17 Detox Water Recipes for Weight Loss & Body Cleanse

Many people have strong opinions about detoxes and detox water, specifically.

One club despises the mere mention of the word while another absorbs every claim of detox water recipes as quickly as the detox water itself.

No wonder it’s so difficult to form a middle-ground opinion based on science and truth!

While detox water is not the sole solution to optimize your well-being, some of its health benefits are undeniable.

In this post, we’ll discuss how detox water works throughout the body and why it can contribute to losing weight.

After that, this article will provide you specific detox water instructions and 17 different and delicious detox water recipes to help you optimize the health of your entire body.

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Detox Water Health Benefits

You’re probably aware of the typically touted benefits of detoxing such as better digestion, increased metabolism, and weight loss.

Yet, lesser-known benefits exist and include cleansing the liver, removing toxins, clearing skin, increasing hydration, improving mood, balancing the body’s pH levels, increasing the immune system, and decreasing risk of kidney stones (5).

However, not all detox waters or diets are created equally and there is little scientific research to validate any of the, sometimes, miraculous claims that many detoxes boast.

In fact, beyond anecdotal evidence, the only confirmed benefit of detox waters and diets remains that it can increase the longevity of life through the process of autophagy- a cellular response to stressed cells that rids the body of dysfunctional mitochondria (7).

So if that last sentence is true, why do detox water and diets continue to prevail? Well, all of this confusion and controversy about detox is simply due to marketing mayhem.

In fact, all of the anecdotal “evidence” about detox and detox water like weight loss and improved digestion, and increased energy is plausible when viewed from an autophagy lens.

In short, because detox water spurs the mechanism of autophagy- once again, a natural physiological process of breaking down and/or recycling inefficient, worn, and toxic cells in our body- they don’t need to be the deemed bane or miracle of wellness (8).

Instead, you can regard detox diets as a periodic health and wellness strategy that positively affects your being on a cellular level and may lead to some of the anecdotal improvement or enhancement discussed above.

Furthermore, you can think of detox water like this: the calorie restriction imposed by detox water initiates the effective, evidence-based autophagic response while the additional ingredients of the specific detox water protocol provide healthful benefits that may further enhance not only the autophagy but your entire body as well. 

Is Detox Water Good for Weight Loss?

Detox water can certainly lead to some weight loss. It is important to note that much of the initial weight loss is water weight loss and only lasts short term if you return to previous unhealthy eating and drinking habits after completing the detox water protocol, per say.

Yet, it is logical and plausible for you to permanently lose weight using detox water as a wellness strategy.

Imagine drinking refreshing detox water that rejuvenates and energizes your body and sharpens your immune system.

Feeling this way may encourage you to adopt healthier lifestyle habits like drinking more water, including more fiber and lean proteins in your diet, exercising regularly for joy, and decreasing inflammation in your body. 

Plus, drinking more water, in general, can certainly help you lose weight.

Drinking more water can help reduce cravings and allows you to hone into your true hunger and fullness cues better, which prevents overeating.

An added bonus of detox water is that these beverages include health benefits like reducing indigestion and bloating and preventing constipation among others, but they are also low in calories but high in nutrients, which is literally the best recipe for effective weight loss (5).

So, yes, detox water can be good for weight loss, but think of it as one strategy that is part of an overall wellness or weight loss plan, rather than a magical unicorn solution that will award you with the flat belly of your dreams like many marketers want you to believe.

How Much Detox Water Should I Drink a Day?

Water recommendations are individualized based on your weight.

To determine the amount you should drink, simply divide your weight in pounds in half, and that is about how many ounces of water you should aim to drink per day.

For example, if you weigh 150 lbs, your water recommendation in ounces would be 75 oz each day.

However, that is not necessarily the amount of detox water you should aim to consume per day.

Some detox water recipes include ingredients with specific health benefits like cinnamon or fruits high in vitamin C, and these ingredients may have an upper limit.

Meaning, if you’re solely drinking detox water with these additional food substances, it could be moot or potentially harmful.

Every detox water protocol or plan is going to be different, so you should follow your specific plan’s recommendations or work with a professional like a dietitian to help you navigate your effective slimming detox water intake.

How to Make Detox Water

Making detox water is usually pretty simple and doesn’t require much prep time- 5 minutes or less, tops!

And, while there are a countless number of detox water recipes, there is a general blueprint you can follow.

Note, it is more efficient to prepare your water recipes in bulk, as this will reduce food waste and total time spent on preparation.

Thus, all of the following recipes are based on a 1/2 gallon of water (8 glasses of 8 oz), slightly less than 1/2 the recommended total water intake for a 150 lb person per day.

The actual recipes simply include water plus one to five additional constituents with specific health benefits.

For example, one of the most popular recipes, warm water plus one tablespoon of lemon juice, is known to initiate bile production if consumed first thing in the morning before any food intake.

Furthermore, the preparation of these water recipes usually only includes gathering the correct amount of water, adding the additional substances, blending in a high-speed blender or using a wand blender, and pouring into a pitcher.

Make sure to follow any specific directions, and aim to keep your prep under 5 minutes when possible.

17 Detox Infused Water Recipes to Lose Weight

1. Citrus Splash

This fruit water contains citrus fruits like lemon and orange which boast high levels of vitamin C, a powerhouse helper for our immune system.

Drink this if you have a slight cold or for a refreshing, hydrating beverage at any time of day.

• 1 large lemon, sliced 
• 1 large lime, sliced 
• 1 large orange, sliced
• 1/2 gallon water

2. Ginger Sensation

This water recipe containing ginger and turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory drink that may also subdue nausea due to the ginger (11).

To make the turmeric more bioavailable, add a teaspoon or less of black pepper, and best to boil the water in this recipe before consumption.

• 1-inch ginger, sliced 
• 1-inch turmeric, sliced 
• 1 large orange, sliced 
• 1/2 gallon water

3. Green Water 

Even though you will definitely need a high-speed blender or juicer for this recipe to ensure you break down the celery sufficiently, your digestive system will thank you.

Unbelievably hydrating, this recipe also provides you binding minerals and mineral salts that are efficient detox cleansers. 

• 1 cup fresh watercress, washed 
• 2 sticks celery
• 1 cup fresh arugula, washed 
• mint leaves
• 1 large lemon, sliced 
• 1/2 gallon water

4. Berries and Pomegranate

Teetering on the edge of juice, maintain this water recipe by infusing the fruits in this drink rather than blending.

However, the antioxidant properties of this water recipe will combat the free radicals circulating your body in addition to providing your body a healthy cleanse.

• 1 handful of blueberries, washed 
• 1 handful of raspberries, washed
• Pomegranate seeds from 1/2 pomegranate 
• mint leaves
• 1/2 gallon water

5. Rosemary Lemon

Lemon, lemon, lemon everywhere! So many of these water recipes include lemon because studies show it is a powerful medicinal plant with antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, anticancer, and antiviral properties (9).

Plus, rosemary is known for its memory-enhancing properties, so drink this recipe liberally (12).

• 4-5 springs of rosemary 
• 1 large lemon, washed 
• 1/2 gallon water

6. Grapefruit and Lemon

The combination of lemon and grapefruit, known for its furanocoumarins, which are secondary metabolites with antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities as well as bone health promotion properties (4), deem this a recipe with tons of vitality and flavor due to the addition of mint.

However, grapefruit can interact with certain drugs and medications so be sure to talk with your doctor before guzzling this recipe.

• 1/2 grapefruit, sliced 
• 1 large lemon, sliced 
• Mint leaves 
• 1/2 gallon water

7. Pineapple Parsley

Another antioxidant and antibacterial rich recipe due to the parsley and watercress, the pineapple in this water contributes a specific digestive enzyme known as bromelain, which has antiedematous, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and fibrinolytic activities (6).

• 1 cup pineapple, cubed 
• 1 bunch fresh parsley, washed 
• 1 cup watercress, washed 
• 3 sticks celery 
• 1/2 gallon water

8. Raspberry Chia Water

The star ingredient in this recipe, chia seeds, contain high amounts of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids along with high-quality protein, and many essential minerals and antioxidants.

Coupled with the powerful medicinal properties of lemon and weight gain prevention ability of raspberries, this makes for a great staple breakfast beverage.

To switch it up, you could sub strawberries or blackberries for the raspberries. 

• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 cup raspberry
• 1 large lime, sliced 
• 1/2 gallon water

9. Cucumber Lemon

Did you know watercress is one of, if not the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet?

This often-overlooked leafy green vegetable contains astounding levels of vitamin K which is the most important vitamin for healthy blood clotting.

Because it is technically a cruciferous veggie, it is beneficial for heart health and has been shown to effectively lower cholesterol, as demonstrated in this study (2). 

• 1 large lemon, sliced 
• 1/2 cucumber, sliced 
• 3 springs of rosemary 
• 3 sticks, celery
• 1 cup watercress, washed
• 1/2 gallon water

10. Blueberry Orange

Another nice, refreshing, and antioxidant water recipe due to the blueberries, the oranges also offer a hefty nutritional punch.

You’re probably aware of the high vitamin C content in oranges, but they also contain a variety of other phytochemicals, minerals, and high levels of vitamin A, powerful carotenoids that help maintain healthy mucosa and skin for superb eyesight (10). 

• 1 large orange, sliced
• 1 handful blueberries 
• 1/2 gallon water

11. Orange Rosemary

Not mentioned above, oranges also contain the minerals calcium and potassium. Potassium is part of every cell in your body, and both help to manage heart rate and lower blood pressure. 

• 4 springs, rosemary 
• 1 large orange, sliced 
• 1/2 gallon water

12. Ginger Lime 

By now, you know the health benefits of the three additions to this water recipe, but consider taking this liquid health drink up a notch by adding a teaspoon of honey for a burst of sweetness and enhanced immunity.

• 1-inch ginger, sliced 
• 1 large lime, sliced 
• Parsley leaves
• 1/2 gallon water

13. Gingery Mango

Although lesser-known, 3/4 cup- one serving- of mango contains 50% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin C.

While higher in fiber than the other water recipes above, it also contains the most carbohydrates, so consume sparingly.

Similar to recipe 4, simply infuse the mango rather than blending. 

• 1 large mango, sliced 
• 1-inch ginger, sliced 
• 1-inch turmeric, sliced 
• 1/2 gallon water

14. Rosemary Arugula

The superfood of this water recipe is arugula- a potent tasting cruciferous leafy green with a breadth of nutrients and health properties such as its fiber, phytochemical, and folate content (13).

Paired with honeydew, a low-sodium, high-potassium fruit shown to reduce risk of heart disease and maintain healthy blood pressure levels (3), this Pinterest-worthy water recipe is sure to shock your taste buds and aid your health.

• 1 cup honeydew, cubed 
• 3-4 springs, rosemary 
• 1 cup fresh arugula, washed 
• 1/2 gallon water

15. Apple Greens

An apple a day keeps the doctor away is a typical, albeit cliche, saying with quite a bit of merit, so drinking water infused with this fibrous fruit and mixed with these other beneficial constituents is prudent.

In addition, there are thousands of varieties of apples, so this detox drink will never get old. 

• 1 cup watercress 
• 1 apple, sliced 
• Parsley leaves 
• 1 large lemon, sliced 
• 1/2 gallon water

16. Cucumber Lemon

Possibly one of the most well-known recipes that takes minimal prep time, cucumber and lemon water is a simply refreshing alternative to plain tap water with a punch of antimicrobial properties from the lemon and extra hydration due to the cucumber.

To spice it up or easily convert it into another water, add or replace the lemon with mint to create a cucumber mint delight. 

• 1 lemon
• 1 cucumber
• 1/2 gallon water

17. Grapefruit Lime 

Lastly, the simple ingredients of this water recipe offer a unique, mouth-watering experience.

Not to mention, grapefruit is linked to weight loss due to its fibrous content that can help you stay full longer and reduce caloric intake. For the boldest flavor, allow it to sit in the fridge for 1-3 hours before consuming. 

• 1/2 grapefruit, sliced 
• 1 large lime, sliced 
• 1/2 gallon water

Last Words

Whether you formed or changed your opinion on detoxing and detox waters, specifically, you learned the true reasons why they continue to circulate the ether, and surprise!

It’s not related to the concept of detox itself, and much more related to the additional constituents of these water recipes. 

So, would it be the hardest thing to compromise and accept that while these waters are not the sole or best method of weight loss, it can contribute to an overall healthy body, especially because of the additional health properties like cucumber mint.

Drinking water, regular ole’ tap water, is an underrated health practice that is one of the only universal habits that everyone would substantially benefit from adopting.

And, if these water detoxing recipes complement or supplement your health goals, excite and motivate you, or anything in between, then drink more water and give these recipes a go.

When consumed safely and appropriately, they don’t elicit any harm and have minimal side effects, if any.

Nonetheless, this detoxing water method isn’t an enchanting miracle ready to cure all your organs or achieve the body you pine, it is such a simple lifestyle strategy to supplement or possibly kick start a healthy lifestyle, go ahead and try.

And never forget, nothing will boost your health or aid your weight loss more than addressing your mental and emotional being in addition to consuming a nutrient-dense, colorful, and balanced diet and moving for joy, often. Simple as that. 

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