Celery juice cleanse: Possible benefits, risks, and more

If you’ve spent more than five minutes on wellness TikTok or Instagram, you’ve probably seen someone
sipping a tall, pale green glass of celery juice at sunrise and promising glowing skin, perfect gut
health, and a “total body detox.” It looks virtuous, a little bit mysterious, and very photogenic.
But beyond the hype, what does a celery juice cleanse really doand is it actually good for you?

The short answer: celery itself is a healthy, low-calorie vegetable filled with water, vitamins, and
antioxidants. Turning it into juice can be a refreshing way to get some extra hydration and nutrients.
But a strict celery juice cleanse that claims to “reset” your body or cure serious conditions is a very
different story. Science is much less enthusiastic than social media.

What is a celery juice cleanse, exactly?

There’s no single official definition, but most celery juice cleanses follow a similar pattern:

• Drinking a large glass (often 12–16 ounces) of fresh celery juice first thing in the morning.
• Sometimes drinking only celery juice or other juices for several days in a row.
• Avoiding coffee, processed foods, alcohol, and sometimes solid food altogether.

Some people simply add one daily glass of celery juice to an otherwise normal diet. Others go all in and
replace meals with juice for a set number of days. The more restrictive the cleanse, the more likely it
is to create problems rather than solve them.

It’s also important to separate celery juice as a beverage from
a celery juice cleanse. Enjoying a glass of celery juice here and there can fit into a
balanced diet. Relying on it as a detox or miracle cure is where the science starts waving red flags.

What’s actually in celery juice?

Celery is about 95% water, which already tells you one thing: celery juice is very hydrating. The rest
of the stalk delivers a mix of vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds. When you juice celery, you keep
most of the micronutrients and water, while losing most of the fiber (especially if you strain it).

A typical serving of celery or celery juice provides:

• Vitamins A, C, and K – important for vision, immune function, and blood clotting.
• Potassium – an electrolyte that helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance.
• Small amounts of magnesium, calcium, and folate.
• Antioxidants such as flavonoids (including apigenin and luteolin) and other polyphenols,
  which may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.

In whole celery, you also get a decent amount of fiber, which supports digestion, helps
control appetite, and is great for gut health. In strained celery juice, that fiber largely disappears,
which changes how your body responds to the drink.

Possible benefits of celery juice (without the hype)

Let’s give celery some credit: it’s a perfectly respectable vegetable. Here are a few potential benefits
of drinking celery juiceespecially as part of a generally healthy lifestyle.

1. Hydration and a low-calorie drink option

Because celery is mostly water, celery juice is naturally hydrating. If you’re someone who struggles to
drink enough plain water, a glass of lightly salty, refreshing celery juice can be a fun way to mix
things up without adding much sugar or many calories.

Swapping a sugary soda, fancy coffee drink, or sweetened energy drink for celery juice can lower your
daily sugar and calorie intake. That alone can support weight management and blood sugar control over
time. Just remember: this works best when it’s replacing high-calorie drinks, not simply being added on
top of them.

2. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds

Celery contains plant compounds that act as antioxidants, including apigenin and luteolin. These may help
neutralize free radicals and reduce chronic inflammationprocesses that are linked with heart disease,
certain cancers, and other health conditions.

However, it’s important to keep expectations realistic. Drinking celery juice isn’t like flipping an
“anti-inflammatory” switch. You’ll get some antioxidants, but they’re just one small part of a much
bigger picture that includes your overall diet, sleep, stress, and activity level.

3. Potential support for blood pressure (with caveats)

Celery and celery seed have been studied (mostly in animals and small human trials) for their potential
to help lower blood pressure. Some evidence suggests that compounds in celery may relax blood vessels
and act as a mild diuretic, which could contribute to better blood pressure control.

That sounds exciting, but there are important limits:

• Most research involves concentrated celery seed extract, not a casual glass of celery juice.
• The amounts used in studies are much higher than what you’d get from juicing a few stalks at home.
• Celery juice also contains sodium, so large daily amounts could actually be
  counterproductive for people who are salt-sensitive or already managing hypertension.

In other words, celery juice might be one small supportive habit alongside a heart-healthy diet, not a
substitute for blood pressure medication or other medical treatment.

4. Digestive comfort for some people

Some people report that drinking celery juice in the morning helps them “get things moving” and feel less
bloated. That may be due to:

• Extra hydration.
• Natural electrolytes (like potassium).
• Possibly a mild laxative or diuretic effect in sensitive individuals.

That said, these effects are far from universal. And again, a lot of these benefits can be achieved simply
by drinking enough water, eating fiber-rich foods, and moving your body regularly.

What the science does not support

This is where the celery juice cleanse hype really runs ahead of the evidence. Claims you may see online
include:

• “Celery juice detoxes your liver.”
• “It cleanses toxins out of your body.”
• “It cures autoimmune diseases, acne, and chronic illnesses.”
• “It resets your gut in 7 days.”

These claims sound impressivebut currently, scientific research doesn’t back them up. Your liver and
kidneys are already very good at processing and removing waste products. They don’t need a specific
vegetable juice to suddenly start doing their job.

There’s also no strong evidence that any juice cleanse, celery or otherwise, can “flush toxins,” heal your
gut lining, or cure complex conditions. If a health promise sounds like magic, it usually is.

Risks and downsides of a celery juice cleanse

Drinking a small glass of celery juice as part of a balanced diet is usually safe for most healthy people.
A strict celery juice cleanse, however, can come with some real drawbacksespecially when it replaces
regular meals or medical care.

1. Low fiber and increased hunger

When you juice celery and strain it, you remove most of the fiber. Fiber is what helps you feel full and
supports steady digestion. Without it, you’re basically left with flavored water plus a nutrient mix.

On a cleanse that relies heavily on juice, many people feel hungry, shaky, or low on energy. That can lead
to mood swings, cravings, and eventually overeating once the cleanse ends. It’s not a sustainable or
particularly pleasant way to support long-term health.

2. Sodium and blood pressure concerns

Celery naturally contains sodium. One small glass of celery juice probably won’t be an issue for most
people. But if you’re drinking multiple large glasses dailyespecially alongside salty foodsyou might be
pushing your sodium intake higher than you realize.

For individuals who are salt-sensitive or who already have high blood pressure, consistently high sodium
intake can raise blood pressure and increase the workload on the heart. That doesn’t mean celery is “bad,”
but it does mean “more” is not always better.

3. Digestive upset

Ironically, the same juice that helps one person feel lighter can send someone else running for the
bathroom. Large amounts of celery juice may cause:

• Bloating
• Gas
• Loose stools or diarrhea
• Cramping

If you already have a sensitive digestive system or conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a
high-volume juice cleanse may worsen your symptoms rather than relieve them.

4. Sun sensitivity and skin issues

Celery contains compounds called psoralens and other furanocoumarins. In high amounts and
combined with UV exposure, these can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight and, in some cases, lead
to a rash or sunburn-like reaction (a condition known as phytophotodermatitis).

For most people eating normal amounts of celery, this isn’t a major concern. But if you’re drinking
unusually large quantities of celery juice every day and spending a lot of time in the sun, it’s something
to be aware ofespecially if you’ve ever had strange sun reactions before.

5. Kidney concerns in vulnerable people

Celery contains oxalates, compounds found in many plant foods. At very high intakes,
oxalates can contribute to kidney stone formation in people who are susceptible. While drinking modest
amounts of celery juice probably won’t cause kidney problems in otherwise healthy individuals, anyone with
a history of kidney stones or kidney disease should talk with a healthcare professional before starting a
juice-heavy regimen.

6. Medication interactions

Celery is rich in vitamin K, which plays a key role in blood clotting. That’s great for
most people, but if you take blood thinners like warfarin, big swings in vitamin K intake can interfere
with your medication.

Because celery juice may also have mild effects on blood pressure and blood sugar, it could potentially
interact with medications for hypertension or diabetes. That doesn’t mean you can’t drink itit just means
you should clear it with your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you plan to drink it daily.

7. Cleanses instead of care

One of the biggest risks isn’t the celery itselfit’s the belief that a juice cleanse can replace real
medical care. If someone uses a celery juice cleanse in place of seeing a doctor for serious symptoms,
they can delay diagnosis and treatment, which sometimes has serious consequences.

Think of celery juice as a beverage, not a medical therapy. If you’re dealing with ongoing fatigue,
pain, unexplained weight loss, digestive problems, or other worrisome symptoms, you need a healthcare
provider, not just a juicer.

Who might consider celery juiceand who should be cautious?

You might reasonably enjoy celery juice if:

• You like the taste and find it refreshing.
• You want a low-calorie beverage that isn’t sweet.
• You are looking for another way to include vegetables in your day.
• You’re using it as a supplement tonot a replacement formeals and medical care.

You should talk with a healthcare professional before jumping on the celery juice cleanse trend if you:

• Take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder.
• Have kidney disease or a history of kidney stones.
• Have very low blood pressure or are on multiple blood pressure medications.
• Have diabetes and take medication or insulin.
• Have a known celery or pollen allergy.
• Have had unusual reactions or rashes after eating celery or other psoralen-rich foods.

How to add celery juice safely (if you want to)

If you enjoy celery juice and want to keep it in your routine, here are some practical, science-informed
guidelines:

• Think “addition,” not “replacement.” Enjoy celery juice along with balanced meals, not
  instead of food.
• Moderate the amount. Many dietitians suggest around 4–8 ounces a day is plenty for most
  people. You don’t need a liter.
• Consider keeping some pulp. If your digestion tolerates it, avoid fully straining the
  juice so you retain some fiber.
• Wash celery thoroughly. Rinse well under running water and remove visible dirt before
  juicing.
• Store safely. Fresh celery juice is best consumed soon after making it. If you store it,
  keep it in a sealed container in the fridge and drink within a few days.
• Listen to your body. If you notice worsening digestion, skin changes, or other side
  effects, cut back and talk with a healthcare professional.

Smarter ways to “detox” without a cleanse

Here’s the un-glamorous truth: your body already has an excellent built-in detox systemyour liver,
kidneys, lungs, and digestive tract. They don’t need a trendy cleanse; they need consistent support.

More effective, evidence-based ways to support your body’s natural detox processes include:

• Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
• Getting enough fiber (from foods like beans, oats, vegetables, and nuts).
• Drinking enough fluidswater, herbal tea, and, sure, some celery juice if you like it.
• Limiting ultra-processed foods, added sugars, and excess alcohol.
• Sleeping enough and moving your body regularly.

None of that looks as dramatic on Instagram as a neon-green cleanse. But your liver will be quietly
thrilled.

Real-world experiences with celery juice cleanses

Beyond the science and the hashtags, what is it actually like to try a celery juice cleanse? Experiences
vary widely, but many people’s stories follow a few familiar patterns.

The first morning: expectation vs. reality

Picture this: it’s 6:30 a.m., your alarm goes off, and instead of hitting snooze, you march to the
kitchen, wash a pile of celery, and fire up the juicer. The sound is about as gentle as a lawn mower at
sunrise, but you’re committed. You pour a tall glass of pale green juice and take your first sip.

For some people, the taste is surprisingly pleasantfresh, slightly salty, and crisp. For others, it’s an
“acquired taste” (translation: your face does a small involuntary wince). Either way, it feels like
you’re doing something healthy, and that alone can be motivating.

Days 1–3: the honeymoon phase

During the first few days, it’s common to feel a mix of:

• Increased awareness of what you’re eating and drinking overall.
• More bathroom trips, thanks to the combination of fluid, electrolytes, and possibly a
  diuretic effect.
• A slight energy boost, which may come from better hydration and the placebo effect of a
  new healthy habit.

If you’re only adding one glass of juice to your routine and keeping your regular meals, this stage can
feel pretty manageable. The juice becomes a rituallike a coffee replacement for people who like their
mornings to start on a greener note.

Days 3–7: the reality check

Things get more complicated when the celery juice cleanse is restrictivefor example, if regular meals are
replaced with multiple daily juices. This is where real-life reports often mention:

• Hunger and irritability when calorie intake drops too low.
• Cravings for solid food, especially anything crunchy (you might find yourself
  daydreaming about toast).
• Digestive swings, ranging from “this is fine” to “I really need to stay near a
  bathroom.”
• Social challenges when friends invite you out and you’re the person explaining, “Sorry,
  I can’t, I’m cleansing.”

Some people also report clearer skin or feeling “lighter.” It’s hard to separate how much of that is due
to celery juice specifically versus eating fewer processed foods, drinking more fluids, and paying closer
attention to their habits for a week.

After the cleanse: what actually lasts?

Once the cleanse ends, most people go back to their usual patternssometimes with a renewed appreciation
for balanced meals. The effects that tend to stick are:

• Greater awareness of how much water they drink, how many vegetables they eat, and how
  certain foods make them feel.
• A new morning ritual, where celery juice may stay, or get swapped for a smoothie, tea,
  or good old water.
• A more realistic attitude about what one drink can and cannot do for health.

A few people decide celery juice just isn’t for themthe taste, cost of constant fresh produce, or
clean-up from juicing isn’t worth it. Others keep a more moderate version in their routine: a glass of
juice a few days a week, alongside regular meals and other fruits and vegetables.

Using celery juice wisely

The most positive experiences with celery juice tend to come from people who:

• See it as a supportive habit, not a magic cure.
• Pair it with solid nutrition and not extreme restriction.
• Stay honest about how their body feelsgood and bad.
• Are willing to stop or adjust if side effects show up.

In the end, celery juice can be part of a healthy lifestyle, but it’s not a shortcut past the basics:
eating a variety of whole foods, staying active, managing stress, and following medical advice.

Bottom line

Celery juice is a hydrating, low-calorie drink that offers some vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. If
you enjoy it and drink it in moderation as part of a balanced diet, it can absolutely have a place in
your routine.

But a strict celery juice cleanse isn’t a scientifically proven detox, cure, or reset button. Overdoing it
can lead to digestive upset, nutrient imbalances, or issues for people with certain health conditions or
medications. The real “cleanse” your body needs looks more like steady, everyday care than a dramatic,
week-long challenge.

So if you like celery juice, sip it, enjoy it, and let it be one healthy piece of a much bigger picture
not the whole story.