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3 Really Good Reasons to Drink Detox Water for Weight Loss

Detox water is all the rage these days, and for good reason. It not only supports your body’s detoxification processes, but also can be a key player in weight loss. First and foremost, let’s take a look at the importance of drinking plenty of clean, filtered water and staying hydrated, in general. To understand how much water you should be drinking, check out our article, here.

Benefits of Drinking Water

Optimal Cognitive Function

Even mild dehydration has been shown to negatively effect brain function, especially when it comes to mood and concentration (1). It can also cause headaches, memory issues and anxiety, but be sure that the water you are drinking is properly filtered.

Improved Strength and Exercise Performance

Studies have also shown that insufficient water intake leads to increased lethargy, fatigue and less motivation and trouble with regulating our body temperature (2). Especially if you are an athlete and/or live in a hot climate, dehydration can seriously affect your performance.

Prevents and Relieves Constipation

Constipation is key for proper detoxification, and even mild cases can lead to toxic build-up. Dehydration is one of the top reasons you might become constipated (3), and drinking enough water throughout the day can often prevent and relieve constipation in most individuals.

All About Detox Water

What is it?

Now that we’ve gone over several top reasons to drink water, period, let’s take a closer look at detox water.

Detox water is simply regular, clean water with added ingredients to further assist your body in ridding itself o toxins, improving your energy throughout the day and boosting weight loss efforts. Detox waters are infused with fresh vegetables, fruits, healing herbs and other key ingredients for optimal health.

3 Ways Detox Water Helps You Lose Weight

Raises Your Metabolic Rate

Studies show that incorporating detox water into your diet can raise your metabolic rate (the rate at which you burn calories) by up to 30% for up to an hour after drinking (4). In general, those who drink plenty of water during their weight loss plan tend to lose more weight, and adding the extra benefits of vegetables, fruits and certain herbs will only boost those efforts.

Reduces Hunger and Curbs Cravings

Drinking adequate water (and even more-so when that water contains the added ingredients we’ll discuss below), has been shown to help manage appetite and curb cravings, especially for refined carbohydrates and sugar (5). Particularly if you drink detox water before a meal, you will probably eat less.

Increases Energy Levels and Boosts Workout Performance

We all know that fitness plays a major role in weight loss (not to mention reduced risk of diabetes and heart disease), and studies show that both water and detox water will boost your energy levels, making your workouts that much more productive. One study compared a group of adults who drank just over one later of water per day and then increased their intake to two and a half liters, and participants experienced significant improvements to their energy, mood and anxiety levels (6).

How Do I Make it?

Another great benefit of detox water is that it is easy and inexpensive to make. All you need are the right ingredients and fresh, clean water (buying a filter might be necessary). You will simply add your veggies, fruits and/or herbs to cold water and allow them to sit in the refrigerator for at least one hour (the longer you leave it the more the flavors will infuse into your water). If you’re pressed for time you can speed the process up by crushing or bruising the ingredients (especially herbs and fruits).

Key Detox Water Ingredients for Weight Loss

Lemon

Lemon is a a very detoxifying food (7) and a rich source of plant compounds and vitamin C, which is important for immune health and acts as a potent antioxidant (8).

Coconut

Medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) have been shown to boost weight loss both in supplement and food form, and coconut oil is one of the best sources of these health promoting fatty acids (9). A high quality brand of coconut water can also be a great addition to a weight loss diet.

Ginger

Ginger has been used medicinally across cultures for centuries, and is an excellent anti-inflammatory agent. It can also reduce nausea and digestive upset and is a potent anti-viral, as well. In fact, ginger can be helpful for losing extra water weight, too).

Beet

Thanks to beetroot’s high antioxidant content (evident from it’s deep, red color), this sweet root vegetable offers a serious punch to your detox water. Beet has been shown to lower blood pressure, as well (10).

Berries

Berries are high in nutrients and low in sugar (when compared to other fruits), and make a tasty and detoxifying part of your detox water (and your diet). Including berries in your detox water can up your chances of fighting cell-damaging free radicals (11).

Cucumber

Cucumber is a delightfully refreshing and nutritious addition to your detox water, and this crispy vegetable offers vitamin K, potassium, molybdenum and copper. Lignans found in cucumbers have been shown to have anti-cancer benefits, as well (12).

Pomegranate

Last but not least we have pomegranate seeds, which truly are one of the healthiest fruits on earth. Their health benefits have been shown to lower you risk of various diseases (13).

Adding detox water into your daily routine can not only ensure you stay properly hydrated, but also give you the extra added benefits discussed here. Especially on top of a nutrient rich diet of whole foods, detox water can take your health to the next level.