Citrus Detox Water

Any time you read about health and wellness, water is at the top of the list. Water is essential to health and our bodies are actually made up of about 60% water. It supports our digestive systems, immune systems, improves skin health, keeps us energized, and can curb appetite. Staying hydrated and drinking enough is essential. 

However, let's be honest - water can get boring. That's where detox and infused waters come into play. Adding these waters to your  routine makes hitting your daily water requirement easier and tastier. Plus by adding fruits, herbs, and other nutrient-packed items, you can pack in some extra health benefits. 

With that said, the main benefits of detox water and infused waters are exactly the same as the benefits of drinking it plain. They just make it more fun to drink! Want to learn more about the science of this? Check out this article from Healthline. Here's the bottom line.

"The idea that you can speed up and improve your body's detox pathways by drinking detox water is false. That said, it is still a healthy drink with a few health benefits. Nevertheless, you could probably get most of these benefits from drinking real water. However, people often find plain water boring. If infusing your water with fruits and vegetables means that you drink more water and less sugary drinks, then it can only be a good thing"

What is detox water?

Detox water is simply water that has been infused with fruits, vegetables, fresh herbs, spices, and more. It is also called infused water, fruit water, or spa water.

Many people make this when they are looking to improve health or lose weight, which is why fruit-infused water came to be known as a detox drink. Some people claim that infused waters can help to alkalize the body or remove toxins, another reason for the detox name, but research shows that regular water accomplishes this in the same way. 

How to Make Detox Water

This is where things get fun! There are so many different ways to make infused waters using all kinds of fruits, vegetables, fresh herbs, spices, and even some fun boosts. Simply grab your water, add any combination of the following ingredients, and let it sit for at least 15 minutes (ideally longer) so the flavors can steep. Slightly crushing or squeezing the ingredients can also help create a stronger flavor more quickly.. 

• Choose your fruits and/or vegetables:  Cucumber, celery, lemon, blackberries, strawberries, orange, blackberries, grapefruit, limes, watermelon, strawberry, apples, cantaloupe, kiwi, pineapple, pears, or mango are all great options.
• Grab some fresh herbs: Mint, cilantro, basil, thyme, rosemary, fennel, Thai basil, lemongrass, lemon balm, ginger, turmeric, or dill are all popular. Dried herbs can also work but the flavor will not be as refreshing.
• Consider these boosts: Ger creative with fun additions like cayenne pepper, black pepper, apple cider vinegar, chia seeds, cinnamon, Himalayan salt, aloe vera, liquid probiotics, coconut kefir, or lavender. 

Once you choose the combination you would like to use, simply add it to the water. Slightly muddle the fruit if desired and let it rest for the flavors to infuse. Keep in the fridge for best results. 

Is detox water good for weight loss?

Drinking water is good for weight loss since it can curb appetite and aid digestion. Detox water, on its own, will not help with weight loss any more than unflavored water.

With that sad, most studies show that drinking enough water daily  helps with weight loss. So if detox and infused water helps you to drink more water, then it can help in weight loss. But on its own, this does not cause weight loss.

What is the best detox water?

There is no best water out there to drink! The best water to drink is the one that you will actually drink. So if you love the taste of classic spa water, then add cucumbers, lemons, and limes If you love berries, add strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. The best detox water is simply the one that you will drink the most. 

How much water should I drink daily?

This is a common question when it comes to water. The amount of water you need depends on your height, weight, age, and activity level.  A good rule of thumb is to drink 2/3 of your body weight in ounces. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should try to drink around 100 ounces daily.  For a more exact number based on your activity level and weight, consider trying this daily water calculator.

Many people are shocked when they learn how much water they should be drinking daily, but remember that there are many sources of hydration in our daily diet including fruits, vegetables, other drinks, and some food. 

Benefits of Drinking Water

Many of the benefits of detox water are simply the benefits of drinking enough water in general. Here are some of the main benefits of staying hydrated.

• Maximized physical performance including better ability to moderate body temperature, reduce mental and physical fatigue, and even increase motivation
• Improve both physical and mental energy and brain function
• Aids digestion
• Improves metabolic rate and curbing appetite (why it is known to help weight loss)
• Helps with nutrient absorption
• Improves blood oxygen circulation
• Promotes skin health
• Read about more benefits of staying hydrating

Frequently Asked Questions About Detox Water

Here are some of the questions we have received from readers about detox and infused waters. 

Can this be made in advance?

Detox water will last in the fridge for 3-5 days depending on the fruits and vegetables used.  The fruit will begin to break down after that, especially for softer fruits like berries. If only using citrus fruits, you may find it can last up to one week if kept in the fridge. 

Will this help to clear up skin?

Drinking water can help with skin health and can in some cases lead to clearer skin. This is true of drinking both regular water and infused waters. The important thing is to stay hydrating. 

Can this be made with different fruit?

This recipe can be made with any combination you like of fruits, vegetables, fresh herbs, and spices. Get creative with different combinations to keep it interesting and encourage water drinking. 

Can detox water be made with sparking or seltzer water?

Detox water can be made with seltzer or sparkling water. Just make sure to check the ingredient list since some sparkling water has sodium or natural flavors added. 

Can sweeteners be added? 

If you are looking for sweeter water, you can add some honey, maple syrup, Stevia, or monkfruit to the water. Just know that this will affect the nutritional stats of the recipe and can be it less healthy.

Can coconut water be used in place of plain water?

If you prefer coconut water, it can be used in place of plain water. Coconut water is known for being very hydrating. With that said, coconut water does contain calories and some brands may contain sweeteners or added ingredients as well. 

Do I need to use alkaline water?

Any type of water can be used in this recipe. Many recipes that claim that detox water helps to create a balance pH in the body or claim detoxing benefits, will recommend alkaline water, but it isn't necessary. Rememeber the goals is to drink more water.

Detox Water Recipe Ideas

• Strawberry and basil
• Blueberry and lemon
• Lime and mint
• Lemon and cayenne
• Grapefruit and mint
• Cucumber, lemon, and lime
• Lemon ginger
• Lemon and mint
• Orange and ginger
• Orange and blackberries
• Apple and cinnamon
• Cucumber, lemon, and mint
• Pineapple and ginger
• Pineapple and rosemary
• Mint, basil, and citrus
• Mixed berry and thyme