How Much Celery Juice Should You Drink Per Day? A Guide to Optimal Intake

December 25, 2025 •

4 min read

A single cup (240 mL) of celery juice provides 58% of the Daily Value for Vitamin K. The question of how much celery juice should you drink per day depends on your individual health goals, tolerance, and medical history, as moderation is key to avoiding potential downsides.

Quick Summary

Recommendations suggest starting with 16 ounces of celery juice daily on an empty stomach. Considerations include its natural sodium content, lack of fiber compared to whole stalks, and the need for individual adjustment.

Key Points

Start Slowly: Begin with a smaller 8-ounce glass and observe how your body reacts before increasing intake.
Consider 16 Ounces Daily: A common recommended daily amount is 16 ounces on an empty stomach, though this is based on anecdotal advice.
Monitor Sodium Intake: Be mindful of the natural sodium content in celery juice, especially if you have high blood pressure or follow a low-sodium diet.
Don't Overlook Whole Foods: Remember that juicing removes fiber, so celery juice should supplement a balanced diet, not replace nutrient-dense whole vegetables.
Consult a Doctor: Always talk to a healthcare provider before starting a daily celery juice regimen, particularly if you have a pre-existing condition or take blood-thinning medication.
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how you feel; if you experience digestive discomfort, reduce your intake or stop consumption.

Finding Your Ideal Celery Juice Intake

The popular practice of drinking celery juice, often on an empty stomach, is primarily fueled by anecdotal health claims and social media trends. While celery itself is a nutritious vegetable, the optimal daily amount of its juice can vary depending on your body, health goals, and overall diet. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, and caution is advised, especially for those with certain health conditions.

The Common 16-Ounce Recommendation

One of the most widely circulated recommendations for celery juice consumption suggests drinking 16 ounces (approximately 475 mL) each morning on an empty stomach. This practice is popularized by figures like the 'Medical Medium' and is not based on rigorous, peer-reviewed scientific studies. For those new to celery juice, it is often advised to start with a smaller amount, such as 8 ounces, to see how your body reacts before increasing the quantity. Drinking it on an empty stomach is believed to allow for maximum nutrient absorption, though scientific evidence for this specific timing is limited.

Potential Benefits and Nutritional Value

Celery juice is a hydrating, low-sugar beverage packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Hydration: Composed mostly of water, it can significantly contribute to your daily fluid intake, which is essential for overall health, including regulating blood pressure and kidney function.
Vitamins and Minerals: It contains a concentrated dose of nutrients like Vitamin K, Vitamin C, potassium, and folate.
Antioxidants: The antioxidants apigenin and luteolin found in celery have been studied for their potential anti-inflammatory properties. Some animal studies have also linked them to cardiovascular benefits.
Digestive Support: Raw celery juice may help kickstart digestion, and some claim it can assist with bloating, though this benefit is often linked to overall dietary and lifestyle changes.

Risks and Considerations for Daily Intake

While generally safe for most healthy individuals, there are important factors to consider, especially when consuming celery juice daily.

High Sodium Content: A single cup (240 mL) of celery juice contains a notable amount of sodium, around 189–215 mg. Drinking large quantities, such as the 32 ounces sometimes recommended for chronic conditions, can significantly increase your daily sodium intake. Individuals with high blood pressure or those on salt-restricted diets should be particularly mindful.
Missing Fiber: The juicing process removes the beneficial dietary fiber found in whole celery. Fiber is crucial for gut health, feeling full, and managing blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Relying on juice instead of whole vegetables can mean missing out on these benefits.
Not a 'Detox': Contrary to popular myth, celery juice does not possess magical detoxifying properties. Your body has its own natural, highly efficient detoxification system through organs like the liver and kidneys.
Medication Interactions: The high concentration of Vitamin K can affect blood clotting and may interfere with blood-thinning medications. Always consult a doctor if you are on medication.
Phytophotodermatitis: In rare cases, high amounts of psoralen in celery can increase skin sensitivity to UV light, causing a rash or sun damage, though this is not a common side effect.

Comparison of Celery Juice vs. Whole Celery


Feature	Celery Juice	Whole Celery	Considerations
Fiber	Very low	Very high	Fiber is crucial for digestion, fullness, and blood sugar control.
Nutrient Density	High (per mL)	Lower (due to volume)	Juicing concentrates vitamins and minerals, but whole celery offers more overall nutritional value due to its fiber content.
Sodium Content	Concentrated	Less concentrated	Drinking large volumes of juice can lead to higher sodium intake than eating an equivalent amount of whole stalks.
Digestion	Rapid Absorption	Slow Absorption	Juice is absorbed quickly; whole celery's fiber slows digestion, preventing blood sugar spikes.
Hydration	Excellent	Good	Both are hydrating, but juice is an easy way to consume a large volume of water.

How to Safely Incorporate Celery Juice

Start Small: Begin with 8 ounces and gradually increase to 16 ounces if desired and well-tolerated.
Wait Before Eating: If following the empty-stomach method, wait 15-30 minutes after drinking before having breakfast.
Use Organic Celery: This minimizes exposure to pesticides and contaminants.
Listen to Your Body: Pay close attention to any adverse reactions, such as digestive issues or changes in blood pressure, and adjust or stop consumption accordingly.
Supplement, Don't Replace: Use celery juice as a supplement to a balanced diet, not a replacement for nutrient-dense whole foods.
Add Flavor for Palatability: If the taste is too strong, add a squeeze of lemon, a piece of ginger, or a green apple while juicing.

Conclusion

So, how much celery juice should you drink per day? For most people, a sensible amount is around 16 ounces daily, particularly if you are new to the practice. However, this is not a medical recommendation and should be approached with caution and awareness. While celery juice can be a hydrating, nutrient-rich addition to a healthy diet, it is not a magical cure-all. The best approach is to listen to your body, maintain a balanced diet with plenty of whole foods, and consult a healthcare professional before starting any new health regimen, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are on medication. A whole, balanced approach to nutrition will always yield the most sustainable health benefits.

For more evidence-based information on nutrition, consult authoritative sources like the National Institutes of Health. https://www.nih.gov/

Frequently Asked Questions

Most proponents suggest drinking it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, waiting at least 15-30 minutes before eating breakfast to allow for maximum nutrient absorption.

Some protocols suggest increasing intake to 24-32 ounces, particularly for chronic conditions, but higher amounts increase sodium and may not be suitable for everyone. Always listen to your body and consult a doctor.

Due to its natural sodium content, people with high blood pressure or on low-sodium diets should exercise caution and consult a doctor before drinking large amounts of celery juice.

There is no scientific evidence that celery juice or other cleanses detoxify the body. Your liver and kidneys handle this process naturally and effectively.

A single 240 mL cup of celery juice contains approximately 189–215 mg of sodium, which is about 8% of the daily recommended intake.

The primary downsides include the loss of beneficial fiber from juicing, the concentrated sodium, and potential digestive upset in sensitive individuals. It is also not a substitute for a balanced diet.

Yes, adding a squeeze of lemon, a green apple, or some ginger can improve the taste and add additional nutrients if you find plain celery juice too strong.

The best approach is to use organic celery, drink the juice fresh, and integrate it into a balanced diet rich in whole foods. Starting slowly and listening to your body is also key.