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What is the best drink to flush your system?
Detox drinks may include lemon, mint, cucumber, aloe vera, chia seeds and other foods.
Every year, we witness a new fad or concept coming up with various claims of boosting health or increasing longevity. Although practiced in various forms for centuries, detoxification or detox diet and procedures have become quite popular lately. Detox diets claim that they remove “toxins” from the body and improve your overall health. The “toxins” as mentioned in these diets are the main culprits that cause ill health and various problems such as aches and pains, hair loss, acne, obesity, dull and dry skin, joint pain and lethargy. These “toxins” include various environmental pollutants, pesticides, chemicals used in farming, food additives, metabolic wastes produced in the body and various bacteria and their metabolic products. Although many easy-to-make foods and drinks claim to “clean up” our “system,” do they “really” help? There is limited scientific evidence available to support that we “really” need such external detox for maintaining the health of our bodies. Our bodies have their in-built detoxification system that includes the liver, kidneys, blood cells and antibodies. We do not need any drinks or special foods to get rid of toxins. A healthy fiber-rich diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep and plenty of water are good enough to keep us healthy.
Detox drinks contain various fruit and vegetable juices and thus, can provide various nutrients. They are, however, deficient in protein and calories. This may make you feel drained or weak. They can also lower your metabolic rate because they may starve your body of calories. Most detox drinks act as diuretics (increase your urine output) or laxatives (increase bowel movements). Increased urine output can cause dehydration, which may be perceived as weight loss. This weight loss is temporary and returns as soon as you start eating a regular diet.
Although various drinks may be claimed to detox your body, it is wise to consult a qualified nutritionist or doctor before trying them. Some of the top drinks that claim to flush your system and detox your body include
- Lemon detox drink: Lemon is one of the most common and staple ingredients of detox drinks. It is rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants. It helps build immunity and keeps the gums, bones and skin healthy. Squeeze two to three lemons into a liter of water. You may add a pinch of pink salt for taste to it. Grate some ginger into the lemon water and drink it. Vitamin C is heat-sensitive, so make sure the water is not hot.
- Mint and cucumber detox drink: This detox drink is claimed to be great for managing weight and maintaining fluid and mineral balance in the body. To prepare it, wash and peel two cucumbers and cut them into thin pieces. Wash some mint leaves and chop them up finely. Take a lemon and cut it into thin slices. Take a wide-mouth glass bottle or jug and add the sliced cucumber, lemon and mint leaves to it. Fill it with water and some ice and refrigerate for 30 minutes to one hour. Take the bottle out of the refrigerator, shake it well and drink the water in sips throughout the day.
- Coconut water detox drink: This is an easy and quick drink to prepare. Take a glass of coconut water, add some chopped mint to it and squeeze half a lime into it. This is a refreshing drink considered good for your skin and hair.
- Chia seed and aloe vera detox drink: Take a liter of water in a jar and add half a cup of aloe vera juice and one teaspoonful of chia seeds to it. Let it rest for 10 minutes. Squeeze half a lemon into it, mix well and drink. Chia seeds are gluten-free and are a good source of antioxidants and calcium. They help regulate appetite and are excellent for weight management.