Why Apple Juice and not Citrus?
In a liquids–only fast, fruit juice is used rather than any other liquid because of its overall cleansing effect, ease of digestion, bioavailable nutrients and its caloric contribution of energy. Just because all fruits and their juices are known for their ability to cleanse the body, does not mean every kind of fruit is good for every type of cleansing. Every fruit has a particular affinity and support for different parts of the body. Apple juice is recommended during a colon cleanse because of its primary ability to stimulate the bowel movement, break down toxins in the intestines and support the liver during cleansing. Its secondary effects support the other major organs of detoxification; blood, lymph and kidney.
Apple juice is the only juice to completely harmonize detoxification and support colon cleansing in this way. The next best juice choice would be pear juice; it works well on the digestive system, but does not have the added benefits of apple juice. After pear, grape juice would be next as it supports not only the bowels, but also the lymph and blood, but does not have as much digestive support as pear and apple. Citrus should be completely avoided as it tends to stir up more toxins than the soon-to-be-cleansed, eliminative channels can process all at once and thus may cause you more discomfort than is necessary. Some of the juices listed below are to be avoided because of their ability to slow down the movement of the bowels and the remaining juices listed, if used at all, might be added in only as an additional flavor, rather than the main body of the juice drink.
note: Some of the juices tend to have a thicker consistency than others; especially, those that are bottled and labeled as “nectar”. You should dilute them 50/50 with pure water and then strain before drinking. If you use a juicer and juice raw fruits, be sure to strain or filter before drinking.
Common fruit juices and their particular body affinities:
Apple
- Stimulates peristaltic action of gut
- Bowel normalizer
- Liver support while cleansing
- Blood purifier
- Lymphatic support
- Kidney tonic
Blackberry
- Binding to the bowels, slows down bowel movements
- Blood builder
Blueberry
- Pancreas support
Cherry
- Blood builder
- Slightly laxative
- Liver & gallbladder support
Cranberry
- Heavily acidic it acidifies urine and is used for kidney and bladder conditions. Its extreme tartness usually needs a lot of sweetners, which is not conducive to cleansing
Currant
- Blood builder
- Slightly laxative
Grape
- Lymphatic cleanser
- Blood purifier
- Bowel normalizer
Grapefruit
- Same as for Lemon
- Inhibits the breakdown of certain chemicals by liver, which may block the elimination of some toxins
Lemon
- All the citrus fruits contain citric acid which stimulates the release of acid, catarrh, and hardened mucus deposits in the body. Lemons and lime contain the most citric acid and lemons have the strongest detoxifying effect. It does so very quickly and unless all the eliminative channels are cleansed and functioning well first, the body will not be able to handle the release all at once and that will create a back-up of uncomfortable and irritating conditions.
Lime
- Same as for Lemon
- Brain and Nervous system support
Mango
- Binding to the bowels, it slows down bowel movements
- Blood cleanser
Orange
- Same as for Lemon
Papaya
- Digestive enzyme aid
- Stomach tonic
Pear
- Digestive aid
- Bowel normalizer
Peach
- Stimulate digestive juices
- Blood builder
- Bowel regulator
Pomegranate
- Kidney and bladder tonic
- Cardiovascular support
- Astringent and binding effect on bowel slows down bowel movement
Pineapple
- Protein digestive enzyme aid
- Cardiovascular support
Red Raspberry
- Mucus and catarrh cleanser
- Appetite stimulant
