What to know about the lemon detox diet

The lemon detox diet involves consuming just a lemon juice-based mixture for 1 or 2 weeks, with no solid foods. The diet aims to remove toxins and cleanse the body. However, scientists have found no evidence to support these claims, and the diet may be harmful in some cases.

The concept of a detox originates from medical procedures that remove alcohol, drugs, or other toxins from the body. These procedures often use drug-based therapies to achieve this. But outside of this specific medical context, the concept of detoxing is simply a dieting trend with no scientific basis.

Supporters of the lemon detox diet believe that it can improve skin and digestion and promote energy and weight loss. This article will discuss the truth behind these claims and whether the lemon detox diet is safe.

Does it work?

Cut up lemons on chopping board with bowl of lemon juice

There is no scientific evidence that a lemon detox offers significant health benefits.

There is no evidence to suggest that detox diets can remove toxins from the body or have any noticeable health benefits.

This is primarily because the concept of detoxing does not align with how the body works.

The idea of detoxing is to flush out harmful toxins. However, the human body naturally prevents this from happening and protects the body from toxins by removing them.

How the body detoxes

The body is highly efficient at breaking down and removing harmful toxins, such as alcohol, by-products of digestion, bacteria, or chemicals from pollution.

The large intestine absorbs nutrients from the food a person consumes and distributes them into the bloodstream. The body excretes the remaining nutrients as solid waste.

The liver is one of the body’s primary filtration systems. It helps to eliminate toxins from the body, cleanse the blood, and metabolize nutrients and medications.

The kidneys filter the blood to remove any excess waste and ensure the body has enough water.

The lungs remove waste carbon dioxide from the blood and exhale it out of the body.

Why the lemon diet does not help

A lemon detox diet will not enhance any of these natural body processes and may hinder them. This diet is highly restrictive and extremely low-calorie, and without a balanced diet, the body will not receive the supply of the nutrients and energy it needs to function correctly. This includes removing toxins and waste products.

A lemon detox diet does not contain any fiber. Fiber plays an essential role in digestion by supporting the large intestines and influencing metabolism. Without fiber, the large intestine cannot remove toxins and waste products from the body as effectively.

Potentially valid benefits

Although a lemon detox diet may not enhance the removal of toxins, some people report feeling refreshed and re-energized after doing one. However, people can achieve these improvements through a variety of healthful alternatives. This includes not drinking alcohol for periods, stopping smoking, sleeping well, exercising regularly, and eating a nutritious diet.

Returning to a regular diet after finishing an extremely low-calorie lemon detox diet will likely make a person feel re-energized.

It is possible that a lemon detox diet causes weight loss because it involves extreme calorie restriction. One study found that a 7-day lemon detox diet led to a reduction in body fat for Korean women who were overweight.

However, this is not a healthful way to lose weight. As with any form of extreme calorie restriction, resuming a normal diet will often lead to rapid weight gain afterward.

Some research suggests that certain extreme forms of calorie restriction and fasting could have health benefits. However, these diets promote the consumption of healthful and varied foods, including fruits, vegetables, and whole foods.

Safety and side effects

A lemon detox can cause headaches and fatigue.

A lemon detox can cause headaches and fatigue.

It is possible that detoxing can be harmful. For example, detoxes can cause:

  • gastrointestinal problems
  • fatigue
  • headaches
  • weakness
  • dehydration
  • addiction
  • long-term weight gain
  • malnutrition

Some people may use laxatives as part of their diet, which can cause severe diarrhea.

Detox diets can be particularly harmful for people with conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. Young people are also at a higher risk from detoxes.

How to do it

A lemon detox diet involves replacing meals with a mixture of:

  • 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons of maple syrup
  • cayenne pepper
  • water

A person can do a lemon detox diet for a few days to several weeks. Some people may find it easier to cut out solid foods gradually over the first few days before switching entirely to a liquid diet. Some people also include an herbal laxative in the diet.

It is possible to purchase this mixture as a pre-made drink. It is important to note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not regulate these products, so there is no guarantee over their contents or safety.


The lemon detox diet involves a liquid diet consisting of a lemon juice-based mixture.

The idea behind these detox diets is to cleanse the body of any toxins and promote a range of health benefits.

However, there is no evidence for these claims, and the detox process may even be harmful.

Anyone considering a lemon detox should speak to their doctor or dietitian about whether it is suitable or safe for them.