What is detox water?

Detox water is water that is infused with flavours of fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices. It can be easily made at home with ingredients of your choices. It is also know as infused water. 

Since detox water is made with infusing the ingredients instead of juicing, blending or crushing, the calorie count in it is quite less and it is as good as drinking plain water but with flavours.  It is termed higher and healthier than all the carbonated drinks and fruit juices as it doesn’t contain any extra calories or have added sugary or air.

How to make detox water

You just need to take plain water, add ingredients of your choice for example: lemon, mint, cucumber, cumin seeds, fennel seeds. Let it rest for 1 hour to 12 hours depending on the time you have in hand for the flavours to seep in and you can start having it just like normal water. 

It is better to make fresh detox water everyday. As the name suggests it is for detoxing so it has to be free from toxins itself. Unlike water you need to keep changing it every two days if unused because of the perishable additions in it (lemon, green leaves, etc). 

 

Importance of detox water

It goes without saying that water is vital to our health. Around 60% of our body weight is water. It helps in maintaining body temperatures, removal of toxins, bringing nutrients to cells, protecting joints and muscles and many more. 

Total water intake for each person varies depending on their age, weight, physical activity, medical condition, pregnant or breast feeding. Water intake can be calculated from different foods, beverages we have throughout the day and not just consumption of  plain water. 

Myths about detox water 

 

• You should drink 8 glasses of water everyday

Fact: Everyones daily water intake is different and it depends on their age, weight, medical condition, climate, diet and activity levels. So always drink water as per your body’s needs. The Institute of Medicine suggests that adequate daily fluid intake is about 3.7 liters (about 13 cups) for men and 2.7 liters (about 9 cups) for women, but this includes fluids from all sources, not just water.

 

• If you are not thirsty, you are not dehydrated

Fact: Thirst is not the only indicator to know you need to drink water, it does not always     correlate. You should also see if you are urinating less frequently, got dry lips and mouth, muscle cramps, etc and not just rely on thirst sign for drinking water.

 

• Clear urine is a sign of hydration

Fact: While pale or clear urine is often associated with adequate hydration, it’s not always the case. Urine color can vary based on factors such as diet, medication, supplements, and hydration status. Monitoring urine color alone may not provide an accurate measure of hydration, so it’s essential to pay attention to other signs of hydration, such as thirst and overall well-being.

 

• Drinking water boosts metabolism and promotes weight loss

Fact: While staying hydrated is important for overall health and metabolism, drinking water alone is not a magic solution for weight loss. However, substituting sugary beverages with water will help reduce calorie intake and support weight management as part of a healthy lifestyle.

 

• It improves your complexion

Fact: There’s little evidence to back up these claims. Drinking water will improve your skin’s hydration if you’re dehydrated. However, it won’t change the appearance of your skin unless the dehydration is severe.

 

Here are some detox water combinations:

• cucumber and mint
• lemon and ginger
• watermelon and mint
• orange and lemon
• lemon and lime
• strawberry and basil
• apple and cinnamon

Is detox water worth the hype?

There’s a lot of hype about the supposed health benefits of “detox water.” Yes, staying hydrated is important for health. Therefore, it’s often recommended that you drink 8 glasses of water per day as a generic rule. But some people think that adding extra ingredients to water boosts its health benefits like it helps your body get rid of toxins, improve your energy levels, and help you lose weight. If by thinking so you have enough water it is worth the hype. All in all its recommended to stay hydrated since 60% of our body is made up of water.

What time to drink detox water for Weight Loss?

You can enjoy detox water at any time throughout the day. Here are some suggestions for when to incorporate it into your routine:

• Morning: Drinking a glass of detox water in the morning can help rehydrate your body after a night of sleep and kickstart your metabolism. Some people find it refreshing to start their day with infused water as a healthier alternative to caffeinated beverages.
• Before Meals: Having detox water before meals may help promote hydration and contribute to a feeling of fullness, potentially reducing the likelihood of overeating during meals.
• During Meals: Drinking water, including detox water, during meals can aid digestion by helping to break down food and facilitate nutrient absorption. Infused water can add flavor to your meal without the added calories or sugar of other beverages.
• Between Meals: Sipping on detox water between meals can help keep you hydrated and curb cravings for sugary or calorie-laden drinks.
• After Exercise: Replenishing fluids lost during exercise is crucial for hydration and recovery. Drinking detox water after a workout can help replace lost fluids and electrolytes while providing a refreshing taste.
• Throughout the Day: There’s no strict rule for when to drink detox water. Feel free to enjoy it at any time throughout the day as a healthy and hydrating beverage option.
  

Keep in mind that the ingredients in detox water, such as fruits, vegetables, and herbs, may infuse the water with subtle flavors and nutrients. However, detox water should not be considered a miracle solution for weight loss or detoxification. It’s essential to maintain a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and engage in regular physical activity for overall health and well-being.