Understanding the Indigo juicing programme
The Indigo juicing programme involves replacing meals with carrot-and-green-apple juice for seven to twenty-one days. This is a restrictive diet with health risks, so speak to a qualified healthcare professional before considering it. You can also enjoy juice in small portions alongside ordinary meals.
What did the programme involve?
The programme has three stages: reducing meals beforehand, replacing meals with juice, and returning to food afterwards. The programme also includes supplements. If you are considering it, you need advice about food intake across all three stages, including how to return to adequate meals.
You can enjoy juice as a drink, but replacing meals removes important sources of protein, fats, fibre and other nutrients. Vplus or a fibre product does not turn a juice-only menu into a complete diet.
Before starting a juice-only diet · How to include juice in an ordinary day · Returning to meals after a juice-only diet · Making carrot and green apple juice
Is seven to twenty-one days an appropriate target?
The appropriate advice depends on your health, medicines and how much nutrition the proposed menu provides. Choosing a seven- or twenty-one-day target does not resolve those questions. You cannot tell from hunger or tongue colour whether it is safe to continue.
NCCIH reports no compelling evidence that detox diets remove toxins or provide lasting weight control. Rather than choosing a number of fasting days, discuss your goal with a dietitian and make a plan that includes adequate food.
Who needs particular care?
Children, pregnant or breastfeeding people, and anyone with a history of disordered eating should avoid self-directed restrictive juice plans. Medical conditions, medicines, low body weight and recent illness also require professional assessment.
Bring the proposed menu and your medication list to the appointment. A clinician or dietitian can assess your needs and suggest a more balanced way to work towards your goal. Our team can supply information about the products included.
What if you feel unwell?
Headaches, weakness, dizziness, vomiting or diarrhoea are not proof of detoxification. Do not push through them to meet a target. Stop the programme and seek medical advice; severe symptoms such as fainting, confusion or chest pain need urgent care.
If you have eaten little for several days, ask a clinician how to return to adequate food. The amount and duration of restriction affect the advice. The linked articles explain ordinary juice preparation and why a fixed refeeding schedule is unsuitable.
Further information: NCCIH: detox diets and cleanses; Vplus Formula: ingredients, pack details and directions.
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