Detox Water for Weight Loss: Fact or Fiction?

Every year, a new fad diet or supplement comes out that promises drastic weight loss and a toned physique. However, many of these diets do not deliver what is promised, and those that do show some results often are accompanied by terrible side effects. Detox waters, however, can become part of your diet to help you lose weight and jump start your metabolism.

This article will discuss why it is important for your overall health to lose any extra weight, as well as ways to maximize your weight loss with detox water, and some fantastic detox water recipes.

5 Health Reasons Why You Should Lose Weight

1. Losing weight reduces risk of developing dementia.

As we age, we tend to think of our time post-retirement as blissful—time spent on hobbies and with family. However, Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia are on the rise; Alzheimer’s is an incredibly debilitating condition that affects nearly one in three elderly adults at the time of their death. (1)

Recent studies have shown that losing weight can drastically decrease the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. (2)

2. Losing weight reduces risk of developing cancer.

Every year, over one million people in the United States are diagnosed with cancer—many having to face the frightening reality of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. (3) There are many theories about the cause of cancer, but there is evidence that being overweight or obese increases the risk of cancer in the long run.

Losing weight and cutting out unhealthy lifestyle choices, like drinking and smoking, can greatly reduce the risk of developing many different types of cancer. (4)

3. Losing weight reduces risk of developing diabetes.

One in ten adults in the United States suffers from type 2 diabetes, a condition in which the body does not use the insulin produced in the pancreas to correctly regulate blood sugar levels. Of these, nearly thirty million people in the United States with this type of diabetes, nearly one in four of them are unaware that they are living with this condition. (5)

While there are other risk factors for developing diabetes, the number one risk factor of this disease is being overweight or obese. Losing weight can help reverse prediabetes and can help to control diabetes for those who are suffering from this illness. (6)

4. Losing weight promotes cardiovascular health.

Throughout the day, your heart is one of the most important organs in your body, pumping oxygen-rich blood throughout your body. However, obesity can play a huge role in how healthy your heart and cardiovascular system are.

Losing weight can reduce high blood pressure and high bad cholesterol, which in turn can reduce the risk of heart disease, as well as heart attack and stroke.

3 Ways to Maximize Weight Loss with Detox Water

1. Detox waters help ensure that you consume enough water.

Most people do not come close to getting the recommended amount of water every day, usually reported as being between sixty-four and one hundred ounces per day—and more if you are particularly active, overweight, or work or live in a particularly warm environment. (7)

Those who do not consume enough water tend to confuse their thirst with hunger and overeat. Additionally, water helps to keep the digestive system working smoothly, and when that system is not removing toxins from the body, inflammation and weight gain can follow. Detox water is an easy way to get enough water into your diet and not get bored with plain old tap water.

2. Detox waters can reduce inflammation throughout the body.

Inflammation occurs throughout the entire body and can be the root cause of a host of diseases, from cancer to arthritis to Alzheimer’s to high blood pressure. Recent studies have shown that inflammation can also play a major role in the development of obesity and diabetes. (8)

Consuming detox waters regularly, in conjunction with a detox diet that is filled with anti-inflammatory foods, including green vegetables, sprouts, hot peppers and nuts, can help to lower inflammation, aiding in weight loss and preventing weight gain from occurring in the first place. (9)

3. Detox waters boost your energy expenditure and help you burn more calories.

Many people complain about a lack of energy throughout the day, and that can be a huge problem, whether you want to work out as the sun comes up get a workout in after a long day at the office.

Detox waters can help to boost energy levels, helping to get you through the day, and through your long workouts. Regular cardiovascular exercise will help to jumpstart your weight loss goals and keep you motivated long-term. (10)

5 Effective Detox Water Recipes

1. Cucumber Lemon Detox Water

Refreshing and cooling, cucumber lemon detox water is a fantastic way to stay hydrated and aid in weight loss efforts. Combine one-half of a lemon with one-quarter of a cucumber with as much ice and water as you like. (11)

2. Apple Cinnamon Detox Water

Apples are full of fiber to help aid in weight loss and antioxidants to fight free radicals and inflammation. Cinnamon helps to boost metabolism and the digestive process. Simmer one gallon of water with four to six cored apples and six cinnamon sticks. Refrigerate up to three days. (12)

3. Strawberry Grapefruit Detox Water

Citrus fruits, including grapefruits, have long been praised for the ability to produce weight loss results. Both strawberries and grapefruits can boost metabolism—and combined with cucumbers, they will reduce inflammation throughout the body as well. Combine five strawberries, one cucumber, and one grapefruit with a half of a gallon of water. (13)

4. Ginger Mint Detox Water

Ginger has long been known to help sooth a disruptive stomach, but recent studies have shown that ginger, along with lemon and cucumber can help you to lose weight. (14) Mint adds a little natural sweetness without being overwhelming and can help aid in a healthy digestive system as well. Add one cucumber and one lemon to a half gallon of water; then, add mint and ginger to your liking. (15)

5. Citrus Aloe Detox Water

Aloe vera is a common soothing agent that is often applied to the skin to relieve irritation and sunburns. However, it can also be a great additive to lose weight and fight inflammation throughout the body. (16) For best results, use fresh aloe vera leaves, draining the gel and adding it to a water and lemon or grapefruit mixture. (17)

The Final Word

Weight loss efforts can be difficult, but it holds such great potential to fight off many ailments. While there are a variety of ways to lose weight, detox water (consumed in conjunction with a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats) can help you to lose weight effectively and can help you to keep the weight off in the long run.