We asked nutritionists if detox water really works or is it just a fad. This is what they have to say

From seeing it on Instagram to trying it yourself, we have given the trendy detox water a chance to help us get rid of toxins. But does it really work?
detox
Say cheers to detox water. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Sonakshi Kohli Published: 3 Aug 2020, 09:00 am IST
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From replacing meals with smoothies to drinking only juices all day—there’s nothing we haven’t tried to give the body that extra push to flush out the toxins after days of overeating during the festive/the party season.

And now, even the modest water finds itself on the list, albeit with a fancy twist. We’re talking about the already-much-talked-about detox water, a.k.a, infused water.

“Detox water is the water obtained by soaking fruits and vegetables into plain water for a few hours in order to let their properties get infused in the water,” explains Seema Singh, chief clinical nutritionist and head of department, Fortis Hospital Vasant Kunj.

She adds:

It should be consumed early in the morning on an empty stomach. However, I also suggest having small sips of it throughout the day.

How to make detox water?
“Select fresh fruits, vegetables, or herbs as per your choice. Chop up the ingredients and add them to hot or cold water, depending on your preference. If you like it cold, then leave the preparation in the fridge for 1 to 12 hours to allow the goodness of the ingredients to get infused deeply into the water,” says Vanishree Aithal, Managing Director, Birla Ayurveda, Mumbai and recommends the following ingredient combinations:

  • Lemon and ginger
  • Blackberry and orange
  • Cucumber and mint
  • Strawberry and basil
  • Apple and cinnamon

Brace yourselves for the benefits of this health elixir
Not only does infusion add a pleasant flavour to your regular glass of water, but it can truly be a blessing in disguise for your health—thanks to the magical way it hydrates the body. Don’t believe me? Check out the health benefits of detox water revealed by Dr. Aithal:

1. It improves digestion
Drinking detox water can help the food to pass smoothly through the gut and prevent constipation.

detox water
High fat diet with antibiotics can wreck your bowel movement but detox water can help you here. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

2. It’s an energy booster
Y’all know how dehydration can leave you feeling fatigued and exhausted, right? But when you get adequate hydration from infused water, you’re bound to feel more energetic and be in a better mood as well.

3. It can help you lose weight
Just like regular water, upping your intake of infused water can help you lose weight by temporarily increasing your metabolism and making you burn more calories.

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That’s all, folks. The other ‘advantages’ are nothing but myths!
There are too many health advantages associated with detox water. The real ones have been spoken about. Let’s take on the myths one at a time, now:

1. Infused water detoxifies your body
Firstly, your body has a self-regulatory mechanism for ridding itself of the toxins. So, logically speaking, you don’t exactly need ‘detox’ water or any external help for detoxifying your body. Secondly, even research from the PubMed Central data states that there’s no scientific evidence supporting the idea of infused water helping the body to detoxify.

detox water
Don’t totally rely on detox water for everything. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

2. It boosts immunity
There’s no doubt about the fact that ingredients such as oranges, lemons, and other citrus fruits, which are commonly used to make infused water are packed with the immunity-boosting power of vitamin C. However, it’s common sense that a few pieces of these ingredients added to the water might not be able to show their goodness in full force by affecting the immunity.

3. It promotes a more alkaline environment in the body
Lie! Another report from the PubMed Central database clearly states that it is impossible to change the pH of the body through what you consume.

4. It improves complexion
Oh, come on! The hydration from the detox water can only improve your skin’s texture. But complexion? No chance.

5. It is healthy for everyone
One shoe size can’t fit everyone, right? Similarly, detox water may not benefit everyone.

Singh warns:

People who have kidney problems and those suffering renal insufficiency or potassium restriction should avoid detox water at all costs.

If you’re looking at an energy boost, improved digestion, and an excellent way of shedding those pounds, detox water is the way to go! However, don’t believe all those other myths.

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About the Author

Twenty kilos down and struggling to maintain the weight loss by preaching healthy eating, while eating unhealthy every now and then. ...Read More

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