Why Juicing Helps Healthy Digestion
Research shows that diets high in fiber and complex carbohydrates, which are found in abundance in fruits and vegetable juices, and low in refined foods have been shown to reduce many digestive disorders, including indigestion, ulcers, low stomach acid, constipation, diarrhea, motion sickness, colitis, diverticulitis, and diverticulosis.
According to the American College of Gastroenterology, consuming a diet high in dietary fiber can help improve a number of digestive disorders, including chronic constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticular disease, elevated cholesterol, irritable bowel syndrome, and colorectal cancer.
The American College of Gastroenterology recommends consuming at least 20 to 25 grams of fiber daily, which is much higher than the 10 to 15 grams most Americans consume. An easy way to increase your fiber intake is to consume a lot of high-fiber fruits and vegetables in juices.
Those highest in fiber include:
Apples, pears (with skin)
Berries (blackberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Dates
Figs
Prunes
Beans
Broccoli
Chickpeas
Lentils
Parsnips
Peas
Pumpkin
Rutabaga
Winter squash
Other foods that will add a boost of fiber to your homemade juice include wheat bran, psyllium, sunflower seeds, hemp, oat bran, coconut, almonds, Brazil nuts, peanuts, pecans, walnuts, brown rice, and pumpkin and sunflower seeds.
Don't shock your system by suddenly doubling or tripling your intake of fiber overnight, warns the American College of Gastroenterology. The result could be constipation and cramps. Instead, increase the fiber levels in your diet gradually over the course of a week or so. Increase the amount of liquids you drink and add both soluble and insoluble fiber.
