QuestionQUESTION: Hi Dr. Aukerman,
I've started taking a product called Juice Plus because I've heard it's so good for your body. In case you're not familiar with the product they are capsules that are all natural, organic and give you a full days supply of fruit and vegetables.
They start you out slow taking 1 fruit capsule a day, then 1 vegetable capsule a day then increase till your at the full dosage of 2 fruits in the morning and 2 fruits in the evening.
My question is.....This is the 3rd time I've tried taking them and after taking 1 of each a day for approx 4 to 5 days, I start to develop a cough with congestion and a slight wheezing. The last time I tried taking them I had flu symptoms also.
When I asked the person I got them from if this was normal or if I had an allergy she said it was all part of the body healing and detoxifying. Is this correct information. It kind of scares me that a product should make you feel sick to make you feel better.
Any info you would offer would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks you
ANSWER: These types of products tend to be loaded with plant latex.
All plants have their protein and sugar stored as latex compounds while they are in the green stage. When the plant ripens naturally the plant produces a hormone called ethylene which breaks these latex compounds into sugar and protein. When these plants are pulled prematurely the latex is trapped and the products must be treated with high dose ethylene gas in the warehouses and it creates an injury protein. This toxic reaction occurs also with juicing unless you actually pick the fruits and vegetables your self in your garden.
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QUESTION: Thank you so much for your detailed answer but let me ask you this. You mentioned injury protein and toxic reaction which kind of scares me. Should I continue to take this product? Will it be good for me in the long run or is it best to stop?
Thank you again for your time and expertise.
AnswerI do not recommend it for my patients but you have to ask your doctor. Most people do not need to eat toxic latex and have injury protein in their bodies but we would never make a personal recommendation without examination for the severity of the latex toxicity.
