What is it?
Alkaline juices are drunk in an attempt to correct your body’s pH balance, reduce systemic inflammation and create optimum health. “Acidic foods, environmental toxins, some lifestyle choices and emotional stress can tilt the pH towards a more acid state,” suggests Kirsten Shanks, nutritionist, naturopath, herbalist and founder of Orchard Street organic cleanses. Many diseases thrive in an acidic blood pH. But not all juice cleanses are alkaline. Aim for organic cleanses with higher green vegetable content.

Who is it best for?
“Those with high disciplinary levels,” says Sally Joseph, clinical nutritionist and author of e-book Eat Yourself Healthy in 28 Days. It can help after overindulging, as part of a longterm healthy diet, to kick-start weight loss, calm inflammation or get a healthy glow.

Highs
“It’s easy on the digestion, can work to quickly alkalise the body and reduce pain and inflammation,” says Joseph. It may also relieve gas, bloating and other digestive discomfort.

Lows
“It can initially induce hypoglycaemia in people prone to fluctuating blood sugar levels and cause acute withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, fatigue and skin breakouts. Excessive consumption of raw kale can suppress thyroid function, while too much spinach, which is rich in oxalates, may interfere with mineral absorption,” explains Joseph.

And remember, juice cleanses are only meant to be short term. “We should not aim for a 100 per cent alkaline diet, as some acidic foods provide essential nutrient value,” Shanks says.