Should celery juice be taken in AM or PM?

Celery juice has become an increasingly popular health trend in recent years. Supporters claim that drinking celery juice provides a range of benefits, from reducing inflammation to aiding weight loss. But when is the best time of day to drink celery juice – morning or evening? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine the potential benefits of celery juice, look at the arguments for drinking it in the AM versus the PM, and provide a final recommendation on the optimal time based on the evidence.

What is Celery Juice?

Celery juice is made by juicing celery stalks. The juice contains high levels of nutrients present in celery, including vitamins A, C, and K, folate, potassium, and antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols. It does not naturally contain fiber, since the juicing process removes the insoluble and soluble fiber from the celery.

Drinking straight celery juice has become popular thanks to claims made by Anthony William, author of books such as “Celery Juice: The Most Powerful Medicine of Our Time Healing Millions Worldwide.” William recommends drinking 16 ounces of pure celery juice every morning on an empty stomach to receive supposed health benefits.

Purported Benefits of Celery Juice

William and other celery juice proponents believe that drinking celery juice on an empty stomach allows the nutrients to be absorbed optimally. They claim celery juice provides the following benefits:

• Lowers inflammation
• Aids digestion and gut health
• Detoxifies the body
• Balances blood pressure and cholesterol
• Boosts immunity and energy
• Supports liver and adrenal health
• Contains “cluster salts” that fight pathogens
• Prevents chronic illness and autoimmune disorders
• Fights viral and bacterial infections
• Helps maintain a healthy weight

However, many of these claims lack scientific evidence. Celery juice is healthy because it contains essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants found in celery. But there is no proof that it has miraculous medicinal properties beyond the benefits obtained from eating whole celery and other nutritious fruits and vegetables.

Potential Downsides of Celery Juice

Drinking celery juice provides the nutrients from celery, but without the fiber content. Juicing strips away the insoluble and soluble fiber that helps feed healthy gut bacteria. This could potentially disrupt the microbiome balance.

Celery also contains oxalate, which can bind to calcium and increase the risk of kidney stones in susceptible individuals. The oxalates are more concentrated in celery juice compared to eating whole stalks.

For people with sensitive stomachs, drinking a large amount of straight celery juice on an empty stomach may cause digestive discomfort. Celery is also one of the top allergens, so those with celery allergy should avoid celery juice.

AM vs PM: Optimal Time to Drink Celery Juice

Now let’s examine whether there are benefits to drinking celery juice in the morning versus evening.

Benefits of Drinking Celery Juice in the Morning

Here are some of the proposed benefits of drinking celery juice first thing in the morning on an empty stomach:

• May improve digestion and regularity since the gut is empty
• Allows maximum nutrient absorption without other foods/drinks present
• Provides hydration and nutrients to energize you
• The nutrients may boost focus and mental clarity
• Sets the tone for healthy eating for the rest of the day

By drinking celery juice immediately upon waking, advocates claim you receive the full benefits of its nutrients without interference. Some say the morning is when your digestion is strongest.

Benefits of Drinking Celery Juice in the Evening

Here are some potential upsides of drinking celery juice later in the day:

• Can help replenish electrolytes after a workout
• Contains hydrating fluids to prevent dehydration before bed
• May promote relaxation and sleep due to its magnesium content
• The nutrients can aid digestion after a long day of eating

Since celery juice lacks fiber, some argue it may be better tolerated in the evening than first thing in the morning. The nutrients can also help restore the body after a long active day.

Verdict: AM and PM Both Have Benefits

Based on assessing the potential benefits of drinking celery juice in the morning versus evening, there are decent arguments on both sides. Here are some key takeaways:

• Morning may provide more hydration, nutrients and energize you
• Evening provides electrolyte replenishment and aids digestion/sleep
• AM suits empty stomach, but PM may be better tolerated
• Neither time has strong evidence of being “optimal”

Overall, there are theoretical upsides to drinking celery juice both in the morning and evening. The time that suits you best may come down to individual factors like your schedule, sleep habits, activity levels, and digestive health.

If you experience abdominal cramps or discomfort from drinking it on an empty stomach, trying it in the evening with food may help. Those who advocate for detox benefits and maximal nutrient absorption would suggest the morning.

You may also alternate between AM and PM to receive both benefits. Here is a quick comparison:

Morning Celery Juice

Pros	Cons
Empties gut for best absorption	May cause discomfort when stomach empty
Provides energizing hydration and nutrients	Need to wait 30 mins before eating
Easy to establish morning routine habit	Not ideal if you dislike mornings

Evening Celery Juice

Pros	Cons
Aids digestion after long day eating	Evening routine may be harder to stick to
Better tolerated with food in stomach	Less time to fully absorb nutrients
Replenishes electrolytes after exercise	Less energizing without morning alertness boost

How to Get the Most from Celery Juice

Here are some final tips on how to drink celery juice to maximize potential benefits, whether you consume in the AM or PM:

• Drink on an empty stomach and wait at least 30 minutes before eating
• Start with a small amount like 4-8 oz to assess tolerance
• Gradually increase to 16 oz, which is recommended serving
• Use organic celery and rinse thoroughly before juicing
• Drink immediately after juicing to preserve nutrients
• Pair with lemon/lime juice to enhance flavor
• Listen to your body and adjust timing/amount as needed

The Bottom Line

There are pros and cons to drinking celery juice both in the morning and evening. The “optimal” time comes down to individual factors. Pay attention to when you feel best drinking it. Try alternating between AM and PM to benefit from the different advantages. Most importantly, enjoy it as part of an overall healthy lifestyle, rather than a quick fix.