What happens when I drink celery juice every day?

November 1, 2025 •

4 min read

Celery juice is nearly 95% water and is a source of essential nutrients and antioxidants. Given its composition, many people wonder what happens when I drink celery juice every day and if the widespread health claims hold true.

Quick Summary

Drinking celery juice daily can boost hydration and provide anti-inflammatory antioxidants. It may support gut health and blood pressure, but some benefits are overstated.

Key Points

Hydration Boost: Celery juice is over 95% water and contains electrolytes like potassium, aiding in hydration.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: Rich in antioxidants like apigenin and luteolin, it can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
Digestive Support: Daily intake can aid digestion and regularity, especially if consumed unstrained to retain fiber.
Lowers Blood Pressure: Limited studies show that celery juice may help lower blood pressure in some individuals with hypertension.
Beware of Exaggerated Claims: Online trends often overstate benefits, as celery juice is not a miracle cure for chronic diseases.
Potential Digestive Side Effects: High levels of mannitol can lead to digestive issues like bloating or diarrhea, particularly with excessive consumption.
Nutrient Loss in Straining: Straining the juice removes most of the beneficial fiber, which is important for gut health and satiety.

The trend of drinking celery juice daily surged in popularity, propelled by social media claims of a "miracle cure." While these claims are largely unsubstantiated, celery juice does offer several nutritional benefits, particularly when consumed as part of a balanced diet. Understanding the real effects, both positive and negative, is key to incorporating it wisely into your routine.

Potential Health Benefits

Enhanced Hydration

Celery juice is predominantly water, making it an excellent way to boost your daily fluid intake. Proper hydration is vital for virtually all bodily functions, including regulating temperature, maintaining organ health, and ensuring optimal brain function. Drinking a glass in the morning can help rehydrate your body after a night's sleep.

Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties

Celery contains potent phytonutrients, including flavonoids like apigenin and luteolin, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These compounds help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and may contribute to a reduced risk of chronic diseases linked to inflammation. Some research, mostly in animals, suggests these compounds could help manage inflammation in conditions like allergic asthma and arthritis.

Gut Health Support

While strained celery juice contains very little fiber, the compounds it retains can still support a healthy gut. Its hydrating properties assist overall digestive function and can help promote regularity. The potential anti-inflammatory properties may also help soothe the gut lining. For maximum gut benefits, it's recommended to consume unstrained celery juice to retain the beneficial dietary fiber.

Supports Blood Pressure Management

Limited research, including a small 2019 study, suggests celery juice may help lower blood pressure in individuals with hypertension. This effect is often attributed to compounds known as phthalides, which may help relax the smooth muscles in blood vessel walls. However, this should not replace medical advice or prescribed medication.

May Aid Weight Management

Celery juice is a low-calorie, low-sugar alternative to many sugary beverages, which can help reduce overall calorie and sugar intake. Substituting high-calorie drinks with celery juice can be a helpful strategy for weight management, particularly when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Here is a summary of the benefits associated with regular, moderate celery juice consumption:

Provides excellent hydration, essential for overall body function.
Offers a concentrated dose of anti-inflammatory antioxidants.
Can support digestive health and regularity.
May help manage blood pressure in some individuals.
Serves as a low-calorie alternative to sugary drinks for weight management.

Potential Downsides and Risks

Digestive Issues and Sodium Intake

Drinking too much celery juice can lead to digestive discomfort. Celery contains mannitol, a type of sugar alcohol that can pull water into the digestive tract, potentially causing diarrhea, bloating, or gas, especially in sensitive individuals. Additionally, celery juice contains sodium. A single cup (240mL) has about 189mg of sodium, which can accumulate significantly when drinking larger quantities daily. Those with high blood pressure or other conditions requiring a low-sodium diet should be mindful of their intake.

Loss of Fiber

One of the most significant drawbacks of juicing, especially when strained, is the removal of fiber. The fiber in whole celery is crucial for digestive health, satiety, and regulating blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Replacing a fiber-rich breakfast with strained celery juice can lead to increased hunger later in the day and a less satisfied feeling overall.

Medication Interactions

Celery is high in Vitamin K, which plays a critical role in blood clotting. For individuals taking blood thinners like warfarin, maintaining a consistent intake of Vitamin K is essential for the medication's effectiveness. Adding a large, consistent amount of celery juice to the diet could interfere with these medications. It's crucial to consult a healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes if you are on medication.

Increased Sun Sensitivity

In rare cases, consuming very large amounts of celery, which contains a compound called psoralen, can increase the skin's sensitivity to UV light, potentially leading to a condition called phytophotodermatitis. While unlikely with moderate consumption, it is a risk to be aware of, especially with excessive intake.

Strained vs. Unstrained Celery Juice

The method of preparation significantly impacts the nutritional outcome. Here's a comparison to help you decide which is best for your goals.


Feature	Strained Celery Juice	Unstrained Celery Juice (Smoothie)
Fiber Content	Low, as pulp is removed.	High, as all fiber is retained.
Nutrient Absorption	Faster absorption, though less sustained.	Slower, more sustained absorption.
Digestive Impact	May cause loose stools due to mannitol concentration.	Promotes healthy bowel function and regularity due to fiber content.
Satiety	Less filling, may lead to increased hunger later.	More filling due to fiber, promoting satiety.
Taste	Can be intensely salty for some.	Texture is thicker, taste is less concentrated.

Conclusion

While daily celery juice can offer certain benefits like hydration, anti-inflammatory compounds, and support for blood pressure and gut health, it is far from a magical cure-all. Many exaggerated claims about detoxification and miraculous healing are not backed by science. The loss of fiber in strained juice is a notable downside, and risks like high sodium intake and medication interactions should not be ignored. For most healthy adults, enjoying celery juice in moderation as part of a balanced diet is perfectly safe and can be a nutritious choice. Those with existing health conditions, or who are on specific medications, should consult a healthcare professional before making it a daily habit. Ultimately, consuming whole celery offers all the nutritional benefits, including the crucial fiber, with no added risks.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no definitive scientific evidence that drinking celery juice on an empty stomach offers any unique benefits over drinking it with a meal. The primary benefits, like hydration and nutrient absorption, occur regardless of when you consume it.

Drinking celery juice is not a direct fat-loss solution, and there's little solid evidence to support this claim. However, replacing high-calorie, sugary drinks with celery juice can reduce your overall calorie intake and support weight management as part of a healthy diet.

While the hydrating and antioxidant properties can support overall skin health, there is no scientific evidence to prove that celery juice directly treats or clears up acne. Acne often requires specific dermatological treatments and a comprehensive approach.

Yes, some people may experience digestive side effects such as diarrhea, gas, or bloating, especially when first starting. This is due to celery's high content of mannitol, a sugar alcohol.

No, this is a myth. The human body has its own natural, highly effective detoxification system involving the liver and kidneys. No specific food or drink is necessary for detoxing.

For maximum health benefits, particularly for gut health, unstrained celery juice is better as it retains all the beneficial dietary fiber. Strained juice removes most of the fiber, which is crucial for digestion and satiety.

Individuals with high blood pressure should be mindful of the juice's sodium content. People on blood thinners like warfarin should consult a doctor due to the high Vitamin K content. Those with celery allergies or sensitive digestive systems should also exercise caution.