Why Are People Drinking Celery Juice And Does It Actually Detox

In recent years, celery juice has surged from obscurity to a staple in the morning routines of wellness influencers, celebrities, and health-conscious individuals. Sold as a natural elixir capable of “detoxing” the liver, reducing inflammation, and even curing chronic illness, it’s hard to scroll through social media without encountering someone praising its transformative effects. But behind the viral claims lies a critical question: Why are people so committed to this green drink—and more importantly, does it actually detox the body?

The answer isn’t straightforward. While celery juice contains beneficial compounds and hydration properties, the idea that it uniquely “cleanses” or “detoxifies” the body is not fully supported by scientific evidence. To understand the hype and separate fact from fiction, we need to explore the origins of the trend, examine the biology of detoxification, and assess what celery juice can—and cannot—do for your health.

The Rise of Celery Juice: From Garnish to Superfood

Celery has long been regarded as a low-calorie, hydrating vegetable with mild diuretic properties. But its transformation into a standalone beverage began around 2017, largely due to the influence of medical medium Anthony William, who promoted celery juice as a healing tonic capable of eliminating pathogens, repairing the gut, and restoring liver function. His book *Medical Medium* and online platform helped popularize the idea that drinking 16 ounces of pure celery juice on an empty stomach each morning could reverse autoimmune conditions, clear acne, and boost energy.

From there, the trend gained momentum. Celebrities like Kelly Clarkson, Kourtney Kardashian, and Lena Dunham publicly endorsed it. Instagram feeds filled with vibrant green glasses labeled “Day 37 of Celery Juice.” Wellness brands began selling pre-packaged cold-pressed versions. What started as a fringe health claim quickly became mainstream.

But popularity doesn’t equate to efficacy. While anecdotal reports abound, clinical research on celery juice specifically remains limited. Most of the proposed benefits stem from studies on celery *as a food*, not as a juice consumed in isolation.

What Does “Detox” Actually Mean?

The term “detox” is one of the most misused words in modern wellness culture. In medicine, detoxification refers to the body’s natural process of neutralizing and eliminating toxins through organs like the liver, kidneys, lungs, skin, and digestive system. These organs work continuously to filter waste products from metabolism, environmental pollutants, alcohol, medications, and other substances.

There is no scientific evidence that any single food or juice can enhance this process beyond what the body already does efficiently. The liver, in particular, uses complex enzyme systems (like cytochrome P450) to break down harmful compounds into water-soluble forms that can be excreted via bile or urine.

“Your liver doesn’t need a juice cleanse to function. It’s designed to detoxify 24/7. The best thing you can do for it is avoid excessive alcohol, manage blood sugar, and eat a balanced diet.” — Dr. Neha Shah, Clinical Dietitian at Stanford Health Care

So when people say celery juice “detoxes,” they’re often referring to subjective improvements—like clearer skin, better digestion, or increased energy—that may result from improved hydration or dietary changes rather than actual toxin removal.

What’s in Celery Juice? Nutritional Profile and Potential Benefits

To evaluate celery juice’s role in health, let’s look at its composition. One cup (240 ml) of raw celery juice contains approximately:

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value (approx)
Calories	40–45 kcal	—
Carbohydrates	9 g	3%
Fiber (mostly removed in juicing)	~1 g	4%
Potassium	300–350 mg	7%
Vitamin K	30–40 mcg	30–50%
Vitamin C	5–8 mg	6–10%
Folate	30 mcg	8%
Phytonutrients (apigenin, luteolin)	Present	—

The standout components are vitamin K (important for blood clotting and bone health), potassium (a key electrolyte for heart and muscle function), and anti-inflammatory plant compounds such as apigenin and luteolin. Some animal and test-tube studies suggest these phytonutrients may have antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anti-cancer properties.

A 2017 review published in *Preventive Nutrition and Food Science* highlighted celery’s potential to reduce oxidative stress and lower blood pressure due to its high concentration of flavonoids and phthalides—a class of organic compounds unique to celery that may relax blood vessel walls.

However, juicing removes most of the fiber found in whole celery, which plays a crucial role in digestion, satiety, and gut microbiome support. This means you lose one of the vegetable’s most valuable assets while concentrating sugars and sodium.

Tip: If you're drinking celery juice, consider eating the leftover pulp in soups, stir-fries, or smoothies to retain fiber and reduce waste.

Does Celery Juice Actually Detox the Body? Separating Myth from Reality

The short answer: Not in the way most people think.

No credible study shows that celery juice increases the rate or efficiency of toxin elimination compared to normal bodily function. Your liver and kidneys don’t require special juices to perform their jobs—they need consistent hydration, adequate protein, and minimal exposure to damaging substances like alcohol and processed foods.

That said, some indirect benefits of celery juice may contribute to how people *feel* “detoxed”:

• Hydration: Starting the day with 16 oz of liquid improves fluid intake, especially for those who struggle to drink enough water. Proper hydration supports kidney filtration and bowel regularity.
• Dietary displacement: People who replace sugary drinks, coffee, or processed breakfasts with celery juice may experience better digestion and energy levels—not because of the juice itself, but because they’ve reduced inflammatory foods.
• Reduced bloating: Celery’s natural diuretic effect may help shed water weight temporarily, leading to a flatter stomach.
• Gut rest: Consuming it on an empty stomach may give the digestive tract a brief pause before food intake begins, potentially easing symptoms for sensitive individuals.

Still, these effects are not equivalent to “detoxing” in a physiological sense. And for some, celery juice can cause adverse reactions such as acid reflux, gas, or diarrhea—especially when consumed in large quantities daily.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s 30-Day Celery Juice Experiment

Sarah, a 34-year-old graphic designer from Portland, began drinking 16 ounces of celery juice every morning after reading about its benefits online. She had struggled with mild acne and afternoon fatigue for years and hoped the juice would help.

For the first week, she noticed increased trips to the bathroom and mild bloating. By day 10, her energy improved, and her skin appeared less oily. After 30 days, she reported feeling “lighter” and more focused. However, upon reflection, she realized she had also stopped drinking soda, started walking daily, and reduced her caffeine intake—changes she hadn’t initially connected to her routine.

When she paused the juice for a week, her symptoms didn’t return. “It wasn’t the celery alone,” she admitted. “It was part of a bigger shift toward healthier habits.”

Sarah’s experience reflects a common pattern: lifestyle improvements often get credited solely to a single intervention, even when multiple factors are at play.

How to Drink Celery Juice the Right Way (If You Choose To)

If you’re curious about trying celery juice, doing so safely and effectively matters. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on expert recommendations:

1. Start small: Begin with 4–8 ounces per day to assess tolerance. Full 16-ounce servings may be too intense for beginners.
2. Use fresh, organic celery: Conventional celery ranks high on the Environmental Working Group’s “Dirty Dozen” list for pesticide residue. Organic reduces chemical exposure.
3. Drink it plain: Avoid adding lemon, sweeteners, or mixing with other juices if you want to follow the “purist” approach. Flavors can dilute perceived effects.
4. Consume on an empty stomach: Wait 15–30 minutes before eating or drinking anything else to maximize absorption.
5. Be patient: Proponents claim benefits take 2–4 weeks to appear. Track your energy, digestion, and mood objectively.
6. Listen to your body: Discontinue use if you experience heartburn, diarrhea, or worsening symptoms.

Tip: Wash celery thoroughly and cut off leaf ends and base where dirt accumulates. Use a high-quality juicer or blend and strain through a nut milk bag.

Checklist: Before You Start Drinking Celery Juice

• ✅ Consult your doctor if you have kidney disease or are on blood thinners (vitamin K can interfere with warfarin).
• ✅ Commit to at least two weeks to observe subtle changes.
• ✅ Replace unhealthy morning habits (e.g., soda, pastries) with this change, not add it on top.
• ✅ Prepare for possible temporary side effects like bloating or frequent urination.
• ✅ Keep expectations realistic—this is not a cure-all.

Common Misconceptions About Celery Juice

Beyond the detox myth, several other claims circulate without strong evidence:

• Myth: Celery juice kills harmful bacteria and viruses. Reality: While lab studies show certain celery extracts inhibit microbial growth, this doesn’t mean drinking juice eradicates infections in humans.
• Myth: It repairs the gut lining and cures leaky gut. Reality: No human trials confirm this. Gut healing involves complex factors including diet diversity, stress management, and microbiome balance.
• Myth: It’s alkaline and balances pH. Reality: The body tightly regulates blood pH regardless of diet. Food doesn’t alter systemic acidity.

These claims often stem from extrapolations of preliminary research or anecdotal testimonials. While promising, they fall short of conclusive proof.

FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered

Can celery juice damage your kidneys?

Not typically. However, people with chronic kidney disease should monitor potassium intake. Celery juice contains moderate potassium (~350 mg per cup), which may accumulate if kidneys aren’t filtering properly. Always consult a nephrologist if you have kidney concerns.

Is store-bought celery juice as effective as fresh?

Freshly pressed is ideal. Commercial versions may contain preservatives, added salt, or undergo pasteurization, which can degrade heat-sensitive nutrients and enzymes. Cold-pressed, unpasteurized options are better but expensive and perishable.

Do I need to buy organic celery for juicing?

Highly recommended. Non-organic celery absorbs pesticides readily, and since you’re consuming concentrated juice, chemical residues are amplified. Washing helps but doesn’t eliminate all contaminants.

Conclusion: A Balanced View on a Trendy Beverage

Celery juice isn’t a miracle cure, nor is it dangerous for most healthy adults. Its rise reflects a broader cultural desire for simple solutions to complex health issues. While it offers hydration, vitamins, and beneficial plant compounds, it doesn’t possess unique detoxifying powers beyond what your body already achieves naturally.

The real value may lie not in the juice itself, but in what it represents: a conscious decision to start the day with something nourishing, to pay attention to how food affects your body, and to make incremental shifts toward better health.

If drinking celery juice inspires you to eat more vegetables, drink more water, and reflect on your overall diet, then it’s serving a useful purpose—even if the “detox” is metaphorical rather than metabolic.

💬 Have you tried celery juice? Did you notice changes—or was it all in your head? Share your experience in the comments and help others navigate the noise around trendy wellness practices.