“Juicing vegetables and fruits together may not be advisable,” says an expert, and here’s why

Juicing has surged in popularity as a convenient means to enhance nutritional intake, yet blending fruits and vegetables may not offer as many benefits as presumed. In a viral Instagram video, Dr. Dimple Jangda, an Ayurveda Gut Health Coach, cautioned against mixing these two categories in juices, citing concerns about delayed digestion, gastric emptying, or gastroparesis.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, gastric emptying refers to the prolonged retention of stomach contents, potentially leading to the formation of bezoars—large masses of undigested food. Bezoars can obstruct the stomach, impeding the passage of food into the small intestine.

What exactly is Gastroparesis

While it’s important to recognize that juicing itself may not directly induce this condition, specific blends of fruits and vegetables could contribute to digestive discomfort in certain individuals.

A crucial aspect to consider when combining fruits and vegetables for juicing is the variance in their digestion rates.

Dr. Jangda pointed out that “Fruits typically require only one hour for digestion in the stomach, whereas vegetables necessitate around two hours.”

Merging these two food categories may disrupt the digestive process, potentially resulting in symptoms like bloating or indigestion.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, primary symptoms of gastroparesis include:

– Feeling full shortly after beginning a meal
– Persistent fullness even after eating
– Nausea
– Vomiting
– Excessive bloating
– Frequent belching
– Upper abdominal pain
– Heartburn
– Decreased appetite

Understanding the Significance of Food Combination

Supporters of food combining contend that various food groups demand distinct digestive environments, and blending fruits and vegetables can disrupt this balance.

For instance, fruits consist mainly of simple sugars that ferment rapidly, whereas vegetables contain complex fibers that require more time to digest. The incongruity in digestion rates might lead to inadequate nutrient absorption and undesirable digestive issues.

Optimizing Nutrient Absorption is Crucial

While both fruits and vegetables offer a wealth of essential nutrients, opting for their whole, unprocessed forms may provide a more balanced approach:

Whole fruits offer fiber, which helps regulate the absorption of sugars, preventing rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. Vegetables contribute essential micronutrients and fiber, supporting a gradual release of energy.

Juicing can offer convenience in increasing fruit and vegetable intake, but blending them without considering their varying digestion times may lead to potential issues like gastroparesis and digestive discomfort. To enhance nutrient absorption and support overall digestive health, it may be beneficial to consume fruits and vegetables separately or in a more strategic combination. As always, it’s important to pay attention to your body’s cues and consult with a healthcare professional if you have specific concerns or dietary limitations.