of it this way, would you eat 2 apples in one sitting or 4 carrots?  Essentially that is what is happening when we juice.  Regardless of whether or not it is natural fruit/vegetable, sugar it is not the best scenario for the body.  Many studies show excessive amounts of fructose could lead to weight gain and increased triglyceride levels.

So to answer your question, do we like juicing {where the peel and fiber is separated from the liquid or juice}?  No, we actually prefer whole juicing {all the vegetable or fruit is blended} in a strong blender like the Vitamix because it gives you the whole food’s nutrients and fiber. Please keep in consideration the thyroid and high levels of oxylic acid in some vegetables even when making whole juices.

We can not deny all these vegetables have some amazing nutrients and health benefits but these tips will help you to make the best choices for your health.  Happy whole food juicing, especially with this delicious juice that has some amazing health benefits form the turmeric & ginger!

 

 

 

With a Spoonful of Health,