The detox myth: Are juice cleanses safe for people with food allergies?
Posted: 25th January 2025 | Posted by Costa
The detox myth: Are juice cleanses safe for people with food allergies?
Every January, the promise of a fresh start inspires many of us to embrace healthier habits, with juice cleanses often topping the list. These cleanses are marketed as the ultimate reset—flush out toxins, boost your energy, and kickstart a healthier you for the year ahead. But if you have food allergies or sensitivities, this “quick fix” might not be as safe or effective as it seems.
Before reaching for that brightly coloured bottle, take a moment to consider whether the ingredients could cause more harm than good. Juice cleanses can be loaded with hidden allergens, and for some, they can trigger reactions ranging from mild discomfort to severe symptoms.
What’s in your juice cleanse?
While juice cleanses often seem simple, their ingredients can be surprisingly complex—especially for those with food allergies. Many popular blends include high-risk foods such as:
- Tree nuts: Almond milk, cashew cream, or walnut infusions are common bases in “creamy” juice blends.
- Celery: A favourite for its detoxifying reputation, celery is also a common allergen, especially for those with pollen food syndrome (oral allergy syndrome).
- Citrus fruits: Oranges, lemons, and limes are staples in most cleanses but can cause reactions for those sensitive to citrus or histamine-rich foods.
- Exotic fruits: Pineapple, mango, and passion fruit introduce allergens that some people may not regularly encounter.
- Wheatgrass or barley grass: While nutrient-dense, these ingredients are off-limits for anyone with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
Real risks, real stories
Take Emily, for example. She decided to kick off her January with a 7-day cleanse. By day two, she was experiencing itchy lips, stomach cramps, and a scratchy throat. Later, she discovered that the “superfood powder” in one of her juices contained spirulina—a blue-green algae known to trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.
Emily’s story isn’t unique. According to the UK’s Food Standards Agency, over 2 million people in the UK live with diagnosed food allergies, and countless others have undiagnosed sensitivities. For those individuals, experimenting with concentrated or unfamiliar ingredients can be risky.
How to cleanse safely with food allergies
If you’re determined to try a juice cleanse or similar detox, follow these tips to keep it safe and allergy-friendly:
- Read labels carefully: Recognise every ingredient and check for cross-contamination warnings.
- Start small: Test single-ingredient juices before trying complex blends.
- DIY your juices: Homemade blends allow you to control every ingredient and avoid allergens.
- Prioritise whole foods: Incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet naturally can be just as effective and much safer.
Are your symptoms telling you something?
If you’ve experienced bloating, fatigue, or itchiness after a juice cleanse—or suspect you might be reacting to certain foods—it could be a sign of an underlying allergy or sensitivity.
This New Year, don’t just cleanse—clarify. Register as a new patient with us today for a comprehensive evaluation at our London-based allergy clinic or prefer the convenience of our home allergy test to uncover the foods that work with your body, not against it. Your health reset for 2025 starts here.