The best time for a detox drink is first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. It wakes up your digestive system, rehydrates you after a night of sleep, and makes you feel virtuous before you’ve even had coffee. (Coffee is also a detox drink, by the way—liver love and antioxidants. Yes, I said it.)
You can also sip a mild detox drink in the afternoon when you’re feeling sluggish but don’t want another caffeine jolt. A glass of water with lemon and mint is like a gentle slap in the face that says, "Wake up, but nicely."
11 Detox Drink Recipes For Weight Loss
Just don’t drink endless gallons of it. Your body will just pee out the extra water and minerals, and you’ll get tired of running to the bathroom. Moderation is key. Shockingly, that applies to healthy things, too.
Three warning signs of a bad detox drink
First, if it tastes like liquid dirt or requires a "purity commitment," run. Second, if the recipe calls for laxatives or extreme fasting, do not pass go. That’s not a detox—it’s a stress test for your colon.
Third, if you’re being told to drink only one type of vegetable juice for a week, your body will rebel with headaches, fatigue, and a deep craving for a cheeseburger. Listen to that craving. It’s your common sense talking.
A good detox drink should make you feel better, not like you’re punishing yourself for having a slice of cake last Tuesday. You’re a human, not a tub of butter that needs a rinse.