10 Easy DIY Detox Drinks For Weight Loss And Body Cleansing

Recipes and ideas to help you kick start your weight loss and internal cleansing journey.

Reviewed by Dr. Pallavi SrivastavaDr. Pallavi Srivastava, Clinical Nutritionist
By Charushila BiswasCharushila Biswas, MSc (Biotechnology), ISSA Certified Fitness Nutritionist  • 

If you need help shedding those pounds, then try detox drinks. These drinks are made of herbs, fruits, and antioxidant-rich vegetables, thereby helping with a full body cleanse detox at home by flushing out toxins, cleansing the gut, and boosting metabolism. These, in turn, aid weight loss. Not sure how to make detox water at home? Check out the recipes of 10 easy DIY detox cleanse drinks for weight loss and cleansing!

NOTE: The long-term effects of detox drinks for weight loss are not scientifically proven (1), (2). However, it is safe to drink detox drinks along with a balanced diet as they are made with natural ingredients.

DIY Detox Drinks For Weight Loss

1. Green Tea And Lemon

Image: Shutterstock

What You Need
  • Water
  • 1 green tea bag
  • 1/4 lemon
How To Prepare
  1. Boil a cup of water and place a green tea bag in it.
  2. Add the juice of the lemon.
  3. Drink it while it is still hot.
protip_icon Did You Know?
Green tea comes from the same plant as black tea but retains its color as it does not go through fermentation but is dried and steamed at high temperatures.
Benefits
  • Green tea is a good source of catechins, i.e., dietary polyphenolsi  XNaturally occurring micronutrients in plants that include flavonoids and other similar antioxidants. that may exhibit anti-adiposityi  XControlling or reducing weight and preventing obesity. effects (3).
  • Lemons are known to help one lose weight because of the presence of vitamin C – which is an antioxidant that aids in digestion. Lemons are also known to have diuretic propertiesi  XHelp rid the body of excess sodium and water through the kidneys. , which aid in the weight loss cleanse by helping in detoxifying the body and may potentially help burn fat (4).

2. Honey, Lemon, And Ginger

Image: Shutterstock

What You Need
  • 1/2 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 inch ginger root
  • 1 glass warm water
How To Prepare
  1. Heat a glass of water. Do not boil it.
  2. Use a mortar and pestle to crush the ginger root.
  3. Add the lemon juice, crushed ginger, and honey to a glass of warm water.
  4. Drink it while it is still warm.
Benefits

Drinking this mixture first thing in the morning may help detox the body. You also may feel less bloated and more active throughout the day. This drink also helps boost your body’s metabolism. Honey may also help suppress appetite and aid in weight loss.

A study conducted by the San Diego State University on rats has suggested that honey may reduce weight gain and obesity (5).

3. Lemon And Cucumber Detox Water

Image: Shutterstock

What You Need
  • 1 lemon
  • 1 cucumber
  • Mint leaves
  • A pinch of salt
  • Water
How To Prepare
  1. Cut the lemon into wedges and slice the cucumber. Toss the pieces into the jar.
  2. Add a few mint leaves and a pinch of salt.
  3. Pour water into the jar.
  4. Drink this water throughout the day.
Benefits

Cucumber is a low-calorie food with high water content (95.2% water) (6). Studies suggest that a diet low in energy density (low in calories) may help improve weight loss and manage body weight (7). It is one of the most common DIY detox water for weight loss, energy boost, and improved metabolism.

4. Pineapple Lemonade

Image: Shutterstock

What You Need
  • 1 cup chopped pineapple
  • Juice of one lemon
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • A pinch of salt
How To Prepare
  1. Toss the chopped pineapple in a blender and give it a spin.
  2. Pour the juice into a glass.
  3. Add the lemon juice, maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and salt. Stir well.
Benefits

Pineapple juice contains an enzyme called bromelain. Bromelain helps in metabolizing protein, which, in turn, may help burn away the excess belly fat. Pineapple is also a good source of fiber (8).

5. Orange And Carrot Juice

Image: Shutterstock

What You Need
  • 1 orange
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Coriander leaves
  • Water
  • Ice
How To Prepare
  1. Slice the carrot and peel the orange. Chop and toss them into the food processor.
  2. Add a tablespoon of honey and throw in some coriander leaves.
  3. Add a little water. Give it a spin.
  4. Add ice before drinking.
Benefits
  • Carrots are rich in beta-carotene and loaded with fiber. Foods high in fiber increase satiety (feeling of fullness) and decrease subsequent hunger (9). This may help reduce appetite, thereby leading to weight loss.
  • Oranges are replete with vitamin C (10). Adequate vitamin C levels facilitate the burning of more fat mass (11). Vitamin C is inversely associated with body mass. Orange juice is low in calories and has zero fat, which makes it a good option if you are looking to lose weight. Orange also is rich in fiber.

6. Beetroot And Mint Juice

Image: Shutterstock

What You Need
  • Beetroot
  • A handful of mint leaves
  • A pinch of salt
How To Prepare
  1. Chop the beetroot into cubes and toss them in the blender.
  2. Add a few mint leaves and a pinch of salt. Give it a spin.
  3. Drink while still fresh.
Benefits

Beets are low in calories and high in fiber (12). Adding fiber to your diet helps control appetite and reduce weight (13). It is a great cleanser for your liver. Make sure to drink the unstrained juice if you intend to lose weight.

7. Strawberry And Cinnamon Detox Water

Image: Shutterstock

What You Need
  • 7-8 strawberries
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • Mint leaves
  • 1-liter water
How To Prepare
  1. Cut the strawberries in half and toss them into a jar.
  2. Throw in some mint leaves and a cinnamon stick.
  3. Pour a liter of water into the jar.
  4. Keep it in the fridge overnight. Drink it cold to rejuvenate your body.
Benefits

Anecdotal evidence suggests that strawberries may help promote the production of the hormones adiponectin and leptin. Both these hormones may help boost metabolism and aid in weight loss.

Strawberries contain ellagic acid, a bioactive polyphenol (14). Research suggests that ellagic acid may help manage obesity and related complications. However, more human clinical studies need to be conducted to prove this effect (15).

8. Fruits And Carrot Juice

Image: Shutterstock

What You Need
  • 1 carrot
  • Choice of fruits (blueberries, prunes, apples/pears, strawberries, grapes, and/or grapefruit)
  • Black pepper
  • A pinch of salt
How To Prepare
  1. Toss the chopped carrots and fruits in the food processor.
  2. Add a little salt and black pepper.
  3. Spin it.
Benefits

Fruits and vegetables like carrots, blueberries, prunes, apples/pears, strawberries, raisins/grapes, and grapefruit are good sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. These fruits and vegetables may aid weight management and prevent weight gain with their high fiber content (both soluble and insoluble), low glycemic load, biologically active polyphenols, and natural sugar (16).

Note: Do not strain the juice as it loses its fiber content. If you are uncomfortable drinking unstrained juice, you may mix strained and unstrained juice initially. Moreover, it is always better to eat fruits and vegetables whole to better utilize all their nutrients.

9. Buttermilk Detox Drink

Image: Shutterstock

What You Need
  • Buttermilk/plain curd
  • Mint leaves
  • Coriander leaves
  • 1/2 carrot
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin seed powder (roasted)
  • A pinch of salt
How To Prepare
  1. Pour the buttermilk into a jar. You may also mix two tablespoons of plain curd, a pinch of salt, and water to make your own homemade buttermilk.
  2. Roughly chop a few mint leaves and coriander leaves.
  3. Thinly slice half a carrot.
  4. Blend the carrots and herbs into the buttermilk.
  5. Add a pinch of salt and a bit of roasted cumin seed powder and stir well.
Benefits

Curd (or yogurt) is a natural source of probiotics that strengthen the digestive system. Its nutritional composition and lactic acid bacteria may improve gut health, help manage appetite, and aid weight loss. However, the role of yogurt in weight loss remains controversial (17).

10. Tomato, Leek, and Cucumber Juice

Image: Shutterstock

What You Need
  • 1 tomato
  • 1 stick of leek
  • 1 cucumber
  • Mint leaves
How To Prepare
  1. Chop the tomato, cucumber, and leek and toss them into the food processor.
  2. Add a few mint leaves and give it a spin.
Benefits

Tomato is a good source of lycopenei  XA red color pigment or carotenoid present in tomatoes and red berries and fruits. , which has the potential to aid weight loss. A study conducted by the China Medical University found that tomato juice effectively reduced waist circumference and BMI of 30 young females (18).

Do Detox Drinks Really Work?

Certain detox diets – like the lemon detox diet – have shown positive results in aiding weight loss and improving insulin resistance in pilot groups. However, these results cannot be generalized to the general population (19).

Restricting calories and macros and including more water-based concoctions in your diet is an effective approach for quick weight loss. However, this is a temporary water weight loss from the carbs in your body, not fat loss. Each gram of glycogeni  XThe stored form of glucose in the body. in the human muscle is stored with at least 3 g of water. Drinking more water than macros breaks the glycogen stored in your muscles for energy (20).

According to Jesse Feder, Clinical Dietitian at the Memorial Regional Hospital South, “Replacing all sodas/ beverages with water and cutting out fried foods can be a healthy detox for weight loss.” According to The British Dietetic Association, more research is required to assess the potential risks and benefits of detox programs (21).

protip_icon Quick Tip
Always use fresh fruits and vegetables instead of pre-packaged supplements to reap the maximum benefits of a detox drink and avoid side effects.

When Should You Drink Detox Drinks?

Detox drinks should not be your meal replacement. They can be taken as early morning metabolic boosters to maintain hydration levels. You can also drink them between meals as a mid-meal.

Listed below are a few detox drinks that will keep you hydrated and act as a temporary weight loss solution.

Infographic: What To Eat And What To Avoid While Detoxing

While the best detox drinks mentioned here can help cleanse your system, they would not show any real benefits if you don’t follow a healthy diet and lifestyle. Click on the infographic below to know what you should eat and what to avoid to make the most of your detoxification and wellness routine.

what to eat and what to avoid while detoxing (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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The Bottom Line

The detox weight loss drinks aim at flushing out toxins from your body and cleansing your whole internal system. This reflects in your improved skin and hair health along with a boost in your immunity levels. Rich in antioxidants, essential vitamins, and minerals these help boost digestion and improve your metabolism as well. Green tea, honey, lemon, ginger water, or just lemon in warm water are a few of the easy-to-make detox drinks that you can include in your weight loss regimen. As per the food fact sheet provided by the British Dietetic Association, a healthy meal, varied diet, active lifestyle, and clean eating habits can help you feel better in and out in a matter of days (22).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does apple cider vinegar help with weight loss?

Jesse Feder says, “Apple cider vinegar can aid in weight loss by helping restore or promote healthy gut bacteria. This can help you have a healthy digestive system, which can potentially lead to weight loss.”

What can I drink to detox overnight?

Chamomile tea, lemon water, fenugreek water, and ginger lemon tea are some detox drinks you can have before bed to detox while you sleep.

What is the right time to drink detox water?

Early morning is the best time to take your detox drinks to work on and cleanse your system effectively.

How can I detox naturally?

Along with the detox drinks mentioned above, maintaining a healthy diet and sleep routine with an active lifestyle, staying well-hydrated, and avoiding junk processed and refined food can help you detox naturally.

Key Takeaways

  • The best way to lose weight is to adopt healthy habits and practices, such as drinking detox drinks.
  • Weight loss detox drinks contain antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables that flush toxins out, cleanse the gut, and stimulate metabolism.
  • The high dietary fiber content, low glycemic indexi  XA value for measuring how quickly and how high different foods can increase blood sugar levels. , biologically active polyphenols, and natural sugar in these fruits and vegetables lead to weight loss and healthy body weight.
  • But while detox drinks can hydrate and nourish your body, relying on them exclusively for weight loss is not sustainable in the long run.

Sources

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Check out our editorial policy for further details.
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      https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25522674
    2. Popular Weight Loss Strategies: a Review of Four Weight Loss Techniques, Current Gastroenterology Report, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
      https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29124370
    3. Dietary Polyphenols and Obesity, Nutrients, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
      https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3257683/
    4. Lemon Polyphenols Suppress Diet-induced Obesity by Up-Regulation of mRNA Levels of the Enzymes Involved in β-Oxidation in Mouse White Adipose Tissue, Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
      https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2581754/
    5. Honey promotes lower weight gain, adiposity, and triglycerides than sucrose in rats, Nutrition Research, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
      https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21310307
    6. Cucumber, with peel, raw
      https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168409/nutrients
    7. Dietary energy density and body weight in adults and children: a systematic review, Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
      https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22480489/
    8. Physiological and molecular study on the anti-obesity effects of pineapple (Ananas comosus) juice in male Wistar rat, Food science and Biotechnology, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
      https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6170270/
    9. Dietary fiber and weight regulation, Nutrition Reviews, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
      https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11396693
    10. Nutritive Value of Oranges, raw, navels, U.S Department of Agriculture.
      https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169917/nutrients
    11. Strategies for healthy weight loss: from vitamin C to the glycemic response, Journal of the American College of Nutrition, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
      https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15930480
    12. Nutritive Value of Beets, raw, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
      https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169145/nutrients
    13. Dietary fiber and weight regulation, Nutrition Reviews, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
      https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11396693
    14. Ellagitannins, ellagic acid and their derived metabolites: A review about source, metabolism, functions and health, Food Research International, Science Direct.
      https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0963996911002572
    15. Improvements in Metabolic Health with Consumption of Ellagic Acid and Subsequent Conversion into Urolithins: Evidence and Mechanisms, Advances in Nutrition, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
      https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5015040/
    16. Changes in Intake of Fruits and Vegetables and Weight Change in United States Men and Women Followed for Up to 24 Years: Analysis from Three Prospective Cohort Studies, PLOS Medicine, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
      https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4578962/
    17. The Potential Role of Yogurt in Weight Management and Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes, Journal of the American College of Nutrition, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
      https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27332081
    18. Tomato juice supplementation in young women reduces inflammatory adipokine levels independently of body fat reduction, Nutrition, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
      https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25837214
    19. Lemon detox diet reduced body fat, insulin resistance, and serum hs-CRP level without hematological changes in overweight Korean women, Nutrition Research, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
      https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25912765
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