Celery juice has become a popular health trend in recent years, with advocates claiming it can help with weight loss, digestion, inflammation and more. However, there are some potential side effects to be aware of when drinking celery juice regularly.
What is Celery Juice?
Celery juice is made by juicing celery stalks. It has become popular thanks to the “Medical Medium” Anthony William, who recommends drinking 16 ounces of straight celery juice every morning on an empty stomach. He claims it has healing properties and health benefits.
Celery juice contains vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, folate and over a dozen different antioxidants. It has low calories and is hydrating due to its high water content.
While eating celery stalks is healthy, juicing concentrates the nutrients and compounds. This allows you to consume much more celery than you could chew and digest.
Potential Side Effects of Celery Juice
For most people, drinking 16 ounces of celery juice per day is safe. However, there are some potential side effects to be aware of:
1. Diarrhea
Drinking too much celery juice can lead to loose stools or diarrhea. This is due to celery’s high fiber content. Juicing removes the insoluble fiber from celery, leaving only the soluble fiber.
Soluble fiber absorbs water in the gut, which softens the stool. Consuming large amounts may cause diarrhea in some people.
2. Bloating
Celery is considered a gas-producing food. Juicing concentrates its compounds, including those that may cause bloating.
People who are sensitive to FODMAPs, a group of fermentable carbs, may experience bloating from celery juice. It contains small amounts of fructans, galactans and other FODMAPs.
3. Allergic Reactions
Celery allergy is uncommon but can be fatal. Symptoms include skin reactions, digestive issues and potentially anaphylaxis.
People allergic to birch pollen or mugwort pollen may react to celery due to cross-reactivity. If you have a celery allergy, avoid celery juice.
4. Pesticide Exposure
Celery ranks among the dirtiest produce in terms of pesticide contamination. Celery juice condenses these pesticides, increasing your exposure.
Choose organic celery when possible to minimize pesticides. Washing produce helps remove some surface pesticides but not all.
5. High Sodium
Celery juice is naturally low in sodium. However, it’s common to add extra salt to it for flavor.
Adding Himalayan pink salt or other sodium-rich seasonings increases the sodium content. This may be harmful for those limiting sodium intake.
6. Dangerously Low Blood Pressure
Celery contains phytochemicals that help relax blood vessel walls, which lowers blood pressure. This effect may be concentrated in celery juice.
Drinking too much can dangerously lower blood pressure in some people. Those on blood pressure medications may need to moderate their intake.
7. Photosensitivity
Celery contains psoralens, compounds that increase skin sensitivity to UV light. This is called photosensitivity.
Photosensitivity from celery juice likely only occurs if you consume extremely large amounts. However, it’s wise to avoid excessive sun exposure after drinking it.
8. Kidney Problems
Oxalate is a compound found naturally in many foods, including celery. It can contribute to kidney stone development.
Those prone to kidney stones should moderate their celery juice intake and maintain adequate fluid intake.
Who Should Be Cautious With Celery Juice?
Celery juice is safe for most people. However, some individuals should be cautious or avoid it:
- Those with a celery allergy.
- People prone to kidney stones.
- Individuals taking blood thinning medications like Warfarin.
- Anyone with low blood pressure.
- Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- People taking certain medications like lithium or diuretics that can deplete sodium.
If you have any chronic health conditions, talk to your healthcare provider before regularly drinking celery juice.
Tips to Reduce Potential Side Effects
There are some simple ways to drink celery juice to minimize side effects:
1. Start with a small amount
When first starting, drink just 4–8 ounces (120–240 ml) of celery juice mixed with water or another juice. Slowly increase to 16 ounces (480 ml) over several weeks.
2. Drink plenty of water
Stay well hydrated when drinking celery juice, aiming for at least eight 8-ounce (240-ml) glasses of water daily.
3. Don’t add salt
Avoid adding Himalayan salt or other seasonings with sodium to your juice.
4. Watch for reactions
Pay attention to how your body reacts. Stop drinking it if you experience diarrhea, bloating, rashes or other negative effects.
5. Drink with food
Consuming celery juice alongside a meal may prevent side effects like diarrhea.
6. Use organic celery
When possible, juice celery that is certified organic to minimize pesticide residues.
7. Don’t juice the leaves
Only juice the celery stalks. The leaves contain more fiber, which can cause digestive issues.
8. Listen to your body
Every body is different. Pay attention to how yours reacts and adjust your celery juice intake accordingly.
The Bottom Line
For most people, drinking 16 ounces (480 ml) of celery juice per day is safe and may confer some health benefits. However, it can cause side effects like diarrhea, bloating and low blood pressure in some individuals.
Start slowly, watch for reactions and adjust your intake as needed. Those with chronic health conditions should consult their healthcare provider before regularly drinking celery juice.
Overall, celery juice is fine in moderation for most healthy adults alongside a balanced diet.
| Potential Side Effect | Who’s At Risk | Tips to Reduce |
|---|---|---|
| Diarrhea | All | Start slowly, drink with food |
| Bloating | Sensitive to FODMAPs | Start slowly, limit intake |
| Allergic reaction | Celery allergy | Avoid if allergic |
| Pesticide exposure | All | Use organic celery |
| High sodium | Limiting sodium | Don’t add salt |
| Low blood pressure | Those on medications | Limit intake |
| Kidney problems | Prone to stones | Stay hydrated |
In summary, celery juice can have side effects for some people. Start slowly, watch for reactions, use organic celery and adjust your intake based on how your body responds.
