Health News

One must keep in mind that there does not exist any magic food or beverage. Similar to most health trends, it has its advantages and disadvantages that can be undesirable and thus worth knowing of before you make it a routine and now, we can have a closer look at the potential side effects of the celery juice - and how to safely and wisely enjoy it.

Digestive Issues

Celery juice is generally famous as the stimulator of digestion and can be transferred as a mild natural laxative to some individuals. This is due to the fact that celery is high in fiber and contains a substance known as mannitol which is a form of sugar alcohol that helps to bring in water in the intestines and causes the bowels to move.

Although this effect is desirable as far as mild constipation is concerned, in other cases it can result in:

Bloating

Gas

Cramping

Loose stools or diarrhoea

These symptoms may manifest themselves within 1-3 days of starting consuming celery juice once your body is not accustomed to a lot of raw vegetables or fiber. To prevent any discomfort, it is better to begin with a small portion (approximately, 100-150 ml per day) and increase until you get used to it.

Increased Sensitivity to Sunlight 

Celery is a natural source of compounds known as psoralens that may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight, that is, it becomes more sensitive to sunlight.

Photosensitivity, also called this condition, may put you at risk of:

Sunburns

Skin rashes

Redness or irritation following sun exposure

When you take celery juice frequently, particularly in large amounts; it is prudent to use sunscreen and not to be exposed to sunlight a few hours after taking celery juice. This is mostly necessary in summer or when one is spending long days under the sun.

Sodium Content

Even very infrequent are the cases of allergy to celery, but even a little bit of celery juice may cause a reaction. Symptoms may include:

Sensation of itch or swelling in the mouth, lips or throat.

Skin hives or rashes

Sneezing or watery eyes

Breathing difficulty (severe cases)

Individuals who are allergic to birch pollen or mugwort are likely to have celery allergy as a result of an allergic state known as oral allergy syndrome.

In case any of these symptoms have occurred to you after taking celery or its juice, discontinue and make an appointment with your doctor.

Exposure to Medications.

Celery juice might also react with some prescription drugs, which changes their effects. Two main concerns include:

Blood pressure medications:

Celery is a natural diuretic, i.e. it is used to make the body shed off excess water. This may enhance the action of blood pressure medications, which results in the blood pressure falling too low.

Blood thinners:

Celery contains vitamin K that promotes healthy blood clotting. Nevertheless, too much consumption may disrupt the activity of the anticoagulant medications such as warfarin.

When you are prescribed medication to regulate blood pressure, heart diseases or clotting disorders, it is advisable to consult your health care provider in reference to taking the celery juice regularly.

Hidden Sodium Content

Celery may not be salty but it has sodium naturally in it - about 35-40 mg in each stalk. Sodium is also accumulated easily when consumed in large doses in juices.

This is not an issue for most healthy persons. But when you are on a low sodium diet or dealing with a health issue like high blood pressure and kidney disease then it would be counterproductive to drink a lot of celery juice every day.

One of the golden rules: drinking celery as a juice, enjoy it, but not more than a glass per day but supplement it with other low sodium foods during the day.

Imbalance of Nutrients through Excessive Reliance.

Celery juice is being marketed as a way of detoxifying the body by some wellness trends that encourage the substitution of breakfast, or even whole meals, with celery juice. This can however be a risky method.

Although celery juice is a good source of vitamin K, folates, potassium and antioxidants, it is deficient in various nutrients including:

Protein

Healthy fats

Vitamin B12 and iron

The development of nutrient deficiencies, fatigue, and poor immunity can be expected as a result of substitution of balanced meals with celery juice.

Note celery juice is not a substitute, but should be added to a healthy diet. Combine with a nutritious diet that is full of lean proteins, whole grains, fruits and healthy fats to enjoy all its benefits without jeopardizing health.

Final Thoughts

Celery juice may indeed be a healthy, nutritious drink to include in your diet, but as with all health trends, one should avoid overdoing it.

Eat small portions, be in tune with your body, and watch its reactions. Celery juice can be made habitual when you have an underlying health complication and are taking any medication.

Consumed intelligently, celery juice may help in hydration, digestion, and well being - but it is no miracle worker. Balanced, varied and consistent eating is the key to true health.

Then, indulge yourself in that green glass of good that you are only to make it part of a life that feeds you both inward and outward.