11 Easy DIY Detox Drinks For Weight Loss And Body Cleansing

If you need help shedding those pounds, then try detox drinks. These healthy beverages are made of herbs, fruits, and antioxidant-rich vegetables that help flush out toxins, cleanse the gut, provide good nutrition, and boost metabolism. These, in turn, aid weight loss. Not sure how to make detox drinks at home? Check out the recipes of 11 easy DIY detox 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

Here are some detox drink recipes that may help flush toxins from the human body and aid in weight loss. Consuming the drinks may also help boost your energy levels and digestive health, which may keep your body healthy and enhance your overall skin and hair health. You may also combine them with detox diet plans to promote overall health and well-being.

1. Green Tea And Lemon

What You Need

• 1 cup of hot water
• 1 green tea bag
• 1/4 lemon

How To Prepare

1. Boil a cup of drinking water and place a green tea bag in it.
2. Add the juice of the lemon.
3. Consume this healthy drink while it is still hot.

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  Naturally occurring micronutrients in plants that include flavonoids and other similar antioxidants. that may exhibit anti-adiposityⁱ  Controlling or reducing weight and preventing obesity. effects (3). This natural detoxifier is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is a calorie-free drink that may aid in weight loss (4).
• Lemons are known to help one lose weight because of the presence of vitamin C – which is a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals to reduce oxidative stress and aids in digestion. Lemons are also known to have diuretic propertiesⁱ  Help 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 (5). You can easily use this fresh ingredient in numerous weight-loss detox drinks.

If you like DIY teas with detoxification benefits, you may also try ginger tea. To prepare this popular beverage, boil a cup of water and add a piece of ginger to it. Chamomile, turmeric, goji berry, and tulsi are some other options you can try.

2. Honey, Lemon, And Ginger

What You Need

• 1/2 lemon
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 inch ginger root
• 1 glass of water

How To Prepare

1. To prepare this detox drink for weight loss, heat a glass of drinking water. Do not boil it.
2. Use a mortar and pestle to crush the ginger root. You may also use grated ginger.
3. Add the lemon juice, crushed ginger, and honey to a glass of lukewarm water.
4. Drink this detox beverage while it is still warm.

Benefits

• A study conducted by the San Diego State University on rats suggests that consuming honey in moderation may help reduce weight gain and obesity. It included two groups: honey- and sugar-fed rats. The rats that ate honey gained about 15% less weight than the sugar group, even though both diets had the same calorie content. This could be because the honey-fed rats ate a bit less overall (6). So, honey may aid weight loss by suppressing appetite and food cravings.
• Lemon may help reduce weight gain and fat buildup by boosting a process in the liver called peroxisomal β-oxidation. This helps the body break down fat more efficiently by increasing the activity of a specific gene (PPARα) that controls fat metabolism (5).
• Ginger may help improve how your body processes fats. In an experiment conducted by Matsuda et al. in 2009, male rats were fed cholesterol to cause hyperlipidemia, a high level of fat in the blood. Some of the rats were then given ginger. These rats showed slightly lower levels of a gene involved in fat storage in the liver and visceral fat, which is the fat around organs. This indicates that ginger might help with lipid metabolism, which is the way the body breaks down and uses fats (7).

Due to these benefits, drinking this refreshing combination of healthy ingredients first thing in the morning may help detox the body. You also may feel less bloated and more active throughout the day. This lemon-ginger detox drink may also help boost your body’s metabolism. You may also consume this weight-loss detox drink before bed.

3. Lemon And Cucumber Detox Water

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.
2. Toss the slices of cucumber and lemon pieces into the jar.
3. Add a few mint leaves and a pinch of salt.
4. Pour plain water into the jar.
5. Drink this detox water for weight loss throughout the day.

Benefits

• Cucumber is a low-calorie food with high water content (95.2% water) and numerous health benefits (8). Lemon is also low in calories and rich in water content (9). Staying hydrated is essential for supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes, as water helps flush out toxins through urine (10).
• Studies also suggest that a diet low in energy density (low in calories) may help improve weight loss and manage body weight (11). So, this is one of the most common DIY detox water recipes used in diet for weight loss. It is also consumed for energy boost and improved metabolism (5).

Note: When adding salt to your detox drinks for weight loss, make sure to keep it to a minimum to avoid excess sodium intake, as it may harm your health.

4. Pineapple Lemonade

What You Need

• 1 cup chopped pineapple
• Juice of one lemon
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Cumin seed powder (optional)
• 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, cumin seed powder, and salt. Stir well and drink this detox beverage immediately.

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 juice is also a good source of fiber, which may help reduce the amount of cholesterol your body absorbs (12).
• Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which plays a role in thermogenesis, a metabolic process during which the body burns calories to produce heat. It may also help you feel full by influencing brain circuits that control hunger. Capsaicin also balances the gut microbiome to boost digestion, which aids weight management (13). If you love a little spicy kick to your drinks, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to various other detox drinks for weight loss.

5. Orange And Carrot Juice

What You Need

• 1 orange
• 1 carrot
• 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup
• Coriander leaves
• Water
• Salt (optional)
• Cumin seed powder (optional)
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Ice

How To Prepare

1. Slice the carrot and peel the orange. Chop and toss them into the food processor to make a smoothie.
2. Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup and throw in some coriander leaves.
3. Add a little water. Give it a spin.
4. Add a pinch of salt, cumin seed powder, and cayenne pepper to add a kick to the drink.
5. Add ice before drinking.

You may also add grated ginger and beetroot to this orange and carrot juice to make it more nutritious, refreshing, and healthy. Some other ingredients that you may add to this detox juice include mint, apples, and pears.

Benefits

• Carrots are rich in beta-carotene and have numerous health benefits. They are also loaded with fiber. Foods high in fiber increase satiety (feeling of fullness) and decrease subsequent hunger pangs (14). This natural ingredient may help reduce appetite, thereby leading to weight loss.
• Oranges provide your body with vitamin C (15). Adequate vitamin C levels facilitate the burning of more fat mass (16). 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 (17). The nutritional composition of this drink makes it perfect for detoxification and weight loss.

6. Beetroot And Mint Juice

What You Need

• Beetroot
• A handful of mint leaves
• A pinch of salt
• Lemon juice (optional)

How To Prepare

1. To prepare this drink for weight loss, chop the beetroot into cubes and toss them in the blender to make a smoothy.
2. Add a few mint leaves and a pinch of salt. You may also add a dash of lemon juice to this refreshing drink for a tangy flavor. Give it a spin.
3. Drink this low-calorie beverage while still fresh.
4. If you do not like the consistency of this beetroot-mint detox drink, you can add a cup of water to thin it out.

Benefits

• Beets are one of the most popular ingredients used in detox drinks for weight loss. They are are low in calories and high in fiber (18). Adding fiber to your diet helps hunger by increasing the feeling of fullness, thereby helping in reducing weight (19). Beets are a great cleanser for improving your liver health. Make sure to drink the unstrained juice if you intend to lose weight.
• Beets are also a great cleanser for improving your liver health. In an animal study mentioned in the Food Science & Nutrition journal, beetroot juice prevented liver damage caused by harmful chemicals like NDEA in mice. It boosted enzymes that detoxify the liver and activated Nrf2, a key protein that protects cells and fights tumors (20).
• Mint leaves are known for their traditional use to reduce digestive symptoms like bloating and nausea (21).

7. Strawberry And Cinnamon Detox Water

What You Need

• 7-8 strawberries
• 1 cinnamon stick
• A handful of 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 this detox water drink 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 (22). However, a study suggests that strawberry consumption has no effects on these hormones (23).
• Strawberries contain ellagic acid, a bioactive polyphenol (24). 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 (25).
• Cinnamon has anti-obesity benefits (26). Anecdotal evidence also suggests that drinking detox water with cinnamon may boost your digestive process and help you achieve a flat belly. However, more studies are warranted to support this claim.

8. Fruits And Carrot Juice

What You Need

• 1 carrot
• Choice of fruits (blueberries, prunes, apples/pears, strawberries, grapes, and/or grapefruit)
• Black or cayenne pepper
• A pinch of salt
• Cumin seed powder (optional)
• Lemon juice (optional)

How To Prepare

1. Toss the chopped carrots and fruits in the food processor.
2. Add a little salt and black or cayenne pepper. You may also add a pinch of cumin seed powder and a dash of lemon juice to enhance the flavor.
3. Spin it and consume the detox beverage while it is still fresh.

Benefits

• Fruits and vegetables like carrots, blueberries, prunes, apples/pears, strawberries, raisins/grapes, and grapefruit are good sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber (27). These fruits and vegetables may aid weight management and prevent weight gain with their high fiber content (both soluble and insoluble). This is because fiber helps you feel full, so you do not overeat (14).
• They also have low glycemic load. This means they also do not spike your blood sugar rapidly. This again helps keep your energy steady and prevents you from feeling hungry too soon after eating (28).
• They also contain biologically active polyphenols, an antioxidant compound that helps fight free radicals to prevent oxidative stress, which is linked to obesity (29), (30).
• The fruit and vegetables also contain natural sugar. Unlike processed sugars, the natural sweetness in these fruits and veggies gives you energy without the crash (31).

If you like this vegetable and fruit juice recipe, you may also experiment with other fruits and leafy green vegetables to prepare cranberry juice, apple juice, celery juice, spinach smoothie, and fresh berry juice.

Note: Before making this fresh juice, wash the vegetables and fruits thoroughly to ensure they are free of harmful toxins, heavy metals, and other impurities. Also, 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. This will improve the consistency of the juice and help you gradually move to unstrained juice over time. Moreover, it is always better to eat fruits and vegetables whole to better utilize all their nutrients.

9. Buttermilk Detox Drink

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 to this refreshing drink and stir well.

If you do not prefer chunks of mint and coriander leaves in your buttermilk, blend them with water and add mint and coriander water instead.

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 food cravings, and aid weight loss. However, the role of yogurt in weight loss remains controversial (32). Avoid this low-calorie superfood if you are lactose intolerant.

10. Tomato, Leek, and Cucumber Juice

What You Need

• 1 tomato
• 1 stick of leek
• 1 cucumber
• Mint leaves

How To Prepare

1. To prepare this drink for weight loss, chop the tomato, cucumber, and leek and toss these ingredients into the food processor to get a smoothie-like consistency.
2. Add a few mint leaves and give it a spin before consuming this healthy beverage.

Benefits

• Tomato is a good source of lycopeneⁱ  A 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 (33). Consuming this drink while following your fitness routine may help shed a few extra kilos.
• Leeks are a natural source of prebiotics, which support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, supporting a healthy digestive system (34). They can be easily incorporated into various DIY detox drinks for weight loss.
• Cucumbers have a high water content, which is essential for supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes to flush out toxins through urine (8) (10).

11. Amla Juice

What You Need

• 2- 4 fresh amlas
• 1 cup water

How To Prepare

1. Wash and chop the amlas into smaller pieces.
2. Remove the seeds from the amlas.
3. Place the amlas pieces in a blender.
4. Add a small amount of water to help with blending.
5. Blend until you get a smooth juice.
6. Strain the juice to remove pulp or seeds.
7. Pour the fresh amla juice into a glass and consume it in the morning.

Benefits:

• Amla is renowned for its weight loss benefits. It is low in calories and rich in fiber that promotes a feeling of fullness, reducing overall calorie intake (35) (14).
• Amla also contains antioxidants that may aid in boosting metabolism and burning fat (36). Additionally, it helps detoxify the body and improve digestion, contributing to weight management (35). Regular consumption of Amla juice as part of a balanced diet and active lifestyle can support your weight loss efforts.

The detoxifying and anti-inflammatory ingredients added to these drinks are rich in essential vitamins and minerals that give an antioxidant boost to the body and are beneficial to your health. Some of them also have diuretic properties, which may help flush out excess sodium and waste from the body.

Infused water is also a great weight-loss drink option. Some options include apple slices or cucumber slices left in plain water overnight, fresh mint leaf-infused water, vinegar with water, and jeera water.

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 (37). Therefore, more studies are needed to determine the efficacy of lemon water detox drinks. Before trying this detox for weight loss, consult a health expert, especially if you have chronic health issues like hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

Hanna Sillitoe, a blogger and an author, recounted her experience of doing a 28-day juice detox cleanse in her blog. She said, “For the first time since I was a teenager I weigh under 10 stone!! At 9 stone 13, I have lost an unimaginable 5 stone. That’s one-third of my body fat gone (i)”

Reducing your calorie intake and macros and including more water-based concoctions in your diet for a period of time 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  The 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 (38).

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 (39). For actual fat burning, you should maintain a balanced diet, increase your water intake, follow a healthy lifestyle, and consume these detox drinks to maintain your overall health and well-being. Let’s see how such drinks can help you in your weight loss journey in the section below.

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.

Health Benefits Of Detox Drinks

Detox drinks can benefit your health in the following ways:

• The natural ingredients in detox drinks may help to stimulate digestive enzymes and promote healthy gut function.
• Some detox drinks contain ingredients that may help to boost your metabolism.
• The combination of nutrients and antioxidants in detox drinks can help to combat fatigue, especially if you are on a calorie-deficit diet.
• Detox drinks may help to eliminate toxins from the body.
• Many detox drinks are made with water-rich ingredients, helping to keep you hydrated.
• The nutrients in detox drinks may contribute to a stronger immune system.

Like all other natural ingredients, homemade detox drinks may also have side effects, depending on their ingredients and individual health conditions. Learn more about them in the next section.

Potential Side Effects Linked To Detox Drinks

Here are some side effects linked to detox drinks you should know:

• Detox drinks with ingredients like lemon juice that are acidic may irritate your stomach. They may also erode tooth enamel over time (40). To avoid this, ensure they are completely diluted. You may also rinse your mouth after consuming them.
• If you use detox drinks as meal replacements, they may not provide enough calories and nutrients, leading to low energy, dizziness, and deficiencies.
• Excess consumption of high-sugar ingredients like honey and maple syrup may cause blood sugar imbalances. Ensure to have them in moderation. If you have diabetes, avoid these added sugars.
• Excessive consumption of detox drinks may lead to electrolyte imbalances. A case study of a 51-year-old nurse suggests the same. She experienced twitching limbs, vomiting, and confusion following a week of fatigue and aches. While she had no significant medical history, she had started drinking a detox tea daily. This led to increased urination, resulting in hyponatremia, a condition with low sodium levels in the blood (41).
• Some ingredients may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Always test new ingredients in small amounts first. If an allergic reaction occurs, stop consuming the drink immediately and seek medical attention.

You can avoid these side effects by consulting a healthcare professional before starting any detox regimen. It is also important to understand the correct time to have these drinks to reap all their benefits. Learn more about it below.

When Should You Drink Detox Drinks?

Detox drinks should not be your meal replacement.

You must follow a healthy diet along with them. They can be taken as early morning metabolic boosters to maintain hydration levels. You can also drink them between meals as a mid-meal.

These drinks are an ideal replacement for any bottled juice or sugary drink. However, ensure that you do not have any food allergies before consuming these detox drinks.

However, relying only on detox drinks may not help. They have to be a part of a balanced diet to ensure your body gets proper nutrients and you lose weight healthily. Combining them with metabolism-boosting foods can speed up the process. So, always consult a dietitian to get personalized recommendations based on your body’s requirements.

Infographic: What To Eat And What To Avoid While Detoxing

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

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Does apple cider vinegar help with weight loss?

Yes, anecdotal evidence suggests that apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which may help improve metabolism and boost digestion. It can be added to different weight-loss drinks or can be consumed with water. 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?

Herbal teas like chamomile and ginger lemon tea, lemon water, cinnamon water, coconut water, apple cider vinegar drink, and fenugreek water 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 water 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.

Illustration: Easy DIY Detox Drinks For Weight Loss And Body Cleansing

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Start your weight loss journey with the 7-day detox drink discussed in this video. Learn how to make delicious detox and fat-cutter drinks to lose weight to help you reach your goals.

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Pallavi SrivastavaClinical Nutritionist

   

Pallavi Srivastava is a Clinical Nutritionist with over 16 years of experience and the founder of Q-Slim Fitness Studio. She has dealt with more than 6000 clients, including Industrialists, Politicians, TV and film Celebrities, etc.

Read full bio of Dr. Pallavi Srivastava

• 
  Jesse FederRDN/LDN Jesse Feder, RDN/LDN, is a Clinical Dietitian at the Memorial Regional Hospital. He is also a certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a personal trainer (ACSM-CPT) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS).
  
  Jesse Feder, RDN/LDN, is a Clinical Dietitian at the Memorial Regional Hospital. He is also a certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a personal trainer (ACSM-CPT) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS).

Charushila BiswasHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Charushila is an ISSA certified Fitness Nutritionist and a Physical Exercise Therapist. Over a span of 6 years, she has authored more than 400 articles on diet, lifestyle, exercises, healthy food, and fitness equipment. She strives to inform, educate, and motivate her readers via authentic, straightforward, and fact-checked information.

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Ravi Teja TadimallaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

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Payal KarnikSenior Health & Wellness Writer

Payal Karnik is a senior health and wellness writer and a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach. She is a biotechnology graduate from the University of Mumbai with a keen interest in writing and a natural curiosity for science.

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