How Celery Juice Became the Hottest Detox Trend

26 May 2025

In the ever-growing world of health and wellness, there’s always a new "miracle" food or drink claiming to detox your body and transform your health. But few trends have exploded quite like the celery juice craze. The simple green juice went from a humble fridge staple to a must-have morning ritual for health enthusiasts worldwide.

But is celery juice really the magical elixir that detoxifies and heals, or just another fleeting health fad? Let’s dive into how celery juice became the hottest detox trend and whether it’s worth the hype.

The Rise of Celery Juice: Where Did It All Begin?

Believe it or not, celery juice didn’t rise to fame because of a celebrity endorsement or a flashy marketing campaign. It all started with one man—Anthony William, better known as the "Medical Medium."

William, a self-proclaimed health expert (who claims he receives nutritional advice from a "spirit"), started preaching the benefits of celery juice back in 2015. He claimed that drinking 16 ounces of pure celery juice every morning on an empty stomach could:

- Detox the liver
- Reduce inflammation
- Improve digestion
- Fight autoimmune diseases
- Boost overall health

People desperate for a simple, natural way to heal their bodies latched onto his advice, and soon, celery juice was everywhere. Social media influencers, wellness bloggers, and even Hollywood stars like Gwyneth Paltrow, Kim Kardashian, and Pharrell Williams jumped on the trend.

And just like that, celery juice became the green gold of the wellness world.

What Makes Celery Juice So Special?

At first glance, celery seems pretty basic. It’s mostly water, after all. But when juiced, celery becomes a concentrated source of nutrients, including:

- Vitamins: A, C, and K
- Minerals: Potassium, folate, and calcium
- Antioxidants: Polyphenols and flavonoids that fight oxidative stress
- Electrolytes: Helping with hydration and muscle function

Celery juice is claimed to have strong alkalizing, detoxifying, and anti-inflammatory properties. Supporters argue that these properties help flush toxins, heal the gut, and even clear up skin issues like acne and eczema.

But the real question is—does science back up these claims?

The Science Behind Celery Juice and Detoxing

Does Celery Really Detox Your Body?

The idea of "detoxing" is thrown around a lot in the health world. But here’s the truth—your body already does a fantastic job of detoxifying itself.

Your liver, kidneys, and digestive system naturally work together to remove toxins. No juice, cleanse, or special diet can "flush" toxins from your body better than these organs already do.

That being said, celery juice does contain compounds that support liver function, such as:

- Apigenin – A natural anti-inflammatory compound that may support liver health
- Luteolin – An antioxidant that helps reduce oxidative stress on liver cells

So, while celery juice won’t miraculously detox your body, it may provide some liver-supporting benefits.

Can Celery Juice Reduce Inflammation?

Chronic inflammation is at the root of many modern diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. Celery is naturally packed with anti-inflammatory compounds, like flavonoids and antioxidants, that can help combat inflammation.

Some studies suggest that flavonoids in celery may lower inflammation and oxidative stress, which is beneficial for overall health. But, again, drinking celery juice alone isn’t a magic cure—it should be part of a balanced diet.

Is Celery Juice Good for Digestion?

If you’ve ever struggled with bloating or digestive issues, you might be intrigued by the claims that celery juice "heals the gut."

Celery is rich in natural sodium and fiber, which can help with digestion. However, when juiced, most of the fiber is removed, so you’re left with mainly liquid and nutrients.

That said, some people find that drinking celery juice on an empty stomach helps stimulate digestion by increasing stomach acid production. This may aid in breaking down food more efficiently, reducing bloating and indigestion.

But is it the only way to improve gut health? Not really. Plenty of fiber-rich foods (whole celery included!) and fermented foods like kefir, sauerkraut, and yogurt can do the same job—perhaps even better.

The Risks and Downsides of Celery Juice

Like any health trend, celery juice isn’t perfect. While it’s generally safe for most people, there are some things to watch out for:

1. High in Natural Sodium

Celery is naturally high in sodium, which isn’t necessarily bad unless you’re on a low-sodium diet. People with high blood pressure or kidney issues may need to moderate their intake.

2. Lack of Fiber

Juicing removes the fiber from celery, which is one of its biggest health benefits. If you’re drinking celery juice but not eating enough fiber from other sources, you could be missing out on essential digestive benefits.

3. Possible Skin Sensitivity

Celery contains psoralens, compounds that can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Some people who drink large amounts of celery juice have reported increased susceptibility to sunburn.

4. Not a Miracle Cure

At the end of the day, no single food or drink will magically "heal" your body or replace a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Celery juice is a great addition to your routine, but relying on it as a cure-all is unrealistic.

Should You Try Celery Juice?

If you’re curious about trying celery juice, go for it! It’s a low-calorie, nutrient-rich drink that can be a refreshing addition to your diet.

But keep your expectations in check. Instead of viewing it as a miracle detox, think of it as a healthy habit—one that works best alongside a balanced diet, regular exercise, hydration, and good sleep.

Best Way to Drink Celery Juice

- Use organic celery when possible (to avoid pesticides).
- Juice one whole bunch of celery (16 ounces) and drink it fresh.
- Drink on an empty stomach for best absorption.
- Avoid adding other ingredients (like lemon or apple), as they can dilute its benefits.

Who Should Avoid It?

- People with kidney issues (due to its high oxalate content).
- Those with low blood pressure (celery is a natural diuretic).
- Anyone on blood-thinning medication (as celery contains vitamin K, which can affect blood clotting).

The Verdict: Fad or Functional?

So, is celery juice worth the hype? The answer is somewhere in the middle.

- Is it a miracle detox drink? No.
- Does it support overall health? Yes, but only as part of a balanced diet.
- Can it benefit digestion, hydration, and inflammation? Potentially, depending on the individual.

At the end of the day, celery juice is not a magic bullet, but it can be a great way to increase your intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. If you enjoy it and feel good drinking it, keep at it! Just remember—your health is built on consistent, sustainable habits, not one trendy drink.