What Is Detox Water?
Detox water is simple, normal water infused with added natural ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and herbs to remove toxins from the human body. The common natural ingredients for detox water are lemon, mint, ginger, cucumber, and berries, which add flavors and nutrients to normal water and enhance its taste to make it enjoyable to drink with certain health benefits. As these ingredients, like fruits, vegetables, and herbs, get soaked into normal regular water, they release nutrients and respective flavors into the water and infuse it for health benefits. Some individuals prefer detoxification water as the first drink of the day and later on continue throughout the day in small portions to stay detoxed and healthy.
Common combinations of detox water ingredients
- Ginger and lemon
- Mint and cucumber
- Orange and berries
- Grapefruit and rosemary
- Apple and cinnamon
- Blackberry and orange
- Basil and strawberry
- Watermelon and mint
- Lemon and cayenne pepper
- Mango, pineapple, and lemon
- Turmeric, ginger, and cayenne
Top Health Benefits of Detox Water
Detox water has been claimed to offer several health benefits. These health benefits are subjected to different individuals. Some of these health benefits are discussed here to understand the positive impact of detox water.
Helps in Weight Loss
Water is essential for all living humans and organisms. It has been observed that a good hydration habit of drinking pure water helps in weight loss, so the same applies to detox water. “Drinking 500 ml(17oz) of water increases the metabolic rate by 30%. The increase occurred within 10 min and reached a maximum after 30–40 min. The total thermogenic response was about 100 kJ. About 40% of the thermogenic effect originated from warming the water from 22 to 37 C (72 - 99F),” according to The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, published by Oxford Academic (UK). Water can significantly increase the metabolic rate, help to burn more calories, and result in weight loss. Some explain this as the rise in metabolism rate to burn more calories; however, some find the reason lies in the effect of water on our appetite. Drinking pure water may reduce hunger, resulting in less food and ultimately helping in weight loss.
Improves Digestive Health
Our digestion plays an important role in our overall health and fitness. Hydration is good for gut health and maintains bowel movements. As the food travels through the digestion system, it needs adequate water to maintain consistency for smoother bowel movement. Less water intake results in bloating, discomfort, and slowed digestion. In short, hydration with pure drinking water is essential for the digestion system, so in case of dehydration or lack of water in our body, we may experience dry stools and constipation. Drink ample water at regular intervals to prevent constipation and bloating, as well as promote regular bowel movements.
Enhances Mood and Energy
It has been observed that water comprises 75% of body weight in infants to 55% in the elderly and is essential for human cellular homeostasis and life. It shows the role of water in most aspects of our lives, including mood, energy levels, and concentration. In some studies, it has been found that only 1% of dehydration levels can decrease mood and concentration and sometimes cause headaches. According to a study, “Effects of changes in water intake on the mood of high and low drinkers,” published on NCBI, it has been observed that adults who have a water intake of 85 ounces or above (2.5 liters) per day feel more energy and elevated mood compared to who have lesser intake.
Scientific Insights: Does Detox Water Really Work?
Detox water has shown some effects on individual health, fitness, gut health, and other routines but has yet to provide ample scientific evidence and studies to support these claims. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) stated that “Some “detoxification” programs can be unsafe and falsely advertised. These programs may be advertised commercially, offered at health centers, or part of naturopathic treatment. Drinking large quantities of water and herbal tea and not eating any food for days in a row could lead to dangerous electrolyte imbalances. Detoxification” programs may include laxatives, which can cause diarrhea severe enough to lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.” The use of the term ‘Detoxification’ is a popular claim (especially marketed by health centers) for a type of diet, cleanses, and natural ingredients like ‘detox water’ to remove toxic substances from the body. However, it has failed to provide substantial evidence against all such claims. However, many individuals have agreed to get health benefits from detox water, which actually establishes healthy water drinking habits in daily life. It is recommended that you consult a doctor and nutritionist before starting a detox water routine. However, it is good to have a proper, clean drinking water habit for a healthy life.
Best Times to Drink Detox Water for Maximum Benefits
There is no best time to drink detox water for maximum benefits. However, some individuals prefer to use it as the first thing of the day on an empty stomach. One can start the day with one glass of detox water in the morning to remove the toxins accumulated overnight and kick start the metabolism at its best. Throughout the day, keep sipping the detox water to support the hydration goal and enjoy a refreshing life. One can use detox water before meals to curb appetite, prevent overeating, and stay healthy. It is suggested to discuss with a doctor or nutritionist to choose the best time for detox water intake.
Potential Side Effects and Considerations
Although detox water may have shown some health benefits to many individuals, excess use may also have some side effects, as discussed here.
Dehydration
- Some detox water ingredients have laxative effects, and sometimes, drinking excessive water can cause diarrhea that leads to dehydration.
Dizziness
- Drinking very high volumes of detox water intake can lead to dangerous electrolyte imbalances and cause dizziness.
Nausea and vomiting
Detox water has some serious side effects, like nausea and vomiting that result in discomfort.
Hyponatremia
- A large volume of detox water intake may cause hyponatremia, a condition in which the body flushes out electrolytes like sodium and potassium and develops electrolyte imbalances.
Tooth sensitivity or cavities
- Some detox water ingredients, such as citrus fruits like lemon, orange, kiwi, and more, are acidic in nature. They wear away tooth enamel and may cause sensitivity or cavities.
It is recommended to discuss detox water intake and its ingredients with a nutritionist before starting the routine. In case any side effects occur, then immediately consult a doctor or nutritionist and discontinue the detox water intake.
Conclusion
Detox water is considered a healthy water intake that helps remove toxins from the body for a healthier living. Some health benefits include weight loss, digestive health, elevated mood and energy, immunity boosters, better concentration, and more associated with the regular use of detox water. However, there is no ample research and evidence to support the health benefits of detox water; apart from that, it has been noticed that the excess use of detox water leads to many health concerns like dehydration, diarrhea, hyponatremia, digestive discomfort or sensitivity, tooth erosion, electrolytes imbalance, headaches, fatigue, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, and more.
In order to consider these side effects, it is suggested that pure and clean drinking water be used instead of detoxification water of you make your own detox water using natural fruits and herbs. It has been recommended that an activated carbon filter-powered water filtration system like RO be installed to get pure and clean drinking water dispensed at home or office and enjoy healthy living. Plain and pure water has immense health benefits without any side effects on the human body. It helps to keep the hydration level intact and improves digestion better.
