Cucumber, mint and a lie in your bottle? Apollo doctor busts the 'detox water' myth, says your body already has a built-in clean-up factory

The latest wellness trend of sipping cucumber and mint-infused water to “flush out toxins” is being challenged by senior surgeon Dr. Anshuman Kaushal of Apollo Hospitals, Delhi, who calls the concept a “marketing illusion” rather than a medical breakthrough. In a widely shared social-media video, Dr Kaushal explains how the human body already runs a sophisticated detox system, rendering detox water essentially no more than water with flavour.

The Science Behind the Claim
Dr Kaushal begins his 90-second explainer with a provocation: “If lemon, cumin and cucumber toxins were released in water, then doctors would have been selling them in hospitals.” He highlights that the term “toxin” is often used loosely in wellness marketing, without specifying which toxin is being targeted or how the infused water removes it. Traditional detox water claims promise weight loss, clearer skin, and toxin elimination—but the doctor points out that these remain unsupported by credible clinical research.

Inside Your Built-in Detox Factory
According to Dr Kaushal, your body is already equipped with “24×7 detox plants” that work continuously:

• The liver transforms harmful substances using enzymes such as cytochrome P450.
• Kidneys filter approximately 180 litres of blood each day, removing waste.
• The lungs exhale volatile compounds.
• The intestines and bile system eliminate waste via excretion.
  “So when someone offers you a drink claiming to remove toxins, ask: which toxin exactly?” he says. ()

What the Research Says
Dr Kaushal cited a 2015 review in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics that found no clinical evidence that detox programmes (including infused waters) remove toxins or promote fat loss. In the video he adds that detox water may simply offer the benefits of hydration—not any magical “flush” effect. He notes that while staying hydrated can slightly elevate metabolism, the leap from infused water to dramatic “detox” claims is unfounded.

The Marketing Mechanics of Guilt
Dr Kaushal frames detox water for what he considers its real appeal: marketing that plays on guilt and the promise of quick fixes. He describes the scenario: “Yesterday you ate junk food, you drank too much, you are smoking—today you are guilty. Solution? Detox water.” He warns that some products marketed under the detox label—especially teas—may contain substances like senna, a laxative that can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. He cites a 2022 study in the Indian Journal of Pharmacology.

What You Should Do Instead
Rather than investing in specialty water bottles, Dr Kaushal recommends focusing on fundamental health habits:

• Drink plain water consistently.
• Get adequate sleep.
• Eat real, minimally processed foods.
• Exercise regularly.
• Avoid addictions such as smoking or excessive alcohol.

“Our liver, kidneys, lungs and gut already do the job. You don’t need a flavour trend to do what you were born to do,” he concludes. Yes, flavouring water with cucumber, mint or lemon is harmless, and better than sugary drinks—but it won’t “detoxify” your body.