What Is Detox Water?
“Detox” is the short version of “detoxification” which means to “remove a poisonous or harmful substance from something” and the “something” is the body.
Because of the current state of our food source, food preparation, environment, and the normal cell activity in the body, research is showing that many of the chemicals we are introduced to or consume daily are getting deposited in our bodies. Some of these toxin producing things we are exposed to each day include:
- pollution
- metals
- cigarette smoke, cigarettes, pipes, dip
- alcohol
- sodas
- drugs
- antibiotics
- hormones in food
- food additives
- food packaging chemicals
- home and garden pesticides
- asbestos
- industrial waste
- gasoline
- paint, varnish
- household cleaners
The human body works to keep the body clean as it filters all these things through the skin, blood, lymphatic system, kidneys, liver, lungs and intestines. Many toxins are stored in fat. With all the additional toxic chemicals introduced into the body, it is often hard to prevent “body burden”. The term “body burden” is the total amount of toxins that are in the human body at a given point in time whether they are naturally occurring or not.
It is believed that some of the immediate signs of your body being burdened by chemicals include:
- lack of energy, sluggishness, fatigue, exhaustion
- skin diseases, rash, acne
- unexplained pain such as back pain, headaches, muscle pain
- poor or failing memory
- weight gain
- indigestion
- body odor, bad breath, change in perspiration odor
- diagnosis of any chronic disease such as arthritis, cancer, Parkinson’s
- depression
- hormonal imbalance
Some of the toxic chemicals have an immediate affect on your health while other chemicals take longer exposure in the body before they create adverse effects. The toxic chemicals attack and can damage or kill tissues and cells in the body which can lead to gene mutations. To name a few, these mutated genes can cause:
- cancer
- high blood pressure
- immune system dysfunction
- nerve damage
- diseases like Parkinson’s
- birth defects
- reproductive disorders
- infertility
- learning and memory deficits
- asthma
So with all that said, detox water is believed to aid the body in ridding itself of the toxins that it encounters each day.
Water Isn’t Boring Or Bland!
When you drink water it helps to flush the body of toxins, but you can up the detoxification benefits by adding some very simple ingredients thus creating detox water.
Different ingredients not only boost the taste, but also provide different benefits such as hydration, weight loss, cleansing or anti-bloating. To get the maximum effect you need to drink six to eight 8 ounce glasses of detox water each day. If you are already lacking certain vitamins and minerals, detox water will help to replenish the body. Without the proper level of nutrients, the body has a harder time detoxifying chemicals that build up and create body burden.
Just to be clear, this is not a “colon cleanse” nor does the water “replace meals.” It also doesn’t have some magical powers. Water is necessary for every cell in the body. By drinking enough water, you allow all the organs to properly remove the toxins that build up in the body. It also prevents your body from going into starvation mode and hoard the water thus bloating you.
The natural ingredients added to water to create detox water are all delicious foods that you may already eat occasionally. By adding them in small amounts to the water, it slightly adjusts the taste of the water so that it isn’t so plain. Water becomes flavorful!
Why Use Cucumbers In Detox Water?
One of the best ingredients to add to detox water is a cucumber. Thin slices of cucumbers not only look appetizing, but really add to the fresh taste of the water.
Cucumber:
- reduces bloating and water retention because it acts as a natural diuretic
- helps you feel full
- anti-inflammatory properties
- contains an amino acid called citrulline which helps the liver and kidneys get rid of the damage creating ammonia
- full of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, iron and potassium
- excellent for your skin and promotes clear skin (vitamin C promotes the production of collagen which helps with the skin’s elasticity)
- rehydrates
Why Use Lemons In Detox Water?
I love lemons in all forms and the bright, happy color is one of my favorites, but they lemons also have wonderful added benefits when used in detox water.
Lemon:
- regulates the digestive system helping to prevent heartburn, gas and constipation
- activate detoxifying enzymes
- stimulates increased bile production which aids in breaking down fats
- natural diuretic , detoxify the kidneys
- helps decrease hunger and sugar cravings which aids in weight loss
- alkalizes the body
- allows the body to absorb more iron which aids in boosting the immune system
- excellent for your skin and promotes clear skin (vitamin C promotes the production of collagen)
Why Use Mint In Detox Water?
Mint is used in so many products and has such a long list of benefits, but when added to detox water, mint is a very valuable ingredient.
Mint:
- stimulates bile production which aids in breaking down fats
- stimulates digestive enzymes
- natural stimulant for brain functions to increase energy level, memory retention and mental alertness
- relaxes stomach muscle cramps
- slightly sweetens the water
- inhibits bacterial growth in the mouth to promote better health, cleaner teeth and fresher breath
Minty Lemon Cucumber Detox Water Recipe
Be sure to use organic fruits and vegetables in your detox water because you can’t scrub or soak pesticides out of them and you don’t want to be drinking pesticides all day.
Ingredients:
24 ounces water
8 organic mint leaves
4 organic lemon slices
8 organic cucumber slices
Directions:
Wash lemon and cucumber. Rinse mint leaves.
Slice the lemon and cucumber. Separate the mint leaves from the mint stalk. Discard the mint stalk.
Put all ingredients in a mason jar or glass pitcher. Add water. Allow the ingredients to infuse the water for 2-24 hours in the refrigerator.
Throughout the day you can add more chilled detox water to the mint, cucumber and lemon left in your glass. As you pour from the pitcher of detox water, don’t let the mint, cucumber and lemon go into your glass. Instead, refill the pitcher with more water for the mint, cucumber and lemon to infuse the new water. You can reuse the same mint, cucumber and lemon for a few days.
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