Our body encounters all sorts of toxins every day. That’s why it’s important to make sure those toxins are naturally flushed out of your body by your organs to achieve optimal health and wellness. You can clear out toxins by detoxing. In fact, the healthiest and simplest way to detox your body is to sit back and let your organs do the work. But, to give you that extra boost and to help you lose weight, try detox drinks. These drinks are made of herbs and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables that help flush out toxins, strengthen the gut, and boost metabolism. In turn, this can help with weight loss.
To learn more about detox drinks and some easy, DIY recipes for weight loss and cleansing, we spoke with Barbara Kovalenko, a registered dietitian and nutrition consultant at Lasta. She recommends the following four detox drinks: lemon and ginger, cucumber and mint, apple cider vinegar, and green tea. Read on to learn more about detoxing if you struggle to lose weight!
READ MORE: The One Detox Cleanse Nutritionists Swear By To Melt Holiday Weight
Lemon and Ginger Detox Drink
Ingredients:
- 1 lemon
- 1 knob of ginger
- 2 cups of water
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
You might have tried this detox drink or something similar at a restaurant. Some sushi bars and Korean restaurants serve freshly made lemon ginger tea. Usually, it's served with copious amounts of honey for taste. But, without honey, it makes for a cleansing detox beverage. The flavor is warm and zesty.
"Lemons are high in vitamin C, which may help boost your immune system and promote weight loss. Ginger may help with digestion and reduce inflammation in the body, potentially leading to weight loss," Kovalenko explains. Drinking lemon water has been shown to increase hydration, resulting in a brighter complexion and improved digestion.
Cucumber and Mint Detox Drink
Ingredients:
- 1 cucumber
- 10-12 mint leaves
- 2 cups of water
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
This simple beverage is as easy as it gets recipe-wise. And, it's great if you're looking for more hydration but you're tired of drinking boring old water. Unlike sugary sodas and juices, the cucumber and mint detox drink is healthy and low-calorie. Kovalenko notes, "Cucumbers are a low-calorie vegetable that may help with hydration and digestion. Mint may help reduce bloating and soothe the digestive tract." You won't regret making this refreshing beverage, especially on a hot summer day!
Apple Cider Vinegar Detox Drink
Ingredients:
- 1-2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
- Juice from 1/2 lemon (optional)
You may think that apple cider vinegar is only good for preserving foods or as a salad dressing, but it can also be a beneficial detox drink for weight loss and cleansing your body of toxins. "Apple cider vinegar may help with weight loss by reducing appetite and improving insulin sensitivity. It may also help improve digestion and balance the pH of the body," Kovalenko says. Drinking a cup in the morning of this apple-flavored detox drink can help you absorb nutrients quickly and get your digestive system moving.
Green Tea Detox Drink
Ingredients:
- 1 green tea bag
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
And, the last detox drink that Kovalenko suggests is a green tea beverage. Not only can green tea help you shed pounds, but it also boosts gut health. It's a win-win! "Green tea," she emphasizes, "contains antioxidants that may help protect against cellular damage and inflammation. It may also help boost metabolism and promote weight loss."
The Bottom Line
Although detox drinks can be beneficial, Kovalenko warns that they shouldn't be used as the main means of detoxification. "The liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system are all part of the body's internal cleansing mechanism. Together, these organs support the body's detoxification process."
"If you decide to consume detox beverages, it's crucial to do so sparingly and as part of a generally healthy lifestyle. Choose beverages that are prepared with full, natural ingredients, and stay away from those that have sugar or artificial sweeteners added," she continues. "You should also be aware of the potential negative effects of some detox substances, like apple cider vinegar, which can upset your stomach if you drink it in big quantities." While, the lemon and ginger, cucumber and mint, apple cider vinegar, and green tea detox drinks are a good first start, you should always consult your doctor before making any dietary changes or trying detoxing!
